Henbest's Best Bets

Hi! I'm Dr. Barry Henbest. If you know me at all, you know how much I love my work, my patients, and my practice. And although I could easily work day after day and still enjoy what I'm doing, it's amazing how refreshing a little break can be. Just taking a day or so to get away from the noise and busyness of the work world really renews my perspective and energy level.

Living here in the beautiful state of Arkansas, I've found that we have access to a tremendous variety of places do just that. That's why I've put together this page of my "Best Bets". I sincerely hope that your next relaxing break is only a click or two away.

Arkansas in General

http://www.arkansasstateparks.com/ From mountains to music festivals, museums to diamond mines, this well-designed site will help you discover information about Arkansas' 51 State Parks. Site includes articles, photo tours, maps, hiking trails, lodging, campground and special events information.

http://www.dixiedining.com. It's true that you can't really understand a culture until you've eaten their real down home cooking. This website will help you map out your southern travels without leaving out that indispensable ingredient: "Where do you want to stop for dinner?" Not only will you find restaurant listings, but recipes, folklore, festival calendars, a photo gallery, regional music, dixie merchandise, recommended reading, and links to other tasty pastime suggestions.

http://www.arkansas.com An excellent trip planning resource, this site features information about state parks, outdoors and sports activities, historical/heritage points of interest, arts & entertainment items, as well as specific attractions, lodging and dining listings. It's a beautifully photographed, interactive site designed to help you specify your own trip criteria and then put together practical options to fit your needs!

http://www.westarkansastourism.com/. If you've never been to the western part of the state, you'll want to check out this link: offering Historic Times visitor information, canoeing, hiking, and horseback riding adventures, museum tours, Fort Smith cultural events, and a wide variety of festivals worth attending.

Beaver Lake

http://www.eureka-springs-usa.com/waterworld/index.html If you've never been to Beaver Lake, this site's first topic provides a complete listing of 'what to do' and 'where to go' for fishing, boating, and other lake-like activities! Includes information for guided cruises, fishing tours, boat, canoe, and jetski rental, plus various lake resources like bait and tackle stores as well.

http://www.eureka-net.com/riverview/. You'll find family cabins, canoes and guided fishing trips at Riverview Resort, located six miles west of Eureka Springs on the White River. They offer activity-lodging packages, or you can just reserve the parts that suit you and your family.

http://www.beaverlake.com/. This extensive site includes information about water and land recreation, lodging, general Beaver Lake area data, and shopping/tourist guides. If you're interested in setting up your own rental situation or purchasing real estate for long-term visits, they also feature links to classified ads and real estate information.

http://www.beaverlakecottages.com/. If you're interested in a peaceful, secluded getaway, this site provides information and virtual tours of one and two bedroom cabins located in the woods but overlooking Beaver Lake. They include complete kitchens, fireplaces, Jacuzzis, grills, and access to nature trails.

Bella Vista

http://sports.yahoo.com/pga/golfcourses/arkansas/bellavista. Click here to find a list of links to all the golf courses in the Bella Vista area…includes Berksdale, Branchwood, Country Club, Highlands, Kingswood, Metsfield and Scottsdale. What a selection!

http://www.golfcourse.com/search/coursedtl_ga.cfm?source=GA&courseid=6778. From tees to fees, this interactive Sports Illustrated site provides a thorough review of the above golf courses' ratings and rankings. Check it out!

http://www.bedandbreakfast.com/property/index.aspx?id=600308. If you're staying in the Bella Vista area, this bed and breakfast might be the place for you. This quick link provides contact information only, but it's worth a phone call.

http://www.danheinhomes.com/. This excellent resource is designed to help you explore Benton County area communities, either from the viewpoint of a buyer or a seller. It provides a thorough listing of consumer links, school information, free reports, plus suggestions on how to sell your home, and how to buy one.

Bentonville

http://www.walmartstores.com. If you've ever wondered about the American retailing success story of Walmart, stop in for a visit to the Walmart Visitor's Center, located in Sam Walton's original Bentonville variety store. You'll learn about the origin and growth of Walmart, a bit of insight that might just interest the whole family.

Buffalo River

http://www.buffalonationalriver.com/ If you'd like to visit the Buffalo National River, this is a great place to begin. With information on canoing, hiking, caving, horsebackriding, lodging, eating establishments, stores, maps, and excellent photos… you'll be ready to pack before you ever leave the site.

http://www.americanwhitewater.org/rivers/id/99/. This site gives detailed information about whitewater rafting, including safety indicators, weather, and specific location suggestions for beginning and ending your runs. What a blast!

Devil’s Den State Park

http://www.epinions.com/park-review-4C8F-CF47D3A-3A1DAEC8-prod4. Despite the name, this park is reputed to be a great getaway spot. On the site, you'll find a list of pro's and con's, a description of the park, recommended visit time and length, and other useful comments.

http://www.ozarkpages.com. If you like outdoor adventure sports, this link is worth clicking to—it's undergoing construction currently, but still lists links for exciting whitewater rafting, canoeing and floating, and caving pursuits. Worth bookmarking for the future!

Eureka Springs

http://www.eurekasprings.com/index.phtm. If this historic woodland area in the hills of Northwest Arkansas is your destination, you'll find this site a big help with performing lodging searches, availability information, restaurant and specialty shop directions, and nearby events descriptions as well.

http://www.eurekasprings.com/events/. Click here for a direct link to Eureka Springs current events by day and hour! Everything from jazz festivals to fishing competitions is listed with directions, details and contact information.

http://www.lakelucerneresort.com/. Lake Lucerne Resort is a family summer and winter getaway, popular for generations of family reunions, weddings, honeymoons, and family vacations. It's located on 29 acres of the Ozark Mountain area, and merits a quick click or two for sure.

http://www.eurekaspringschamber.com/. This helpful, interactive site is packed full of information, allowing you to look up member businesses for credibility and reputation, plan a group vacation or wedding, or simply browse around the events calendar for Eureka Springs.

Fayetteville

http://www.uark.edu/. This news and information site for the University of Arkansas also has an excellent listing of area arts and events, news and information of interest to visitors. Check it out!

http://www.fayar.com/cgi-bin/draw?path=~. A truly one-stop click—this site provides information on everything in the Fayetteville area from events in the arts, to movies, fun activity ideas, real estate ads, services, restaurants, shopping, conventions, weather, and even resources such as the area white and yellow pages.

http://www.uark.edu/ALADDIN/cityinfo/cityweb/. This official "city site" provides up to date information about what's going on worth attending, in Fayetteville. It also tells you what's hot in local politics, for those of you who're interested!

http://www.fayetteville.com/. An online newspaper format site, this link will let you peruse the Fayetteville area, people, and events with ease.

http://www.artistsnwarkansas.com/. If you're the artistic type, or if even just a window-shopper for samples of local talent, you'll appreciate this site's artist directory, gallery listing, and schedule of local art-related activities and workshops.

Pea Ridge

http://pearidgear.areaguides.net/ You'll find everything you ever needed to know 'bout Pea Ridge here on this information loaded site: accommodations, restaurants, entertainment, airport and taxi information, tours, community events, even real estate and apartment finder details for those considering that option.

http://www.nps.gov/peri/ This awesome historic site, Pea Ridge National Military Park, is a 4,300 acre Civil War Battlefield that preserves the site of the March 1862 battle that saved Missouri for the Union. The site details the battle as well as visitor information.

Rogers

http://www.rogersarkansas.com/. This official "city site" provides up to date information about what's going on worth attending, in Rogers. It also tells you what's hot in local politics, for those of you who're interested!

http://www.rogersareachamber.com/. Another informative site about the goings-on around Rogers, including civic events and local tourist attraction information. Just about as friendly as it gets, including a come-one-come-all fishing tournament of some kind, almost year-round!

http://www.flyflinger.com/. For avid fly fishers, or even first timers, Scott Banyan's excellent e-zine provides area maps, river reports, tailwater opportunities, and guided fishing trip options, not to mention a helpful fly pattern page as well.

http://www.arkansasmissouri-rr.com/. If you'd like to travel through the Ozarks in historic railroad style, take a quick tour of this excellent site listing the opportunities for railroad travel throughout Arkansas and Missouri. Prices, schedules, destinations, and various travel length packages explained.

Springdale

http://www.springdale.com/. Advertising the city as a friendly, country-style community, Springdale's site explains how to take advantage of the area's natural beauty, and cultural events: including the annual Rodeo of the Ozarks, Local Artists Exhibitions, Featherfest, and Railroad Tour.

http://www.springdale.com/visit/attractions/rodeo.html. An easy direct link to the their annual Rodeo of the Ozarks featuring 400 professional rodeo athletes and six 'official' rodeo events: Bareback Riding, Barrel Racing, Calf Roping, Steer Wrestling and the ever-popular Bull Riding. Site gives dates, ticket prices, historical facts, and children's rodeo activities for the little cowboy wannabe's in your family.

http://chamber.springdale.com/featherfest/. A Springtime classic event in Springdale, this end of April festival includes a poultry cook-off, daily carnival rides, Home Run Derby, bike show, 5K/1K run/walk, classic car show, Children's Fun Zone, climbing wall, arts & crafts, and food galore.

Table Rock Lake

http://www.tablerocklake.com. This extensive site includes information about water and land recreation, lodging, general Table Rock Lake area data, and shopping/tourist guides. If you're interested in setting up your own rental situation or purchasing real estate for long-term visits, they also feature links to classified ads and real estate information.

http://www.beavertowninn.com/. A quaint little bed and breakfast located on Highway 187, just seven miles northwest of Eureka Springs, this inn overlooks Table Rock Lake and offers access to Beaver Town walking trail, fishing, tennis, and nearby golf.

Tontitown

http://local.yahoo.com/?location_state=AR&location_city=Tontitown&location_lat=36.176498&location_lon=-94.235123. This link simply provides a jump-start to finding further information about Tontitown, offering maps, city guides, and local events listings updated frequently.

http://www.harley-davidson.com/en/home.asp?bmLocale=en_US. For those of you who ride, a great site to peruse and great dealership to know of while you're in the area. Harley Dealership of Northwest Arkansas, Inc. 406 E. Henri De Tonti Blvd., Springdale, AR 72762. (501)361-2661; Fax (501)361-2661; HOURS: T-Sa 9-6

http://www.loc.gov/bicentennial/propage/AR/ar_s_hutchinson4.html. The annual Grape Festival in Tontitown has been around for over 100 years, having become a major event for the little city. Festivities include a spaghetti dinner for 8,000 people, a pancake breakfast, a foot race, book sale, arts & crafts, and 'rustic relics' on display…all supervised by the harvest Queen and her Court. Worth a visit!

http://www.mountbethel.com/grapefest.html. Every summer, there's a wonderful 2 day festival you won't want to miss in the city of Altus: a Grape Festival honoring the local grape growers. You can observe, or take part in such activities as celebrity and public Grape Stomps, Wine Tasting, Amateur Wine Making Contests, Juried Arts and Crafts, Street Dances, Breakfast in the Park, and Blessing of the Harvest. Or just come and enjoy the food, camaraderie, and live music in this friendly, beautiful part of the state.