Sales of NW Arkansas Homes Mostly Up for 2013

For the first 11 months of 2013, the number of homes sold in in Benton and Washington Counties was up 17.36%. That’s the best rate in all of Arkansas. Thinking back only two years to the dismal 2011 real estate market makes it look exceptionally good.

The number of homes sold increased, the median sales price expanded, and the total value of homes sold rose. The average number of days on the market decreased.

For some reason not yet fully explained, sales throughout Arkansas dipped in November 2013. Rising interest rates may have been partially to blame. Consumer confidence was shaken due to the government shutdown in October and uncertainties about the rollout of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

The December sales figures are not yet available.

Seems like a majority of real estate professionals predict mortgage interest rates will increase in 2014. My crystal ball is out for repair so I’m not weighing in on the subject right now. I do know though, that as interest rates increase, buyers are generally forced to buy a less costly home in order to keep their payments affordable.

Get more NWA housing market information .

USA’s National Emblem (Bald Eagle) Alive and Well in NW Arkansas

The majestic American Bald Eagle, symbol of the strength and long life of United States, migrates every year to winter and raise young in NW Arkansas. With a wing span of seven feet, eagles can fly at speeds up to 30 MPH and dive at 100 MPH. Truly an awesome sight.

Males and females look alike and both sexes work hard to raise their young. They mate for life and build huge nests to which they return year after year. They refurbish and enlarge their nests over time to the point that some become as large as an automobile.

We are lucky in NW Arkansas to be able to see bald eagles (which are not actually bald) from October to February. Beaver Lake is undoubtedly the largest lake in the area and has the most eagles, but sightings occur on other lakes and reservoirs. Eagles have even been seen soaring over roadways or near chicken houses where I presume they hope to find a dead chicken.

The easiest and surest way to see bald eagles and their nests is the Eagle Cruise. For only $10/adult or $5/child (kids under 6 ride free), you can take advantage of a 90-minute pontoon-boat cruise on Beaver Lake. An interpretative guide goes along to take you to the optimum locations for success and answer questions as well.

Reservations are required so call Hobbs State Park at 479-789-5000 or stop by the Visitor Center. This could be a great field trip, not only for families with children but for anyone interested in one of our great natural resources in NW Arkansas.

Benton County Among the Best in the Country for Employment Growth

Who would have guessed that among thousands of counties in the United States, Benton County, Arkansas, would be in second place for employment? It’s true according to CreditDonkey, a credit card comparison website that publishes various data-driven analyses.

The CreditDonkey study primarily looked at employment growth, wage growth, and improving unemployment rates during the twelve months March 2012 to 2013.

San Mateo County, California was the only county ahead of Benton County. Falling behind Benton County were counties in the Denver, Atlanta, and Seattle metropolitan areas among others. That’s enough to make some of us long-time residents overjoyed. It is always exhilarating to learn that outsiders concur with what we’ve known all along.

During the study period, employment growth in the U.S. grew slightly more than 1.6%. Wage growth in Benton County increased 2.7%.

Wage growth in Benton County increased a whopping 14.3% to an average weekly pay of $1,339. San Mateo County was only one-half of one-percent ahead at 14.8%. The next best rate after Benton County was Loudoun County, Virginia, in the Washington, D. C. area at 2.4% and that’s not even close.

During the same time, average U.S. weekly wages grew by 0.6%, or $6, resulting in an average U.S. paycheck of $989.

Benton County’s unemployment rate also moves in the right direction. In January 2013, the U.S. rate unemployment rate was 7.9% and Benton County’s rate was 6%.  As of August 2013, Benton County’s rate had fallen to 5.4% and the U.S. rate was still above 7%.

Good things are happening all the time in beautiful Northwest Arkansas.

New Year Good News for Local Charities

As we pass from the season of giving into the new year it seems appropriate to take note of some great news for local charities.

The 2013 Bikes, Blues and BBQ Motorcycle Rally back in September was a big success in all respects. Held each fall in Fayetteville, the goal of the rally has always been to provide family-friendly entertainment and raise funds for local charities at the same time. As the many events have caused venues to spread to surrounding areas, the charitable giving has spread as well.

This year’s donations total $105,000, a $15,000 increase from 2012. There is a long list of recipients. The largest donation, $28,000, was given to Northwest Arkansas Economic Development district and it included $5,000 for Meals on Wheels program in Fayetteville.

Next largest donation was $20,000 to Fayetteville Boys and Girls Club.

Several $5,000 checks were given to other local groups including Northwest Arkansas Free Health Center; Peace at Home Family Shelter; and LifeStyles, Inc. which helps people with disabilities reach their full potential within the community

Single Parent Scholarship Fund of NWA and Sheriff Ralph Baker Memorial Scholarship Fund also received donations.

I’m not going to take space here to list every recipient but all are worthwhile organizations that work hard to make life better for many people in our area.

Thanks to the organizers, participants, and visitors to Bikes, Blues and BBQ. Hope 2014 is even more successful.

NW Arkansas Razorback Greenway Comes to Life

Years of planning and millions of dollars are bringing the Razorback Greenway close to completion. The result will be 36 interconnected miles of paved trails reaching from south Fayetteville to Bella Vista. Untold miles of side trails will carry users to the Razorback.

Between the two cities mentioned, the trail will run through Johnson, Springdale, Rogers, and Bentonville.

A $15 million grant from the U.S. Transportation Department’s Investment Generating Economic Recovery Fund was offered if an equal amount in matching funds could be raised. The Walton Family Foundation, a longtime supporter of trails and greenways, pledged $15 million to make the grant possible. Additionally, the Walton Family Foundation gave approximately $8 million to hire a planning and design team early in the formation process to ensure overall guidance. Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department and many of the six affected cities also provided funding.

The Razorback Greenway connects the University of Arkansas, several hospitals and schools, NW Arkansas’ big three headquarters (Wal-Mart, Tyson, and J.B. Hunt), parks and playgrounds, art and entertainment venues and much more. People will have increased opportunities to bike to jobs and use the trail for lunchtime exercise.

Some people might question the feasibility of spending so much money on trails. Yes, it’s true highways and secondary roads are needed. It’s also true that not everyone bikes, walks or runs for exercise and enjoyment.

However, the reality is that the Razorback Greenway will be a major economic boon to Northwest Arkansas. In fact, the boon has started. A few cafes and bicycle shops were the first to open businesses along the trail. That’s only natural.

Visitors are already coming to NW Arkansas to take advantage of the trail, the beauty of the Ozarks, and the friendliness of our people. When they come here, they bring money with them to spend for restaurants, lodging, recreation, and shopping. Studies show proximity to trails and open space increases property values and marketability of homes.

Need I even mention the health benefits achieved by local residents using the trail to bike, walk, and jog? Having opportunities to be outside and enjoying nature improves mental health as well. Build an accessible and safe greenway and people will use it.

Some estimates run as high as $100 million in increased revenue for NW Arkansas. I have to question how that can be determined at this early stage. But I am confident economic benefits, including job creation, will increase to a major degree. It has happened in other cities across the nation. It will happen here.

For more information:

Official Website

Map

University of Arkansas--Growing and Getting Better All the Time

Fayetteville is on many ‘best places’ lists and part of what contributes to the quality of life here is the presence of the University of Arkansas. Academic accolades, awards, grant money and high rankings in many areas have been pouring in. Turns out Razorback sports are not the only reason the U of A shines. (But let’s face it, Razorback sports are a major force here.)

In terms of enrollment, U of A is the 13^th fastest growing public research university in the country. Fall 2013 semester preliminary student count is more than 25,300 students. An earlier goal was to reach 25,000 students by 2021, in time to celebrate its sesquicentennial.

The number of minority students is also increasing. A recent count showed about 4,500 minority students enrolled, an 80% increase since 2008.

Approximately $450 million has been spent since 2011 to renovate, expand and build facilities to keep up with growth. It’s nice to see the impressive results as the scaffolding, fences, and temporary detours come down. No matter where one looks, it seems there’s no end to ‘new’ category: classrooms, enlarged dining facilities, dorms and off-campus housing to name a few.

The best part of all is that quality has not been comprised to accommodate growth. Indeed, the university’s reputation is also growing.

Millions of dollars in grants have been awarded to U of A by Dept. of Defense, National Science Foundation, Dept. of Energy and others.

New tenure track and non-tenure track positions have been added.

As U of A continues to grow, so does NW Arkansas. Adding more jobs, homes, businesses, and schools all contribute to the vibrancy of our communities.

Way to go Hogs!

For more information on some of these achievements:

U of A-In Top 15 Public Research Universities

More Students-More Classrooms-Less Construction

Bumpers College in Top 100

Walton College of Business Among Top 30 Business Schools

Bikes, Blues and BBQ – September 18-21, 2013 -- in Fayetteville

The huge BBBQ motorcycle rally is coming to beautiful Fayetteville, Arkansas, again—and soon. In fact, it is one week earlier than usual this year. Be sure your calendar is marked for September 18-21. BBBQ has become one of the premier rallies in the country. Hundreds of thousands of folks participate and watch whether they have a bike or not.

Music starts at 4 p.m., Wednesday, September 18^th and doesn’t stop until midnight Saturday. Even then the festivities continue with the Miss BBB contest.

If you want an earlier start for great music, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Blackberry Smoke will be performing at a pre-rally on Thursday, September 12^th at the AMP (Arkansas Music Pavilion) located at Washington County Fairgrounds.

The Fairgrounds is the official campground for the BBBQ rally. There you will find Beer Gardens, free music, and the barbecue contest on Friday. Free shuttle service is offered to all the Dickson Street action.

There are special events for women such as “trying on” a Harley or Yamaha. Other activities you won’t want to miss include a car show featuring customs, street rods, and vintage vehicles. Two Poker Runs will be sponsored by Fayetteville Fire Fighters. The Stokes Air Bike Show will showcase more types of bikes than most of us can imagine.

And the Parade of Power is usually incredible (you might want to bring some ear protection).

Since the first BBQ rally was held in 2000, more than $600,000 has been raised and donated to local charities. This year is no different. All proceeds will be donated to organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, NWA Free Health Clinic, Fayetteville Boys and Girls Club, Horses for Healing and many more.

It’s fair to say there is something for everyone. Music, food, sights to see, and beautiful weather join together to make the rally memorable. BBBQ has always prided itself on being family friendly so bring the kids and enjoy your time together.

For more information:

Official Website

Events Schedule (be sure to scroll down to see events already scheduled)

Official Blog with information about the Pre-Rally Party

Pig Trail Named #2 on Discovery.com’s List of Top Ten Motorcycle Rides in North America

If you’ve ever been sightseeing in NW Arkansas, chances are you have driven the Pig Trail. It’s a truly scenic section of Hwy. 23, between Brashears on the north end and Ozark on the south end. It can be easily accessed from Hwy. 16 in southeast Fayetteville or from Ozark on I-40. 

Hwy 23 continues north to Missouri and south towards Little Rock but the section known as the Pig Trail is less than 20 miles long. It features curves of all shapes and sizes with inclines and declines to hold your interest. The flowering trees in spring and beautiful fall foliage are awesome. You’ll see the Mulberry River, Boston Mountains and Ozark National Forest.  The trail is paved and virtually devoid of commercial development.

Though the Pig Trail is well known in these parts, it’s interesting to note that The Discovery Channel has recently named the trail #2 on its list of Top 10 Motorcycle Rides in all of North America. That is something to brag about.

I think Bikes, Blues and BBQ Festival held in Fayetteville each September has brought more publicity to the trail. Hundreds of thousands people converge on NWA and surely many of them carried stories back home about our Pig Trail.

I’ll be writing more about Bikes, Blues and BBQ around the end of August or first week in September. Mark your calendar for September 18-21 if you want to reserve the dates. (It's a week earlier this year).

Moreinformation on the Pig Trail

One biker’s review

And in the "quality of life" department--check my other blog for more details on new kudos awarded to Fayetteville by Livability.com: #9 college town and #8 barbecue. 

Get Ready for Shopping this Weekend: Arkansas State Sales Tax Holiday August 3-4 Only

Heads up everyone. Whether you have a child in school or not, you can purchase a multitude of items without paying sales tax for two days only: Saturday and Sunday, August 3-4, 2013. If you want best selection without a crowd, you can start at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday. The 48-hour “Sales Tax Holiday” ends at 11:59 p.m. Sunday, August 4.

This is the second year Arkansas has declared this sales tax holiday. Last year was highly successful and saved residents a considerable amount of money. I’m happy to tell you a little more here so you do not miss out on this opportunity.

The sales tax holiday is primarily meant for back-to-school supplies and clothing. However, the categories are so broad, people from all walks of life can avail themselves for two days of buying without sales tax added on.

All Arkansas retailers are required by law to observe the sales tax holiday.

Here’s a partial list of eligible purchases:

·         All the usual school supplies, including calculators and art supplies, without limit.

·         All clothing, footwear, underwear, coats and jackets, swimsuits, up to $100 per item.

·         Diapers, disposable and non-disposable.

·         Jewelry, handbags, briefcases, sunglasses, accessories, hair notions, cosmetics, up to $50 per item.

·         Wedding apparel, up to $100 per item.

Get your shopping lists prepared. This bonanza will not be back for a whole year!

Rules, lists of eligible and non-eligible items, and examples are available here:

To access this document, you will need to download Adobe Reader if you do not already have it. 

Four NW Arkansas Schools Make List of Top High Schools in Country

There are approximately 20,000 to 25,000 public high schools in America. I have to use the word ‘approximately’ because no matter which source I referenced I found no current, accurate statistics. Oh well, most folks don’t like statistics anyway. The point is, there are a lot of high schools.

Newsweek and The Daily Beast have recently published their annual list of best high schools in the country; that is to say, the best schools in preparing students to enter college. Their goal was to find the top 2,000 schools. To accomplish that, they analyzed data submitted by 2,500 schools. (All public high schools were eligible to submit data.)

The good news is that Arkansas has twelve high schools ranked in the top 2,000. Northwest Arkansas has four schools in the elite group:

#      83 Haas Hall Academy, Fayetteville
#    799 Fayetteville High School
#    915 Bentonville High School
# 1,757 Pea Ridge High School

I feel it is important to note that all four schools are open enrollment, not selective as is the case with some other schools listed in the top 2,000. The highest ranking Arkansas school was the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences and the Arts in Hot Springs, at number 13.

Here is the complete list of top ranking high schools in the US.

Veterans Day

Whether you’re old enough to recall November 11 as Armistice Day or young enough to know it only as National Veterans Day is not the point. What truly matters is that we take time from our busy lives to pay tribute to all the men and women who have served our country.

Please consider honoring all our veterans, living or dead, at a ceremony near you. I’ve listed some below. Be sure to check dates and times:

Veterans Health Care System of the Ozarks (aka VA Hospital) Fayetteville. The annual Veterans Day Ceremony will be held on Friday, November 9, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. in the auditorium of Building 3. It will feature the National Anthem, presentation of the colors by U of A ROTC, patriotic music by Fayetteville High School Band, placing of the Memorial Wreath and a speaker. The public is encouraged to attend. Northwest Arkansas Veterans Day Parade, Fayetteville Square, Sunday, November 11. Parade starts at 4:30 pm from 401 West Mountain Street and ends at 5:30 pm at 303 West Center.

Rogers, Saturday, November 10. Events begin at 9:30 am at Pig Trail Harley-Davidson, 2409 West Hudson Road Rogers and include a parade. Donations from this event will benefit Disabled American Veterans.

Springdale, Sunday, November 11. NW Arkansas Veterans Day Parade begins on Emma Street at 2:30 pm. After that, everyone is invited to a free concert called “Bellows, Brass, and Bells!” from 4:00 pm to 5:15 pm at First United Methodist Church, 206 W. Johnson Avenue, Springdale. Red, white and blue cookies will be served.

Next Weekend is Craft Fair Weekend in NW Arkansas

Come join the throngs of vendors and buyers at arts and crafts extravaganzas throughout NW Arkansas next week, October 17 - 21. But don’t wait until the last minute because the best items will already be gone.


These shows attract people from hundreds of miles away and from surrounding states. Each year the shows grow larger and new vendors vie for available slots to show and sell their handmade, unique items. It’s estimated some 200,000 people will flock here next weekend – and the weather is usually cooperative. Just in case, some shows are indoors and that eliminates weather concerns.

All shows offer free admission.

Days and hours are listed below:

War Eagle Mill Fair -- More information 
(The "grand-daddy" of them all).
11045 War Eagle Rd (east of Rogers)
October 17-21
Wednesday – Saturday 8 am – 5 pm
Sunday 8 am – 4 pm

Sharp’s Show of War Eagle -- More information
(next to War Eagle Fair – see above)
October 17-21
Wednesday – Saturday 8 am – 5 pm
Sunday 8 am – 4 pm

Bella Vista Arts and Crafts Fair -- More information
1991 Forest Hills Drive (intersection of AR 279 and AR 340)
October 18-20
Thursday - Saturday 8 am – 5 pm
Sunday – closed
(479) 855-2064

Spankler Creek Farm -- More information
8334 W. McNeely Rd., Bentonville
October 17-21
Wednesday – Saturday 8 am – 5 pm
Sunday 9 am – 4 pm

Frisco Station Mall (Indoors) --More information 
100 N. Dixieland, Rogers
October 18-21
Thursday – Saturday 10 am - 9 pm
Sunday 10:00 am - 4:00 pm

Ozark Regional Shows (Indoors- 2 locations) --More information 
John Q. Hammons Center
3303 Pinnacle Hills Pkwy, Rogers
and
Holiday Inn Convention Center
1500 S. 48th St., Springdale
October 19-20
Friday – Saturday 9 am – 5 pm
Sunday - closed

Jones Center Festival (Indoors) --More information  
922 E. Emma Av., Springdale
October 18-20
Thursday - Friday 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
Saturday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Sunday - closed

And for those who may want to put a booth at one of these venues, it's much too late for this year, but fill out an application for next spring or fall to participate in this traditional event.

Bikes, Blues & BBQ Starts September 26, 2012--Bigger Than Ever

The huge Bikes, Blues and BBQ event is a little earlier this year so polish up your bike and make plans to be in Northwest Arkansas September 26-29th.

BBBBQ (plus or minus some B’s) has added even more ‘Bs’ this year, as in Bikes, Babes and Bling. In addition to the free music, juried BBQ cook-off competitions, poker runs, thrill shows, and other events, there will be special events just for ladies who ride and those who want to ride. They can try out a variety of bikes and practice on a simulator.

Also new this year is the ladies fashion show. I’m betting a large number of men will be in the audience.

I don’t want to omit anything such as the beer gardens and vendors galore but there’s only so much space. If you’ve been to BBBBQ in years past, you know I can’t list everything. Suffice it to say that it’s bigger than ever and is even expanding from Fayetteville to neighboring towns with events such as the Arenacross and Extreme Freestyle show at the Parsons Stadium in Springdale.

As always, BBBBQ is family friendly. Safety is the number one priority. Secondly, profits all go to support local charities.

Autumn in the Ozarks is a great time of year. Weather and foliage combine to show off the best of our ancient mountains. People are friendly and welcome you no matter where you stop.

For schedules of events, registration and lodging details, concert schedules, ride maps for surrounding areas, and other information check the official BBBBQ website and get ready for an awesome event.

Skyline Report for the First Half of 2012

In local and state publications, the official announcement of the most recent Skyline report happened last week. Actually, the Washington County preview for real estate agents and others was a couple of weeks ago at the now-biannual (used-to-be-quarterly) breakfast in Fayetteville. I was there; I just didn’t get my blog post written before the official announcement.


Anyhow, things are looking up in the NW Arkansas housing market, according to economist Kathy Deck, director of the Center of Business and Economic Research at the U of A, which is in charge of preparing the report for Arvest Bank.

In her presentation, she contrasted the positive economic outlook in NW Arkansas to that in the country as a whole, which she described as “slow, slogging steady growth.” She said that employment in NW Arkansas in June was at an all-time record high of 211,100 jobs, which equals what it was during the peak of the housing boom about 5 years ago. The importance of good employment opportunities is a constant theme in Deck’s presentations, since jobs are what draw people to the area and thus stimulates the housing market here.

Another positive highlight from the report was the lowering of multifamily vacancy rates in the area, which now generally are near 5%. Just a few yours ago in the 4th quarter of 2009 these hovered between 15% and 20%. In Fayetteville particularly, these positive numbers have resulted from the increase in enrollment at the University of Arkansas, which now has about 25,000 students. Recent university announcements have set the new goal for projected growth at 28,000 students. Although there are a number of projects in the pipeline, based on building permit applications, there is some room for expansion of multifamily dwellings.

As to residential building permits, there has been a small increase, but this is warranted as the existing inventory of single family homes is absorbed (that means that people are finally out there buying houses). Another factor is that more expensive homes are being built. Nevertheless, the number of so-called “spec” homes is still relatively low, unlike the boom years when too many homes, especially expensive homes, were being built.

The bottom line is that home prices in NW Arkansas appear to have bottomed out in many price ranges. It also varies according to town. In Bentonville, for example, absorption is up compared to Washington County, where it has remained somewhat flat.

Deck also suggested that interest rates will probably remain low for the foreseeable future, as the Federal Reserve tries to stimulate the economy. With continuing low interest rates and with continued absorption of inventory, prices may continue to rise—a definite turnaround from recent years.

For some of the more detailed data in the report, articles in the NW Arkansas Business Journal and the Arkansas Business Journal have some specifics.

I am a big fan of the Skyline report, and I think we NW Arkansas real estate agents are very fortunate to have such a wonderful resource at our disposal. Basically, it gives me facts and figures to support what I’m seeing on an anecdotal basis in my daily business of selling homes. Most realtors I talk to are in agreement that the market has picked up significantly this year, starting last spring. The new Skyline Report supports that perception.

Arkansas State Sales Tax Holiday – Don't Miss It!

This coming weekend is the one time each year where anyone in Arkansas can purchase a multitude of items without paying sales tax. The offer is good for two days only: Saturday and Sunday, August 4-5, 2012. That’s 48 hours starting at 12:01 a.m. Saturday and ending at 11:59 p.m. Sunday night.


Surrounding states have enjoyed similar sales tax holidays and Arkansans living near a state line would often take their money to merchants out of state. Obviously, Arkansas did not receive sales tax on those purchases. But it also meant Arkansas merchants could not compete on an even basis.

That’s why it is such a good thing that Arkansas passed a law giving our residents and merchants the same opportunity. The sales tax holiday is primarily meant for back-to-school supplies and clothing. However, the categories are so broad, people from all walks of life can avail themselves for two days of buying without sales tax added on.

Here’s a brief list of eligible purchases:

• All the usual school supplies, including calculators and art supplies, without limit.
• All clothing, footwear, underwear, coats and jackets, swimsuits, up to $100 per item.
• Diapers, disposable and non-disposable.
• Jewelry, handbags, briefcases, sunglasses, accessories, hair notions, cosmetics, up to $50 per item.
• Wedding apparel, up to $100 per item.

Here’s a complete list, but also note that there are still items that remain taxable.
Get your shopping lists prepared. This bonanza will not be back until August 2013!

A good idea as the University grows...

Student enrollment at the University of Arkansas Fayetteville is at a record high. It currently stands at more than 23,000 students, which is some 34% higher than it was only eight years ago.


Needless to say, the corresponding need for housing is also at an all-time high. UofA has been building new housing and has plans to build more. But many students wish to live off campus. That’s where the strains begin to show up – more traffic, more complaints from neighborhood residents about students, and complaints from students about landlords.

Fortunately for Fayetteville, the mayor has proposed and UofA’s chancellor has accepted a plan to form a joint committee to address these issues. Committee members would come from the city, the university, and the community.

They will have a lot on their plates as they consider such things as university growth, regulations on the number of students allowed to live together in certain types of housing, and overlay districts governing where and what can be built in the future.

The committee is a sound idea. Everyone wants good neighbors and attractive, quiet, safe neighborhoods. The city and university have worked well together in the past to formulate positive plans. There are good reasons to believe they can do it again.

There is something happening all the time in NW Arkansas. It’s no wonder our corner of the Ozarks is known for its high quality of life. Many of the offerings are free or low cost.

Tonight, for example, is the first of a 6-concert chamber music series sponsored by the university and KUAF, the local public radio station. Like all of the concerts in the series, it is free and starts at 7:30. Tonite’s concert is at the Stella Boyle Smith Concert Hall at the University, as are all of the concerts except next week, when it is at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on Dickson St. For a glimpse on works to be played and map on how to get to the concerts, click here.

Here’s a brief rundown of some other upcoming events so you won’t miss anything:

The First Friday of every month through November, beautiful Bentonville Square has activities for the whole family. June 1st and 2nd will be a two-day affair in conjunction with ArtFest (see below). July 6th and 7th will feature arts and music – both Blues and Rock. August will celebrate back-to-school time with toys and a meet-and-greet session with teachers.

Bentonville is hosting Artfest during the month of June. It starts May 31 with Art Fete at Peel Mansion. Activities continue through June 30 with music, food, art presentations and a film festival.

No mention of Bentonville would be complete without a nod to Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Open every day except Tuesdays, the museum is a must see. One exhibit costs $5; all the other galleries are free. Beautiful trails surround outstanding architecture.

Fayetteville’s Artosphere has many unique events throughout May and June at a wide variety of locations, including Crystal Bridges Museum in Bentonville. There will be six days of chamber music concerts in renowned chapels such as Thornecrown Chapel in Eureka Springs and Cooper Chapel in Bella Vista. Dates are June 14th to 21st. The Artosphere Festival Orchestra will perform classical works June 17th, 18th and 22st at various NW Arkansas venues. Some concerts are free and prices for others will be $10-$25.

August 23rd to 26th will be four days of music and food by the Fayetteville Roots Festival. Their slogan is “A mountain town in its natural state” and it promises to be a great time in the Ozarks. Walton Arts Center will be the main stage with happenings all around Fayetteville.

Outdoor musical presentations will continue throughout the summer at Arkansas Music Pavilion (“The AMP”) in Fayetteville. Be sure to note a temporary change of location this year. While awaiting completion of the new pavilion at NW Arkansas Mall, the venue is Washington County Fairgrounds. There is a great lineup of artists including Ted Nugent, Luke Bryant, Gavin DeGraw and Pat Benatar.

Downtown Fayetteville welcomes everyone to the town square on the First Thursday of each month, except in the winter. The square becomes a vibrant scene celebrating art, artists, music and fun for all members of the family. Best part, it’s all free.

And finally, the Gulley Park Summer Concert series begins May 31 with free entertainment, as always. The presentations are extremely popular family fun. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets.

There's probably more that I haven't thought of, but this will give you a start. Have a happy, safe , and fun summer.

Siloam Springs, Arkansas – Another Great Place to Live in NW Arkansas

I came across an article recently in the online version of Smithsonian Magazine that I wanted to share.

According to the article, Siloam Springs, Arkansas, was rated #14 on Smithsonian’s list of the top 20 small towns in America. That’s a pretty good rating on any scale. I’ve written previously about excellent rankings for cities in NW Arkansas, but this may be the first for Siloam Springs.

Geographically, it is a small town at only about 10 square miles, situated on the border with Oklahoma. Population growth has been dramatic, increasing more than 500% since the 2000 census.

The town has churches everywhere. A creek runs through it, and it appropriately got its name from the many springs in the area. Siloam Springs has been recognized by the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program for efforts to preserve and revitalize the city's historic district.

The town hosts parades, a rodeo and festivals, notably the annual Dogwood Festival, and fireworks on Fourth of July. The aquatic park is outstanding. A brand new hospital just opened.

John Brown University draws students from around the country and overseas. Each December the university presents Candlelight Christmas Concerts which are simply beautiful. Tickets go very quickly.

Considering the quality of life enjoyed by its citizens, it seems to exemplify small town life in America. And it's not far from Fayetteville (University of Arkansas) and Bentonville (Crystal Bridges), and other amenities and business venues of NW Arkansas.

Congratulations Siloam Springs.

Will Our Butterfield Trail Be a National Historic Trail?

Just imagine – St. Louis, Missouri to San Francisco, California in only 25 days. It may sound like a trip you hope never to make, yet the Butterfield Overland Trail was highly rated back in 1858. It changed both transportation and commerce.


Moving people and U.S. mail was an amazing undertaking back then. The need was great and. John Butterfield, Sr. and his Butterfield Overland Stage Company proved it could be done. The route started in St. Louis and passed through Benton, Washington, Crawford and Sebastian Counties in Arkansas. At Ft. Smith, Arkansas it turned southwest through Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and onward to Los Angeles, California where it turned north to San Francisco.

Mr. Butterfield lived for a time in Fayetteville and built major stables for the company in Fayetteville. Remnants of the original Butterfield Trail are adjacent to the 8th hole at Butterfield Trail Golf Course in Texas. I know of one roadside marker in Springdale commemorating the Butterfield Trail and it is located appropriately on the corner of Butterfield Coach Road and US Hwy. 412. And there is a well in the back yard of a residence in Fayetteville where supposedly where the stagecoach used to stop for refreshment  (I used to live across the street).

Now the National Park Service is studying whether to include the route as a National Historic Trail. It certainly qualifies in my mind.

If you care to comment on the subject, you may do so by May 18, 2012 by contacting:
 

Gretchen Ward
Outdoor Recreation Planner
National Park Service
National Trails Intermountain Region
P.O. Box 728
Santa Fe, NM 87504
505-988-6033
gretchen_ward@nps.gov

If you prefer, you may comment online at the National Park Service Public Comment and Planning website.


For more information:

National Park Service Information on Butterfield Trail
Butterfield Trail Golf Course in Texas

The Bobby Petrino Situation--what next for the Razorbacks?

One does not need to be born in Arkansas to know Razorback football is big news most of the time. It is also big business. Thus I am as saddened as anyone to learn of Head Coach Bobby Petrino’s motorcycle accident and the events preceding and succeeding it. Radio, TV, newspapers and just about everyone has been talking about it.

I am not going to judge Coach Petrino’s actions – there is plenty of that going around without me weighing in.

I am, however, very concerned about the players, remaining coaches, backers, fans, and the University of Arkansas as a whole. I understand the search has already started for the next head coach.

In the meanwhile, the public seems to be lining up to take sides over Petrino’s firing. There is no doubt Bobby Petrino is an effective coach. He proved it several times, culminating in taking U of A to the Cotton Bowl earlier this year. Hopes were running high for even more successes in the near future. So it is easy to understand why many fans hoped a way could be found to retain Coach Petrino.

Another group of fans and the public felt honesty, integrity, living up to one’s contracts, and upholding the prestige of the university were of the utmost priority. Ultimately, the university leaders took this position and Bobby Petrino was fired. Fallout today has the young lady resigning her position at the U of A, the Arkansas Children’s Hospital canceling their Bobby Petrino Charity Golf Classic (originally scheduled for June), and the University getting two separate donations totaling $1.25 million for “doing the right thing”.

A sad situation.