Over 135 years ago, many German-Swiss immigrants traveled well into the south central United States to stake their claim. And back in the 1870′s, the beautiful Ozark Mountain area of northwestern Arkansas seemed an appropriate place to begin. Rolling mountains, while not quite the height or splendor of the Swiss Alps, offered a reminder of home.

And so, a large German-Swiss settlement blossomed in the west/northwest area of Arkansas, “The Natural State”. Now, almost a century and a half later, this European influence is still felt in a unique area of the state, roughly between Little Rock in the state’s center and Fort Smith, at its’ western boundary. Not far off of Interstate I-40, about 50 minutes east of Fort Smith, you’ll find Arkansas Wine Country.

Traveling west/northwest out of Little Rock (actually, North Little Rock) on Interstate 40, it’s about 140 miles to the heart of Arkansas wine country. As you travel outside of Little Rock, you’ll notice the topography changing … lush valleys and rolling mountains … a perfect subclimate for grape growing and wine making. Approximately two hours outside of Little Rock on Interstate 40, look for exit 41, Arkansas Route 186. Go south about five miles on 186 and you’ll enter the charming and historic town of Altus, heart of Arkansas wine country and home to four area wineries. Let’s take a closer look.

Chateau Aux Arc Vineyards and Winery: Directly on Rt. 186, actually just two miles off I-40 and before you reach the town of Altus,is Chateau Aux Arc, the world’s largest propagator of Cynthiana grapes. Be sure to check out their gorgeous tasting room, situated on top of St. Mary’s mountain. Enjoy the view of the Arkansas River Valley while you taste the fruit of Chateau Aux Arc’s labor.

Mount Bethel Winery: Three generations of the Post family have proudly guided this beautiful historic winery. Just 1/4 mile east of the town of Altus, Mount Bethel Winery offers a full selection of reds, whites, and fruit wines. Since Arkansas is a renowned fruit producer, we decided to try the Elderberry and Blackberry wines, both produced from fruit grown and hand picked by the Post family. Both were sweet, tangy, and quite enjoyable. Mount Bethel is also renowned for their port wine, Big Daddy Port.

Post Familie Vineyards and Winery: On to downtown Altus, where one block north on Rt. 186 stands the Post Familie Vineyards and Winery. They say the scenery in this area is just as beautiful as Napa Valley and we wouldn’t disagree! Post Familie is known for their muscadine wines (a southern specialty), as well as a very nice Pinot Grigio.

Wiederkehr Wine Cellars: A pioneer in the U.S. wine industry (Wiederkehr is Bonded Winery #8), Wiederkehr Wine Cellars is an introduction to the Swiss winemaking heritage. Housed in an Alpine lodge, Wiederkehr offers 45 minute winery and cellar tours for a behind-the-scenes glimpse into winemaking. We enjoyed a German-Swiss lunch in their onsite restaurant, the Weinkeller Restaurant. As for wine, try Wiederkehr’s deliciously dry Johannisberg Riesling or their unique, crisp Verdelet, a white wine made from a French developed grape variety.

Cowie Wine Cellars and Museum: Our last stop takes us to the smallest winery in Arkansas, Cowie Wine Cellars and Museum. Located three miles west of Paris, Arkansas on scenic Rt. 22, Cowie Wine Cellars is a must stop, not just to taste and buy their wines, but also to see their museum, dedicated to the art of Arkansas winemaking and Arkansas wineries.

WATER!!! The most precious and the most magical thing in this world! It is significant in both the warm as well as the cooler state. And this warm water is what draws thousands of people to Hot Springs National Park. It’s been in use for the last two centuries here.

It have been used by the Native Americans for many centuries but it was introduced to the New World some two hundred years ago. The various tribes living in the area used to gather here and enjoy the healing properties of the warm water.

The Springs in the modern world were discovered in 1804 and was the destination of the Dunbar-Hunter Expedition sent by President Jefferson. People from all walks of life, irrespective of financial status, came to this place to enjoy and relax in these soothing waters. Slowly a town built around the Hot Springs Reservation and bath houses were also set up. It has been nicknamed as the American Spa and the Hot Springs National Park surrounds the north end of the city.

There are four seasons in Central Arkansas:

Spring & Fall – Mild with Humidity
Summer – Hot & Very Humid
Winters – May vary from below freezing to 60 degree with some humidity

As the years went by, the bathing industry became central to the American Spa. Free bathhouses were set up by the government and the water was used for public health. The Public Health Service Clinic which was run in collaboration with the Government Free Bathhouse was the first facilities to use Penicillin in the United States.

The Hot Springs are a source of naturally warm healing waters which has immense impact on the health of the patients with rheumatism, skin diseases and joint pains. The Congress established the Hot Springs Reservations on April 20, 1832 in order to protect the hot springs flowing from the south-western slope of the Hot Springs Mountains.

This makes the place the oldest park amongst the various National Parks in the country. The reservation eventually was converted into a National Park. It attracted not only the ailing but also the wealthy that came here for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Today there are 8 historic bathhouses which are under the protection of the Park authorities. In fact the former luxurious Fordyce Bathhouse has been transformed into a visitor center. The entire “Bathhouse Row” area is now a National Historic Landmark District. There are a total of 47 Hot Springs which are being protected by the Park. Hot Springs Reservations became Hot Springs National Park on March 4, 1921 after the Congress approved it.

The waters at the Springs contain minerals and gases which leave a pleasant smell and taste. This mineral component combined with the temperature of 143 degrees Fahrenheit gives the waters whatever therapeutic properties they do possess. Water from the cold springs too is used for drinking and they differ in chemical components and properties. The water gushes out an average rate of 850,000 gallons per day.

The most significant thing about this thermal water is that it is sterile and absolutely free from any kind of bacteria. Earlier they were not covered but now the springs have been covered to prevent contamination. The pure taste and the odorless water of Hot Springs National Park is considered to be the best in the country. The Park also maintains several thermal water jug fountains and 2 cold spring jug fountains which are used by the visitors to fill up and take the water home.