Itinerary
SATURDAY Depart your hometown for a short, direct flight to Little Rock or Memphis. Upon arrival, you will collect your SUV, complete with GPS system to navigate you the 3 and a half hour drive into the Ozark Mountains. Observe the scenery becoming more green and lush with every turn as you drive into the oldest mountain range in the USA. You will see the sign for ‘ANEDODI’ and pull into a long, circular driveway full of giant oak trees, leading you down to your luxury log cabin base for the week ahead.
SUNDAY Awaken to see a spectacular view of the lake, glistening in the morning sunlight. Enjoy a coffee and some toast on the deck in complete peace and tranquility before anyone else awakes. To your right is a 40ft swimming pool with large sun deck, giant circular daybeds and sun loungers. Straight in front is a lawn rolling down to the trees which border the lake - to preserve the lake’s beautiful natural appeal the government has bought all the land bordering the lake and it remains as a nature reserve. Spend the day relaxing in the pool and gardens with family and friends. The giant oaks in the front garden double as a 9-hole frisbee golf course and there is also shuffleboard and a horseshoe pit for you to enjoy. Inside time can be spent watching a collection of DVD’s on the flat-screen TV, reading or playing WII games on the Nintendo System.
MONDAY After a big breakfast on the large deck with the whole group, it’s time to hit the lake! Load up the car with snacks, drinks, and towels and drive for about 500 yards down the road to the boat dock at the waters’ edge. Here your chariot awaits - a ski boat to take you for a spin around the twists and turns of Lake Norfork - which is 550 miles around. You will be stunned to discover you have the whole lake to yourself, other than the odd fishing boat or ski boat... and most importantly for your skiing pleasure, there is barely a ripple on the mirror-smooth water. The water is also fantastic for swimming as it is warm from May through October and is very clean and clear, having originated in the mountains which surround you - and with very little development to have caused disturbance to the natural ecosystem. In fact, the water has visibility of up to 60 feet - This is evidenced by the fact that there are over 29 different scuba dive sites, with unique treasures including an underwater playground and Harley Davidson. You can even take an Open Water Scuba Certification of you have 3 days to spare. But back to the task at hand - enjoy the morning on the boat as you please - stopping to swim, to jump from the cliffs, to relax on one of the beaches with a picnic. Or enjoy a more adrenaline-pumping activity such as waterskiing, wakeboarding, kneeboarding or tubing. Your driver and guide will be more than happy to show you the ropes.
TUESDAY and WEDNESDAY Today you may choose to relax by the pool or maybe take a group trip out on the pontoon to swim in the clear waters of Lake Norfork. Or you could embark on a trip to the Buffalo National River for a floating adventure by kayak. The drive takes around 2 hours, so you may choose to stay overnight in the area to further explore the Upper Buffalo Wilderness.
Floating the river - North Arkansas' Buffalo River, the country's first national river, is roughly 150 miles long. Described as ‘an island of time and space’ the valley is suspended in a time long ago. The river cuts down 2,000 feet through stone, creating bluffs, waterfalls, springs, caves and canyons. A scenic float for the whole family, with rapids no stronger than Class II and plenty of swimming holes along the way.
Waterfall treks - Northwestern Arkansas has dozens of very impressive waterfalls. However, most of the great waterfalls in Arkansas are only viewable by hiking some distance on challenging trails - or, in some cases, by kayak on the water. Arkansas is the site of one of the most beautiful stretches of primitive areas in the country: the Buffalo National River. For the more experienced, and hardy, hikers there are many hiking trails, many with a great waterfall awaiting at the end. One of the most photographed rocks in Arkansas, most impressive in fall.
Hiking - Hawksbill Crag is reached by a bumpy car ride, followed by a 30-minute hike through the forest and alongside a bluff. Great for families and beginners alike, the view of the Ozark Mountains from the top is worth the journey. After visiting the crag be sure to check out the other attractions at Boxley Valley, including Lost Valley.
THURSDAY Take to the lake or the rivers for some of the best fishing in the USA. Voted 2nd best fishing town in the USA by Field and Stream magazine, the 170-mile network of cold water rivers harbor some of the world’s finest trout, including a record-breaking 38 pound nine ounce trout in 1988. In addition to the two main fishing rivers - White River and North Fork, the lakes - Lake Norfork and Bull Shoals are great for Large Mouth Bass, Walleye, Hybrid Striper, lots of crappie and of course catfish. We will make sure you have the best guides available to ensure you find the nooks and crannies where the fish are clustered - all you need to do is pull them out of the water! After finishing your day’s fishing and freshening up, how about enjoying the fruits of your labor with a fish-fry on the deck.
FRIDAY Finally the day you have been waiting for, your wedding day! This will prove to be a laid back stress-free affair, especially as everyone is already in the holiday spirit. So just sit back and enjoy the festivities. You will have already chosen your favorite spot in the 12 acre grounds, which will be decorated with an floral arch and a path of rose petals. Perhaps use the staircase from the upper deck to make your entrance... or the smaller staircase from the lower deck. Tables and chairs can be assembled along the runway to the arch. After the ceremony, enjoy a cocktail reception on the deck, followed by a lobster and steak barbecue with champagne toast and wedding cake, all accompanied by the jazz band. Tables will be cleared to make space for the dancing to ensue after the final bite has been taken. The decks will be decorate with sparkling lights, candles and flowers to create a magical, romantic atmosphere for your special event. As you have no neighbors within listening distance - feel free to dance the night away.
SATURDAY Awake to the smell of bacon drifting in from the kitchen. Enjoy a spectacular brunch buffet with all your friends and family before everyone heads off home with shared memories of a fun and active wedding at the lake.
