Road Scholar : Home
Essential Arkansas From The Clinton Library To Crystal Bridges

Program Number: 21208RJ
Start and End Dates:
10/22/2013 - 10/29/2013; 4/22/2014 - 4/29/2014;
Duration: 7 nights
Location: Little Rock, Arkansas
Price starting at: $1,499.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: On the Road; History & Culture; Arts, Misc.; Music Appreciation
Meals: 17; 7 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 5 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

Arkansas is “the Natural State,” swathed in vast forests of oak, pine and hickory and adorned with rivers winding down from the Ozark Plateau and Ouachita Mountains to the mighty Mississippi. Discover these and other pristine natural treasures of Arkansas and encounter the great cultural gifts enshrined in its cities and towns. Experience the Clinton Presidential Museum and Library in Little Rock, explore state parks, quaint towns and lesser-known gems and find yourself immersed in Ozark traditions and music as you learn how Arkansans preserve them.




Highlights

• Enjoy an in-depth look at the new Crystal Bridges Museum, housing an amazing collection of American art.
• See for yourself how Arkansas came to be named "The Natural State" in state parks and the Buffalo National River area.
• Explore Hot Springs and Eureka Springs and learn about other interesting towns and cities that have sprung up around natural healing springs.



Activity Particulars

Walking and standing in state parks, botanical gardens and museums for a few hours each day.




Date Specific Information

10-22-2013

Enjoy beautiful fall foliage as you journey through the state.



Itinerary Summary

Arrival Little Rock, 1 night; coach to Mountain View, 1 night; coach to Bentonville/Rogers, 2 nights; coach to Little Rock, 3 nights; departure.



Coordinated by University of Texas at Austin.




Little Rock

Named after “La Petite Roche” that the La Salle Expedition discovered along the banks of the Arkansas in 1681, Little Rock has two particularly noteworthy quarters. The restored River Market District hosts most of the city’s live entertainment and fun shopping, and the Quapaw Quarter is brimming with beautiful antebellum and Victorian homes.
Accommodations
Little Rock: Comfortable hotel. Mountain View: Charming, renovated Ozark cabins with modern amenities. Rogers: All-suite hotel.
Meals and Lodgings
   Double Tree Hotel Little Rock
  Little Rock, Arkansas 1 night
   Ozark Folk Life Center Cabins at Dry Creek
  Mountain View, Arkansas 1 night
   Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Rogers - Pinnacle Hills
  Rogers, Arkansas 2 nights
   Double Tree Hotel Little Rock
  Little Rock, Arkansas 3 nights
 Double Tree Hotel Little Rock
Type: Hotel
  Description: Deluxe room with city view or river view. Spacious rooms with Work desk, data ports, hair dryers, 2 phone lines, free high speed internet access available, remote control tv, clock radio, coffee makers, and voice mail. USA Today delivered weekdays. In our rooms, we offer: FREE High Speed Internet Access, 180* Door Viewer, Air Conditioning, Alarm Radio, Automatic Door Closer, Balcony, Bathrobe, Bathroom amenities, Cable TV including HBO,CNN,ESPN and Pay Per View available, Clock Radio, Coffee Maker, Electronic Locks, Electronic Smoke Detector, Hairdryer, Iron, Ironing Board, Lever Door Handles, Modem, Non-Smoking, Work Desk with Lamp
  Contact info: 424 West Markham
Little Rock, AR 72201 USA
phone: 501-372-4371
  Facility amenities: Outdoor Swimming Pool with Sun Deck • Laundry/Valet Service • Automated Teller (ATM) • Baggage Storage • Elevators • Gift Shop • Local Area Transportation • Lounge • Luggage Hold • News Stand • Safety Deposit Box • Room Service • Audio/Visual Equipment Rental • Business Center • Cellular Phone Rental • Express Mail • Fax • Meeting Rooms • Modem • Paging Equipment Rental • Photo Copying Service • Printer
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Check in time: 3:00 PM
  Check out time: 11:00 AM

 Ozark Folk Life Center Cabins at Dry Creek
Type: Cabin
  Description: Beautiful, newly renovated Ozark cabins, all at ground level, feature two queen size beds, telephone, TV, wireless Internet, mini-refrigerator, iron and ironing board and coffee pot. There are large windows and glass doors that open onto small porches, most with a wooded view. The Ozark Folk Center's Cabins office has a game room and swimming pool for guests.
  Contact info: 1032 Park Avenue
Mountain View, AR 72560 USA
phone: 800-264-3655
  Facility amenities: Auditorium, social room, swimming pool, wireless internet available.
  Smoking allowed: No

 Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Rogers - Pinnacle Hills
Type: Hotel
  Description: All-suite hotel. New guest room decor with 37 inch flat panel televisions. Complimentary wireless high-speed Internet is available in all rooms. We are 100% smoke free ! We provide alarm clocks with an IPOD connection. Our rooms will include our mini-fridge and wet bar, coffee maker, microwave. Free morning newspaper delivered to rooms. Health and Fitness Center (On-site): 2 treadmills along with an elliptical and exercise bike to get your heart pumping before you hit our hand weights which range from 5lbs to 30lbs.
  Contact info: 803 S. 52nd Street
Rogers, AR 72758 USA
phone: 479-845-1300
  Room amenities: High Speed Internet access, business center, printer, fax, indoor pool, laundry, dry cleaning, ice machines each floor, safe deposit boxes
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
4:00PM You will be staying at Double Tree Hotel Little Rock that night.
  End of Program:
11:00AM You will be staying at Double Tree Hotel Little Rock the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required.
  Parking availability:
Parking is available in a secure, city-operated log for $9.00 per day. This parking is near the hotel. Parking in a garage is available at the airport for $12 per day. Those who park at the airport can call the hotel for the complimentary shuttle.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Little Rock, Arkansas
  Nearest highway: Interstate 30 and Interstate 40
  Nearest airport:  Little Rock
  From End of Program
  Location: Little Rock, Arkansas
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

Little Rock

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Hotel Shuttle
Doubletree Hotel
phone: 501-372-4371

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

complimentary
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

15 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

6 miles
   

Upon arrival, please call hotel for courtesy shuttle pick up at airport.
 
Driving Directions
  From Dallas (east) in I-30 Follow interstate until Little Rock, take Exit 141-A, (this is the Markham and Cantrell Exit). After you take the exit, follow the signs that read Convention Center, (you will be On 2nd St.) go 5 blocks then turn right on Spring Street.
  From Fort Smith(west) on I-40 Take I-40 until I-30 Little Rock, cross over the AR River Bridge, then take Exit 141-A (this is the Markham and Cantrell Exit). After you take the exit, follow the signs that Read Convention Center, (you will be on 2nd St.) go 5 blocks then turn right on Spring Street.
  From Jacksonville (north) on 67/167 Follow 67/167 until you get to I-40. Follow I-40 to I-30 coming into Little Rock. Cross over the AR River Bridge, then take Exit 141-A (this is the Markham and Cantrell Exit). After you take the exit, follow the signs that read convention Center, (you will be on 2nd St.) go 5 blocks then turn right on Spring Street.
  From Memphis (east) on I-40 Take I-40 until I-30 Little Rock, cross over the AR River Bridge, then take Exit 141-A (this is the Markham and Cantrell Exit). After you take the exit, follow the signs that Read Convention Center, (you will be on 2nd St.) go 5 blocks then turn right on Spring Street.
  From Pine Bluff (south) on I-65 Follow I-65 to I-30 into Little Rock. Take Exit 141-A (this is the Markham and Cantrell Exit). After you take the exit, follow the signs that read Convention Center, (you will be On 2nd St.) go 5 blocks then turn right on Spring Street.
  From the South on I-430 Follow the interstate until it Ys one way going to Fort Smith, the other to Memphis. Take Memphis, getting on I-40. Follow I-40 until you get to I-30 Little Rock, (the road Ys again). Take I-30 into Little Rock, cross over the AR River Bridge, then take Exit 141-A (this is the Markham and Cantrell Exit). After you take the exit, follow the signs that read Convention Center, (you will be on 2nd St.) go 5 blocks then turn right on Spring Street.
  From the airport(west) on I-440 Take I-440 to I-30 Downtown Little Rock. Take Exit 141-A (this is the Markham and Cantrell Exit). After you take the exit, follow the signs that read Convention Center, (you will be on 2nd St.) go 5 blocks then turn right on Spring Street.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Arrival & Check-in, Registration & Orientation, Welcome & Introductions, Attend "Tales from the South” Radio Broadcast
(Tuesday, October 22)

Note: Orientation meeting at 4:30. Take public trolley to restaurant for radio show in evening.
   
 Arrive To: Arrive at Little Rock's Doubletree Hotel Downtown- check in at 3:00 PM.
 Afternoon: ORIENTATION MEETING 4:30 PM. Pick up your Road Scholar arrival packet containing your name tag, up-to-date schedule, list of participants, maps, and other important information we will review.

The on-site coordinator will greet you with a warm welcome, introduce everyone, and provide key staff contact names and phone numbers. We will review the up-to-date daily schedule, discuss responsibilities, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer any questions you may have. If you arrive late, pick up your packet at the hotel front desk.

 Dinner: PERFORMANCE: Immerse yourself in the Arkansas experience right away when you attend a National Public Radio show, “Tales from the South.” Enjoy listening to local writers read their own short stories based on growing up in the South in an unrehearsed live show, which also features lively music! These writers come from all walks of life. Their stories are funny, touching and sometimes tragic. You’ll be there to enjoy the tales, the live music, and a great dinner at North Little Rock’s Starving Artist Café.
   
Accommodations: Double Tree Hotel Little Rock
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Historic Central High School; Ozark Folk Life Center; Folk Music Performance
(Wednesday, October 23)

Note: Must be able to walk on uneven surfaces up to 2 miles per day, stand in museums for up to 3 hours, and climb on and off motor coach without difficulty.
   
 Breakfast: Enjoy at full breakfast at your hotel before check-out and departure on your journey through Arkansas.
 Morning: FIELD TRIP: Plunge into your experience in the South with a Ranger-led visit to Little Rock’s Central High School. Central High, once a national symbol of resistance to desegregation, is still in use as a public school. Visit the National Park Service Historic Site Visitor’s Center to find out more about the struggles of the Little Rock Nine, followed by an insider’s visit to the school, led by a Park Ranger with extensive knowledge of the school’s history. Following your tour, travel to Mountain View, Arkansas, to begin your discovery of the Ozark Mountains and the state’s rich cultural history.
 Lunch: Enjoy lunch at the Smoke House located in the Ozark Folk Life Center, a living history state park devoted to the preservation of the cultural history of the area. Learn more about Ozark history and culture during a colorful presentation from a staff member.
 Afternoon: Enjoy the rest of your day at the Ozark Folk Life Center, which is dedicated to perpetuating the crafts, herbal wisdom and music of the Ozark Mountain people of the 19th and early 20th centuries. Visit working crafters and musicians. Learn how to throw a bowl, forge iron, stitch a quilt or any of more than 20 crafts. Find out about local traditions through exploration of the center and its demonstrations of pioneer skills and crafts. Check-in to your cabin at the center for your overnight stay.
 Dinner: Enjoy great country cooking at the Skillet Restaurant, with weekly specials. Treat yourself to entrees made with locally grown herbs or a fried pie, if you wish.
 Evening: PERFORMANCE: Witness first-hand the important role that music played in the life of Ozark Mountain people during a concert in the center’s auditorium. Enjoy regional folk and dance tunes performed on fiddles, banjos, mandolins, dulcimers, autoharps and more. See how dancing and story-telling are blended in with musical performances to preserve mountain traditions.
   
Accommodations: Ozark Folk Life Center Cabins at Dry Creek
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Buffalo National River; Eureka Springs- Crescent Hotel, Thorncrown Chapel, Historic Buildings
(Thursday, October 24)

Note: Must be able to walk on uneven surfaces up to 2 miles per day, stand in museums for up to 3 hours, and climb on and off motor coach without difficulty.
   
 Breakfast: Enjoy a hearty breakfast at the Skillet Restaurant before departing from the Ozark Folk Life Center.
 Morning: FIELD TRIP: Leave Mountain View to continue your discovery of the Natural State. Stop at the Tyler Bend Visitor Center of the Buffalo National River Park. The Buffalo River was the first river in the country to be designated as a national river. It originates in the highest part of the Ozarks and flows for just over 150 miles. The national river designation protects the river from industrial use or obstruction by dam. Stop at the Visitors Center to learn more about the beautiful river and its habitat, or walk ½ miles down an easy trail to see stunning views of the river. Continue your journey as you head to Eureka Springs to spend the rest of the day.
 Lunch: Savor lunch in the Crystal Ballroom of the Crescent Hotel. Built in 1886, the Crescent Hotel has been the crown jewel of Eureka Springs, providing great food in an elegant setting.
 Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: With a local guide, explore Eureka Springs, named one a distinctive destination by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Be inspired by the majestic glass and wood beam frame of the beautiful Throwncrown Chapel, nestled on a mountainside. Get inside the award-winning chapel to marvel at its design. See the seven-story statue, “Christ of the Ozarks,” created by one of the sculptors of Mount Rushmore. You’ll have some free time to explore the town’s quaint shops, art galleries, boutiques and museums.
 Afternoon: PRESENTATION: Learn about the early history of Eureka Springs through the eyes of a long-time citizen and student of history.
 Dinner: Continue your tour of the state as you move on to Bentonville/Rogers, where you will enjoy dinner at a well-known local restaurant and check in to your hotel.
   
Accommodations: Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Rogers - Pinnacle Hills
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Bentonville: Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Walmart Visitors Center and Bentonville town square
(Friday, October 25)

Note: Must be able to walk on uneven surfaces up to 2 miles per day, stand in museums for up to 3 hours, and climb on and off motor coach without difficulty.
   
 Breakfast: Enjoy a full breakfast at your hotel.
 Morning: PRESENTATION: The Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is the most-talked-about museum in the United States in a generation. Find out more about the origins and development of the project from a local expert. Endowed by the Walton Family Foundation, it joins the ranks of the richest museums in the country and has collected an impressive collection of American art. Find out more about the museum before your visit.
 Lunch: Begin your visit with lunch at the museum’s restaurant, Eleven, which works with local farmers and food artisans to produce fresh, healthy and locally grown food in a vibrant, modern setting.
 Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: Visit the Crystal Bridges museum to see a collection of American art masterworks from the colonial era to modern day, as well as touring collections from national art institutions. The collection includes masterpieces such as Charles Wilson Peale’s and Gilbert Stuart’s portraits of George Washington, Normal Rockwell’s Rosie the Riveter and works by John Singer Sargent, William Merritt Chase and Andy Warhol. Designed by world-renowned architect Moshe Safdie, the museum consists of a series of pavilions nestled around two creek-fed ponds. A series of outdoor trails covering 120 acres of forests and gardens surrounds the museum. Enjoy a guided tour and time for independent exploration of the museum.
 Evening: FIELD TRIP: No trip to Bentonville is complete without considering the influence of the Walton family and the Walmart Corporation on the community. Stop by the original 5 & 10 store to see where the Walmart story began. Look through an interactive gallery that tells the story of the development of the Walmart Corporation.
 Evening: Find the restaurant of your choice from one of many on the Bentonville town square, adjacent to the Walmart Visitor Center, before heading back to the hotel for the night.
   
Accommodations: Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Rogers - Pinnacle Hills
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5: Petit Jean State Park; Return to Little Rock
(Saturday, October 26)

Note: Short hike in state park- less than 2 miles.
   
 Breakfast: Enjoy a full breakfast at your hotel before your departure from the Bentonville/Rogers area.
 Morning: Check out from your hotel and head out to see more natural wonders of Arkansas at Petit Jean State Park.
 Lunch: Enjoy lunch in the Legacy Room of the Mather Lodge in Petit Jean State Park. This beautiful, rustic lodge was built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
 Afternoon: PRESENTATION: Discover the history of the park and the legend of Petit Jean and early French explorers. Get an overview of the park and its features from a park ranger.

FIELD TRIP: Get out into the park to see some scenic overlooks and waterfalls before heading back to Little Rock.

 Dinner: Dinner is on your own. Relax and eat in or near the hotel, or take the trolley to the River Market to explore the restaurants and other offerings there.
 Evening: After your initial exploration of the Natural State, return to Little Rock for some well-deserved rest and time on your own to explore the city. You may choose to eat at the restaurant in the hotel, or venture out into the nearby River Market district to find your favorite foods.
   
Accommodations: Double Tree Hotel Little Rock
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6: Hot Springs- National Park, Thermal Bathhouses, Garvan Gardens; Arkansas Politics
(Sunday, October 27)

Note: Must be able to walk on uneven surfaces up to 2 miles per day, stand in museums for up to 3 hours, and climb on and off motor coach without difficulty.



   
 Breakfast: Enjoy a full breakfast at your hotel.
 Morning: FIELD TRIP: Venture out for a day in Hot Springs, which draws its name from the array of natural springs that still supply heated water for thermal baths. We’ll start out in the Hot Springs National Park, the smallest in the National Park System. The park was designated as Hot Springs Reservation in 1832 to protect the naturally flowing thermal springs. Explore the history and geology of the area with an expert. Stroll through Bathhouse Row and visit a bathhouse. Following your tour, you’ll have some free time, during which you may choose to take a bath, get a massage, or just explore the downtown area on your own.
 Lunch: Eat lunch on your own in Hot Springs during your free time activities.
 Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: Nature lovers will delight in a visit to Garvan Woodland Gardens, featuring over 200 acres of floral landscapes, streams, waterfalls in a natural woodland setting. A docent will show you the highlights of the gardens, and then you will have time to explore the buildings and trails on your own as you discover this gem of the Ouachita Mountains.
 Dinner: You can’t leave Arkansas without trying some of its famous barbecue. Return to Little Rock to feast at the Whole Hog Café, home of world champion barbecue. Try the succulent pulled pork, some other meat, or a variety of vegetable side dishes for a dinner you won’t soon forget!
 Evening: Before you visit the Clinton Presidential Center, hear about Arkansas politics from a university professor who recently wrote a book on the subject. Learn about the dynamics of the state’s politics and Bill Clinton’s rise to national prominence.
   
Accommodations: Double Tree Hotel Little Rock
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7: Clinton Presidential Center; Clinton School of Public Service; Historic Arkansas Museum; Farewell Dinner
(Monday, October 28)

Note: Must be able to walk on uneven surfaces up to 2 miles per day, stand in museums for up to 3 hours, and climb on and off motor coach without difficulty.
   
 Breakfast: Enjoy a full breakfast at your hotel.
 Morning: FIELD TRIP: Clinton Presidential Center- Spend an intriguing day at the Clinton Presidential Center, a stunning building on the banks of the Arkansas River. Take part in a guided tour of the presidential library, and learn of Bill Clinton’s vision of the center as a place where people come together to discuss issues of today and challenges of tomorrow. Enjoy some free time to explore the 20,000 square feet of exhibit space on your own.
 Lunch: Your lunch today is in the Clinton Center’s award-winning restaurant, Forty Two. Sample the culinary creations of Chef Stephen Burrow and his staff, who advocate the “farm to table” movement in the menu. Many herbs and vegetables are grown on the grounds, and many ingredients are purchased from local sources.
 Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: Historic Arkansas Museum- Step back in time to explore the frontier history of Arkansas. Tour the museum’s historic grounds to visit pre-Civil War buildings and interact with living history characters. View the museum’s collection of Arkansas-made decorative objects as you contemplate the life of early settlers.
 Afternoon: FIELD TRIP: Clinton School of Public Service- Find out more about the first graduate school in the country to offer a Master of Public Service degree. Hear about Clinton’s vision for the school, and its efforts to equip students with the skills needed to participate in public service in the US and around the world. A staff member from the school will enlighten you about its mission and current programs.
 Dinner: At a festive farewell dinner, say good-bye to the other participants and reflect on the many diverse things you have learned about Arkansas during your week. We hope you appreciate the state’s history, natural beauty, and cultural offerings.
   
Accommodations: Double Tree Hotel Little Rock
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Check-out and depart
(Tuesday, October 29)
   
 Breakfast: Full breakfast served at your hotel.
 Morning: Check-out and departure. We hope you have enjoyed this very special event and will return for other rewarding Road Scholar programs in the future. Best wishes for all your journeys!
   
Meals Included: Breakfast
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


You can't find a better value than Road Scholar.


As a not-for-profit organization, we are dedicated to providing all-inclusive educational programs at great value. From lectures to gratuities to field trips to accommodations - the tuition you pay up front is all that you pay.



Specifically, this program includes:

Plus these special experiences...

View the Daily Schedule to see more

And included with all Road Scholar programs:


© Road Scholar 2013 | Call toll-free: 1-800-454-5768