Historic Arkansas

Street view of one of the brick homes.

This home is frame as has a spring house in the back.

Front of one of the homes  The white building is a tavern.

Across the street some building have been moved in including this dog trop log cabin.

A few block from the Clinton Center is Historic Arkansas, a city block of houses and a tavern.  They were built in the 1820's when the territorial capital of Arkansas was moved from Arkansas Post to Little Rock.  Little Rock was a new planned city when it was chosen as the site for the new territorial capital.  In the 1920 a group of ladies realized that many of the original homes and businesses were being torn down and they purchased the building on this block.  All but one is in its  location and the one that is not was moved only to a new location on the block.  There is a charge to tour and tours are with a guide who can tell you the history of the times and the buildings.  There is also a museum with traveling exhibits on site.

Member's Preview - Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

The walk into the museum

I became An Original by purchasing my membership In Crystal Bridges before the museum opened.  That membership let me attend a Member's Preview today (November 9, 2011) two days before the official opening on 11/11/11.  I did not take many photos.  I did not want to divide my attention, I wanted to focus on the museum and the art.  I did take a few that highlight the facility to share.  This is truly a magnificent museum and well worth the trip to Northwest Arkansas.  In fact plan to take more than one day.  I certainly plan to returning several times in the next few months.

Alice Walton, the museum founder in the lobby looking very proud and with very good reason.

View from one wing looking  across the water.

One part of The Colonial Exhibit

The View down the bridge where the restaurant is located.

Botanical Garden of the Ozarks - Spring 2011

I found a large variety of flowers blooming at the Botanical Garden when I visited on Saturday.  You can visit the Garden for free on Saturday morning and there was a steady stream of people enjoying all of the flowers and taking advantage of the beautiful weather. 

Garvan Woodland Gardens, Hot Springs, AR

I went by Garvan Woodland Gardens on the way to Oaklawn. Spring is a wonderful time to visit and I got some great photos of the flowers.

Oaklawn Park Racetrack

Matt, Doug and I went over to Hot Springs, AR to the races on St. Patrick's Day. We all had one of Oaklawn's famous cornbeef sandwiches and enjoyed a perfect day at the track.

Chef's in the Garden

Last night was Chef's in the Garden at the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks. I was one of the volunteers selling drinks, but I also got to sample all the great food from the different chef's that participated. Chef's in the Garden had great food in a great location. This is a yearly event so if you missed it this year you can plan on going next year.

Firefly Festival

I was a volunteer for the Firefly Festival at the Botanical Gardens of The Ozarks last night. The Festival is a great place for families to come out and enjoy the garden, the activities, people in costume, and the concert. I worked from 6 till 8 and when I left the people were still coming into the garden. It was a great activity that lasted until 10:00 p.m.. If you missed this year watch for the dates next year and plan to attend.

Crystal Bridges, Bentonville, Arkansas

I took a walk I have been meaning to take for some time today. I started at Compton Gardens and followed the path to the overlook for Crystal Bridges. Crystal Bridges is a new art museum that Alice Walton is building in Bentonville, AR. The building is in progress and the art work for the permanent collection is being purchased. While the museum construction is in progress Crystal Bridges at the Massey in downtown Bentonville some small exhibits to peak everyone's interest. The walk down to the overlook passes through Compton Gardens on one of Bentonville's many walking and bike paths. The museum is in a beautiful site. Only one part is complete. The main complex has a ways to go before it will be finished.

Spring at the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks

Entering it's third year, The Botanical Garden of the Ozarks continues to improve. I took these pictures before people arrived for the Greening of the Garden. If you live in the area come out and see for yourself.

Greening of the Garden

I volunteered at the Greening of the Garden at the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks in Fayetteville Thursday. This is a big fund raiser for the Garden. The weather was perfect, the food and entertainment great and all had a good time. If you live in the area plan to attend next year and watch of other events during the Summer months.