[angelagardner]

Hello all locals. Next summer we are relocating to the East Coast and will be driving through the state on our way and would like to see some great attractions among our country. Of course, there is Yellowstone but please help us out and give me some ideas of places and things to see that are not to be missed on our journey. What do locals love in the state, as a tourist what are some things that we should put on our list. I will also have a 13 year old with me so some family ideas are great also.
Thank you all for your ideas.

[grmasterb]

Originally Posted by angelagardner

Hello all locals. Next summer we are relocating to the East Coast and will be driving through the state on our way and would like to see some great attractions among our country. Of course, there is Yellowstone but please help us out and give me some ideas of places and things to see that are not to be missed on our journey. What do locals love in the state, as a tourist what are some things that we should put on our list. I will also have a 13 year old with me so some family ideas are great also.
Thank you all for your ideas.

To where on the East Coast are you relocating, and are you certain to drive through Arkansas? If so, via which route?

[needing more]

I dont have an idea for AR since I've never been there before but if you are around MI/OH area.. Dont forget to stop @ Cedar Point. Its the best amusement park/water park in the country.. An easy 2 day stop. If it was us driving across country... I'd zig-zag all over the place to see as much as we can Wheres your final destination? Which route are you taking?

[angelagardner]

We are driving from Bellingham, WA to Western Florida or South Carolina. We are taking a month at least to get across the country stopping at Yellowstone and then either down towards Denver then through New Mexico and straight across. The route hasn't really been decided yet since we are seeking knowledge from all over to determine what things are cool enough to take the time not to miss along the way. If something stands out to us we will work it in for sure so I am trying to get local opinions on stuff to see instead of just googling it. Internet is great but I find that locals know more than just information sites. I hear there is some sort of diamond or crystal mine someplace in Arkansas that is really fun?

[needing more]

Originally Posted by angelagardner

We are driving from Bellingham, WA to Western Florida or South Carolina. We are taking a month at least to get across the country stopping at Yellowstone and then either down towards Denver then through New Mexico and straight across. The route hasn't really been decided yet since we are seeking knowledge from all over to determine what things are cool enough to take the time not to miss along the way. If something stands out to us we will work it in for sure so I am trying to get local opinions on stuff to see instead of just googling it. Internet is great but I find that locals know more than just information sites. I hear there is some sort of diamond or crystal mine someplace in Arkansas that is really fun?

I heard about it too. Its in the western lower half of the state. It seems like I read about a ton of people going there for days to search... Could be good.. Could be bad.. Sounds like a casino..lol

My dad lives in south Fl. I wouldnt recommend moving there.. He cant wait to get out. Too many hurricanes, illegals and RUDE people. I've been down there 3 xs this yr already. I cant seem to understand why anyone would move to Florida. Other then palm trees its flat, boring, congested, and WAY over populated. I had a friend who lived in St. Pete who told me they have to comb the beaches every am for needles... Not cool!!

SC is very cool though... So is NC... Savannah is an awesome town too.

[bagelw]

I'm not sure I'd waste my time coming thru Arkansas on that trip when you can go thru Denver, KC, St Louis, Louisville, Nashville, Birmingham, or Atlanta. The only reason I'd bother with Arkansas would be if you went down to Albuquerque and then cut across thru Oklahoma or north Texas. It really just depends on what you're looking to do.

[nmnita]

if you are doing the route from Denver down to inter-state 40 you will want to take a side trip (almost not a side trip) through Sante Fe and spend a little time in the area, lots of history, great scenery and some really good food.

As for AR and the diamond mines, I don't know of anyone that has ever found anything of value, but if you just want the experience, you may want to give it a shot and it would be fun. By the way, it is in the southern part of the state and not out of your way at all. I love AR, we think it is beautiful, but mostly the scenery you will see is similar to some other states, including Wa. Instead of mountains, you get beautiful rolling hills (they are called mountains) lots of greenery and lots of lakes and rivers.

I would recommend Savannah like needing more suggested. I don't know if you are into casino gambling, but there are some nice and fun casinos in Mississippi along the river. Tunica is one place we happen to enjoy. You may want to think about LA as well. Oh, I just read you will have a 13 year old with you, in that case you might enjoy the diamond mines. Of course you want to cross the Mississippi River just to say, "I did it" don't expect anything beautiful. Depending on your route, you may want to spend time in either Nashville or Memphis. Don't have some outstanding things to see and do although they are pretty touristy.

Have a great trip and check back in as you get closer to your date, I bet lots of people will have suggestions.

Nita

[PurpleLove08]

Originally Posted by bagelw

I'm not sure I'd waste my time coming thru Arkansas

My sentiments exactly.

[HANNU]

If you can swing it, try to hit NorthWest Arkansas. Maybe took a look at Eureka Springs and head down south a bit to the Buffalo River area, and along the Ozarks to the Fayetteville area. The only problem is that you may end up 'not leaving'.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by HANNU

If you can swing it, try to hit NorthWest Arkansas. Maybe took a look at Eureka Springs and head down south a bit to the Buffalo River area, and along the Ozarks to the Fayetteville area. The only problem is that you may end up 'not leaving'.

great points, yes, Eureka Springs would be one place or, if OP doesn't want to head north from 40, maybe head down toward Hot Springs, very different from Eureka Springs but a great town to visit.

Nita