NORTHWEST ARKANSAS - Things to do pt.1

Just in case you weren't excited enough, here are a few more details on things you can plan on doing while you are in the heart of the Ozarks.  Let the FUN begin...

ARKANSAS INFO    http://www.arkansas.com/ 
NORTHWEST ARKANSAS INFO   http://www.explorenwar.com/


CRYSTAL BRIDGES MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART    http://crystalbridges.org/
Celebrate the American spirit in a setting that unites the power of art with the beauty of nature.  Free admission to this world-class art museum at the current time.  Modern architecture in a wooded setting, with all buildings set in water. 3+ miles of trails wind through the 120 acre site. People from all over the world come here just to enjoy the art.  A must see!

BEAVER LAKE   http://www.arkansas.com/places-to-go/lakes-rivers/lake.aspx?id=1
This 28,000+ acre man-made lake runs along the White River.  Enjoy boating, skiing, fishing, swimming, camping in one of the 12 parks or just plain relaxing.  Zack is ready to take you for a ride on his motor boat where you can wake board or "surf" free-style among other things.  There are a few great spots for the hearty folks to jump off bluffs. (Please, no hospital runs on this vacation.)

BUFFALO RIVER  http://www.arkansas.com/places-to-go/lakes-rivers/rivers/river.aspx?id=2
A 150 mile free-flowing river in the heart of the Ozarks offering swift-running and calm stretches, sand/gravel bars, towering limestone bluffs, woodlands, protected wilderness areas and nature-watching opportunities including deer and elk.  Smallmouth bass is a catch along the river.  Over 100 miles of trails and designated horseback riding areas.

 

WHAT'S YOUR STYLE?
If you have "Browne blood" in you, or are married to a Browne, you probably love architecture and design. Antique, Unique, Retro, Downright Strange... they're all here.  Lots of little shops to explore and dream.  We can let you know just where to go to find that perfect something you can't live without. The area also has a great variation of architecture from Modern to Victorian.  If you hit it just right, you could even attend a local auction and see how you "score".  We have local Farmer Markets in Bentonville, Rogers & Fayetteville on Saturday mornings that you can visit - a taste of "old town" community.

Watch for more "things to do" coming your way.  There will be free time during the That's Alotta Browne Reunion to do some of these activities, but you may want to plan on getting here early or staying after the reunion to enjoy more time in the Ozarks... just sayin'.

FAMILY REUNION 2014: THAT'S ALOTTA BROWNE!
 

Members of the reunion planning committee spent three days in Bentonville, Arkansas visiting reunion activity sites, meeting with lodging managers, making calls to public officials to facilitate our group's goals, and outlining the agenda for Reunion 2014. The result of this visit to Northwest Arkansas was a very positive vibe for our family next July that includes opportunities for relaxation, fun, reacquainting with kin, fun, good eats, fun, cultural enlightenment, fun, spiritual growth, and a little more fun! 

 

THAT'S ALOTTA BROWNE DETAILS - 

• Dates: July 21 to July 26, 2014 
• Place: Bentonville, Arkansas 
• Activites: Each day will find us at a different venue, enjoying the wonders of the Ozarks. 
• Accomodations: Wonderful private rooms with individual baths and a pool. 
• Food: Great variety. No one burdened with excess preparation or clean-up. 
• Family: Opportunities to share the great things that have been happening in our lives...ok, maybe you're like me and can share the mundane things happening in our life :).
• Cost: We are committed to make this event happen for all family members and will work to overcome any obstacle to attendance, including finances or travel. 
• Info: Check in is Monday, July 21st in the afternoon. Check out is Saturday, July 26th late morning. Local airport is XNA (other possibilities include Tulsa, Kansas City or Branson with additional transportation to Bentonville). We will periodically send information updates to keep the excitement flowing!  Also, as costs are finalized, they will be detailed. 
• What Now: Set aside the time to attend. Think about using this as a chance to extend your vacation and visit nearby Church historical sites including: Nauvoo, Carthage, Independence, Liberty, The Temple site, Hans Mill, and others.  Or just enjoy the Ozarks at it's best... canoeing down the Buffalo River, camping at Devil's Den, visit some fun flea markets, antique or retro shops, enjoy a day of hiking in national forests, you get the idea!

 

OK, OK, I can't keep it till later...here is just a sampling of the things to look forward to:

• Beautiful Crystal Bridges Museum of Art and the surrounding parkway
• Mountain biking (lots of trails)
• Water skiing/boarding on Beaver Lake
• Fishing
• Sharing ideas and helpful hints on things from recipes to health and home decorating,
• Family tournament
• Golfing
• Swimming
• Ice skating
• Storytelling at the wooded "Blowing Springs" site of Grandma Browne's book-writing inspiration
• Talent show for those that want to participate
• Christmas in July!

I feel like Charlie Bucket entering Wonka's Chocolate Factory! Later!