You may not know that much about Arkansas, although it's a state known as a terrific vacation spot. There are a lot of outdoor activities to enjoy and for art lovers there are many theaters and galleries to visit. There is probably more to do in Arkansas than you ever imagined.

   Did you know that Arkansas is called the "natural state"? For one thing there are over 600,000 acres of beaches, where you can swim, boat, water ski, parasail, fish, scuba dive or even take a trip on a house boat. There are numerous lakes and each is uniquely Arkansan.

   If you would rather be higher up there are many picturesque hills and mountains in Arkansas that are great for hiking, camping, or just driving through. When it comes to various types of terrain Arkansas has it all. You should also be sure to check out the many caves and underground caverns that can be found all over Arkansas. There is spectacular scenery and natural wonders throughout the state.

   Golf is also a great activity to take part in while visiting Arkansas. There are many world class golf courses throughout the entire state that offer great vacation packages. The Arkansas landscape offers beautiful scenic courses to enjoy nine or eighteen holes of golf.

   If you are an art or history buff Arkansas has plenty for you to see and do. Arkansas is known for its civil war battlefields and rich American history. There are plenty of museums and historic heritage sites for you to enjoy.

   Arkansans - the natural state relishes its rich fields and harvests. The locals enjoy life through a large number of exotic festivals. The importance of the harvest can be garnered from the fact that most festivals are centred about the harvest. To enjoy the delicacies of the state, you must participate or at least witness festivals such as watermelon, peach, and tomato festivals. Additionally, there are also festivals that feature delicious foods such as steak, chilli con carne, and even Greek food. All these foodie festivals make Arkansas a culinary aficionados delight.

   If music suits your fancy, look for a number of music festivals in this great southern state. The King Biscuit Blues Festivals is one of the largest and most popular outdoor festivals in the United States. When you attend, you will hear the best in blues music. If you prefer, you can also find rock and roll, jazz, classical, and operatic events and venues.

   If you would prefer to sit in a fancy five star restaurant rather attend a chilli con carne cook-off then Arkansas has a huge variety of restaurants to satisfy everyone. Southern cooking is obviously heavily featured and done to perfection. However, you can find anything from Asian fusion to Russian.

   You may be ready to relax for a few days after enjoying so many diverse activities. There are plenty of spas in Arkansas to pamper you and restore your energy. Many of them offer excellent package deals including massage, facials, and even yoga. You will feel like a new person after spending some quality time at a spa.

   Obviously, Arkansas is a fabulous vacation site. There is something for everyone, whether it's a luxurious spa or the rich, natural beauty, or a combination of activities. The whole family will enjoy spending a vacation in Arkansas.

   Students looking for good small colleges might first look to New England or the Middle Atlantic region. But, there are two small colleges in Arkansas they might want to add to their lists.

   Lyon College is one of the two. While well respected by educators and publications like "U.S. News and World Report", Lyon does not now enjoy the high profile of some of its better known peers.

   But, Lyon is able to attract its fair share of solid students from more than twenty states and fifteen nations. A full quarter score above 29 on the ACT and most rank in the top quarter of their high school class.

   Lyon, with an enrollment of approximately 500, defines the term small college. And, the combination of its limited enrollment and small classes ensures the kind of personalized educational experiences many students seek.

   Further contributing to Lyon's feeling of smallness and community is the fact that close to 90% of its students choose to live on campus.

   Two characteristics which set Lyon apart from many of its peer schools is a campus-wide Honor Code and an exceptionally well developed, endowed international studies program.

   Another distinguishing characteristic is Lyon's cost of attendance, which makes it far less expensive than most of its peers.

   If you're looking for a high quality small college with a capable student body and reasonable tuition, Lyon is definitely worth a look.