"Oh, I may wander but when I do,

I will never be far from you.

You're in my blood,

And I know you'll always be.

Arkansas!

You run deep in me."

- Wayland D. Holyfield

Go anywhere in the world that you want to go. See all of the world's sights as you please. Whatever you do, though, good Arkansan, you'll always miss a part of what you'll always call home. There's a certain feeling an Arkansas native gets when driving back from a road trip and seeing the familiar sign at the state line, or when you're flying home into one of the state's airports; you're home again, and it feels good. For those that leave Arkansas permanently, though--there will be certain things you'll miss.

10. Summertime

Summer in Arkansas simply has to be experienced by anybody who loves the outdoors. Some of those who've left our great state for various reasons have dedicated days of summer vacation just to return to Arkansas for time out on the lake or fishing down at a favorite pond. The sun and the weather here during the summer months really give you a feeling that's rare to duplicate anywhere else.

9. The Traffic

If you've driven in nearly any other state, you'll be a lot less angry once you're back on Arkansas roads. I've never been so happy to drive around Arkansas than when I get back from a trip from any big city with a large amount of nutty drivers. Sorry, crowded New York City boroughs. Sorry to the mixed up maze that is Los Angeles. Atlanta, Dallas, you too. (You know it's the truth.) Long live Arkansas roads.

8. The Music

What's so great about Arkansas music is that you can enjoy just about any genre and not be looked at too strangely for it. Whether it's folk, rock, country, or rap, Arkansas has several artists who are really good at their craft. Once you leave the Natural State and are inundated with several indie acts who all have the same adult contemporary radio sound, you'll long for the days of Arkansas live music.

7. The Razorback Nation

How you feeling after this weekend, LSU? When the Razorbacks are good, the Razorback Nation is unforgettably at its finest! Especially if you were born and raised here in Arkansas, you'll always wonder how them Hogs are doing. Even if you move all the way to the West or East Coast, (or even Louisiana,) you'll never forget the Razorback Nation.

6. The State Parks

The state parks here in Arkansas are what tourists especially love about visiting here. Once you leave, you'll feel nostalgic for the verdant beauty of our parks during the summer and the unique winter wonderland that these parks become when we're lucky enough to get a heavy snow. America has a lot of amazing state parks, but there's nothing like the glory we have here.

5. The People

There are nice folks everywhere you go, but there's something special about the cameraderie between Arkansans. Perhaps it's because so many of us have been raised--some of us with great force by Mama, Daddy, and them--to mind our manners and be polite.

4. The Scenery

It's all about the location! Other states have gorgeous locations, yes, but they don't call Arkansas the Natural State just to give it a cool nickname. The best of the beauty all around us here is not man-made, but Heaven sent. You'll always remember a gorgeous place somewhere in Arkansas that stole your heart and brightens your memory.

3. The Prices

Merchandise and property here in Arkansas are so much cheaper than any other place you'll find that it's worth bragging about. It's almost painful to travel to other states and look at gas prices once you've lived in Arkansas. Oh yes, you'll miss paying less once you leave here.

2. The Spirituality

The warm fellowship that you find in an Arkansas church is pretty unique. If you leave you'll surely find another place of worship somewhere that suits you, but you'll never forget the kindness and wonderful people you met while attending an Arkansas church or mingling at a wonderful weekend retreat somewhere in the Natural State with like-minded believers.

1. The Food

Travel anywhere around this great nation, but you'll never find a meal better than a meal you'll find in Arkansas. It's more than just good cooking. When people here put their heart into what they put on the stove or in the oven, you can tell. Plus, our restaurants are just that awesome when it comes to turning Southern comfort food into an art.

There's so much to miss about Arkansas when you leave--even if it's only temporary. Coming home or coming back to visit for a while is a true treat! Leave a comment about what you miss most when you're away from the Natural State, or how it feels after you've made a permanent move.