Lots of us remember going to the drive-in as kids. You could take a blanket and watch the movie under the stars while munching on popcorn. Children didn't have to be still or particularly quiet and when they got sleepy you could tuck them into the back seat while you watched the show.
At the height of it's popularity there were about 50 in Arkansas. Now their are only three and luckily Fayetteville has one of them. The 112 Drive-In is located off the 112 Exit on Interstate 540 on the west side of the highway.
They are open every spring in March and run through November. They show a double feature on the weekends. The price is $10 dollars per carload. This covers the cost of both shows. There is a well stocked concession stand and bathrooms are available. You listen to the movie by tuning in to 92.7 on your car radio or you can bring a battery operated radio if you plan on sitting outside.
They do have a parking policy that they enforce. Cars are parked in the front and taller vehicles such as trucks and SUV's are placed toward the back. No one is allowed to sit on top of vehicles. Hatches must be tied down to roof height. Blankets and chairs must be kept within one parking space or you have the option of paying for a second space if you'd like to spread out. If anyone is causing a disturbance security personnel will ask them to leave.
To find out what's playing you can call 479-442-4542 any time, day or night. If you have questions wait until the recording is finished and you have the option of leaving a message. The show starts at dark.
Take time out to go to one of our drive-ins while visiting the Ozarks.
Have a great trip!
112 Drive-In
Kenda Drive-In: Marshall
Stone Drive-In: Mtn. View 1-870-269-3227
Find out about movies at www.wearemoviegeeks.com
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
112 Drive In:Fayetteville, Arkansas
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Guided Pheasant Hunts:Yellville Arkansas
Each hunter must have their own gun. What's the best gun to use for game bird hunting? Mike recommends a 12 or 20 gauge with a modified or improved cylinder choke. You should use #7-8 shot shells for the dog hunts and #6 shot for the European hunts.
Ozark Mountain Bird hunts furnishes water and sodas and you are welcome to bring your own snacks. Absolutely no alcohol is allowed either before or during the hunt. You may be asked to forfeit the hunt if alcohol use is suspected.
Hunting season is open from October 1-March 31.
If you enjoy a good hunt then add a trip to Ozark Mountain Bird Hunts to your travel plans.
Monday, November 12, 2007
Tour Missouri's Wineries
White Rose Winery-Carthage, open daily except Wednesday, bed and breakfast and restaurant
LeCave Vineyards-Billings, hosts events throughout the year
Whispering Oaks Vineyard & Winery- Seymour, hosts a yearly grape stomping event
Stone Hill Winery- Branson, Hermann and New Florence, open daily
Peaceful Bend Vineyard - Steelville, open Tues-Sun. Cabin rental available
Bonanza Spring Winery-Poplar Bluff, open by appt only.
Have a great trip!
The History of Wine in Missouri
Make your own wine
Making your own wine labels
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Hiking the Ozark Highlands National Trail: Arkansas
The Ozark Highlands National Recreation Trail is one of the most spectacular trails you'll ever hike on. The 165 mile trial stretches from Lake Fort Smith State Park all the way to the Buffalo National River.
If you're a beginning hiker you can still enjoy the trail. You'll find that it's been broken into many shorter more manageable hikes. You can always contact the Ozark Highland Trails Association and join them for an outing. They list upcoming events on their site.
For you folks that are old pros at hiking you'll find the trails challenging will be rewarded with views beyond compare. If you're new to the Ozarks make sure you study the local wildlife before starting off. I've listed resources at the bottom of the page.
A word about chiggers. Chiggers are tiny red bugs that gather where every your clothes fit closest to your body, like the top of socks or under your waistband. You can barely see them and they come in clusters. When they bite you, you'll itch like crazy for two or three days. Regular mosquito repellent will also discourage chiggers. If you're not up for chemical repellents powdered sulpher will work just as well.
Please remember that not all rural areas have 911 service as of yet. If you are carrying a cell phone as most folks do these days make certain that you get the emergency services numbers for the county you'll be hiking in. In the event of an accident you'll be able to contact the correct authorities with a minimum of fuss. This should be done even if you only plan to hike for a couple of hours or so.
While you're on your Ozarks vacation make time for at least one trail. With the wide number of short hikes available it's a great addition to your travel plans. Always wear sensible shoes, stay on the trail and follow safety rules even for short hikes.
Have a great trip!
Ozark Highlands Trail Maps and Mileage
Ozark Highlands Trail Association
Lake Fort Smith State Park
Poisonous Snakes of Arkansas
How to remove a tick
What is giardia?
Be aware of bears
Hiking for beginners
Low impact camping
First aid kit list for hikers
Buffalo National River
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Antique Toy Museum: Stanton, Missouri
Like the sign says, If you were ever a kid, you'll love the Toy Museum. This unique little museum is just off I-44 exit 230 in Stanton, Missouri. 
They're easy to find and well worth including in your Ozark travel plans.
The museum has such a wide variety of vintage toys that you'll be able to find something you or your children played with. From toy trucks to baby dolls. This exhibit has a quite a sampling of antique playthings.
Some of my favorites were the miniature doll house furniture, the Wizard of Oz display, the antique toy trucks, and the Archie and Veronica dolls. The items exhibited date from 1928-1964. If you'd like to start a collection of your own there is a gift shop.
Plan on spending at least an hour here maybe more. There are over 3,000 vintage toy tractors, cars, construction equipment, dolls, lunch boxes, full sized bicycles, scooters, motorcycles and full size trucks. The collection has been valued at more than half a million dollars. It makes me wish I'd hung on to more of my old playthings.
The museum has regular operating hours from May-October and is closed through the winter unless you have a group of 10 or more.
You can contact the owners at 573-927-5555 to arrange a special tour or check hours of operation.
Admission is $6.00 for adults, $5.00 for seniors and $2.00 for children.
Have a great trip!
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
The Lyric: Harrison, Arkansas
Monday, October 22, 2007
Attend Rodeo School: Humansville, Missouri
Ever thought you might want to ride bulls or broncs? How about a career as a rodeo clown? If it's a dream of yours maybe you should travel to Humansville, Missouri and attend the three day Sankey Rodeo School.
The school has classes for folks who are serious about making rodeo a career but they also have classes for us amateurs who just want a taste of it. It's a perfect addition to your Ozarks travel plans.
The Vision Quest Adventure Experience is designed to let people of almost any age try their hand at bull riding. Physical condition is more important than age. They've had riders from 7-70. Lots of men and women take this class. They go through the same training the professionals do except they have the option of not getting on a real bull. If they choose to do so, they have the option of riding a bull that may not be as aggressive as the regualr rodeo bulls.
If you're a serious rodeo person you can expect three days of riding, drills, practices and one on one coaching. You don't have to have any experience to take the class. At the end of three days a student rodeo is held. It's off limits to all except family so don't plan on crashing the party.
If you don't want to ride anything you have the option of going through ground training. You'd do everything the other cowboys and girls (Yes, girls) do except riding bulls or broncs. The cost is $60.00. Ground training is a good option if you're thinking of getting into the sport or if you just want to learn more about it.
You can bring your own rodeo equipment if you like and they'll help you fine tune it. If you don't have any, don't worry. Sankey provides everything you need except the boots. You can't wear Ropers, lace-ups, or high tops and nothing with a rubber sole. Just about any kind of a western style boot will work. It needs to fit well and have a close fitting shank. They sell competition boots if you don't already own a pair. You might want to order them now and break them in first.
You must reserve a spot in class ahead of time so they can have the proper amount of instructors and animals ready. If you just show up you'll be charged an additional $75.00
You should be physically fit when you take the classes. Sankey suggests the Body for Life program or something similar. You must also be insured except for Ground School. Make certain that it will cover rodeo activity. If you don't have insurance or yours doesn't cover this activity call Jim Chamley at 1-719-338-3428 to set up a temporary policy. Proof of insurance is required before they'll let you on the livestock.
They don't provide lodging, food or airport pickup so be prepared to find your own accommodations. Rodeo school is still reasonably priced at about $380.00 for the full three days.
All enrollees, even for ground school, receive a lifetime discount on rodeo equipment.The Humansville classes take place at the Double J Indoor Arena. It's a 1500 seat arena, 10 miles west of Humanville.
Have a great trip!
Sankey Rodeo Schools
Sankey Ground School
Custom Rodeo Competition Boots
Questions about Rodeo School answered
Sankey School bull riders on YouTube
Weather in Humansville, Missouri
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Route 66 Mural City: Cuba Missouri
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Shiloh Museum: Springdale, Arkansas
Shiloh Museum is located on two wooded acres in the heart of Springdale, Arkansas. It's seven historic buildings as well as the 22,000 square feet of exhibition and meeting spaces make it unique to the area.
Plan on spending at least a couple of hours here. More if you attend an event or plan on doing research. The paths leading to the builings outside may be a bit uneven but not terribly so. It's safe to wear sandals when the weather permits. Admission is free.
Shiloh offers several educational opportunities for groups and individuals. They have a number of field trips, living history programs, and outreach programs. Seasonal programs are available as well.
If you have an interest in doing research it's best to make an appointment. The staff will pull documents, photos and research files and have them available upon arrival. Copies of documents and photos are available for a reasonable price.
Several groups meet at the museum. You can sit in on a free life writing class the 1st and 3rd Monday of the month at 10 a.m. with June Jefferson. Or visit the Tellers of Tales the 3rd Saturday at 10:30 (no meetings in July or August) The museum also holds antique appraisals from time to time. You can call 479-750-8165 if you have any questions.
If you aren't able to make it to the museum you can tour their online exhibits or checkout one of their many downloadable podcasts.
The museum is located at 118 W Johnson Avenue, Springdale, Arkansas. You can contact them at 479-750-8165. They are open 10-5 Monday through Saturday. They close on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day
Shiloh Museum of Ozarks History has many events, classes and exhibits throughout the year and it's definitely a must see on your trip to the Ozarks.
Have a great trip!
Calendar of Events
Rodeo of the Ozarks online exhibit
Northwest Arkansas History Podcasts
Groups that meet at the museum
Classes at the Shiloh Museum
Copy and Photo reprint fees
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
War Eagle Mills Craft Fair: Springdale, Arkansas
Call Shirley Sutton at 1-479-789-5398 for more information.
War Eagle Mill Craft Festival
Friday, September 28, 2007
Visit a Missouri Corn Maize
There are companies who come and cut complicated mazes using GPS technology. These maizes make the photos of crop circles look like kindergarten scribbles. Precision Mazes have some fantastic designs.
Prices and amenities vary. $6-$12 dollars per person seems to be the norm. For that price some include hayrides, mini golf, pig races, slides, and tons of other stuff. Call or email ahead or check out their site to determine what extras are offered. Many open at the end of September and some can stay open into November. Again, check with the Maize staff for operating hours.
Plan to spend an hour or two or maybe more depending on the activities offered. Be sure to wear sturdy closed toe shoes and pants. These are fields after all. Sandals and short are probably not appropriate. If there are facilities they are liable to be portable toilets so be prepared.
It’s something fun to include in your Ozark travel plans. Stop by and enjoy a Corn Maize this fall.
Have a great trip!
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Jones Center for Families: Springdale, Arkansas
They have the only regulation size ice arena in the area. Skates and lockers are free as well. You’ll need to bring your own lock for the locker. The rink is open year round and it’s as cold in the summer as it is in the winter so bring a coat, hat and gloves even if it is hot outside. If someone in your party would prefer to watch instead of skate they have the option of standing on the concourse looking through the windows or there are bleachers. The bleachers are inside the rink and it’s cold so they’ll need winter gear as well. You must call ahead to reserve tickets as they do have a limit on the number of people who can be on the ice at any given time. There are two sessions each afternoon each lasting 1 ½ hours each. Call 479-756-8090 ext. 101 to reserve your free tickets. You can pick them up at the desk in the main lobby.
So you don’t skate? Then maybe you’d like to take a swim. The Jones Center for Families also has an indoor pool, with a slide and a wading pool for the little ones. There is also an Olympic sized pool for lane swimming. If your kids are under 9 the must be accompanied by someone 15 or older, swim diapers are required where necessary and only proper swim attire is allowed. There are large dressing rooms, showers and lockers. Locker keys are available at the desk near the locker rooms. You will be expected to leave your car keys with the staff to ensure the return of the locker key. There are two sessions every afternoon and four on Saturday. If you haven’t picked up your tickets by the time the session starts they will give them away, so be on time. Tickets can be picked up in the main lobby.
In the food court a café is open for limited hours. There are also vending machines. Ample tables are provided and it’s okay to bring in a picnic lunch or take out. Lots of people have birthday parties here as well. Large windows overlook the pool area if you choose to host a swimming party.
If you’d like to plan non profit event at the Jones Center or even a family reunion or wedding shower, they have free meeting rooms. Some of them are equipped with restaurant style kitchens. There also have audio/visual equipment that can be reserved. It’s a perfect place for a get together.
If you’re planning a trip to Northwest Arkansas, don’t miss a trip to the Jones Center for Families, in Springdale Arkansas. Your Ozark travel plans wouldn't be complete without it. They have so much to offer and it won’t cost you a dime. Only good behavior.
Have a great trip!
The Harvey and Bernice Jones Center for Families
Driving directions to the Jones Center for Families
Ice rink hours and policies
Swimming Pool hours and policies
Contact the Jones Center for Families
.jpg)
