25 May 2010 Summer retreat
It’s almost summertime, and you’ve seen it all before. Children scurry out of classrooms on the last day of school. Parents make plans months in advance, working to get ahead at the office in anticipation of the summer family vacation. They pack for a week and load up the family hauler, driving hundreds of miles and spending a small fortune on gas and food, to spend a few days in a crowded theme park before re-packing for the return trip home.
Typically, the day after a family vacation consists of mounds of dirty laundry or returning to work to find a desk buried underneath a mound of paperwork. Fortunately, there is an alternative. “Staycations” are growing in popularity, growing in popularity, allowing vacationers to tailor trips to fit almost any need, while staying close to home.
Only a short drive for most in the 501, Petit Jean Mountain in Conway County boasts Arkansas’ first state park, awe-inspiring views, waterfalls, camping, hiking, luxurious indoor accommodations, museums, historic farmsteads and more.
The centerpiece of the mountain, Petit Jean State Park, covers nearly 3,500 acres and offers guests a choice of 32 cabins, 127 campsites and the historic Mather Lodge, complete with swimming pool and full-service restaurant. More than 20 miles of trails welcome hikers of all skill levels. The park also contains tennis and basketball courts, along with attractions such as Lakes Bailey and Roosevelt, a boathouse and marina and a natural bridge. Petit Jean is also Arkansas’ only state park with its own airport, beckoning aviation fanatics to the fly-in campground.
Just outside Petit Jean State Park, the Museum of Automobiles features dozens of antique and classic automobiles. The museum was founded in 1964 by then Arkansas Gov. Winthrop Rockefeller and housed his collection until 1975 when the facility was donated to the Arkansas Department of Parks. Today, it operates as a non-profit corporation and also contains antique gun and automobile-related memorabilia collections. Sunday, May 30, will mark the “Mustangs on the Mountain” Show and Shine event at the museum, featuring antique Mustangs on display from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Mid-America Old-Time Auto Association is also holding their yearly swap meet, which attracts thousands of car enthusiasts annually, June 15-19 at the museum.
For the kids, Barnyard Friends Petting Zoo and Stables is just down the road from the museum and offers petting and hand feeding of farm animals, gentle wildlife and exotic pets. Hay rides, pony rides and 4-wheeler train rides will entertain the young and old alike for hours, with horseback wilderness tours available daily. The facility can also accommodate large birthday parties, family reunions and wedding receptions.
Another unique feature of the mountain is Petit Jean Farm, a family-owned operation specializing in raising and processing lamb, pork and beef. The farm encompasses extensive pastureland, providing customers grass-fed meat products and locally-made honey, along with farm-fresh cheese, milk, eggs, jams and baked goods homemade by partners in surrounding Amish communities. Guests are always welcome to tour the farm and can learn more through hands-on activities during “farm days,” each Monday through Wednesday.
A trip to Petit Jean wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute (WRI). Though established only a few years ago in 2005, WRI has a rich history and sits on the grounds of former Gov. Winthrop Rockefeller’s farm. It offers a variety of educational programs to the public including workshops and seminars, luxurious accommodations, a conference center, fitness center, indoor tennis and basketball courts, paddle boats and fishing. Heritage Farmstead is on the grounds at WRI and is situated on the site of a 19th century farm, giving visitors a look at what life was like on Petit Jean in the 1880s.
Whether you are looking to fill a day or a week this summer, Petit Jean Mountain offers the fun outdoor activities, modern facilities, relaxing tranquility and colorful history every vacationer dreams of right here in central Arkansas.
