Unique Things to do in Arkansas

Ten Things To Do In Arkansas

1) Growl. Have you spent time in the wild lately? For a reasonable facsimile, give the Little Rock Zoo a visit and commune with the zebras, monkeys, bears and bats. Hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and admission is $8, $6 for ages 65 and older and children 1-12. Call (501) 666-2406.

Up Northwest Arkansas way, you can get your fill of lions and tigers - as well as bears, bobcats and badgers - at the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge. The refuge is off Arkansas 23 just south of Eureka Springs. Gates are open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and admission is $15, $10 for veterans, ages 65 and older and children 3-12.

2) Trek. Stroll through downtown Hot Springs and explore the artwork ithas to offer.

3) Shoot. Hog calls will fill Alltel Arena in North Little Rock when the Arkansas Razorbacks basketball team takes to the court against North Texas, 2 p.m. Saturday. Tickets to the game are $25. Visit www.ticketmaster.com or call (501) 975-7575.

4) Gather. A slice of the Big Apple is on display at the Arkansas Arts Center during the 40th Collectors Show & Sale. The exhibit of New York gallery purchases ends its run Sunday. Center hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. today-Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday and admission is free. Call (501) 372-4000.

5) Go inside. This weekend is your last chance to go under the skin and see what makes us all tick. At the Mid-America Science Museum through Sunday, “Our Body: The Universe Within” is a detailed exhibit exploring the workings of the human body. Admission to the exhibit is $21, $20 for ages 62 and older, $17 for ages 2-12. The museum is at 400 Mid-America Blvd in Hot Springs. Call (501) 767-3461 or (800) 632-0583 or visit www.midam ericamuseum.org.

6) Munch. Work a bit of history into your lunch hour by taking part inthe monthly Sandwiching in History tour, noon today. This month’s historic structure is the Park Hill Fire Station and Water Company, 3417-3421 Magnolia St., North Little Rock. Bring your lunch, listen to a lecture on this 1938 building, then take a brief tour. Admission is free. Call (501) 324-9880.

7) Blow. Watch your step as you “ooh” and “ahh” your way through River Market Artspace, where the artwork is a bit fragile. The contemporary art glass of a Northwest Arkansas artist gets the spotlight in “Playing With Fire: The Blown and Sculpted Hot Glass of Gary Carter.” The exhibit ends Saturday and gallery hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is free. Call (501) 324-2787.

8) Go back. How much do you know about your hometown? Arkansas is full of historical museums, some with surprising features and hidden treasures. For instance, De Queen’s Sevier County Historical Museum has a 1940s house, meticulouslydecorated to fit the period. Or there’s the extensive Museum of the Arkansas Grand Prairie in Stuttgart with its vast collection of old farm equipment and a dizzying array of duck calls.

9) Relax. Unwind after all the Christmas and New Year’s frenzy bytreating yourself to a spa day or two. Hot Springs and Eureka Springs offer a wealth of options for those looking for a little pampering.

10) Dig in. Oscar hopefuls and wannabe blockbusters are crowding the multiplexes, so spend the weekend gorging yourself on popcorn and Milk Duds while watching Kate Winslet, Adam Sandler, Jennifer Aniston and other big-name stars command the silver screen.

Information courtesy of Arkansas Democrat Gazette