ARKANSAS

The nation’s ‘Natural State’ certainly lives up to its nickname: mountains, rivers, streams, vast cave systems and square mile upon square mile of parks and open spaces create an adventurer’s paradise. When you combine this with its rich music heritage and Civil Rights history, what you have is a lesser known, yet intriguing destination that may come as something of a surprise. Experience it all: request a private jet charter quote from Air Charter Service to Arkansas.

The northwest of the state is covered by the Ozarks Mountains and Plateaus, a wonderland for lovers of the outdoors. Crossed by the 200 plus-mile Ozark Highlands National Recreation Trail, people come from miles around to witness the beauty of the rolling peaks, the pristine waterways and to complete the multi-day wilderness hike. The highlight of the region is undoubtedly the Buffalo River which has its source in the Ozarks’ Boston Mountain range. Daring kayakers and experienced whitewater rafters take on the rapids of the upper section of the river, while others looking for a more sedate experience choose to admire the beauty from various points along its 153-mile route between visits to unexpectedly quirky towns. The area takes on a different palette every October as the fall colours blanket the rolling mountain ridges.

Further south is the Ouachita Mountains, an equally pretty destination that’s home to the state’s highest peak, Mount Magazine, a 1.8 million-acre National Forest and the state’s sole national park. Much like its neighbouring mountain range to the north, the Ouachitas are a popular destination for outdoor pursuits. Boating on the vast Lake Ouachita, mountain biking and hiking in the national forest, and fishing in the fast-moving rivers and streams are all popular pastimes here. Hot Springs is the main city, and due to its very close proximity to the unique Hot Springs National Park, it has become known as ‘the American Spa’.

Aside from its natural wonders, Arkansas has some serious connections with the blues, jazz and country musical industries. Like many of its southern neighbours – Tennessee and Mississippi to the west and Louisiana to the south – it can claim to be one of the birthplaces of the soulful sound that the region is renowned for. And nowhere is this more obvious in the eastern Mississippi Delta region, once home to extensive cotton plantations where the work songs, chants and spirituals of the enslaved cotton workers were gradually merged with folk and country music to create what we know today as the Delta blues. The state’s most famous son is one of America’s most iconic musicians, the ‘Man in Black’ himself, Johnny Cash. He was born in the small town of Dyess, located just 50 miles to the north of Memphis, Tennessee, where today you can visit his restored boyhood home.

Arkansas provides a wide range of accommodation choices from bed and breakfasts located in charming cottages to luxurious mountain lodges and historic plantations, and from river houseboats to five-star city hotels. Whatever you choose, you’ll be sure to receive the very best Southern hospitality.

Arkansas has a selection of international, national and regional airports to choose from. Simply Contact our team and we’ll arrange everything you need to charter a private jet to Arkansas.