See Arkansas First (Joe David Rice Commentary)

Arkansas’ tourism industry has plenty of reasons to be excited. Naturally, outdoor choices continue to draw people in search of scenic solitude in our pristine forests or wet fun on our lakes and rivers. But Arkansas’ visitors also are discovering The Natural State’s wealth of history, culture and arts and entertainment in its urban settings. With new attractions at Little Rock, Hot Springs, Fort Smith, Eureka Springs, Pine Bluff and many more cities, it’s easy to see that Arkansas is a diverse destination that offers something for everyone.

At the recent 28th Annual Governor’s Conference on Tourism in Springdale, members of the industry were not only promoting Arkansas as a quality travel destination, they were contributing to our economy as well. Tourism accounted for 49,650 in-state jobs in 2001 and generated nearly $4 billion in economic stimulus (including $252.6 million in state and local taxes).

The bottom line is that tourism is big business in “The Natural State.” Whether by experiencing our country’s first national park or hunting for diamonds, you need to check it out for yourself and see Arkansas first! Enter the “Travel and Win” contest, which challenges Arkansans to visit exciting locations across the state and win terrific prizes. Pick up an entry card at any Tourist Information Center, Shell Superstop or Arkansas State Park. See firsthand what Arkansas has to offer.

Here are just a few things you should be sure to see:

• Garvan Woodland Gardens is Hot Springs’ newest attraction and one of its most breathtaking. The 210-acre site features a variety of native and exotic plants, complete with waterfalls, streams and reflecting pools.

• Little Rock’s Central High School has been named a National Historic Site for its important role in civil rights history. The site preserves nationally significant artifacts and historic structures.

• The Mid-America Science Museum in Hot Springs recently was named an affiliate of the world-famous Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., as part of a program started in 1997 to expand collections and resources nationwide.

• Fort Smith is home to a new $40 million convention center offering the best in hospitality, special features and up to 140,000 SF for conventions, meetings, trade shows and exhibits.

• Pine Bluff’s Delta Rivers Nature Center, located on 130 acres of Arkansas River bottomlands, features exhibits that reveal the natural history of the state’s Delta region, including a 20,000-gallon aquarium with native fish and aquatic life.

• Ground has been broken in Little Rock for the Clinton Presidential Library, which is well on its way to becoming an extraordinary facility. Within walking distance of the Clinton Library and the Statehouse Convention Center, the Historic Arkansas Museum preserves the state’s oldest neighborhood and has just opened a new center celebrating Arkansas’ heritage with galleries and interactive exhibits.

• The Peabody Hotel’s January grand opening marked yet another addition to downtown Little Rock. This new facility houses 418 luxury guest rooms and 40,000 SF of meeting space. It boasts amenities fit for a king — and most certainly a duck.

• Since the Buffalo National River’s debut as America’s first federal river park in 1972, it has been one of the most popular outdoor destinations in the mid-South. Of course, the preferred method of transportation in the 95,000-acre river park is the canoe. This year, Arkansas happily celebrates the 30th anniversary of the Buffalo’s designation as a National River.

• Construction has begun on the Hot Springs Convention Center’s new 120,000-SF $27 million sports/entertainment arena that will make it one of Arkansas’ largest. In addition, a 250-room Embassy Suites, a John Q. Hammons property, will be built adjacent to the complex.

• The new Best Western Inn of the Ozarks Convention Center in Eureka Springs features 18,000 SF of meeting space, 11 banquet rooms and a new reception area that overlooks the spectacular Ozarks. It brings new meaning to “a room with a view.”

Lately we’ve taken time to reflect on the important things in life. We’ve stayed close to home, spending more time with our family and friends.

Take a look around, and you’ll find some great ways to spend time with those you care about most. And I can personally guarantee you’ll have some fun.

Joe David Rice is Arkansas’ tourism director.