Page 6 - 2018 TR WWW

6SS • What Women Want • An Advertising Supplement to the Three Rivers Edition • Sunday, August 19, 2018
Autumn scenery can be breathtaking, and a little preparation can help travelers get the most out of their fall-foliage trips.
Brilliant HUES Leaf-peeping planning guide
Millions of people each year look forward to the magnificent colors on display in autumn. Fall offers irreplaceable views, whether travelers are atop a mountain ridge or thick in the folds of a forest. In addition, the crackle of leaves underfoot and the earthy smell of the soil tempt the senses even more. Some advance planning can help make fall foliage trips much more enjoyable and awe-inspiring.
Eye-popping
EXCURSIONS
BY SARAH DeCLERK | SPECIAL SECTIONS WRITER
Arkansas travelers can find plenty of prime leaf-peeping op- portunities in the Three Rivers Edition coverage area. Here are some local drives that offer rewarding views of autumn hues.
MOUNTAIN VIEW
When the temperatures drop, the wooded slopes and steep bluffs in the Mountain View area burn with fiery colors that enliven both the landscape and sightseers. Drivers can escape into the rugged beauty of the Ozark National Forest by following the Sylamore Scenic Byway, which begins on Arkansas 5 in Calico Rock. The route takes drivers south, providing an opportunity to take a spur on Sugar Loaf Tower Road to view historic structures and see pic- turesque views from Sugarloaf Mountain. The route continues to Allison, where the White River flows alongside the highway. Then travelers head west on Arkansas 14, driving deep into the forest before ending the trip at Blanchard Springs Caverns. According to America’s Scenic Byways, the 26.5-mile drive takes about 1.5 hours, leaving plenty of time to explore the caverns and Mirror Lake before dining in downtown Mountain View.
THE GREERS FERRY RUN
A popular summer destination, Greers Ferry Lake takes on new scenery in autumn, when the highways surrounding the lake receive a splash of brilliant color. Although the Ozark Gateway recommends the Greers Ferry Run for motorcyclists, drivers can certainly enjoy the 130-mile loop around the lake, which takes about three hours to complete. From Mountain View, travelers take Arkansas 5 south to Wolf Bayou, where drivers bear right to continue south on Arkansas 5/25. Travelers can stop for a picnic or explore trails near Greers Ferry Dam or have lunch in Heber Springs before taking a right turn south of the city to continue west on Arkansas 25. A right turn on Arkansas 16 sends travelers northwest, crossing the lake twice more on either side of the city of Greers Ferry. Travelers then turn right onto Arkansas 9, passing through Shirley, and ride the winding road north to return to Mountain View.
BIG DAM RUN
Another Ozark Gateway motorcycle route, the Big Dam Run begins at the Ozark Gateway Tourist Council in Batesville, providing sweeping views of fall colors on the White River and Norfolk Lake, as well as opportunities to visit historic Calico Rock in a glowing setting. From the Tourist Council, drivers head north on U.S. 167, crossing the White River and passing through the heart of Batesville. A left turn on Arkansas 69 takes travelers northwest to Melbourne, where they head north on Arkansas 9. At Brockwell, drivers go west on Arkansas 56, then head north on Arkansas 223. When they reach Pineville, travelers turn left on Arkansas 177, which leads them across Norfork Dam and along the shore, providing opportunities to view the blazing colors of fall against the lake’s cool tones. In Salesville, drivers return south via Arkansas 5, providing opportunities to shop in Calico Rock and Mountain View, as well as photo opportunities of the White River in autumn splendor. Follow the river back to Batesville by taking Arkansas 14 from Mountain View to Locust Grove and turning left on Arkansas 25. According to Ozark Gateway, the 175-mile trek takes about four hours.
KURT JONES/CAPTURE ARKANSAS Mirror Lake is a popular stop for tourists along the Sylamore Scenic Byway.
AROUND
the house
PEAK VIEWING TIMES
Areas of the northern-most latitude will start to show color earlier than more southern areas. Generally speak- ing, the leaf-viewing season begins in late September and runs through early November for much of North America. Peak times for viewing depend on areas of travel and time of year. According to the Weather Channel, which offers maps and charts at www.weather.com/maps/fall-foliage, the best times to see autumn leaves in Arkansas are late October and early November.
PICK YOUR DESTINATION
The Natural State is known for lush foliage that trans- forms the landscape into a sea of red, orange and yellow in autumn. State parks, scenic highways and gorgeous waterways all provide outstanding places to view fall hues. With a little research, women can find plenty of places to experience seasonal beauty in Arkansas.
PACK THE RIGHT GEAR
While many people are not without a smartphone that can capture amazing high-resolution imagery, serious leaf
photographers may want to take out their prized camera equipment for leaf-peeping excursions. Also bring along a map or a GPS-enabled device to more readily explore back roads and areas off the beaten path. There are plenty of apps that can help with foliage-finding adventures, so a phone is a handy tool. When packing, also bring along hiking boots, comfortable layered clothing and any equipment needed for an afternoon in the great outdoors. Another idea is to hit the ATM machine prior to the visit. Many smaller towns and their local shops may not take credit cards, so it’s best to have cash on hand for food and souvenirs.
EXTEND THE DAY
Make leaf-peeping part of a larger series of events for the day. Scope out vineyards, where you can sample local wines, or plan trips around orchards, where shutterbugs can come home with beautiful photos, as well as fresh- picked apples and pumpkins. Travelers may find a county fair or street festival while exploring.
— Courtesy of Metro Creative, with contributions by Sarah DeClerk, special sections writer
featured businesses
KATHRYN SMITH INSURANCE
100 W. Mulberry Ave., Suite B Searcy
501-279-1430 kathrynsmithins.com
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HEALTHY WOMEN OF UNITY
Unity Health – White County Medical Center 3214 E. Race Ave., Searcy
501-278-3186
Unity-Health.org
Healthy Women of Unity, a Unity Health Foundation resource, has a mis- sion to empower women with the knowledge and confidence to make informed health care and well-being decisions for themselves and their loved ones. This program is open to women of all ages. Members are in- vited to special events throughout the year that are centered on health education designed to help a woman maintain a healthy mind, body and spirit. A standard membership is $40, and senior (65 and older) and junior (24 and younger) memberships cost $25.
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UNITY HEALTH & MAYO CLINIC
Unity Health
3214 E. Race Ave., Searcy & 1200 S. Main St., Searcy 501-268-6121, 501-278-3100
Unity-Health.org
Achieving the vision of world-class health care is even closer for Unity Health as a result of its membership in the Mayo Clinic Care Network, an innovative collab- oration that brings the expertise of the Mayo Clinic to local patients. As the first member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network in Arkansas, Unity Health has enhanced its depth of specialty care with new resources and tools, while keeping patient care right here at home. Unity Health and other members of the care network remain independent but share Mayo’s commitment to improving the quality and delivery of health care. Launched in 2011, the network has more than 40 member organiza- tions in the U.S., the United Arab Emirates, Mexico, the Philippines and Singapore.
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