So you’ve just moved to Arkansas and want to prove to your friends that you’re a part of the Razorback Nation? Perhaps you’ve lived in the Natural State all your life and have a checklist of things you still haven’t done. Add these activities to the list. You’re a true Arkansas resident when you’ve done these things and can brag about them:
13. Appreciate mountain music.
If you weren't a fan of mountain music before coming to Arkansas, it's not a hard taste to acquire at all.
12. Visit at least one Riverfest.
If you go to Little Rock at least once every year, make that trip Riverfest. It's worth it. The Memorial Day festivities get better and better each year with more family-friendly activities and popular bands playing familiar hits. The weekend is capped off by an extravagant fireworks show. It's the best way to welcome the summer season.
11. Own Razorbacks merchandise.
It's true; every real Arkansas resident owns at least one Razorback shirt, cap, or jacket. It's just the way the Razorback Nation rolls so proudly around the Natural State.
10. Sharpen your weather watching skills.
You just don't know with Arkansas weather. Take March, for example: One week we're riding along with the occasional rainstorm, but our minds don't completely rule out a cold front headed our way. This is the time of year the real Arkansans haven't yet put away the winter clothes and have the spring clothes on standby.
9. Buy a grill for your front or back yard.
Grills are as common in an Arkansas yard as cars. Much like their vehicles, Arkansans have a habit of buying the top of the line brand to show off at neighborhood and family gatherings.
8. Eat at the Arkansas State Fair.
It's a joy, a fulfilling entertainment, and a pilgrimage for many Arkansans to take the annual trip to the state fairgrounds in Little Rock and enjoy the state fair food each October. Once you've had a corn dog or a turkey leg, you'll feel a lot more like an Arkansas resident.
7. Dig deep at the Crater of Diamonds.
Murfreesboro, Arkansas is the only place in the world where the public can openly dig for diamonds. Put the Crater of Diamonds on your "to-do" checklist and take another step forward in becoming an Arkansan.
6. Camp or hike at a state park
This photograph, taken at Devil's Den, shows how lush and verdant the Arkansas state parks can be. If you're looking for rugged terrain there's plenty of that as well around the Natural State. Outdoors lovers will always find something to catch their fancy.
5. Eat at McClard's or Jones Bar-B-Q.
McClard's in Hot Springs and Jones Bar-B-Q in Marianna both have a long, well-known, and delicious history in the Natural State. Once you've had barbecue from either of these places, you can feel secure in your Arkansan status.
4. See Cedar Falls at Petit Jean State Park.
A trip to Petit Jean State Park is required for all potential Arkansans. Historic Cedar Falls is one of the state's most recognized and photographed waterfalls.
3. Attend a Razorbacks game.
Woo Pig Sooie! There's nothing like the energy at a Razorback game at War Memorial Stadium or Bud Walton Arena. Once you've attended a basketball or football game, consider yourself enlightened as an Arkansan.
2. Reach the summit of Pinnacle Mountain.
No matter if you're a kid or an adult, reaching the summit of Pinnacle Mountain in central Arkansas makes you feel like a champion. This feat also makes you a true Arkansan, as you're in the company of a great number of residents who have made this exciting trek.
1. Travel Arkansas Highway 23 - the Pig Trail.
Known and loved by locals as the 'Pig Trail, Arkansas Highway 23 runs from US 71 (near Elm Park) north to the Missouri state line. The trip takes travelers through towns such as Ozark and Eureka Springs. The Pig Trail is especially popular to travel during the fall and spring months.
There! Finish off your checklist and you’re an official Arkansan in the eyes of the general populace. Go back and see or try these activities for a second time and you’re well on your way to being an Arkansas resident for life. You should feel proud of this status, too—because only the best of America’s best are official Arkansans.
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