We’re in the Bluegrass capital of the nation!

Posted byRamblin' RosiePosted inTravel

So here’s how it happened…….it was the night before leaving St. Louis and Howie was browsing the internet looking for things to see in Arkansas. Our plan was to meander south toward Hot Springs to spend a week or so before moving along. He found a town called Mountain View in the north central part of the state. The description intrigued both of us as it claimed to be the Bluegrass capital of the nation AND it boasted of an Ozark Folk Center where you can stroll the gardens going from house to house watching exhibitors of area arts. So we hit the road about 10 am and headed to check it all out. It did not disappoint!!

If you ever have a chance to get to Mountain View Arkansas, this is a fun and interesting way to spend a day. The town isn’t somewhere you “happen across” as there’s no interstate you can jump off of to get there. The roads are winding and hilly and on occasion a bit narrow especially in a 36 foot motorhome pulling a “toad”! Howie’s a natural at driving the rig so we didn’t have any problems.
Above is just a small portion of the grounds and artist buildings. The exhibits included fiber arts, quilting, copper work, pottery, stained glass, a blacksmith, basketweaving, doll making, broom making, knife making, and printing to name a few. There was also a restaurant and ice cream shop on the premises. Additionally, there was a theater where we relaxed and took in performances by a couple of different groups – all bluegrass of course!
The “Whoa Mules”. They not only performed musically, but they also entertained with a funny comedy routine.

And last night, we went to “The Meeting Place” to watch the Pam Setser Band, a local, featuring Charlie White (former Nashville musician and a current member of Wynonna Judd’s band), Brad Apple and Irl Hees on bass (formerly played with the Judds).

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We have already met some super nice people along the way. For instance, our neighbors in Mountain View are Ron and his wife Jimmee. They are also in a Winnebago MH. They have been coming here for years and are actually pretty permanent fixtures in town. They have a couple of dogs, a couple of cats, a parrot and a miniature pig, HAMilton! He’s potty trained and starts squealing (like a pig) when Ron pulls him from grazing on the grass to go back in – what a hoot!

So we’re pretty much “packed up” and hope to get a pretty early start tomorrow morning. Heading further south where the climate is hopefully still a bit warmer. I actually folded up the extra quilt from the bed tonight and stored it away – probably a sure fire way to find record low temps where we’re heading!! Catch up to you all in a little bit – and as always, until then, happy trails!

    Published by Ramblin' Rosie

    We are retired nurses with a desire to explore the United States, and beyond, in our Winnebago motor home. We are accompanied our three pups, Fanny May, Kaiser, and Rosie.

    5 thoughts on “We’re in the Bluegrass capital of the nation!”

    1. Peg–this is awesome!! Love reading about where you are traveling and what you are discovering! Keep the posts coming! Happy Trails till we meet again–love ya Cousin Cher

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      1. Hi Cher – so glad you’re following our blog. We are enjoying the lifestyle and all the sites we’ve seen so far. Shortly we’re heading for New Orleans then Gulf Shores for the month of November!!

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        1. I think you two need to revisit the camping gig and get that 5th wheel. This is an awesome lifestyle, Cindy.

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