[Singer]

I have been impressed by what I have read about the excellent quality of musical programs in the town. Does this goal of excellence carry over to other areas in the town?

[kristyh]

I have been through Harrison, it seems to be a little on the small side. Fayetteville and NW AR are quite nice.

[Cali BassMan]

Nice folks in that town, and a good tack store as well as tractor supply

[AndrewH]

Harrison is a town that has been struggling in growth for quite some time. They seemed to have clinched onto this idea of perserving something they never really had. Every small town wants to preserve is history, but a hardly-rich history isnt really worth perserving. they only have one theatre and it is 100% poor quality, yet gets lots of business if this gives you an idea of life in harrison

[Bull Winkus]

Originally Posted by AndrewH

Harrison is a town that has been struggling in growth for quite some time. They seemed to have clinched onto this idea of perserving something they never really had. Every small town wants to preserve is history, but a hardly-rich history isnt really worth perserving. they only have one theatre and it is 100% poor quality, yet gets lots of business if this gives you an idea of life in harrison

Very insightful. (bolded)

However, using an exaggerated bashing of a single business as a proxy for an entire town? I think you are just baiting folks with your anti Arkansas messages.

[adysmom]

Originally Posted by Singer

I have been impressed by what I have read about the excellent quality of musical programs in the town. Does this goal of excellence carry over to other areas in the town?

If you are looking for musical programs and shows, Branson Mo. is not too far from Harrison. Don't get me wrong now Harrison is a nice area.

[adysmom]

Originally Posted by AndrewH

Harrison is a town that has been struggling in growth for quite some time. They seemed to have clinched onto this idea of perserving something they never really had. Every small town wants to preserve is history, but a hardly-rich history isnt really worth perserving. they only have one theatre and it is 100% poor quality, yet gets lots of business if this gives you an idea of life in harrison

What is it they never really had they are trying preserve ?

[fuzzymama]

It's hard to answer without knowing what specific areas interest you, Singer.

The arts community is small but very active- working hard to promote and produce movies, musicals, plays, and concerts-- mostly at the restored Lyric theater, which is a treasure. The musicals and plays we've seen have been entertaining, but certainly small-town volunteer quality-- which is to be expected when you're in a small town!

The town has a small but active library, a beautiful park/paved walking trail around Lake Harrison near the square, a brand new hospital addition that greatly improves medical offerings here, an organization to help preserve and promote the historic downtown area, and its largest employer (FedEx Freight) is very active in aiding the community. Mostly recently, a beautiful 1929 hotel downtown is being completely renovated and restored. All of these things take tremendous investment-- in volunteers, donated finances, taxes, etc. In essence, I get the impression that many townspeople take ownership for Harrison and are committed to improving it.

AndrewH's comment puzzles me. If I knew what he meant by "hardly rich" perhaps I could respond. The entire town square and courthouse are on the National Historic Register, and the hills around it are full of beautiful old homes (some restored, some not-- as is true of most old neighborhoods). Harrison has an interesting history, some of it admirable, and some of it not-- but I would consider it very rich.

Perhaps this is part of his comment: The town is dry and has been since Prohibition, which seems to have slowed development and such over the decades as compared to communities to the east (Mountain Home) and west (Fayetteville/Springdale/etc). Since initiatives to make the county wet have never succeeded, I think I can safely say that most people in town prefer things this way and, if they drink, are willing to be slightly inconvenienced to do so rather than be inconvenienced by some of the things alcohol could bring to the region-- including influxes of retirees looking for a cheap place to retire. (To be honest, I'm one of those people.)

Hope some of this helps!

[RogMar]

Originally Posted by fuzzymama

It's hard to answer without knowing what specific areas interest you, Singer.

The arts community is small but very active- working hard to promote and produce movies, musicals, plays, and concerts-- mostly at the restored Lyric theater, which is a treasure. The musicals and plays we've seen have been entertaining, but certainly small-town volunteer quality-- which is to be expected when you're in a small town!

The town has a small but active library, a beautiful park/paved walking trail around Lake Harrison near the square, a brand new hospital addition that greatly improves medical offerings here, an organization to help preserve and promote the historic downtown area, and its largest employer (FedEx Freight) is very active in aiding the community. Mostly recently, a beautiful 1929 hotel downtown is being completely renovated and restored. All of these things take tremendous investment-- in volunteers, donated finances, taxes, etc. In essence, I get the impression that many townspeople take ownership for Harrison and are committed to improving it.

AndrewH's comment puzzles me. If I knew what he meant by "hardly rich" perhaps I could respond. The entire town square and courthouse are on the National Historic Register, and the hills around it are full of beautiful old homes (some restored, some not-- as is true of most old neighborhoods). Harrison has an interesting history, some of it admirable, and some of it not-- but I would consider it very rich.

Perhaps this is part of his comment: The town is dry and has been since Prohibition, which seems to have slowed development and such over the decades as compared to communities to the east (Mountain Home) and west (Fayetteville/Springdale/etc). Since initiatives to make the county wet have never succeeded, I think I can safely say that most people in town prefer things this way and, if they drink, are willing to be slightly inconvenienced to do so rather than be inconvenienced by some of the things alcohol could bring to the region-- including influxes of retirees looking for a cheap place to retire. (To be honest, I'm one of those people.)

Hope some of this helps!

I hope some of y'all clicked her.

This is a great post.

Every time I see a "Worst city in Arkansas/devil-spawn" kind of a post to a city, it makes me want to drive to that town and ask someone with a rational sense of observation to please, please, expand on this a little bit.

When I was 16, I made fun of my hometown.

When I was 30, I shed tears at the over-100 year old grand structures being torn down for parking lots and the grand-old-lady houses that were being turned into apartments.

What is one person's pariah, is another person's paradise.

I just got back from my second semi-extended trip to Little Rock.

Now...I saw some beautiful sights, and I ate some good food, and I travelled those highways to get from point A to point B.

I also had some bad experiences.

I got snubbed, I got honked at ( a lot), and I got run off the road.

Does that mean Little Rock is bad?

No...no way. It's vibrant, it's moving, one has access to pretty much everything you can want.

You can live in a small, cheap apartment, or a mansion on a hillside with a killer view.

Having spent most of my life in the fast lane, and having decided to get back to my roots, I know it's not for me, but I would certainly recommend it to someone seeking an urban lifestyle.

It's good to see another objective poster joining in here.