As with most places populated by humans, Arkansas is home to some truly gruesome history. There is perhaps no single murder in Arkansas history more gruesome than the 1958 murder of Edna Burns.
Before the fateful events of Monday, January 27, 1958, Bobby Joe Burns had had two previous run-ins with the law, both for stealing narcotics. He had been determined incompetent to stand trial both times due to serious mental illness. He was sent to the state hospital in Little Rock, but his mother asked for his release, believing that she could provide better care for him at home. His mental illness would prove to be more than his family could handle.
There is no way to know how quickly Bobby Joe Burns’ mental health declined between his release from the state hospital the year before and that terrible day in 1958, but what is known is that on January 27, Bobby Joe Burns drugged his mother, killed her, and mutilated her corpse. He believed that God had commanded him to commit the heinous act. I won’t go into the gory details of the mutilation here, as they may be disturbing to some readers. In the end, Edna Burns, the mother who had cared for her son, was dead and her head was removed from her body.
Bobby Joe Burns was suffering from delusions due to his mental illness, including a delusion that caused him to believe body parts had correlations to geographical locations. After he was finished mutilating his mother’s corpse, he wrapped his mother's head in a sheet and took it to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church on Garrison Avenue in Fort Smith. He placed her head inside the doors of the church and left.
He later told the police that his mother had consented to being part of an Aztec sacrifice ritual. His brother was reported to have said, "Joe, we don’t blame you for what happened." Fort Smith was shocked and dismayed by the events. It seemed too gruesome to happen in their town. It was unimaginable, something out of a nightmare. But it had happened, and the community mourned the loss of Edna Burns while it reeled in horror from the details surrounding her death.
After the murder, Bobby Joe Burns was committed to the state hospital, where he lived out the rest of his days. His diagnosis was paranoid schizophrenia and narcotic abuse. At one point, Bobby Joe Burns sent a letter to a judge, asking to be executed for his crimes. He sent a subsequent letter informing the powers that be that his request for the death penalty was simply a means to commit suicide. As his mental status continued to decline, he would later write more letters to Arkansas governors, begging that the charges against him be dropped. The year of Bobby Joe Burns’ death in the state hospital has not been confirmed, but it is believed that he died in the 1980s.
The events of that tragic January day stuck with many Fort Smith residents who witnessed the news coverage of the murder, but many people today may not have heard this tragic story.
You can learn more details of the case by watching this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pb9UYJqwmAs
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To read about more murders in Arkansas, click here.
Christmas in Arkansas is a magical time. One of the most beloved holiday traditions any family can have is driving around local neighborhoods, ogling the vast array of Christmas lights bedazzling our community. Small towns all throughout Arkansas will light up this year with even bigger displays than in previous years - but these aren't just your typical suburban light displays! We've rounded up some of the best drive-through Christmas lights in Arkansas, many of which you never even need to leave the comfort of your car. In no particular order, let's hop around the state to see the magnificent Christmas lights in Arkansas that await us this season. If you've been itching to get your White Christmas on, these are just a few of our state's best drive-through Christmas lights:
Pro tip: These holiday light displays are the perfect setting to capture family photos and use them for annual Christmas cards. We all know these spots become jam-packed as it gets closer to Christmas Day, so do yourself a favor and visit these light displays early in the season. This way, you can beat the crowds and take your time getting family photos.
1. Enchanted Forest Trail of Lights, Sherwood
Throughout the holiday season, families can drive through the enchanted Forest of Lights in Sherwood. This light trail has over a mile of twinkling holiday scenes! Admission is free (donations are encouraged), and guests will even receive a free candy cane.
While this festive drive-thru display typically runs the entire month of December, be sure to check out the City of Sherwood website for this year's dates and times. Get a closer look at this drive-through lights display:
2. Enchanted Land of Lights and Legends, Pine Bluff
For over 20 years, the Pine Bluff Festival Association has put on one of the biggest displays of Christmas lights in Arkansas. The Enchanted Land of Lights and Legends is a mile-and-a-half drive-thru Christmas light show, making it officially the largest show in the Natural State! Along the drive, you'll pass nearly 250 different holiday scenes, many of which are animated. The trail is free (donations are encouraged) and the path zigzags all through the Jefferson County Regional Park. It's open from mid-November all the way until New Year's Eve.
Another incredible Arkansas Christmas light display can be found shining brightly in the far northeast corner of the state. Blytheville's Lights of the Delta boosts over six million lights spread out along a mile and a half of trail. The park has quite a few activities in addition to the light show, including photos with Santa. The 2024 season runs from November 25 until December 27, 2024.
Can't make it in person? Check out all the magnificent lights at Lights of the Delta:
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4. Van Buren's Christmas at the Parks, Van Buren
Van Buren's Christmas at the Parks originally started as a private residence's yearly display. It was incredibly popular and has now been taken over by the city. It's now a massive display throughout the municipal park in Van Buren. This lovely Christmas lights display in Arkansas runs from November 15, 2024 until January 1, 2025.
Go behind the scenes of the fun festivities at this wonderful holiday event:
5. White River Wonderland, Batesville
It's impossible to pick a favorite Arkansas Christmas lights display since each one is so different. However, Batesville's White River Wonderland might just top our list. In addition to driving by the 1.5 million lights, you can also enjoy other holiday activities like ice skating, train tours, and carriage rides! The lights are up at all four of Batesville's parks, but the other festivities are in Riverside Park. And if we had to pick a favorite activity...well, it might just be the Christmas Ferris wheel!
6. Lights of the Ozarks, Fayetteville
Much like the White River Wonderland, Fayetteville's light display is much more than a drive-by. You can certainly enjoy the lights while driving around the square, but the best part about Lights of the Ozarks is getting out and strolling under the twinkling trees. The square is packed with over 400,000 lights and has all sorts of to-dos. Sip on hot chocolate while devouring some indulgent food truck desserts before taking a carriage ride around the village. Kids can also ride the ponies, write letters to Santa, and even meet the jolly old fella! The lights will run from November 22, 2024, until January 1, 2025.
Catch a sneak peek of the magical festivities, courtesy of AllThingsNWA:
Do you have any favorite or overlooked Christmas light displays in Arkansas? Share this article with someone you can't wait to get into the holiday spirit with.
Best Travel Gifts of 2024, Hand-picked by Our Travel Experts
If you're looking for gifting ideas for the travelers in your life this holiday season, check out our list of our favorite, tried and true travel gifts.
Welcome to Hand-Picked, a curated series highlighting the travel gear and goods our staff truly love. From practical essentials to playful extras, these are the items that make travel fun—and shopping even better! Each pick is independently selected by our editors, and if you make a purchase through our links, Only In Your State may earn a commission.
There is nothing that makes me happier than picking out the perfect gift. Friends often ask me for ideas of what to gift to their family, children, partners, friends... the challenge of finding that special item (or experience) is my favorite kind of adrenaline rush. And because of this, the holiday season is like my version of sky diving.
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Our team of travel experts here at Only In Your State joined me in selecting our favorite travel gifts of the season. We've hand-picked 24 gifts that we own and love and would joyfully wrap up with a shiny bow for other travel lovers in our lives. We've chosen a variety of options, from candles to books, to the perfect travel shoes and bags. There is also a wide range of prices for any gifting budget. Pick out a few to gift this season and maybe even send some of these ideas to those who are shopping for you. It may be the holiday season, but it is also always travel season in our minds.
Why We Love Them: How fun is this candle? I love picking out meaningful gifts and this one is perfect for the woman in your life who can't help but plan another trip. Or, maybe this is you and this candle needs to make its way into your own stocking! The LEADO store on Amazon actually has several unique gifts and it's worth checking out. Where to Buy Them: Shop this candle and more on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 Bonus: Manager of Editorial Megan Shute swears by these rechargeable USB lighters – add one to your favorite candle lover's stocking, and they will not be disappointed.
Why We Love It: We've tried some pretty spiffy eye masks, but have you ever experienced an eye massager? The Bob & Brad EyeOasis 2 is as relaxing as it gets. With adjustable pressure & heat settings, this is a must-have if you want to tune out the world and treat yourself. It's the first thing we reach for when we feel a migraine coming on! Where To Buy It: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $59.99 (normally $74.99)
Why We Love Them: It's safe to say I am in my sneaker era and I know I'm not alone. When I discovered Kizik shoes, especially their sneakers, I felt like I discovered gold at the end of the rainbow. I love that the brand is size inclusive (I have big feet) and you literally just slip these on and go. Hands-free shoes! This makes them perfect for travel and the fact that these go with everything means no over-packing necessary. Where to Buy Them: Check out the Milan sneaker and several other styles (boots, too!) on the Kizik website. Price (at time of publication): $149
Why We Love Them: I discovered Frankie Jean while in Austin with my daughter and once I saw the Y'ALL Baseball Cap, I knew it would make the perfect souvenir -- and travel hat! I always travel with a baseball hat; they're handy for post-plane hair and offer protection from the elements. Frankie Jean has an array of adorable caps for non-y'allers, too, with all 50 states represented in the web store. Where to Buy It: Visit Frankie Jean online for this hat and many others! Price (at time of publication): $32
Why We Love Them: The Yoto Mini is an excellent gadget for kids on the go. Physical cards allow children to expand their imagination through audiobooks, music, activities, and educational audio. Manager of Editorial Megan Shute purchased the mini-player for her daughter's 4th birthday earlier this year ahead of an overseas move and has been endlessly impressed: "Not only did it replace her standard sound machine with its white noise options, but it has given us another portable screen-free entertainment option for at home and while traveling. The Yoto is also perfect for anyone who asks what your child wants for the holidays — cards for their new Yoto collection, please!" Where to Buy Them: Yoto is available on their website and Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $69.99 for player
Why We Love Them: The Vuori Performance Joggers might just be the most comfortable piece of clothing we own. The buttery-soft, stretchy material is the perfect weight, and the slim yet relaxed fit is one of the most universally flattering styles we've tried. Engagement Editor Meg Archer has gifted these to many people over the last few years: "I have yet to hear anything but rave reviews (and a bit of friendly shaming for spawning new obsessions). Don't be surprised if these just so happen to, umm... multiply... in your closet. I couldn't stop at just one pair." Bonus: The matching Vuori Halo Performance Hoodie is one of our favorite lightweight layers for all types of travel! Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From Vuori Price (at time of publication): $94
Why We Love Them: If you have a friend or family member who loves to travel and loves bags (who doesn't?), then this Calpak tote bag is the ultimate gift. When I say ultimate, I mean it, because this is the ultimate bag. My own tote bag is pictured above, when used on an overnight trip. I've also used it as a carry-on bag on flights, to tote sports equipment around for my kids, and for a weekend getaway. It is much larger than it looks in this photo and keeps everything organized. It also wipes clean! Where to Buy Them: Calpak has countless travel bags, but you can find this particular one on their website. Price (at time of publication): $131.75
Why We Love Them: I've purchased two of these portable hammocks with lightweight frames throughout the years — one as a gift for my father and one for myself after realizing how fantastic the hammock was. While it's not a travel product, per se, it has made my everyday life feel more like a vacation, something we could all use a bit more of these days. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $69.99
Why We Love Them: All of the staff at Only In Your State loves to represent their roots and Wear Your Roots allows you to do that in a fashionable - and comfortable - way. We love the wears from this Montana-based company and we happen to believe that these hoodies, shirts, hats, and more make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: Shop now on the Wear Your Roots website Price (at time of publication): Varies by Product
Why We Love It: It's taken several trips for me to figure out my perfect "weekender bag that's TSA approved," but I've found my perfect carry on with the TOBIQ Colorado 30L. An Instagram ad caught my eye during a late-night scroll session and I was intrigued by the colorful compartments and versatility of the bag, which can be carried as a duffle or as a backpack (I prefer the backpack for even weight distribution and airport navigation.) Made of durable, weather-resistant recycled materials, I've stashed this bag under my seat and in the overhead compartment; it's easy to maneuver and the top zip pocket is perfect for easy phone/ID access. Bonus: I loved this carry on bag so much, I purchased TOBIQ's Toiletry Bag; it fits perfectly inside one of the Colorado's four compartments and has a smart, intuitive design with the brand's signature "plethora of zippered pouches and pockets."
Where to Buy Them: Visit tobiqtravel.com to purchase the Colorado 30L and/or Toiletry Bag. Price (at time of publication): $199 (Colorado 30L)/$69 (Toiletry Bag)
Why We Love Them: The Zestt Dreamsoft Travel Scarf doubles as a blanket, making it the perfect travel accessory for year-round adventures – especially on airplanes! Made from organic cotton and easy to wash and care for, we have even used this piece as a makeshift picnic blanket while traveling. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $50
Why I Love It: This raincoat is absolutely perfect: it's light (12.4 ounces!) and super packable, "self stuffing" into one of its pockets in a Houdini-like feat. The hood is generously sized to fit over a hat and has a cord-and-hook design that keeps rain out (seriously -- this photo was taken after a trip to Portland, Oregon, where its water resistance was put to the test!). I purchased my Torrentshellfive years ago and it still looks brand new, the fabric has never snagged or ripped despite being put through the ringer! Bonus: The Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Rain Jacket comes in men's sizes, too! Where to Buy It: Buy it now on REI. Price (at time of publication): $179 (both men's and women's)
Why We Love Them: I love gifting books. Maybe it's the writer in me or the nostalgia I feel every time I sit down and open up an actual book. Coffee table books make for great gifts and I absolutely love this collection of photography of New York City. Whether you know someone who loves NYC or has a wanderlust for the Big Apple, this gorgeous book just needs a bow on top and it's ready to gift. Where to Buy Them: Buy this book and others in the collection on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $19.78
Why We Love Them: A well-stocked first aid kit is essential for any traveler, and we love these small Welly kits. They're the perfect option to keep in your car, diaper bag, or carry-on for accidents on the go. Another excellent stocking stuffer for anyone in your life. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Walmart Price (at time of publication): $9.70
Why We Love Them: The OluKai Pehuea Lī Sneaker is lightweight and breathable, but also extremely comfortable and surprisingly supportive. It's our go-to shoe when we know we're going to be on our feet all day! We love that they can be worn as either sneakers or slides, so they're easy to slip off when going through TSA checks. Plus, the style goes with just about everything. Where To Buy Them: Buy Now From OluKai Price (at time of publication): $110
Why I Love It: Fact: Airplanes are notoriously dry, dry, dry. No matter how much water I drink both before and during the flight, I always find myself in a hydration deficit for days. My skin feels so tight and parched during flights, and while I've been known to slap on a sheet mask at 12,000 feet, my 11 year old's mortification on a recent trip had me rethinking this strategy. My solution? BioRepublic's Lost Baggage biocellulose eye masks. These mini moisturizers contain an uber-hydrating cocktail of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalene, rose water, and vitamin E that feel oh-so-refreshing on parched skin. Bonus: Each of these little masks has enough moisture that I'm able to massage the excess into the rest of my face after my brief, in-flight spa moment. Where to Buy It: I have a BioRepublic Lost Baggage Under Eye Emergency Repair Mask Subscribe & Save order through Amazon -- you'll get a slight discount if you set this up! Price (at time of publication): 3/$15.00
Why I Love It: I am a dedicated Stanley girl, but when I travel, I like to keep things as light and portable as possible. A recent trip to Washington D.C. had me singing the praises of my Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle, especially after paying $6 for a tiny bottle of water the afternoon we arrived and embarked sans water. I love the bottle's muted color options (I have the Hydaway in Twilight), sturdy handle, and fuss-free cleaning; fully extended it holds 17 ounces of water, making this smart little number perfect for filling up on the go. Where to Buy Them: The Hydaway Collapsible Water Bottle is available at several online merchants; I purchased through REI. Available here on Amazon. Price (at time of publication): $27.95.
Why We Love Them: This is one of those things that we don't know how we traveled without them. Packing cubes keep things organized, save space in a suitcase, and take the pain out of the packing process. If you know and love someone who travels, this set would make the perfect gift. Where to Buy Them: There are so many options for packing cubes on Amazon, but we particularly LOVE this set. Price (at time of publication): $16.99 for 8 cubes
Why We Love Them: I've been a fan of Beis for years now, starting with the Weekender (it’s my absolute favorite travel bag for short car trips or flying and is surprisingly roomy). I recently purchased another Beis item — the backpack. With a padded interior sleeve, two water bottle pockets, and plenty of organization built-in — we’re talking zippered interior pockets, pen slots, a key leash, and more — this is the best backpack I’ve ever owned. It also has a full-zip opening, so it’s easy to pack, and the trolley pass-through makes it the perfect carry-on companion. This olive beauty is officially my new favorite personal item while traveling, and I’ve already brought it on several trips. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Beis Price (at time of publication): $88
Why We Love Them: We bought this set of two accessory organizers for a recent trip and think they would make a fun stocking stuffer filled with all sorts of small and useful travel goodies — chapstick, hair ties, mini lotions, bandaids, etc. The gift recipient can then use the organizers for travel. Where to Buy Them: Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $17.66
Why We Love It: The sleek style of the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack looks at home in just about any environment, making it a great transition bag if you need to hop right from a flight into a work meeting (or want to start exploring as soon as you land). It's water-resistant, has a padded laptop sleeve to keep your devices safe, and the full wrap-around zipper makes it incredibly easy to grab what you need in a cramped airplane seat. I love it! Where To Buy It:Buy Now From Away Price (at time of publication): $195
Why We Love It: Engagement Editor Meg Archer recently travel-testedthis high-end aluminum travel case, and it can only be described as the Lamborghini of Luggage: "The Sterling Pacific 40L Travel Case is hands down the best I've ever owned or reviewed. It's stunning inside and out, timelessly stylish, and rolls like a dream. Honestly, I didn't know luggage could move like this." It's undeniably a splurge, but if you're looking for a piece of eye-catching yet understated luxury-tier luggage, this is it. Where To Buy It: Buy Now From Sterling Pacific Price (at time of publication): $2,150
Why We Love It: Throw out all your assumptions about generators. The Anker Power Bank Portable Generator is all-electric (so it's totally silent), super compact, and has a massive 60,000 mAh capacity that can power multiple devices dozens of times on a single charge. It also retains an impressive 85% charge after a whole year of non-use, making it absolutely vital during emergencies. This bad boy kept us in touch with family during a multi-day blackout, but we also love it for camping trips and off-grid adventures. Where To Buy It:Buy Now On Amazon Price (at time of publication): $149.99
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If you need anymore ideas for the best travel gifts of the season, we have you covered. Check out more of our travel-themed gift guides...
