Eagle tours, art exhibits help lift post-holiday fog
The gifts have been opened. The feast has been consumed. Everyone has come down from their holiday high. So now what? When the post-celebration stupor threatens to take hold, the best remedy may be to get out of the house, especially if it’s crowded with visiting family and friends.
There are still plenty of places to go and things to do over the Christmas weekend for a variety of needs, temperaments and ages.
For those who want to get out of the house but stay sedentary:
There are always movies, but at this time of year, the multiplexes are inundated with movies from the intimate Room to the Goliath Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens, and everything in between.
For those who want to get outside:
The state parks will host a series of “get out and breathe fresh air” events over the Christmas weekend. For the competitive, there’s a Fire Building Competition at 10 a.m. Saturday at Cossatot River State Park-Natural Area near Wickes. For something a bit more laid-back, DeGray Lake Resort State Park at Bismarck, Lake Ouachita State Park in Mountain Pine and Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area near Rogers will all host eagle tours and cruises through the weekend. Also look for special programs, walks and crafts. Call (888) 287-2757 or visit arkansasstateparks.com.
For those who long for art and culture:
It isn’t hard for anyone to find an art gallery that fits their tastes. Currently, Greg Thompson Fine Art, 429 Main St., North Little Rock, is hosting “Charles Harrington: The Journey,” a collection of landscapes and views of the natural world that continues through Jan. 9. Gallery hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. Admission is free. Call (501) 664-2787 or visit gregthompsonfineart.com.
For something handheld and whimsical, there’s the Esse Purse Museum & Store, 1510 S. Main St., Little Rock, with its collection of handbags through the ages. Christmas exhibit “Oh, What Fun! A Very Vintage Holiday” continues through Jan. 3. The museum will be open 11 a.m.-2 p.m. today, closed Friday, then open 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $10; $8 for senior citizens, military and students; free for children under 5. Call (501) 916-9022 or visit essepursemuseum.com.
For educational and energy-burning playtime:
The Museum of Discovery is closed today and Friday but it reopens Saturday, offering “hands-on science activities on the museum floor,” 10 a.m.-3 p.m. through Wednesday. They also have two current special exhibits: “How People Make Things,” in which children can use molds, die cutters and mills to see how familiar objects are created; and “Building Buddies,” an interactive exhibit “village” aimed at children ages 6 and younger.
Regular hours are 9 a.m.5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, 1-5 p.m. Sunday and admission is $10; $8 for ages 60 and older, children 12 and under, teachers, city employees and military. Call (501) 396-7050 or visit museumofdiscovery.org.
For those who haven’t gotten their fill of dazzling light displays:
Garvan Woodland Gardens, 550 Arkridge Road, Hot Springs, keeps its Holiday Lights shining, 5-9 p.m. through Dec. 31, although the display is closed Friday. Admission is $15, $5 for ages 6-12. Call (501) 262-9300 or visit garvangardens.org.
Up in Blytheville, the 40-acre Lights of the Delta continues through Sunday. Hours are 5:30-9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 5:30-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday. Admission is $10 per vehicle with up to 12 passengers, $25 for small buses and $50 for large buses. Call (870) 762-9788 or visit lightsofthedelta.com.