Nicknamed “The Natural State,” Arkansas offers a bountiful selection of calm lakes for fishing or leisurely boating. Don’t forget to visit the waterways in Conway and Fayetteville that boast gorgeous views every season. From art museums and nature walks in Rogers to streetcar rides in North Little Rock, there are plenty of fun, easygoing activities to check out in Arkansas. Get relaxed and rejuvenated at a spa during the day, then head to a romantic restaurant for dinner, or return to your Arkansas vacation rental for a cozy home-cooked meal. Take a look at the most popular babymoon destinations in Arkansas.
1. Fayetteville
Nestled in northwest Arkansas, Fayetteville offers tranquil settings for you and your loved one to spend time together. Tour the Clinton House Museum, the first home of President Bill Clinton and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Visit the Botanical Gardens of the Ozarks, featuring a beautiful butterfly house. Schedule an appointment online and park right in front of Solace Day Spa for a soul-soothing day of pampering with a couples massage or prenatal massage. Relax at the shore of Lake Fayetteville or on a fishing boat from Lake Fayetteville Boat and Bike Rentals. This city-owned no-wake lake is perfect for chilling out — boats are prohibited from going above idle speed, so the waters stay calm. When it’s time to eat, get a great burger or a black-and-blue chicken sandwich at Hugo’s, or salmon at Theo’s Fayetteville.
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2. Paragould
Paragould offers a quaint setting for your before-baby getaway. Schedule a prenatal massage, facial, shampoo, and haircut at Rouge Spa and Salon, and settle in for your stress-free day. Order sub sandwiches from Brick Oven Pizza Company for a relaxing picnic lunch at Crowley’s Ridge State Park, about nine miles west of Paragould. The scenic park features walking trails, a swimming lake, a large fishing lake, and boat rentals. Spend an evening watching an East Arkansas Ballet performance, live theater, or a concert at the historic Collins Theater before returning to your Paragould vacation rental. Reserve a table for two at Chow at 118 for a romantic dinner, and enjoy soft jazz along with blackened sea bass or pecan-crusted chicken fettuccine Alfredo.
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3. Rogers
While waiting for baby to arrive, nurture your creative side in Rogers, a city full of art museums and galleries. Visit the Art Center of the Ozarks, which celebrates local and regional artisans, or the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, featuring nature trails decorated with outdoor sculptures. Create your own art at Van Hollow Pottery, and shop for decorative pieces downtown. Spend a spa day at Spa Botanica and enjoy a soothing water fountain, dimmed lights, and comfortable chairs in the lounge area after your relaxing massage. Indulge your sweet tooth with a peanut butter and chocolate shake or a chocolate cake shake at Big Orange; if you have room, try a turkey, veggie, or beef burger and waffle sweet potato fries.
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4. Fort Smith
Positioned on the Arkansas River, Fort Smith is a fun prenatal vacation destination. See the working trolley at the Fort Smith Trolley Museum, and check out the working soda fountain at the old-fashioned drugstore in the Fort Smith Museum of History. Contemplate baby’s arrival during your couples massage, manicure, and pedicure in the intimate setting of the Spa at Fort Smith. Satisfy your craving for a Southern-style breakfast or brunch at Calico County Restaurant, and pick up some made-from-scratch raised donuts from Smith Donuts Coffee and Smoothies to snack on at your Fort Smith vacation rental. Discuss baby names over a juicy T-bone or filet mignon dinner at Doe’s Eat Place before going to a play at the Fort Smith Little Theater.
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5. North Little Rock
Travel to North Little Rock for fascinating attractions, including guided tours of the historic submarine USS Razorback and tugboat USS Hoga at the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum on the Arkansas River downtown. Ride the River Rail Streetcar to tour Historic Downtown Argenta, and listen to the operator describe the community’s historic sites, current events, and plans for the future. Get rejuvenated with a cleansing facial and cranial massage, stress zone massage, manicure, and pedicure at Katherine Grant Salon and Spa. Savor Italian sausage and mushrooms, veal parmesan, or chicken marsala at Zaffino’s by Nori, a cozy date-night spot popular with locals. Get some freshly made ice cream or custard in seasonal flavors from the Original ScoopDogg before you leave town.
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6. Conway
Conway offers a calming vacation before the big day. Relax or fish at Lake Conway; even if you don’t catch anything, you can enjoy fried fish favorites at Eat My Catfish. While you’re in town, you might catch a concert by the Conway Symphony Orchestra at the Donald W. Reynolds Performance Hall. Stroll through shops like Jennifer’s Antiques for a casual afternoon out, and try a sundae from Andy’s Frozen Custard. A soothing therapeutic massage at Healing Hands of Conway Massage Therapy is the perfect way to end your day and prepare for motherhood.
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