Anyone who regularly reads the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette out of Little Rock knows the names Jack and Marcia Schnedler. Over the past decade, they ve taken armchair travelers all over the Natural State. Sometimes the husband-and-wife duo introduces readers to special events at well-known places like Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. But more often, if you ride with the Schnedlers, you ll virtually visit parts of Arkansas you might never have ventured otherwise.
PETIT JEAN STATE PARK As the Arkansas State Parks system celebrates its centennial this year, Petit Jean is playing the starring role. That s thanks to the fact that back in the Roaring 20s, it became the first of today s 52 state parks.
The spring festival spotlight in Arkansas shines on toads, elk and armadillos. Likewise dogwoods, iris and magnolias. Ditto Bowie knives, hot-air balloons and bathtubs on wheels.