By Law, It's Arkansas

A State Vote Decided The Pronunciation Of The Area, But You Can Just Call It A Sight To See

Looking out on Lake Ouachita at Mountain Harbor Resort.

Have you ever wondered why Arkansas is pronounced "ar-kan-saw" and not "ar-kan-sas" like Kansas? Sometimes the English language can be very confusing with some words being spelled the same way but pronounced differently depending on their meaning and use.

But in this case, it's really not the English language that confuses. The pronunciation of Arkansas was determined by an official act of the state legislature in 1881. The two U.S. senators from Arkansas disagreed on how to pronounce the word. One said "ar-kan-sas" like Kansas and the other believed it should be "ar-kan-saw" so the vote was taken and 'ar-kan-saw" won.

A scenic land of mountains and valleys, Arkansas shares its borders with six states---the Mississippi River defining most of its eastern border. The northwestern portion of "The Natural State" is part of the Ozark Plateau which includes the Boston Mountains and the Ouachita (pronounced (wash'-i-taw) Mountains to the south.

A spa visit was a special part of this getaway and is something many people dream about. But you don't have to dream about a spa experience. Turtle Cove Spa at Mountain Harbor Resort in Mt. Ida, AK fits the bill. Mt. Ida is located approximately 25 miles west of Hot Springs on Hwy. 270 nestled along the shores of Lake Ouachita. Because of the stressful lifestyle today, people are taking advantage of the relaxing and pampering of a spa if only for a day.

Taking part in the resort/spa's activities allowing one to reconnect with nature can include a ½-mile course through the national forest with organic workout stations, hiking, yoga, horseback riding and much more. The restful setting of the spa itself enables one to possibly enjoy an aromatic body scrub with vichy shower treatment and almond oil rub. Sounds very exotic.

Mountain Harbor Resort has existed as a family-owed and operated resort since its founding in 1955 by Hal Barnes. It is now owned and operated by Bill Barnes, Hal's son. Debi Barnes owns and operates the Turtle Cove Spa, which opened its doors three years ago. A sunset cruise on Lake Ouachita was a high point of our time at Mountain Harbor Resort, allowing us to experience some of the lake's beauty. Dotted with more than 200 islands with names like "Hotdog" and "Hamburger", we enjoyed the cool breeze while cruising some of the 1000 miles of wilderness shoreline.

From cottages to guest rooms at the lodge to condos, there are a variety of options for a stay at Mountain Harbor Resort & Spa. Check out all the information at www.mountainharborresort.com and www.turtlecovespa.com

A must-see in the Hot Springs area is the botanical wonderland of Garvan Woodland Gardens. A 210-acre peninsula on the shores of Lake Hamilton, the land was donated by Mrs. Verna Garvan to the University of Arkansas School of Architecture in 1985 with the understanding that the Landscape Architecture Department would oversee the transformation of the property into a world-class woodland botanical garden. Originally purchased by Mrs. Garvan's father for the purpose of harvesting timber, when Verna Garvan inherited the land, she squelched any ideas of timber production on the site and began the process of preserving the acreage for a botanical garden. Much of the flora was planted by Mrs. Garvan herself from the 1960s until her death in 1993.

"Peak" season is considered to be when the Garden becomes a kaleidoscope of color from early March through the end of May.

An absolutely strikingly beautiful highlight of the garden is the Anthony Chapel nestled in the Garden's wooded landscape. A 6-story structure of glass and wood is a magnificent sight among the towering pines and oak trees and has become a popular wedding site.

Another stopping point in the garden is the "Garden Railroad" which is a fun, delightful scene for anyone from child to adult. Construction began on the railroad garden in August 2004 as a joint effort with the Greater Hot Springs Garden Railway Society. The garden layout represents two businesses that Verna Garvan owned---the Malvern Brick Factory and Wisconsin-Arkansas Lumber Mill.

For more info on Garvan Woodland Gardens and garden railroading, check out www.garvangardens.org and www.gardentrains.org.