11 Amazing Arkansas Secrets You Never Knew Existed

Unless one is blessed enough to live here, there is a chance you might not know of the secret things about Arkansas. These are fun, fancy, creative, and often off-the-wall-places of which out-of-towners are usually unaware. Once you check out these attractions and locations, consider yourself enlightened about what's going on in the Natural State. Then you will know things only people from Arkansas know.

11. Arkansas knows how to party, especially at the clubs.

Nightlife isn't as quiet as some would expect. Clubs like Discovery Night Club in Little Rock, established 1979, is one of the longest-running nightclubs in the country. This is one of Arkansas' favorite places to party on Saturday nights. And Eureka Live Underground in Eureka Springs, makes sure party animals have a place to go wild. This is a diverse dance club with crazy hats and hula hoops, and a large dancefloor. The inside bar is still a smoking establishment. Eureka Live's Sidewalk Café opens at 11 a.m. Wednesday through Sunday, and the downstairs club opens at 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Check out the website for specials and happy hours.

10. The comic conventions are lively experiences.

A number of comic and sci-fi conventions are held annually around the Natural State. These are events that bring celebrities, comics fans, creators, and vendors together to learn more about the industry, go to parties, meet like-minded people, and participate in discussions about comics. A couple you don't want to miss are the Arkansas Comic Con, in Little Rock, and the Fort Smith Comic Con. Check out their websites for the latest schedules and the exciting guests.

9. You can see pro wrestlers get their starts.

Arkansas is always looking for its next "Psycho" or "Sid Vicious." Arkansas Wrestling Academy is an instructional program creating the best wrestlers out of Arkansas' youth. Coach Pat Smith, 4x NCAA Champion, leads the instruction at the facility. And Arkansas Warthawgs Wrestling Academy has produced the 2020 and 2022 Youth State Team Champions.

8. You'll find bikers with hearts of gold all around Arkansas.

It's not all "Sons of Anarchy" when you're on a motorcycle. Club members who ride around Arkansas are very active with charity work and ministering to those in need. These are definitely fine people to know. Visit the Arkansas State Listing of Clubs and Riding Organizations to find out more about regional runs and events near you.

7. Check out Gravity Hill in Helena.

6. Dine with your date in a romantic, authentic Italian restaurant.

Ermilio's Italian Home Cooking, located in beautiful Eureka Springs, is an excellent place to have a romantic evening and delicious entrees made from recipes from the Old Country.

5. You can get married in the most beautiful barns in the South here.

Rustic weddings are popular in Arkansas, and beautiful locations like Alda’s Magnolia Hill, in Little Rock, provide memorable and uniquely lovely settings for a bride and groom.

4. Experience the charm of the Hillcrest Historic District.

Many think Little Rock's south of Main Street district — the River Market area — is where it's at for a good time out. Don't forget — before there was the River Market, there was Hillcrest. This district is alive with Little Rock history as well as a lively nightlife scene with restaurants and live music. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This area has been coined "Heart of Little Rock" by the Hillcrest Residents Association, because the area is located almost directly in the center of the city.

3. Baker Park in Cammack Village offers lots of fun.

This is another charming location in Little Rock, with a long history in the city. Summers in the Village are especially fun. Take the kids to Baker Park or swim at the Cammack Village pool.

2. Watch live performances at Arkansas Public Theatre.

The Victory Theatre, designed by architect A.O. Clarke, opened in December 1927. After several renovations as a movie and vaudeville theater, it closed up in the early 1970s. In 2008, the City of Rogers purchased the theater, which now presents Broadway-caliber productions with volunteer actors, directors, designers and technicians from the area.

1. Don't forget to witness the inspiring elegance of the Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel.

Discover these secret things about Arkansas. Have fun around the Natural State finding out about new places. The rest of America should be so lucky to have such a diverse number of attractions, things only people from Arkansas know. It is also home to some of the country's best scenic locations.