Arkansas: On par with paradise

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Arkansas's natural beauty, moderate climate and diverse terrain make for excellent golfing getaways any time of the year. From the Ozarks to the Delta, you'll find an abundance of scenic courses as well as a variety of food and fun off the links.

On the links

Alma Eagle Crest Golf Course

Diverse geography and scenic beauty are great complements to the game of golf, and The Natural State delivers both. The beautiful Ozark Mountains provide gently rolling hills, hardwood forests, pristine streams and deep blue mountain lakes that make Ozark golf resorts works of natural art. In the Ouachita Mountains, magnificent golf courses are etched into the sprawling countryside among tall pines, clean rivers, clear lakes and natural springs. The Arkansas Delta is naturally suited for Scottish links style courses. The Central region is home to popular urban courses. The Timberlands region features rugged woodland views for unforgettable golf vacations while the scenic River Valley region offers sweeping views of the Arkansas River.

Take your pick among 200 public, semi-private and private courses. Fifteen elite courses, located in 13 destinations across the state, comprise The Natural State Golf Trail. On these award-winning links, you'll find surprising changes in elevation and water hazards sure to test any golfer's game. Locate a course that suits your style at NaturalStateGolfTrail.com. For more on golfing in Arkansas, visit Arkansas.com.

Off the links

In these parts, Southern hospitality is a way of life. Looking for a place that's a little off the map? Local Arkansans 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 catfish, barbecue and homemade pies are some of the down-home favorites that have put The Natural State on the culinary map. Arkansas is also home to dozens of upscale restaurants with impressive menus and wine lists.

After a satisfying meal, take in a concert, play or ballgame at an area theater or arena. Little Rock, Fayetteville, Springdale and Hot Springs are a few cities with vibrant arts, music and sports scenes. Dickson Street in Fayetteville is a prime locale for sampling new restaurants and live music. Little Rock's River Market District is known for its eclectic dining, museums, music venues, outdoor summer movies and more. It is also the site of the William J. Clinton Presidential Center and Park. Across the river in North Little Rock, minor league baseball is in full swing in the spring and summer months at Dickey-Stephens Park, home of the Arkansas Travelers. Springdale plays host to the Northwest Arkansas Naturals, the AA-affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. These regions also offer great shopping. Nelsons 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.

Mountain Home Big Creek Golf Country Club

A must-see for history buffs is the Fort Smith National Historical Site, featuring the original 1817 fort on the Arkansas River; the restored courtroom of famed "Hangin' Judge" Isaac C. Parker; and the dingy frontier jail called "Hell on the Border." Brush up on local history and culture at the Delta Cultural Center in Helena-West Helena, which features interactive exhibits on the region's blues and gospel music heritage. While touring south Arkansas's Timberlands, step back into the Civil War era at the McCollum-Chidester House in Camden.

State parks and national parks feature endless fun. Hot Springs National Park offers luxurious spa treatments on historic Bathhouse Row and in many area hotels. Oaklawn Racing & Gaming, 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. Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro is the only diamond-bearing site in the world open to the public. Located in Mountain View, Ozark Folk Center State Park interprets old-time traditions.

Opportunities for outdoor adventure in Arkansas include 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.

Play the best golf of your life while having the time of your life -- only in Arkansas. To plan your golf getaway, order a free Arkansas Vacation Planning Kit online at Arkansas.com or by calling 1-800-NATURAL.