Tourism / Heritage

Pat Boone discusses Elvis, kissing Barbara Eden

Actor and singer Pat Boone had a serious problem. He’d been in several movies and had refused to kiss his leading ladies. At first, he told one director he couldn’t…

Crystal Bridges announces fall lecturers, programming tied to ‘We the People’ exhibit

Hillary Clinton, Condoleezza Rice, Yo-Yo Ma are among the featured lecturers coming to Bentonville this fall as part of programming at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Museum officials announced…

Emotional growth, life skills part of Future School summer outdoor program

A summer outdoor program offered through Future School of Fort Smith serves two purposes – to allow students from across the region a chance to have an epic outdoor summer…

CALS announces lineup for 2022 Six Bridges Book Festival

The Central Arkansas Library System (CALS) announced Wednesday (Aug. 17) the 2022 Six Bridges Book Festival roster and several additional highlights. The 19th annual Festival runs October 20-30, featuring more…

Songwriters reflect on collaboration, good times with Elvis during weeklong celebration

Songwriters Mike Stoller and Jerry Leiber had written several hit songs during the mid-1950s, and Stoller decided to take a vacation in Europe. He traveled home from Europe on the…

UCA receives grant to update McAlister Hall

The University of Central Arkansas has received a $549,537 grant from the Arkansas Natural and Cultural Resources Council (ANCRC) to be used for updating and renovating McAlister Hall. The renovation…

Adult-use cannabis makes Nov. 8 ballot, votes might not count

A group recently submitted more than twice the number of signatures for a ballot issue that, if approved, would allow for adult-use or recreational cannabis in Arkansas. While the issue…

Traffic up almost 25% at Fort Smith Regional Airport, still below pre-pandemic activity

Traffic at the Fort Smith Regional Airport is slowly recovering from COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns in 2020, and Airport Director Michael Griffin estimates a new connection to Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport…

Fred’s Hickory Inn in Bentonville has a new owner; will re-open as Table at the Hickory Inn

Fred’s Hickory Inn, an enduring Bentonville restaurant that opened in 1970, has a new owner. Effective Monday (Aug. 8), Carl and Lindie Garrett own the business and property at 1502…

Actress Barbara Eden reflects on acting with Elvis, and her role in ‘I Dream of Jeannie’

When actress Barbara Eden was a young adult, she was an accomplished singer, but her mother wanted her to take acting classes. Her acting coach thought she had talent, but…

U.S. Marshals Museum names new president, CEO

Officials with the United States Marshals Museum (USMM) in Fort Smith announced Tuesday (Aug. 9) that Ben Johnson of Iowa had been hired as president and CEO, effective Aug. 22….

Secretary of State scuttles casino removal amendment over signatures

Arkansas Secretary of State John Thurston, R-Ark., told supporters of an amendment to strike Pope County as a destination for a casino that they did not qualify for consideration due…

Delta leadership programs encouraging paradigm shift for engagement

Dr. Suzzette Goldmon has participated in many leadership programs. When she was selected to take part in a program at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government (HKS) she…

Then & Now: Peggy Boyles supports Crystal Bridges’ growth

Editor’s Note: The following story appeared in the Aug. 1 issue of the Northwest Arkansas Business Journal. “Then & Now” is a profile of a past member of the Business…

State of the State Mid-2022: Tourism sector continues post-pandemic rebound

Not only has Arkansas tourism bounced back from a pandemic that greatly impacted tourism dollars spent in the state, fiscal year 2022 was the best year ever for tourism in…

State Board of Election Commissioners denies certification of recreational marijuana ballot measure

The State Board of Election Commissioners on Wednesday (Aug. 3) denied certification of a proposed constitutional amendment to legalize recreational marijuana for adults over the age of 21. The SBEC…

Gin Blossoms, Queensryche to headline Jonesboro BBQ and Music Festival

Two iconic bands are slated to headline the Jonesboro Advertising and Promotion Commission’s Downtown Jonesboro BBQ and Music festival in September. Gin Blossoms and Queensryche will be the marquee entertainment…

Restaurant traffic is down, menu prices are up

Consumers limited trips to restaurants during the second quarter of 2022, according to the NPD Group. Inflation and menu price increases led to a 2% dip in physical and online…

Homeless efforts, trails, animal control part of Fort Smith budget review

The Fort Smith Board of Directors added some items to its budget goals for the coming year to include a focus on trails and parks, the 188th’s new mission, water…

More restaurants, a zoo set to open in Northwest Arkansas

The leisure and hospitality sector in Northwest Arkansas continues to expand. Pinnacle Hills Promenade is getting its first aquarium as The Blue Zoo interactive petting zoo and aquatic entertainment venue…