See America First: #2 - London and Moscow

Gas prices... fuel prices gotcha...? Travel plans on hold...? Always wanted to visit London, England...? Well... It may not have Buckingham Palace or the changing of the guard, but why not give London, Arkansas a try? You might be surprised at what this little historic town has to offer.

London is located in the Arkansas River Valley Region, where the visitor will find Old World charm, and endless scenic beauty, in harmony with modern sophistication. The Arkansas River provides valleywide recreation. Lake Dardanelle area is one of the most popular lakes in the state.

Charming little towns such as Ozark and Russellville dot the landscape along the Arkansas River, and there is a European flavor in the Altus area, the heart of Arkansas Wine Country. Three family-owned wineries dating to the 1800's and one new one offer tours, tastings and insight into the art of viticulture.

The beautiful countryside is best viewed from one of "The Tri-Peaks"-Nebo, Petit Jean and Magazine. Atop the first two, you'll find state parks with Civilian Conservation Corps heritage of 60-year-old-plus housekeeping cabins and a lodge at Petit Jean. Also at Petit Jean is spectacular Cedar Falls, the park's trademark. Facilities for sightseers and hikers include 18 campsites with water, electric and sewer hookups; a bathhouse; a pavilion and a visitor center with exhibits.

Modern sophistication blends with Old West history at historic Fort Smith, the state's second largest city. At the Fort Smith National Historic Site, you can discover what life was like on the lawless frontier.

And across the river, the refinement of the Victorian era is preserved in Van Buren, a mecca for arts. crafts and antiques.

Or perhaps Moscow, Russia, would be a choice for a future destination. Low on funds right now? Why not try Moscow, Idaho. You'll be glad you did.

Moscow is located in Northern Idaho, nestled between Moscow Mountain and the beautiful undulating hills of the Palouse. With a small town friendliness and safety, Moscow is also a great location for higher education, being home to the University of Idaho.

After settlers arrived in 1871, the town became known as "Paradise Valley". In 1877, Samuel Neff filed for a postal permit under the name of Moscow because the area reminded him of his home town of Moscow, Pennsylvania.

Moscow is the "Heart of the Arts"--with the annual Jazz Festival, live music on the town, the Rendezvous in the Park, and summer theater.

Moscow is also a great place for those who love the outdoors. Camping, mountain biking, snow mobiling, fishing and skiing abound, with some of the best big game and upland game hunting in the world located nearby.