A note about the featured image: You may recall we recently made the decision to no longer build fires directly on gravel bars, choosing instead to use a fire pan. This photo precedes that decision, but we love it, and it gives us an opportunity to point out that adventure the right way is a constantly evolving quest.

Fellow adventurers, it’s the most wonderful time of the year! No, not that most wonderful time of the year. The dressing’s not even on the table yet for Pete’s sake. Allow me to explain. Some of you might find the Arkansas Adventuregram crew a little odd. We love spring and summer, but our favorite time to adventure is NOW. To be fair, our favorite time to adventure is always now, but I refer specifically to the now that is the end of the year, when shadows are long and fires are big. This is when we’re very likely to be found camped on a gravel bar. In fact, we’ll be doing just that immediately after Turkey Day (as soon as the Tryptophan coma wears off). We also experience more intense yearnings to ramble, either on two feet or four wheels (or sometimes both in one day). If you’re looking to surrender to the urge to get out and adventure in the waning days of 2019 here are some unique opportunities.

Casqui Foods, November 23rd at Parkin Archaeological State Park

Join interpreters for a look at ancient inhabitants’ cuisine and even sample some of what they ate.

Dutch Oven Feast, November 23rd at Crowley’s Ridge State Park

Interested in Dutch Oven cooking? Here is a chance to fully immerse yourself. During this workshop, participants will get the full experience of Dutch Oven cooking including prepping the ovens, cooking and eating, and then learning the important steps in cleaning and storing these historic cooking vessels. A menu will be available closer to the workshop.

The First Arkansas Thanksgiving, November 23rd at Jacksonport State Park

Learn all about The Natural State’s first Turkey Day at this event.

Overlook Hike, November 23rd at Lake Ouachita State Park

Enjoy lake Ouachita views on a guided hike along the Caddo Bend Trail to the scenic Point 50 overlook.

Hiking Through the Legacy of the CCC, November 23rd at Devil’s Den State Park

We owe many of the facilities in our state parks and national forests to a fascinating  chapter in our nation’s story. Fellow adventurers, I’m talking about the Civilian Conservation Corps. They built so much of what we take for granted during our Arkansas adventures. Join Devil’s Den State Park guides on a hike through the CCC’s legacy this weekend.

Green Friday

Green Friday is kind of like Black Friday, only instead of embracing traffic, high blood pressure and tussles over the last $100 Xbox one can opt to do something worthwhile instead.

For example, have you ever been curious about mountain biking? Head to Lake Fort Smith State Park. Looking for something a little more challenging? Stick around for The Gobble Grinder.

Or, how about a relaxed but engaging mix of activities for everyone? Lake Dardanelle State Park has you covered.

There are all sorts of activities ranging from short presentations to Eagle Stake-outs to full day hikes on tap for Green Friday. Just shake off the Green Bean Casserole and choose your adventure.

The Camping Trip That Cares

We would also love to see you at The Camping Trip That Cares presented by our friends at Dome Life and The Nature Conservancy. It’s an overnight camp-out followed by a clean-up the next day. You’ll find us there at the William Kirsch Preserve in the Ranch North Woods enjoying the company of fellow adventurers and loving on a very special urban oasis.

If you plan to join us, and we hope you do, here are a few things you need to know. There will be a guided hike Saturday afternoon so come prepared for that. The Clean-Up will take place in a wooded and marshy area which means rain gear and rubber boots will not be excessive. For those inclined to focus their clean-up efforts on the river boats will be available.

Dinner Saturday night and breakfast Sunday morning will be provided, and camping space is limited. You know what that means – RSVP. Also, so we won’t have to burden Ma Nature with more waste please plan to bring your own plate, cup, bowl and utensils – that is if you want to partake of the provided chili and Dutch Oven desserts. Of course if you don’t want chili and Dutch Oven desserts, well, that’s more for us. The information you need, including how to obtain more of it and RSVP, is right below the pretty pretty Cypress trees above this missive.  

Most Wonderful Adventures

Are you more of a self-guided adventurer? Now is an excellent time to enjoy camping on our lakes, rivers and trails. Temps are cool but not too cool (provided you have the requisite gear). Ticks, chiggers and skeeters have moved on to their everlasting reward, and with leaf-off approaching things previously unseen are now, well, seen. There’s also more room to roam now that exclusively warm weather adventurers have retreated to their recliners.

Consider a float camping excursion or an overnight hike. If you’re not ready to commit to multiple days there are countless opportunities to spend one night in a campground then the second night on the trail or water. This is an excellent way to get a feel for the different options available to help you up your adventure game. Do you have perhaps have the adventure spirit but no adventure crew? We can help with that!  Chances are if you’re short on gear you’ll even find someone more than happy to fill in your gaps for a trip.

Friends, we’ve said it before and we’ll say it again. For every suggestion here there are many more opportunities to experience the epic adventure wonderland that is Arkansas. Go do it. Maybe we’ll…

See you out there!