Bull Shoals/White River State Park

I love the warm, comfy bed of a nice hotel. However, when you are on a budget, sometimes a few nights in a hotel just aren't an option. Enter: campsite. I've always thought of camping as the reason for a trip, such as, "I'm going camping." However, when I wanted to visit the White River at Bull Shoals two weeks ago, I chose camping as my means for sleeping. Yes, it sounded fun, but it was more compeling because it was only about $8/night.

I stayed at the Bull Shoals-White River State Park. Here, you can bring an R.V. or tent, but you can also rent an R.V. or an already-assembled camp site. The people next to us slept in their car, so I guess you can sleep however you like. I really only used the campsite to sleep, but there was a lot to do there. They have volleyball and basketball courts, trails, and best of all, the park is located right on the river bank. There is a boat ramp as well as boat, canoe, and kayak rentals. The water happened to be really low this visit, so there were a lot of people wade fishing right in front of the campgrounds. If you prefer to just view the river, there are several cozy wooden porch swings facing the water (take note couples and kids).

It was so much fun to come back from fishing all day to grill burgers and eat s'mores (try cookies and cream chocolate mmm). Even though it was absolutely freezing (I mean I was shaking all night and slept with the sleeping bag literally over my face), I wouldn't have traded it for a plush hotel room. At least not this trip. I found that taking the cheaper/more rugged option can prove to be more fun! Besides, after being couped up inside all winter, sleeping outside was just what I needed.
http://www.arkansasstateparks.com/bullshoalswhiteriver/

Monte Ne Inn

Monte Ne Inn is no secret to many long-time Northwest Arkansas locals. However, I always tend to forget it's there. Normally when I am thinking of somewher to eat, my mind races to downtown Fayetteville or restaurant row in Rogers. Monte Ne is, well, in no such place. Drive a few miles east of the New Hope Road/71B intersection in Rogers, and you will stumble upon a modest stone building...with a full parking lot across the street.  

There's one main reason to eat at Monte Ne Inn--fried chicken. In fact, I thought the name was Monte Ne Chicken up until I really paid attention. If you don't want fried chicken, go somewhere else. Normally, I am a clean and well-mannered eater. When I ate there last night, I picked every little crispy fried piece off the bones with my bare hands and licked the crumbs off my fingers. I was in a fried chicken daze in which I was oblivious to all else in the room except the golden-brown piece of poultry calling my name from my plate.  

What's really cool about Monte Ne is that it is served family style like the way one would eat at home. The waiter starts you off by bringing over a kettle of bean soup from which you ladle out your desired amount. From my experience, some people find it a little bland, but I love it. Then, you are brought bowls of veggies and chicken, which you pass around and take what you want. There is also home baked bread and apple butter (mmmmm). The vegetables don't win me over, but like I said, you go to Monte Ne Inn for the chicken. Cost is $9.58 per person (all you can eat) plus extra for all white meat, homemade desserts, and drinks. Reservations are highly recommended. Oh yes, and don't forget to people watch.

http://www.monteneinn.com/