Posted in Arkansas
November 23, 2016
11 Reasons No One Should Ever Underestimate Arkansas
When it comes to being underestimated, there’s probably no state in the union more maligned than Arkansas. After all, there’s even a meme about us that says “because even Alabama needs an understudy.” You’d think they’d say that about somewhere like West Virginia or Oklahoma or something, but no, it’s Arkansas. Poor ole Arkansas. Well, I’ve collected 11 reasons why those underestimations are patently false. Arkansas is undeniably awesome, and these 11 reasons prove that anyone who thinks we’re any state’s understudy is making a serious mistake.
During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.
[insert ALL the eye rolls here]
From rice to soy beans to literal tons of delicious chicken, agriculture is strong and growing stronger in the Natural State.
If you take a poll, you’ll find most Arkansans have been on a little adventure called a “float trip.” That’s because we know how to let our natural spaces soothe away our stress.
Bentonville's Crystal Bridges is a world class art museum, Fort Smith’s downtown area is covered in murals and installations, Little Rock is home to some gorgeous galleries, and that’s just what’s happening in the visual arts. Arkansas is home to some amazing theater companies and you’d be hard pressed to find a county without a few impressive musicians hanging around. The Natural State is home to great art, and you can find that art just about anywhere.
Atop Petit Jean Mountain you’ll find more than exceptional views of the Arkansas wild. The Winthrop Rockefeller Institute is an educational institute and conference center committed to giving great minds a place to find solutions for global problems.
Heifer International, located in Perryville, is a place devoted entirely to global issues of poverty. They’re combating worldwide hunger by focusing on sustainable farming practices and helping global communities in tangible, proactive ways.
Johnny Cash, Maya Angelou, John Grisham, and so many others. You’re welcome, America.
But seriously. We do.
Arkansas is one of the most generous states in the union. That is a statistical fact.
If you built a fence around Arkansas, we’d have plenty of food and lots of water. Good folks, too.
If you want to find someone strong-minded, have a conversation with just about any Arkansan or Arkansawyer you can find. There may be something to the “hillbilly” stereotype after all. It can’t all be bad, right? We’re plucky, we solve problems, and we never back down when it really counts.
No matter what tragedy strikes, Arkansans are ready and willing to help each other through.
To see reasons why Arkansas is the best state, click here. For more amazing facts you probably don’t know about the Natural State, read this one.
