Tourism / Heritage

Al Roker talks weather, family and climate issues

Television weather personality Al Roker, a fixture on NBC’s “Today Show” for decades, said his passion for a weather show for children is driven in part by his work to…

Building permit issued for Bass Pro Shops store in Fort Smith

A $20 million building permit has been issued by the City of Fort Smith for construction of the Bass Pro Shops in the city. There is no word from the…

2 restaurants part of Johnson development

High Street Real Estate & Development recently broke ground on $55 million The Warehouse District, a 6-acre mixed-use development in Johnson that will include two new restaurant concepts. Some of…

U.S. Marshals Museum lays off employees

The U.S. Marshals Museum recently laid off employees as part of “difficult choices” to respond to a downturn in visitors, according to Benjamin Johnson, museum president and CEO. Johnson said…

Ecological Design Group collaborates with 37 North

Bentonville-based 37 North Expeditions and Ecological Design Group (EDG), a landscape architecture and civil engineering firm with offices in Little Rock, Rogers and Wynne, have partnered, allowing EDG to offer…

Southern Tenant Farmers Museum lands $1.2 million grant

The Arkansas Natural and Cultural Resources Council (ANCRC) will provide the Southern Tenant Farmers Museum (STFM), an Arkansas State University Heritage Site, with a $1.272 million grant needed to complete…

2025 Fort Smith film fest set to screen more than 160 films

More than 160 films, with 45% from Arkansas, will be part of the 5th annual Fort Smith International Film Festival & MidAmerica Film Market. The event is set for Aug….

Multi-year renovation work begins at Fort Smith Museum of History

The first phase of a multi-year major renovation project at the Fort Smith Museum of History in downtown Fort Smith began Monday (June 9) with work on the building’s exterior….

Relationships, working with military qualities sought for Fort Smith airport director

The Fort Smith Regional Airport Commission is putting experience in working with the military and building relationships at the top of their list of qualifications for a new airport director….

Trump budget could cut funding for Fort Smith National Historic Site

Fort Smith Mayor George McGill is one of those in the region concerned about the future of the Fort Smith National Historic Site. Trump administration budget cuts would leave the…

Sun Painted Farm opens near Bentonville

A nearly 50-acre farm along Little Sugar Creek near Bentonville is opening in phases, featuring an organic working farm, farm stand, guesthouse and restaurant Ryn, according to a Wednesday (June…

AG Griffin cuts ribbon on redeveloped new home

Attorney General Tim Griffin led a ribbon cutting ceremony Tuesday (June 10) for his new office headquarters at the renovated and renamed Bob R. Brooks Jr. Justice Building. The $35…

Mount Sequoyah Overlook reopens after renovation

A popular Fayetteville overlook recently received a roughly $160,000 makeover, which was supported by multiple grants, residents and organizations including the Walton Family Foundation, according to a news release. The…

Fort Kids seeking $1 million by September, plans Isaiah Joe camp

Fort Kids Children’s Museum organizers are working to raise $1 million by September as part of the plan to raise $7.4 million before breaking ground on the museum to be…

XNA’s new parking service features artificial intelligence

Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA) in Highfill has launched a parking service in partnership with Metropolis Technologies Inc., the California-based artificial intelligence company with a computer vision platform that enables…

Trails at Mena project clears biking hurdle with federal permit

Calling it a “landmark event” for Arkansas outdoor recreation, Gov. Sarah Sanders and state officials on Friday (June 6) officially signed a U.S. Forest Service permit authorizing construction of The…

Springdale winery wins award for wine

Sassafras Springs Vineyard & Winery in Springdale recently received the Platinum Best-Of-Class award for its 2021 Sassafras Syrah wine at the 2025 Texas International Wine Competition, according to a news…

Developer: ’Nothing’ changes with Fianna Hills Country Club plan approved in 2024

Reuse plans for the former Fianna Hills Country Club and parts of the golf course are similar to what developer Sam Seeger outlined in early 2024, with “slight physical adjustments”…

Sweetgreen to open in Fayetteville, Bentonville

Los Angeles-based Sweetgreen plans to open its first Arkansas restaurant in Fayetteville, according to a news release. The second will be at the new Walmart Home Office in Bentonville. A…

Gov. Sanders announces Arkansas Outdoor Education pilot program

Gov. Sarah Sanders on Wednesday (June 4) joined First Gentleman and Natural State Initiative Advisory Council Chair Bryan Sanders, along with Mary Beth Hatch, chief of education for the Arkansas…

Home BancShares records record revenue in second quarter

Fort Smith metro job numbers down in May, tourism jobs set new record

Rausch Companies appoints new president, chief operating officer

Fort Smith metro building numbers down almost 19% through June