[sightseeing] + [outdoors] + [history] NWA Exploring

Still so much to see in our new home state! Got the chance to take in more of NWA and explored a bit around Beaver Lake - a man-made lake formed by damming the White River in the 1960s. The lake itself is big - almost 500 miles of shoreline - and has beautiful limestone bluffs, lots of fishing (not so much my bag) and recreational boating (can you say pontoon?!). Can't wait to spend more time here as the weather warms up.

capturearkansas.com //eric studer

We stopped by the dam that forms the river - Beaver Dam - built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Learned a bit about the dam's construction, made a few "dam" jokes and took in the view.

Because the White River was dammed to form Beaver Lake, there were areas of land that are now submerged. One of those is an early 1900's health resort called Monte Ne. The amphitheater and several buildings are now under water and the remaining others are on the National Historic Register. But thanks to growling stomachs and a poorly (or perfectly!) timed thunderstorm we opted to get some of the Monte Ne Inn's well-known broasted chicken. //great decision

And I would be remiss if I didn't mention my first experience eating crawfish! We popped into Ozark Brew Company to fill a growler and it just so happened they were setting up a crawfish boil. All in all, it's a lot of work and a lot of mess for a little nibble of tail meat. But hey, it's part of the fun! And as an added bonus, I got to try the local collab brew between Ozark and Onyx Coffee Labs - cream stout infused with Guatemalen french roast. //now that's a go together

We also squeezed in some military history at Pea Ridge National Military Park. Lucked out with a visit during National Park Week - all parks granting complimentary admission. The park itself sits on the site of a Civil War battle that took place in 1862, significant because it saved Missouri for the Union. The national park building shows a 20 minute film setting the stage for the battle before you take off on a seven-mile loop with points of interest around the battlefield. Absolutely worth the stop to take in this place and learn a little more about our country's history.