Guest Author - Marilyn Crain

Many travelers in the Southcentral region choose parks as their favorite destinations. If you don’t already know whether your traveler likes to stay close to home or roams over into nearby states, it’s time to find out. Then you can give them an annual pass or a nice little getaway package for their next trip. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Arkansas

Have an avid Arkansas state park visitor on you gift list? You can give a gift certificate that can be used to pay for any park service in the state, including some really fantastic getaways. It can even be used to purchase merchandise in any park store. Sounds like the perfect Arkansas park gift to me.

Louisiana

You can give a last minute gift of Louisiana parks by making reservations for camping or cabins in many of this state’s parks. Louisiana also offers annual park passes for $50.

Park goers can soak up the natural beauty of Louisiana, learn about its rich history and enjoy the good times with food and music at many special park events.

Mississippi

If your traveler is also a passionate golfer, then Mississippi offers you the opportunity for the perfect state park golfing getaway gift. With three fabulous state park golf courses to choose from, you can’t miss with this one.

Oklahoma

If your traveler plans to explore Oklahoma state parks this year, make reservations at one of Oklahoma’s resort parks. You have six options to choose from, including Beavers Bend Resort Park, Roman Nose Resort Park and Western Hills Guest Ranch & Sequoyah State Park.

Many of Oklahoma’s 50 state parks have some of the best cabin rentals available in any state park in the country. Reservations at one of these parks would be a great gift pick.

Tennessee

Tennessee travelers would love to receive a state parks gift certificate that can be used throughout the year to play some golf, spend the night at a park inn or cabin or enjoy a weekend of camping. Anything that can be bought at a Tennessee state park can be paid for with a gift certificate. This includes an amazing array of getaways, from a romantic honeymoon or anniversary package at Montgomery Bell State Park to camping at almost any park.

Texas

Texas has more than 130 state parks and historic sites across the state. A one-year Texas State Parks Pass costs $60 and waives entrance fees for one vehicle. Pass holders can also get a subscription to Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine for the discounted price of $9.95.

If you want to give more than just the pass, check out all the great state park getaways and make reservations for those special people on your list.

Last Minute Gifts

Most southcentral states offer online reservations and gift certificates, so these make great last minute gifts that will show how much you care.

With the gift of state parks now, throughout the year your favorite traveler can enjoy the beautiful outdoors, learn about the rich history of these state protected places and find peace and quiet to wash away the stress of everyday life.

Note: Be sure to remind your travelers that they can sign up for newsletters from the state parks.

You can link to each of the Southcentral state park websites from the BellaOnline page link below.