What's Up - Your guide to what's happening in Fayetteville, AR this week!
Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/1197021
FEATURE 8 WHAT'S UP! JANUARY 5-11, 2020 Writer looks back at a year of unique experiences M y predecessor used to contribute a retrospective of the year's best album releases to the Features department's year-end content because he is passionate about discovering and sharing great music. I tried that for a while after coming into the position with What's Up!, but last year I found something a little different that better suits my eclectic soul. As I looked back over the preceding 12 months, I was struck by the variety and caliber of events and adventures that had moved, intrigued and inspired me. I was even more amazed by how many of the experiences were right here in our neck of the woods, requiring very little travel. Diversity and availability of cultural and recreational opportunities are often touted as quality of life indicators for a place. But being entrenched in day-to-day routine can make it easy to forget, or take for granted, the richness of all the wonders we have in Northwest Arkansas. Take a moment with me, if you will, to remind ourselves that our corner of the state really is as great as U.S. News & World Report, Livability.com, Money.com and every word-of-mouth ovation has been saying. What special memories did 2019 hold for you? Out to Sea Shark Dive — Cheating a little with my first submission as it's not quite in Northwest Arkansas, but my first incredible experience of the year was too remarkable not to include. In January 2019, I got in a tank with SHARKS, you guys! And I didn't have to drive to the coast to do it. "I got in a tank with SHARKS, you guys!" Jocelyn Murphy found the opportunity to get inside an exhibition with dozens of reef fish, goliath grouper, barracuda and sharks thrilling and surprisingly emotional. File photos LISTEN HERE! Jocelyn Murphy jmurphy@nwadg.com