Four Years of All Around Arkansas

            This year, the Saline Courier celebrates its 150th anniversary. And this week, I celebrate a milestone of my own: this column turns four years old.

            I’ve never claimed to be much of a mathematician, but by my count, that comes to 208 columns—208 opportunities to write about the people, places, and culture of my beloved home state.

            The idea for All Around Arkansas was born years ago when I worked in the tourism division of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism. I served in the group travel section, where our three-person team promoted Arkansas to tour companies, travel writers, influencers, and conference planners across the country. We attended conventions, pitched destinations, and invited decision-makers to experience Arkansas firsthand—all with the hope of bringing more visitors and more economic impact to our state.

            Often, we hosted tours of some of Arkansas’s most well-known attractions, introducing guests to our history, culture, and, yes, a few tall tales along the way. As a native Arkansan with a deep love for our state’s stories, I was frequently tasked with serving as tour guide. I relished the chance to share the legends and lore that make Arkansas unique.

            But there were also stretches of downtime.

            As a child, I remembered watching “Travelin’ Arkansas,” a segment on KTHV Channel 11 hosted by Chuck Dovish. Dovish crisscrossed the state, spotlighting attractions and colorful stories. It was informative, entertaining, and unmistakably Arkansas. That memory sparked an idea: perhaps I could use my downtime to tell more of our state’s stories.

            At the time, Arkansas Tourism maintained a blog on its website, along with Facebook and Instagram pages. While those platforms highlighted beautiful photographs of iconic destinations, I couldn’t help but feel we were only scratching the surface. We regularly promoted places such as the Clinton Presidential Center, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Johnny Cash’s Boyhood Home, and Crater of Diamonds State Park. All worthy destinations, certainly—but Arkansas is far more than a handful of well-known landmarks.

            There were countless untold stories in small towns and along back roads. I believed we could—and should—be sharing them. And I believed I knew someone who would be more than willing to tell them.

            One day, I approached my supervisor with a proposal. When traveling to conventions or delivering materials to welcome centers and state park visitor centers, I could also gather stories. I could write articles about interesting people and places, take photographs and record interviews. The content could be shared on the tourism website and social media channels.

            My supervisor loved the idea and encouraged me to pitch it to the communications director. She was supportive and said she would present it to upper management.

            Then came the waiting.

            Several days later, I was called into my supervisor’s office and given the news: the idea had been nixed. The explanation was familiar and bureaucratic—“It’s not in your job description.” I walked out disappointed but not defeated. The idea stayed with me.

            Fast forward to January 2022. After subscribing to the Saline Courier, that long-shelved vision resurfaced. What if a local newspaper were interested in a weekly column about Arkansas’s history, heritage, and culture? I emailed the publisher with my proposal. A few days later, he responded with interest and asked for a sample.

            For that first submission, I chose a place close to my heart: Pinnacle Mountain State Park. I had visited the park countless times over the years and once worked at its visitor center before moving into the tourism department. It felt like the perfect place to begin.

            Thankfully, the publisher agreed. Four years later, All Around Arkansas continues to appear not only in the Saline Courier, but in several other newspapers and magazines as well.

            The story of Arkansas is, ultimately, the story of all of us—those who came before, those who call it home today, and those who will shape its future. I am grateful to the Courier for giving these stories a home, and to you, the readers, who make it a point to join me each week.

            There are still countless overlooked stories waiting to be told in the Natural State. I intend to keep seeking them out, and I hope you’ll continue to ride along with me in the years ahead.