This Uncrowded Gem in Arkansas Is the Next Big Thing in Slow Travel

Have you heard of the concept of slow travel? If you have, then maybe you're into it already. If you haven't — there's a good chance that you're going to love it!

Not everyone will love it, though. Travel styles vary, and some people like to go, go, go all the time when they are exploring a new area. For those types of travelers, every moment of a vacation is jam-packed with activities. They try to see and do every single thing there is to do at their destination, and they go home with lots and lots of super fun memories. There's nothing wrong with that. However, people who like that type of travel may find that when they get home, they "need a vacation from their vacation!"

Other people prefer more relaxing vacations, and those are the types of people who will absolutely love the concept of slow travel. Slow travel is a philosophy that emphasizes taking one's time and digging deeply into a place, rather than rushing through it. Time is set aside for deep relaxation and exploring at one's leisure. Slow travelers don't do a lot of planning; they just sit back and let the destination come to them. There is no schedule to follow; they just arrive at their destination and then take each day as it comes.

There's a lot to be said about slow travel! If you're looking for a perfect destination in Arkansas to try it, then you might consider the Murfreesboro area. This small town of just 1,500 residents has zero hustle and bustle. It's home to Crater of Diamonds State Park, which is an excellent place to take it slow.

Arkansas is a wonderful place for slow travel! Anyone who has visited Arkansas will tell you it's a welcoming, friendly, quiet, and laid-back place, and residents and visitors alike enjoy taking it slow.

Murfreesboro and Crater of Diamonds State Park are on the western side of the Natural State, far from any large cities or even medium-sized towns. Even Hot Springs, Arkansas, is over an hour away. You'll love its remoteness.

Crater of Diamonds State Park is the only place in the world where the public can search for real diamonds at their source. The park is 911 acres in size; 37 of those acres are set aside for diamond mining. On average, park visitors find about two diamonds per day, or about 700 per year. Other gems can also be mined here, including amethyst, agate, jasper, garnet, calcite, and others. Visitors are allowed to keep any gemstone they find.

In fact, the largest diamond ever found in the United States was found at this site in 1924. The Uncle Sam diamond weighed 40.23 carats and today, it's on display at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C..

For a small fee, visitors can spend a long, slow day mining for diamonds and other gemstones. The park rents all the equipment that you'll need. Mining by hand takes great patience, so this is a perfect activity for anyone interested in slow travel.

If you tire of mining, you can also take a slow hike around the park. The Prospector Trail is easy, 1.7 miles long, and has only 91 feet of elevation gain.

The Little Missouri River Trail is another fine option in the park. It is just 1.1 miles long and gains only 36 feet of elevation. It winds through the forest and offers views of the Little Missouri River.

After a long, slow, quiet, and relaxing day of mining and hiking easy trails, you might consider staying at a unique Airbnb like Domegaia Dome in nearby Murfreesboro. It sleeps up to three guests in one bedroom and has one bathroom.

It's small but cozy and has everything you'll need for a slow getaway. Enjoy the kitchenette, outdoor seating, river access, and vegetable garden. Sit back with a good book and take in all that western Arkansas has to offer. Or, go into town for a while and take a slow walk on Washington Street, checking out the local shops and restaurants.

Murfreesboro and Crater of Diamonds State Park are the perfect place for you to try your hand at slow travel in Arkansas. You're going to love relaxing and experiencing a new destination in this way. Plan a visit today! You'll love this part of Arkansas, and everything that slow travel is and can be. Have a great, slow trip!