Travelin’ the Ozarks: Events Taking Place During November

By Jill M. Rohrbach, Ark. Dept. of Parks and Tourism

First posted on 11-09-2009

Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View offers two distinct events the second weekend in November. The Fall Bluegrass Festival will be Nov. 12-14 and is sponsored by the Mountain View Bluegrass Association. Visit http://www.mountainview-bluegrass.com for a list of performers. All concerts will be held in the auditorium.

The park’s Handmade Christmas Folk School is set for Nov. 13-15. Participants learn how to make herbal ornaments, homemade soaps, sew aprons, old-time Santas, baskets, dolls and more. Classes run one, two or all three days, depending on the craft. Pre-registration is required and admission is $50 per day plus a materials fee. Visit http://www.ozarkfolkcenter.com for details.

Also held at the park during November will be an Ozark Holiday Craft Show on Nov. 26-27.

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Mountain Home will hold its 29th annual Craftsfest the weekend of Nov. 13-14 at the Baxter County Fairgrounds. This juried show is for unique, handmade items that are non-commercial. Other amenities include breakfast and lunch for sale, and hourly prize drawings. Call 870-404-7742 for details.

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Davidsonville Historic State Park in Pocahontas will host a Surviving in the Wilderness Workshop on Nov. 14. Participants will learn to build a shelter out of debris, locate north using the shadow of a twig, and a variety of skills necessary to survive in the outdoors without a GPS, cell phone or two-way radio. Log on to http://www.ArkansasStateParks.com or contact Davidsonville Historic State Park at 870-892-4708 for more information.

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A fun weekend for car enthusiasts, the 10th annual Classic Car Cruise will be Nov. 20-22 in Mountain View. A two-hour trip starts at 10 a.m. from Cash’s White River Hoedown. At 7 p.m., the hoedown’s band will play some 50s and 60s favorites. Visit http://www.whiteriverhoedown.com for more information or call 870-664-0196.

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The 21st annual Eureka Springs Fall Antique Show and Sale will be Nov. 21-22 at the Inn of the Ozarks Convention Center in Eureka Springs. Fifty-seven dealers from 16 states bring antiques and collectibles to display and sell. A preview showing with wine and cheese is offered from 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. on Nov. 20. Visit http://www.eurekaspringsantiqueshows.com or phone 479-244-5167 for details.

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A popular regional holiday event, Lights of the Ozarks in Fayetteville takes place Nov. 21-Dec. 31. The historic downtown square is transformed into a winter wonderland with more than 400,000 lights. Adding to the family fun and Christmas ambiance are street vendors, miniature horse rides for kids, and carriage rides. Visit http://www.experiencefayetteville.com or phone 800-766-4626 for more information.

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The holiday season brings two unique opportunities to visitors of Blanchard Springs Caverns in Mountain View. A special four-hour tour to photograph the upper level of the caverns will be offered Nov. 22. The Dripstone Photo Tour is limited to the first 10 people who return advance payment. It is not an instructional tour. Participants should bring their own tripod, cameras and a light jacket. Fee is $20 per person and should be mailed to Sylamore Ranger District, 1001 East Main Street, Mountain View, AR 72560.

Caroling in the Caverns will take place Nov. 28-Dec. 20. Carolers sing old-fashioned Christmas favorites. The event is always a sell-out, so call well in advance for reservations.

Visit http://www.blanchardcavetours.com for more information or phone 870-757-2211 or 888-757-2246 for reservations for either event.

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Experience an old-fashioned Christmas at the 10th annual Holiday Open House at the Rogers Historical Museum in Rogers on Nov. 29. This year’s theme is “A World War I Christmas.” There will be entertainment, refreshments, holiday crafts and tours of the 1895 Hawkins House, which will be decorated for the season. Admission is free. Visit http://www.rogersarkansas.com/museum or phone 479-621-1154 for more information.