Okay, so you’re no paparazzi, but what do you do when you see a famous person in your hometown? Are you the star-struck type who babbles out compliments and poses for a selfie? Are you the cool and collected type that glances in the celebrities direction and then back to your business as if it’s no big thing? Arkansas has had its share of celebrities pass through and check out all the Natural State has to offer. From Brad Pitt to Reese Witherspoon to Arkie native Billy Bob Thornton, you’ve got a pretty good shot at seeing someone famous around here!
The Old Mill is a popular spot for photography and it's pretty usual when walking around Pugh Memorial Park to see couples or families having portraits taken there, but the location is also popular with filmmakers for its unique 19th century appearance. If you ever see more cameras than usual in the park, keep your eyes open for an actor or actress you might recognize.
The original "star-watcher" site in the Natural State, Hot Springs has always been a hot spot for famous people to come and enjoy the Spa City's equally famous healing waters - for almost a century now. Celebrities who come to Arkansas to work on film projects or host local festivals can be spotted shopping downtown or touring along Bathhouse Row with the rest of us regular folks.
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5. Fayetteville - Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium
College football is king in Arkansas, and if you want to know who made it big and never forgot their roots, check out a Razorback game in Fayetteville sometime soon! Native Arkansan celebrities such as Billy Bob Thornton have been spotted supporting our beloved Hogs on many occasions at home games.
Wakarusa, the annual Arkansas music festival that features independent acts and bands growing in fame, has gained popularity among the young, hip, and famous who have moved on from the big media spectacles that Coachella and Burning Man have become and are seeking out smaller and lesser known festivals to enjoy without paparazzi disturbance. You just may be rubbing shoulders or elbows in the crowd with an indie filmmaker on his way to success in New York City or a guitar player who just signed his first record deal!
Entertainers and celebrities who find their way around the capital city usually pass through the River Market at least once. Keep your eyes open around the restaurants and shops, especially on the day of a big concert. You never know who you might spot having breakfast or lunch!
2. Little Rock - Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport
The celebrities have to enter and depart from somewhere, right? If you're just dying to meet your favorite celebrity and aren't above a little public stalking or if you're just sitting around waiting for your flight and people watching, you'll eventually see a famous person walking through the airport.
Celebrities were a big part of this year's Shareholder Meeting, as Reese Witherspoon, Mariah Carey, Carol Burnett, and Ricky Martin were on hand in Bentonville in June to show support for America's best-known shopping center. Don't be surprised to see even more stars each summer over the years to come in Bentonville's annual meeting - the easy publicity associated with Walmart is good for these famous folks!
There are still many more places and opportunities to meet someone famous in the Natural State. Numerous conventions and fairs feature nationally-known names. Bookstores often feature book-signings that often turn into comfortable meet and greets. Get out around Arkansas and have a few conversations – you’ll find out where someone famous will be soon enough!
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