Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Antiquing Natural To State's Tourism

Antiquing has always been an important reason for visitors to travel Arkansas. Antique shops, antique malls and gift shops containing collectibles are dotted all over `The Natural State.'

"In Arkansas, antiquing has great appeal to travelers," says Joe David Rice, director of Department of Parks and Tourism.

"Realizing that the search for treasures from the past is growing interest among our visitors," Rice continued, "the Department of Parks and Tourism has published a guide to some of the most popular shops located throughout Arkansas. And to introduce the new publication, we've named March `Antique Month in Arkansas.'"

The 20-page guide lists antique shops and malls in six regions of the state -- Ozarks, Ouachitas, Timberlands, Delta, River Valley and Central. It includes maps showing major highways and towns that comprise each trail.

Over 190 shops in 78 cities, towns and communites are included in the brochure. A brief calendar of events containing antiques-related fairs and festivals is also included.

The brochure will be advertised statewide through radio, television and newspapers as well as in regional antiques-related publications. It will also be announced on the Department's Home Page on the Internet and in a weekly media advisory to members of the media. An instant fax program called "Arkansas Fun Fax" will also carry informationa about the brochure.

The Antique Trails Guide will be available from the state's 14 tourist information centers, in participating antique dealers' shops and by calling the Department's toll-free number, 1-800-628-8725.

In conjunction with the promotion, the Department of Parks and Tourism is sponsoring the giveaway of a free Arkansas vacation. Entry forms will be available at the shops of participating dealers.

The vacation will include accommodations and breakfast for two nights for two adults at the award-winning Empress of Little Rock Bed and Breakfast. The vacation also includes admission to such Little Rock attractions as the Museum of Science and History, the Arkansas Territorial Restoration, The Decorative Arts Museum and the Villa Marre.

Members of the Arkansas Antique Dealers Association listed in the brochure are also sponsoring drawings for five gift certificates worth $100 each. They can be spent at any member's shop. Antique Dealers Association members are indicated by asterisks in the guide.

For additional information, contact the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism, One Capitol Mall, LittleRock, AR 72201. Phone 1-800-628-8725.