“Exploring Arkansas” – Feb. 2017
AETN Engage
- Posted by
- Chuck Dovish
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From a cast iron cook off and driving along the Pig Trail Scenic Byway to hiking the Black Fork Mountain Trail and learning about the pioneers who farmed the Grand Prairie of Eastern Arkansas, it’s all in the next edition of “Exploring Arkansas,” airing Wednesday, Feb. 1, at 6:30 p.m.
Cooking with cast ironware or a Dutch oven has quite the history – well, ever since iron was cast. American pioneers cooked with it, even the famous explorers Lewis and Clark cooked with cast iron as they explored America. Every first weekend in November, at the Dogwood Hills Guest Farm near Harriet, folks from all over gather for the annual Cast Iron Cook Off. And, believe you me, some of the scrumptious dishes that are put out during this event alone are worth the drive – even if you don’t participate and just want to watch!
The Pig Trail Scenic Byway, north of Ozark, has been referred to as possibly the most scenic stretch of road in Arkansas. And once you take a drive along the 19 miles of the route through the Ozark National Forest, you’ll agree that it truly is hard to beat. From 180-degree, panoramic, scenic overlooks to crossing the Mulberry River, every bend in the road has something to offer. That’s especially true if you make the drive in autumn!
Black Fork Mountain, northwest of Mena, is tied with nearby Poteau Mountain as the third tallest peak in the state. Hiking the Black Fork Mountain Trail in the Black Fork Mountain Wilderness offers exceptional beauty and solitude. Officially designated as a national wilderness in 1984, a stone marker commemorates the late U.S. Senator Dale Bumpers for his outstanding contribution to wilderness areas in Arkansas. The trail crosses railroad tracks and, if you happen to be taking the hike while a train is passing by, it’s quite the scene as it makes its way through the mountain pass.
If you want to learn about the history of agriculture and the pioneers who farmed the Grand Prairie, an excellent place to visit is the Museum of the Arkansas Grand Prairie in Stuttgart. Here you’ll find ten thousand authentic artifacts and early farming equipment showing how the prairie farmers lived, worked and played. There’s even a waterfowl wing where you can experience the history of duck hunting in Arkansas. Along with all the buildings outside, this is really a remarkable, award-winning museum. So don’t miss this brand new edition of “Exploring Arkansas” Feb. 1!
TUNE IN:
Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017
“Exploring Arkansas,” 6:30 p.m.
