Mountain Home AR 72653

Mountain Home, Arkansas, Mountain Paradise

Introduction to the Main Speaker

Mr. Main Speaker, I am here today to tell you about Mountain Home, Arkansas, a mountain paradise filled with lakes and rivers that draw tourists from all over the state and the country. With a population of just over 11,000 ("Official"), Mountain Home is big enough to contain everything a visitor needs for a comfortable and relaxing vacation, and small enough to maintain that small town feeling that welcomes visitors and residents alike. You may not know much about Mountain Home and what it has to offer now, but in a few minutes, Mountain Home is going to be a place you can't wait to visit, because it offers so much to the first-time and return visitor.

Mountain Home is just 52 short miles from Harrison and 112 miles from Fayetteville ("Mountain Home"), so travelers find it easy to reach, and easy to relax once they arrive. Filled with outdoor recreation opportunities and options for the entire family, Mountain Home is also built on the tradition of retirement and relaxation. Organized since 1888, Mountain Home is the perfect place to spend a few days or a lifetime, because it's known as one of the "safest areas in America" ("Mountain Home"). The climate is temperate and mild, with average lows in the upper 40s, and average highs around 71 degrees year-round ("North Central"). There are also many senior citizen support systems in Mountain Home, so it makes a great place to visit, and the perfect place to retire. You can get away from it all but still be close to the services you need and want. Tourism in Mountain Home is one of biggest industries in the area. It employs over 2,000 people, and brings nearly $30 million to the annual county economy ("North Central"). Because tourism is so important to the county, I'd like to tell you a little more about just why Mountain Home is one step closer to heaven than many people realize.

2. Welcome to Mountain Home -- More than "Almost" Heaven

Don't know much about Arkansas? Chances are, it's not what you think it is. It's more than hot springs and political libraries. Arkansas is called "the natural state," and Mountain Home Arkansas is as natural as it gets. West Virginia may be "almost Heaven," but Mountain Home is just one step closer on the way to paradise. Tourism is one of the biggest employers in Baxter County, where

3. Stressed Out?

Had a stressful day at the office? Are you longing to get away from it all and enjoy a quick weekend trip, or a long, leisurely vacation? Tired of the constant rush of day-to-day life? Slow down. Come to Mountain Home for a weekend, a week, or longer, and discover a slower pace, peace and quiet, and the relaxation you crave. While tourism is vital to the economy of the area, there are so many secluded spots to get away, visitors don't have the feeling they've stepped into Christmas week at Disney World. There's room for everyone, and room for everyone to enjoy peace, quiet, and seclusion if that's what they're looking for.

4. Get some Satisfaction

Gateway to the Ozarks and home to camping, boating, fishing, shopping, dining, and museums, Mountain Home is one of the most satisfying tourist destinations in Arkansas. It has something for everyone, from mom and dad to the kids and the grandparents. Families can enjoy water sports, camping, hunting, fishing, and recreation galore. They can even learn a little more about the ecology of the area when the visit the Norfork National Fish Hatchery. "The hatchery is responsible for raising three kinds of trout: rainbow, brown, and cutthroat" ("Hatchery"). Kids will love learning more about how fish develop and mature, and mom and dad will get a better understanding of just how those trophy size trout end up in the lakes and streams of the area. You can enjoy the rivers first-hand, too, with many special river trips, from kayaking to leisurely cruises. "A special event in any visitor or resident's life is a day-long johnboat trip with shore lunches cooked on a sandbar" ("North Central").

4. Envision a Lake with Your Name on It

Close your eyes, and envision a beautiful lake, swimming with fish, but uncrowded and waiting just for you. You've just pictured Norfork Lake outside Mountain Home, "with wide open, breezy stretches for sailing and quiet, secluded coves for skiing and swimming, the clear and uncrowded waters of Norfork are ideal for water sports" ("Norfork"). On the nearby Buffalo River, "Canoeing is the top activity, but camping, hiking and warm-water fishing are also popular ("Mountain Home"). Picture camping somewhere on the shores of the 550-mile shoreline, taking a deep breath to discover the aromas of campfires, pines, and hickories. Picture a lazy day on the lake, or a tour of the Fish Hatchery that the kids will love. Peace and tranquility are the order of the day, and you might even see a deer or two as you lounge in your campsite ("Norfork").