Here Are The 14 Worst Mistakes Tourists Make While Visiting Arkansas

We’ve talked about tourists before, (bless their hearts,) but how can we help them do the right thing while they’re visiting Arkansas? How can they see all they should and fit in like a local when all we do is "bless their hearts" and occasionally scowl when they do something really weird like call a coke "soda" or "pop"? Well, here are 14 tips we can share with our out-of-town friends. Whether they’re staying for a weekend or a good, long summer stretch, these definite don’ts should help them make good choices, great memories and maybe a few new friends.

1. They make fun of our accents.

Y’all best be calmin’ down 'bout dialect.

2. They stick to touristy attractions and ignore everything else.

Please do visit Thorncrown Chapel in Eureka Springs, but also check out St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church.

3. They ignore small towns in favor of larger cities.

If you’re missing small towns, you’re missing the best of Arkansas.

4. They don’t explore our wild places.

If you’re not out in nature in the Natural State, you’re doing it wrong.

5. They believe the stereotypes about Arkansans.

Let’s just get this straight: we can call ourselves hillbillies or rednecks or hicks, but you can’t. No. Just no.

6. They think they're allowed to make jokes about Arkansas, in Arkansas, while surrounded by Arkansans.

We can make jokes about our state. You best not even think about it.

7. They can’t believe we’re educated or even that most of us graduated from high school.

In 2013, the high school graduation rate in Arkansas was 84.9%. That’s better than Oregon, Minnesota, Michigan, Nevada, New York...well, you get it.

8. They expect to find a lack of culture.

We like art so much we have festivals where artists paint otters on our buildings.

9. They complain about all the fried food.

Just...try it. Suspend your health concerns for just a minute. Arkansas is not a good place to visit when you are on a diet.

10. They expect directions to include “turn left” instead of “turn west.”

It’s not hard. West is where the sun sets and if you turn your ear that way you can almost hear the faint voices of all those poor Oklahomans wishing they lived in a cool state like Arkansas.

11. They disrespect our beloved Razorbacks.

See this van? This van knows how to behave.

12. They’re impolite.

This vandal gets it. Apologize, say thank you, hold doors for people, smile at strangers and don’t take the last frozen waffles in the grocery store without looking really guilty.

13. They look confused when a stranger talks to them.

Look, we don’t want anything. We’re just nice.

14. They don’t wear sunscreen or bug repellent.

Poor, poor scorched and itchy tourists.

For ways to spot a tourist in Arkansas, you should read this article.

If you're planning a trip to Arkansas and in need of a list of things you should do that aren't touristy, this list is perfect for you.