When you need a pick-me-up, we know just the place – Fayetteville. It’s got lots going for it, including the fact that it’s the friendliest town in Arkansas.
Fayetteville is most known as the home of the University of Arkansas, but that’s not its only claim to fame. It’s also one of the South’s friendliest cites, according to Southern Living.
However, Fayetteville isn’t your typical city. Instead, it’s touted as “an experience,” boasting everything from welcoming residents to big city perks, like the Dickson Street Entertainment District.
The lively street is lined with bistros, eateries, clubs, and galleries. It's also where you'll find George's Majestic Lounge, the state's oldest live music venue.
A thriving art scene is another of the city's perks.
A "Mecca for artistic expression," the city is home to sculpture gardens, murals, and Terra Studios, an acclaimed art gallery, park, and education center.
In spite of its size, Fayetteville, in some ways, feels like a small town.
Well, what do you think? Are you ready to plan a visit to the friendliest town in Arkansas? For more info, check out the Experience Fayetteville website.
So, do you agree? Is this the friendliest town in Arkansas? Ever visited? If so, what’d you think? Know of another friendly town in Arkansas? Tell us!
This isn’t the only town in Arkansas that belongs on your bucket list. Click here to read about an itty bitty city that’s one of the best antiquing towns in the U.S.
Sure, everyone knows that the Clintons are proud natives of the Natural State. And you're probably familiar with the fact legendary poet and author Maya Angelou hails from the tiny town of Stamps, Arkansas. But there are actually many famous people from Arkansas. How many of them can you name? Here's a list of 11 famous people who live in Arkansas, were born here, or have lived here in the past. You may be surprised to learn who they are!
Steenburgen has started in over 70 movies, including Parenthood, Elf, and Back to the Future III. She won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in Melvin and Howard in 1981. How's this for fun facts about Arkansas? She also produced and starred in The End of the Line, which was filmed right here in the Natural State. She is one of the most famous people born in Arkansas.
This native of Pike County was a famous pop/country singer and songwriter. He also hosted two hit TV variety shows: The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour and The Glen Campbell Music Show. His hit recordings include "Wichita Lineman" and "By the Time I Get To Phoenix." Campbell appeared in many hit movies, including True Grit and Family Prayers.
The list of Arkansas famous people continues with John Grisham, a lawyer and one of the best-selling authors of all time. His list of acclaimed works includes A Time To Kill, The Rainmaker, The Firm, The Pelican Brief, and The Client, all of which have been successfully translated into movies. His book A Painted House was made into a Hallmark Channel movie and was filmed on location in Lepanto. Grisham has lived in various towns throughout northeast Arkansas.
The late, great Man in Black was born to an Arkansas sharecropper in 1932. His first big hit was Folsom Prison Blues, which rose to the top five in country singles in 1956. His first number 1 hit was "I Walk the Line." In 1957, he made his first appearance at the Grand Ole Opry. By 1958, he'd published 50 songs and sold over six million records. He and his wife June Carter Cash had a number of famous hits and he's undoubtedly among the most famous people from Arkansas.
This legendary gospel and soul singer is an eight-time Grammy Award winner. He's been referred to as the "quintessential soul man." He recorded nine best-selling gospel albums and many secular hits, including "Let's Stay Together." He's one of the most talented celebrities from Arkansas.
Brooks and Dunn received the 1996 CMA Entertainers of the Year Award and will reunite in late 2015 to perform a series of concerts in Las Vegas with fellow country legend Reba McEntire.
You may not recall this Arkansas famous person, but you'll remember who he was associated with. Nicknamed "the Bear" for his massive physique, Liston was born in a small St. Francis County community. He won the world heavyweight boxing championship title in 1962. He held that title until 1964 when he lost it to Cassius Clay (later known as Muhammed Ali). Liston was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1991.
Scottie Pippen was born in 1965. He graduated from the University of Central Arkansas and was a celebrated professional basketball player. He was most remembered for, along with Michael Jordan, leading the Chicago Bulls, to six championships. He was one of the best all-around players of all time. He retired in 2004, and a year later, his jersey number 33 was retired. He's one of the most famous sports celebrities from Arkansas.
This Arkansas native was a drummer, vocalist, and original member of the legendary group The Band. They were best known for the hit "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down." He also played supporting roles in films like Coal Miner's Daughter and The Right Stuff. Helm was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award in 2008 for his work with The Band. In 2003, he was named by Rolling Stone magazine as one of the 100 Greatest Singers of All Time. He was later inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Thornton directed and starred in the classic film Sling Blade, a movie that was filmed in Benton. He received two Oscar nominations for the film, one for Best Actor and one for Best Screenplay (he won that one). He also starred in the cult holiday hit Bad Santa, and is the vocalist and drummer of The Boxmasters, a country/rockabilly band he founded in 2007.
The Natural State has had a number of notable citizens who have made a name in the sports, art, music, and film realms. The vast culture of our state is more diverse than many may think at first glance! There are plenty of famous people from Arkansas who help to make the world a more interesting place. Do you know of any other celebrities from Arkansas? Please mention them in the comments.
The 42nd president, Walmart, and Johnny Cash are a few things that Arkansas is known for. And if you’re a local, chances are, you’ve heard of the Boggy Creek monster, the Dover Lights, or the legend of Blowing Cave. While we can’t confirm any of these tales, they are still interesting things that make the state unique. But there are also a few quirky facts about Arkansas that may sound too good to be true, and some of them might surprise you. Here are 11 fun facts about Arkansas that are nothing but the truth.
If you’re not from around these parts, you might be tempted to pronounce the name Ar-KANSAS. But be warned, you might go to jail, so you better get it right. Just kidding, there’s no penalty attached to the law, but it drives us nuts when the name is mispronounced...it’s Ar-KANSAW.
2. There’s a castle completely covered in rocks and crystals with trees growing on the inside.
Deemed the Ozarks' strangest dwelling, Quigley Castle is a one-of-a-kind home that is out of this world. Built in 1943, this dream home of Elise Quigley is in Eureka Springs, the quirkiest town in Arkansas. So, there’s no doubt that it’s right where it belongs.
3. Little Rock got its name from an actual rock called La Petite Roche (French).
The name derived from French explorer Jean-Baptiste Bénard de la Harpe in 1722, who used the rock for navigation purposes. The rock outcropping was situated along the south bank of the Arkansas River, but most of it was destroyed to build a bridge, which ultimately never came to fruition. The good news is, part of the little rock now sits next to the old railroad bridge in the River Market District for all to see. Be sure to stop by and get a pic of it.
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4. The delicious cheese dip was created in Arkansas.
This might not be a fact, per se, but it is true that in 1935, the original owner of Mexico Chiquito Restaurant in Little Rock introduced the cheese dip to Arkansas. Of course, prior to this, queso existed but it was not widely known in the U.S. So, if you love cheese dip, you have Arkansas to thank for introducing it to America.
5. There is a World Cheese-Dip Championship in Arkansas.
Well, if Arkansas is going to claim the cheese dip, it might as well celebrate it right? Each year, the World Cheese-Dip Championship is held in Little Rock, and it attracts thousands of visitors. Mark your calendars for October and become part of this quirky food festival.
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6. The largest ostrich farm in America was located in Hot Springs.
By now, you should know that Hot Springs has been a popular tourist destination for almost a hundred years. So, it’s no surprise that it was home to the Ostrich Farm in the early twentieth century. This farm had as many as 300 ostriches that provided entertainment for all who visited. It can’t get any quirkier than an ostrich farm, or does it?
7. The only garden tiller race in America is here in Arkansas.
This might sound like it’s made up, but it’s 100% fact. The PurpleHull Pea Festival and World Championship Rotary Tiller Race is held in the tiny town of Emerson every year. This quirky one-of-a-kind spectacle attracts thousands of visitors to Arkansas, and it also garners lots of international coverage as well. This race can be dangerous and not for the faint of heart, but it’s one of the quirkiest events in America that you can only find in the Natural State.
8. The biggest diamond in America was found in Arkansas.
It’s no secret that Crater of Diamonds State Park is the only public diamond mine in the country. This means that anybody can strike it rich on their next dig. In 1924, the largest diamond in America, nicknamed the Uncle Sam was discovered at the park. It weighed over 40 carats, and there have been many other smaller diamonds discovered in the fields as well. So, we recommend you try your luck…you never know.
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9. Angel Soft and Quilted Northern are manufactured in Arkansas.
Ok, the cat has nothing to do with the tissue being manufactured in Arkansas, but you gotta admit that it's ADORABLE. And yes, if you love Angel Soft and Quilted Northern, you can thank Arkansas for that. Those soft, pillowy necessity items, produced by Georgia-Pacific in Crossett, are used in millions of homes across the country. So, if you’re using any other brands, do consider switching.
10. One of the last original, single McDonald Golden Arch is in Arkansas.
I must admit, it took me a minute to accept this one as fact. But it’s true that in its early days, McDonald's logo consisted of only one golden arch. Today, the golden arches have become iconic to the brand, but there are 12 restaurants with the vintage sign still remaining. And luckily, Arkansas has one that is located in Pine Bluff, and in 2006, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Did you know that Arkansas had a huge population of Louisiana black bears? And due to the number of bears dwelling in the state, it was nicknamed the "Bear State." Today, there are less than 10,000 of these bears that survived. Other nicknames include the Toothpick State, Rackensack, and the Land of Opportunity. We’re glad they finally settled on the Natural State because it is a true representation of Arkansas. What do you think?
Well, folks, there are lots of other quirky facts about Arkansas that could have been included. So, go ahead and sound off in the comments on the ones that we missed. Feeling proud to live in Arkansas? You should! Show off your state pride with this unique apparel from Wear Your Roots.
