Nestled in the Arkansas River Valley, between the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains is Arkansas’s second largest city, Fort Smith. When you visit, you’ll find that Fort Smith’s past is in its future. Combining the history of the “Old West” with the gentle charm of the antebellum “Old South,” offering travelers of all ages glimpses into its distinctive past through restorations, attractions, museums and festivals that makes history fun and exciting.
Day 1 - Travel to Fort Smith , AR. Check into your hotel for a three night stay. Dinner on own.
Day 2 - Guided tour of Fort Smith, see all the historic sites and landmarks of this city. Take a nostalgic ride on an electric trolley from Fort Smith Museum to the National Cemetery containing the grave of General Darby. Next, enjoy an afternoon ride on the Arkansas & Missouri Railroad with spectacular views of the Ozark Mountains on this authentic 19th century passenger car. Discover the Swiss winemaking heritage of Wiederkehr Wine Cellars, the oldest and largest winery in mid-America. Proceed through rows of oak aging casks, to wine storage, production, and bottling areas, and finally to the tasting room where you can try fine wines. After the tasting, enjoy a fabulous dinner at the winery featuring excellent Swiss and other European specialties.
Day 3 - Morning visit to Miss Laura's Vistors Center. Take a look around this one-time riverfront brothel listed on the National Register of Historic Places. "Miss Laura" will greet your group and give you a tour of the visitors center. Next, tour the Fort Smith National Historic Site, the location of the first military outpost was built in 1817. Nearby there is a replica of the gallows where 80 men were ordered hanged by "Hangin Judge" Issac Parker. An afternoon visit to the Fort Smith Museum of History, tracing the history from a tiny community around the first fort to a modern border city and Fort Smith's role in the Civil War. The museum also features old-fashioned soda exhibit. Tonight, we will enjoy a seafood dinner at the Lighthouse Inn before seeing a performance by "Miss Laura's Players." This original comedy show spoofs the early life of Fort Smith during the time of Judge Issac Parker and Miss Laura.
Day 4 - Depart for Home.