GENTRY — With a couple of big winter storms now behind us, I hope to get started, for real, on my quest to scout out neat places to visit within 50 miles of the hometown area. I have many destinations in mind, but between the bad weather, family sickness and weekend obligations, my out-of-town, just-for-fun traveling has been hampered a bit.
Meanwhile, however, I have been checking into some interesting things to do right around here. With a little effort, it didn’t take long to come up with several good options for leisure activities in the Gentry area, not even including any of the school related activities or things to do in the surrounding communities.
The Wild Wilderness Drive-through Safari is one local attraction that is known far and wide. After traveling around Arkansas last year, we realized that many people who don’t know anything else about Gentry know it has “that place with all the animals.”
The Safari is open every day of the year from dawn to dusk. Our family has found that it provides a great outing for out-of town visitors of all ages. It is always a hit. Recently my daughter Megan took college friend Rie, an international student from Japan, through the Safari. Prior to their visit, Rie thought our cattle were photo worthy, so she was certainly amazed with the variety of animals she saw during their drive. When Earl’s grandmother visited from Missouri several years ago, we drove her through the Safari. She declared it to be better than the Kansas City Zoo.
Another nearby site to keep in mind when you’re looking for something to do is the Eagle Watch Nature Trail. Even in the winter time, there is still plenty to see on this trail located just west of town. In fact, some argue that winter is the best time of all to be on the trail. Having no leaves on the trees means seeing things that would otherwise be hidden, not to mention that cold weather means the absence of ticks and other pesky insects. Since November through February is peak time to eagle watch around the lake, now would be a great time to grab your camera and telephoto lens and try your luck at getting some good bird photos.
Speaking of the lake, I hear that wintertime fishing in SWEPCO Lake issome of the best around due to the warmer water temperature. The new boat ramp and handicap accessible fishing dock is located on Cripps Road. It is easy to get to and serves as a handy place for kids to wet a hook, as well as providing boat access to the lake for the more serious fishermen.
For those who would rather stay indoors, there are also some good options. The award-winning Gentry Library has many things to offer. For starters, it is interesting to see how this historic building has been transformed into a beautiful community library, offering quiet and comfortable places to sit and read. Patrons are offered an array of services. In addition to borrowing books, audio books (which are great for long commutes in the car), DVDs and videos, the library offers Internet access, fax and copy machines, and notary service. Patrons can also pick up voter registration and income tax forms there.
For those with an ear for music, either listening or playing, Gentry offers Pickin’ in the Park the last Saturday of each month throughout the year. I am told that musicians of all ages are welcome to drop by and join in. During the cooler months the event is held in the Gentry Senior Center, but it will return to the park during the warmer months - June through October.
The Senior Center, located on Main Street, offers several activities for folks 60 years and older (or for those who have a spouse at least age 60.) The place is open each week day, and occasional evening activities are planned. Lunch is served Monday through Friday for only $3. Pick-up service is offered for those in the area who need a ride to the center, and they also arrange Meals on Wheels. For fun, participants play Wii bowling and bean bag baseball, have monthly birthday parties and other social activities. For a more complete description of activities and services or to sign up for meals, stop by or call the center at 736-0378.
This is just a sampling of on-going options in our immediate area, and I didn’t even mention the fun collectors and bargain hunters can have at our local flea markets or at the additional events coming up throughout the year. We can look forward to a Farmers Market in the spring, Freedom Fest in July, Tired Iron of the Ozarks events, and the annual Christmas parade. Just remember all this the next time you hear somebody say there’s nothing to do around here!
Annette Rowe is a freelance writer and a speech language pathologist at Siloam Springs High School. She contributes a regular column about parks and other places of interest to visit in the local area. She may be reached by e-mail at awalkinthepark50 @ yahoo.com.
Opinion, Pages 5 on 02/10/2010