by Joe David Rice Philosopher, writer and student of the universe Loren Eiseley said, “If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water.” While I certainly have no argument with Dr. Eiseley’s insightful declaration, it seems to me a polar opposite statement also has merit: If there is magic on this…
by Joe David Rice In a typical year, Arkansas farmers grow about 40 million pounds of watermelons. While many of these melons are shipped to other states, there’s no question that we love our watermelons. Not only are they tasty, watermelons are an amazingly healthy food. In addition to providing Vitamins A, B6, and…
by Joe David Rice Although I knew nothing about the origin or history of bottle trees, I suspected they were birthed in the South. For those unfamiliar with this strange and colorful cultural phenomenon, here’s what they are: fairly short trees (or reasonable facsimiles) stripped of their leaves and twigs with wine bottles or other…
by Joe David Rice Richard M. Nixon…. Orval E. Faubus…. William O. Douglas…. Three prominent players in 20th century American politics. All vilified on one occasion or another (or sometimes regularly), but vilified nevertheless by vastly different groups for vastly different rationales, mind you. One is a disgraced Republican president. Another a defiant Democratic governor…
by Joe David Rice | Photography provided by Arkansas Parks and Tourism and the venues Few travel articles begin with a list of things you won’t find in the featured destination. But that’s how I’ll start this piece, noting that visitors to Jasper will not see parking meters, stoplights, McDonald’s, Starbucks or a big-box retailer. What they…
By Joe David Rice To the best of my knowledge, only one person has publicly performed the hoochie-coochie within the hallowed halls of the U.S. House of Representatives in the U.S. Capitol. That unlikely dancer was ultra-conservative Congressman Ezekiel Candler “Took” Gathings, a devout Baptist who represented Arkansas’ First Congressional District for 30 years. But…
By Joe David Rice I’ve seen several bears and a half a dozen or so bobcats in the wilds of Arkansas but have yet to spot my first mountain lion. The Arkansas Game & Fish Commission says it won’t happen, chiefly because these large and elusive carnivores no longer exist in The Natural State –…
The Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center is located on 3.4 acres in Little Rock, overlooking the Arkansas River. The site is a part of the River Market District.The center focuses on the wide variety of outdoor recreational opportunities that our state’s fish and wildlife resources provide. Exhibits highlight the role of fish and…
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art welcomes all to celebrate the American spirit in a setting that unites the power of art with the beauty of nature. Nestled in an 120-acre Ozark woods with more than four miles of trails, the museum features a permanent collection ranging from Early American art to contemporary times. A…
The Arkansas Arts Center is an art museum and active center for the visual and performing arts. Featuring a world-class international collection of art, live theatre productions, art classes, lectures, films, family programs, shopping and dining, the Arkansas Arts Center offers something for everyone. The Museum is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from…
