Holiday Gift Ideas Abound in The Natural State
October 2002

By Jill M. Rohrbach, travel writer
Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism

With the approach of the holiday season comes the universal question, "What should I buy?" Whether you're shopping for a co-worker, Uncle Bob or Grandpa Jim, enjoy the quest for the perfect present this year with gifts that are uniquely Arkansas. The Natural State is home to many businesses that provide gift ideas - large and small, in all shapes and sizes - that are bound to fit the taste of those special people you're shopping for.

To appease a sweet tooth, shop for Brent & Sam's cookies, a variety of delectable gourmet cookies made from scratch in Little Rock. Chocolate chip pecan is their signature delight. The company offers corporate gifts and holiday gift tins. (501-225-7624; www.brentandsams.com)

For a nuttier snack, try Andrews Candy Company in Arkadelphia. Shoppers can also watch the various nut brittles that Andrews is famous for being cooked, poured and stretched - one batch at a time. Candy is made daily from September through December. (870-246-2796; www.andrewscandycompany.com) Across town in Arkadelphia, Juanita's Candy Kitchen is also known for its peanut, pecan and cashew brittle. (870-246- 8542; www.juanitascandykitchen.com)

Limited-edition prints of watercolors painted by Arkansas artist William McNamara, who often features the natural beauty of the Ozarks, can be purchased at several galleries around the state or online at www.mcnamarawatercolors.com. The site also provides information for those interested in purchasing originals.

The Art of Glynda Turley Factory Store in Heber Springs showcases the works of the well-known Arkansas artist, whose specialty is Victorian settings and decorative flower scenes.
(Toll-free 800-633-7931; www.glynda.com)

Dec. 21 is the final day to shop at the Ozark Folk Center State Park's Homespun Gift Shop before it closes for the winter season. Located in Mountain View, the shop's line of products includes pottery, woodwork, needlework, books, folk music recordings, canned jellies and other foods, toys and more.
(870-269-3851; toll-free 888-679-2859)

Mountain View's Arkansas Craft Gallery sells one-of-a-kind items produced by members of the Arkansas Craft Guild. The 40-year-old, statewide guild is made up of 250 Arkansas crafters who meet high quality standards for membership. The Mountain View outlet is the only guild shop remaining in the state, and its largest show, featuring more than 100 artists, is the Christmas Showcase that will take place Dec. 6-8 at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock. (870-269-3897; www.arkansascraftguild.org)

Renowned for its hand-forged wrought iron beds and iron furnishings, Stone County Ironworks, also located in Mountain View, offers exquisite works of art as well as utilitarian iron pieces.
(Toll-free 800-380-4766; www.stonecountyironworks.com)

Classic pieces and the unusual can be found at Terra Studios in Durham near Fayetteville. Here, artisans produce glass and pottery home wares as well as works of fine art. Visitors can explore the pottery showroom and watch skilled glassworkers create the now famous Bluebird of Happiness.
(Toll-free 800-255-8995; www.terrastudios.com)

Follow your nose to the world's largest online candle store!
(www.candlemart.com)

More decorative home fragrances and bath products can be found at Panache, The Aromatique Store based in Heber Springs. (Toll-free 800-875-3111; www.aromatique.com) 

In its new building, A.G. Russell Knives in Lowell offers handmade and production knives. Its catalog and web site also list a section for masculine gift ideas, such as watches, wallets and tools.
(Toll-free 800-255-9034; www.agrussell.com)

Arkansas' wine country features family-owned vineyards open for tours and tastings, providing a truly pleasurable way to shop for Christmas. Around Altus, these include: Chateau Aux Arc (479-970-3868); the Mount Bethel Winery (479-468-24444 or www.mountbethel.com); the Post Familie Winery (479-468-2741 or www.postfamilie.com); Cowie Wine Cellars (479-963-3990 or www.cowiewinecellars.com); and Wiederkehr Wine Cellars (479-468-WINE or www.wiederkehrwines.com).

With wine, try a gift package of savory Petit Jean meats. Hams, bacon, beef, turkey and more are available at Ozark Mountain Smoke House restaurants throughout the state or online at www.petitjeanmeats.com. (501-663-7319) 

For a gift with feeling, shop for vintage blues albums from Arkansas musicians such as Louis Jordan, Albert King and Sonny Boy Williamson at the Blues Corner store in downtown Helena. (870-338-3501)

Last, but not least in gift ideas, is a gift certificate to one of Arkansas's bed and breakfast inns. It's a gift of relaxation, service and Southern hospitality. For a listing of accommodations across the state, visit www.arkansasbedandbreakfast.com.