Ozark Gateway Region, Arkansas’ premier vacation destination located in the pristine beauty of the Ozark Mountains, is reminding families to book early for spring break and also announcing its top spring vacation ideas.
“With autumn behind us and the cold, dark days of winter just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to start making vacation plans for spring. And as Arkansas’ premier vacation destination, Ozark Gateway Region is the cure for spring fever!” says Cathy Drew, executive director at OzarkGateway.com. “With fun activities for all ages, families will have a blast exploring the many exciting wonders of the Ozark Gateway Region.”
Situated in one of the state’s most beautiful settings, Ozark Gateway Region is popular with both locals and visitors from neighboring Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Oklahoma, and Missouri. In 2012, close to one million tourists visited the Ozark Gateway region, spending $221.8 million in total travel expenditures, making it one of the state’s most popular tourist destinations. (Source: “Annual Report Summary 2012,” Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism web site; www.arkansas.com/!userfiles/editor/docs/apt-annual-report-financials-2012.pdf, last accessed November 29, 2013.)
“Plan a spring vacation in this celebrated corner of Arkansas and enjoy the early appearance of wildflowers and warm weather,” Drew adds. “Spring is well underway in mid-March, where the average minimum temperature is a mild 43.2 degrees and the average maximum temperature is a balmy 62.7 degrees—the ideal temperature and time of year to enjoy the beautiful scenery and to take part in the region’s many indoor and outdoor activities.” (Source: “Weather in Arkansas,” Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism web site; www.arkansas.com/travel-tools/weather-in-arkansas/, last accessed November 29, 2013.)
According to Drew, some of the Ozark Gateway Region’s most popular activities include trophy fishing, canoeing, kayaking, rafting, horseback riding, hiking, rock climbing, zip lines, and tree top adventures. With six fun state parks, spring in the Ozark Gateway Region is ideal for camping, exploring Blanchard Springs Caverns, and taking scenic drives along the many winding roads that intersect and connect the region.
For those who enjoy golfing, Drew says, there are a variety of excellent courses. There is the Batesville Municipal Golf Course; the new 18-hole championship course, The Course at EagleMountain; Cooper’s Hawk Golf Course, voted the #1 public course in Arkansas in 2012 and 2013; and The Golf Course on TurkeyMountain, located in beautiful Horseshoe Bend and home to the 2010 LPGA Legends Tour. CherokeeVillage also provides two outstanding courses, The North Course and the South Course; the South Course was ranked as the second-best golf facility in Arkansas by Golf Digest, which remarked on its great design, terrific staff, and friendly atmosphere.
“Ozark Gateway Region is the perfect travel destination for anyone looking to relax or recharge their batteries after a long winter,” Drew concludes. “Whether visitors want to enjoy fine dining, a round of golf, canoeing, hiking, camping, or the area’s many museums, galleries, or events, everything is close by!”
Recognized as one of Arkansas’ most popular vacation spots, Ozark Gateway Region is the perfect online destination for those looking to enjoy the area’s southern hospitality. The Ozark Gateway Region web site is filled with information about the region’s attractions, points of interest, recreation and tourism sights, lodging, dining, maps and year-round cultural events. Visit the Ozark Gateway Region web site or call 800-264-0316 for more information.
