Arkansas: On par with paradise

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Arkansas is home to some of the most scenic courses in the country.

Rich in Southern hospitality and scenic splendor, Arkansas is a natural choice for your next golf getaway. The Natural State's four-season climate and mild winters make for comfortable play throughout the year. Rolling hills, sparkling lakes and rivers and rugged woodlands provide the picture-perfect setting for adventures on and off the links.

Greystone Cypress Creek

On the links

The Natural State is home to nearly 200 public, semi-private and private courses each with their own distinctive features. There are courses etched into the gentle slopes of the Ozark and Ouachita mountains. Scottish links-style courses can be found in the Arkansas Delta. Central Arkansas's championship courses will challenge any golfer's game. The Natural State Golf Trail highlights 15 of Arkansas's finest courses.

Located in 13 destinations across the state, these elite courses offer challenging holes on sprawling natural landscapes. On these award-winning links, you'll find fairways lined with towering pines, surprising changes in elevation and water hazards sure to test the skill and patience of the most experienced players. To find a course that suits your style, visit www.NaturalStateGolfTrail.com.

Off the links

Newcomers will quickly discover that there are endless opportunities for outdoor adventure in Arkansas, including hiking, biking, fishing, floating, motorcycling and much more. Whether you're interested in cave exploration or mountain climbing, local outfitters can supply you with all of the necessary equipment. Get to know the ins and outs of Arkansas by staying at a luxury lakeside resort, a rustic riverside cabin or a charming bed and breakfast.

State parks and national parks make for enjoyable outings for people of all ages and interests. Hot Springs National Park is known for its naturally thermal waters. Spa treatments are available on historic Bathhouse Row and in many area hotels. Oaklawn Park, the state's premier thoroughbred horse racing facility, is also located in Hot Springs. Spend an afternoon playing the ponies or pressing your luck on one of the electronic games of skill.

Harbor Oaks

Museums, galleries and cultural attractions offer opportunities for entertainment and enlightenment. For a lesson on recent American history, visit the William J. Clinton Presidential Center and Park in Little Rock. While in Little Rock, tour the Arkansas State Capitol and the Central High School National Historic Site. Across the river in North Little Rock, the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum has the USS Razorback, one of the most decorated submarines in the world, on display. The Delta Cultural Center in Helena-West Helena features interactive exhibits on the region's blues and gospel heritage. Depicting Christ's last days on earth, the New Great Passion Play is a must-see show in Eureka Springs. Arrive early to explore on-site attractions, including the seven-story Christ of the Ozarks statue and the New Holy Land Tour, featuring a full-size replica of Moses' Tabernacle in the Wilderness.

In these parts, Southern hospitality is a way of life. Looking for a place that's a little off the map? Locals can point you in the right direction. And, it's safe to say that around every corner, you'll find a great spot to fill up on local fare. Fried chicken, fried green tomatoes, barbecue and homemade pies are some of the down-home delicacies that have put Arkansas on the culinary map. Arkansas is also home to dozens of upscale dining establishments with impressive food and wine pairings.

After a satisfying meal, take in a concert, play or ball game at an area theater or arena. Little Rock, Fayetteville, Springdale and Hot Springs are a few cities with a vibrant arts, music and sports scene. These cities also offer great shopping. Nelson's Crossing in Fayetteville and Pinnacle Hills Promenade in Rogers are two of the more cosmopolitan shopping centers in Northwest Arkansas. Two open-air lifestyle shopping centers have recently opened in Little Rock: Midtowne Little Rock and Pleasant Ridge Town Center.

Play the best golf of your life while having the time of your life in Arkansas. To plan your golf getaway, visit Naturalstategolftrail.com or call 866-2-GOLF-AR. Order a free Arkansas Vacation Planning Kit online at Arkansas.com or call 800-NATURAL.