School

Where to Go

There's more than ever to discover and enjoy in Arkansas. With its six geographic regions, each filled with outdoor beauty, colorful history and diverse attractions, The Natural State has a wide variety of destinations. From mountain music and Victorian villages to live Delta blues and a keep-what-you-find diamond mine, it's all here. With the right research and planning, your reunion will definitely boast a wide assortment of places to go and things to do for all ages and personalities. You can get oriented and find lots more general information about Arkansas here: www.arkansas.com

Where to Stay

You can find just about any type of group lodging accommodation in The Natural State; fine hotels, glorious lakeside vacation resorts, cozy cabins and charming cottages, bed and breakfasts and inns, rental waterfront condos, rental houseboats, and camping at RV parks or tent sites or even yachts, at some of our wonderful State Parks. Choose what's best for your reunion because without a doubt, we offer it!

Where to Daytrip

Find several varied sample itineraries where your group can find some ideas for enticing daytrip or even an extra weekend add-on (or two). Any itinerary can be modified to become what's best for you and your fellow group members. Whether it be digging for diamonds or enjoying living history of our great state, there really is something nearby for everyone to enjoy.

What to do

There are so many things to do in The Natural State. If your group wants music, history or art, we have it all. Our attractions are endless, no matter what taste you are looking for. Arkansas is known for its beautiful abundant and green nature, but we've also got fine restaurants and raucous, rickety roller coasters. Find the right activities for your group by checking through the sample itineraries or by simply exploring around here.

What to eat

Arkansas eats often involve heaping portions of fresh, delicious Southern cuisine. But you can also find lots of variety here, and loads of places to cook your own food where it usually tastes best - outside! With so much good food to choose from, there's bound to be something to please any palate in almost every part of the state. From Little Rock to Fayetteville, to Hot Springs, Eureka Springs and nearby towns in between, Arkansas restaurants cater to all appetites.

What to wear

Coming to Arkansas during typical reunion season (which is in summertime!) can be quite warm and humid. We suggest you pack your light and loose fitting clothes. Be comfortable - be yourselves! One popular reunion idea is for everyone to have matching T-Shirts. Have a more creative member or your group create a design for the reunion t-shirts. Many office supply or hobby stores sell thermal transfer paper, which you can print designs on, and then iron onto a t-shirt. You can find out when you send the invitations how many people want to buy a reunion t-shirt, and collect the funds with the ticket price. If you have the design already done, send a copy of that design to help your group members make up their minds.
You might purchase plain white cotton t-shirts in bulk and figure their cost and the cost of the transfer paper.

What to send

Here are some suggestions to keep your reunion on track and everyone informed:

• 15 months out:
  Send out a letter/e-mail to a handful of group members. Ask the questions like "where in Arkansas should we have our reunion," "what kinds of activities should we plan," and "how long should it be." Let them know you need their suggestions back as soon as possible so you can get some preliminary plans laid out.


• 12 months out:
  Send out the invitations--include information like when, where, who to contact, cost (if applicable), and any appropriate web addresses (your own website, your organization's website, www.arkansas.com, etc). Have the reply date set for three - four months later. Also, make sure that if there is a registration fee to cover expenses that group members know to send it along with their confirmation.


• 6 months out:
  Send out a newsletter, updating the guest list if necessary, and letting everyone know what's in store for this event.
  
  
• 3 months out:
  Send out the next newsletter; ask for event volunteers, and include information like what food or other items to bring.
  
  
• 1 month out:
  Send out your next newsletter to let everyone know things are going according to plan and you're looking forward to seeing them soon!

Ways to Reminisce

As you are enjoying your reunion here in The Natural State, come prepared with some of your group's history. This will be the perfect time to ask people about friends and group members with whom you've lost touch. You never know! Your reunion can not only be an exciting and fun time, it might just become a learning experience as well! Talk about growing up and the experiences you've shared; it'll be a blast!
Post photos and testimonials and messages on appropriate websites following your event. All of this will help ensure that your next reunion is even bigger and better!

REUNIONS 101:  Family | Fraternity & Sorority | Church | Military | Schools | Sitemap | Home
ARKANSAS.COM HELPFUL RESOURCES:  Photo Gallery | Newsletter | Virtual Tour

ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF PARKS & TOURISM One Capitol Mall - Little Rock, Arkansas 72201 1-800-NATURAL or (501) 682-7777 (V/TT) Arkansas.com