Chuck’s Blog — “Exploring Arkansas” April 2017
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If you’ve never seen a bald eagle in the wild, let me share a little secret with you: at Lake Dardanelle State Park in Russellville, if you don’t see at least one eagle on one of their eagle outings, then you can come along with us on one of our exploring shoots.
The reason why I’m so confident that you’ll see an eagle is that unlike other places, which rely on migrating eagles, on Lake Dardanelle there are nesting eagles. That means that, come February, they don’t split and go back up north. – So, the chances of you seeing one are pretty darn good!
South of Berryville at Pension Mountain, there’s a really neat hike you can take to a scenic area called Johnson Spring Preserve, which at one time served as Berryville’s gravity-fed water supply. The hike is less than a quarter-of-a-mile along some really impressive rock bluffs. Then, once you get to Johnson Spring itself, the Native American bluff shelter and the spring make up quite the site, to say the least. There’s also a great overlook of the valley, looking towards Berryville. By all means, bring a sack lunch to enjoy there! Just up from the trailhead, off to the right, is another neat treasure: the old Pension Mountain schoolhouse, dating back to the early 1900s.
Northwest of Pocahontas near Dalton happens to be the oldest log structure in the state: the Rice-Upshaw House, built in 1828. That’s one year earlier than the Wolf House in Norfork. Restoration on the house was completed in 2011. The Rice-Upshaw House was built as a 19th century trade center. It now serves as a 21st century education center, operated by Black River Technical College.
If you’re a tamale fan, then Rhoda’s Famous Hot Tamales in Lake Village is a place you need to visit! It all started about 60 years ago, and Rhoda ain’t about to quit! No, sir! In fact, there’s plenty of soul food on the menu, as well. Now, I have to tell you, the place may not look like much on the outside. Ahh, but on the INSIDE is a whole lotta tamale love! So, just how good are these tamales? Well, let me say, the drive to Lake Village for the tamales alone is well worth it. But you won’t want to stop there! Check it out Wednesday, April 5, at 6:30 p.m.
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Wednesday, April 5, 2017
“Exploring Arkansas,” 6:30 p.m.
