Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/959739
By Sarah Haney NWA Democrat-Gazette Gentry is known for its small-town friendliness and its big-town o erings. With an array of amenities and activities, Gentry has something for everybody. Wild Wilderness Drive rough Safari One of Gentry's best-known and most popular attractions, Wild Wilderness Drive rough Safari is located just north of the city and owned and operated by the Wilmoth family of Gentry. e wildlife park features many indigenous and exotic animals and birds, plus a petting zoo complete with the opportunity to get up close and personal with cubs and pups and other exotic animals. A drive- through tour o ers a close-up look at emus, camel, deer, bu alo and other creatures living at the refuge. It's a great place to bring a camera, whether a serious wildlife photographer or an amateur, and it is an excellent place for families to visit and create unforgettable memories. SWEPCO Lake SWEPCO Lake, just to the west of Gentry, is one of the top bass shing lakes in the region. It has a public boat ramp and also a nice handicapped-accessible shing dock on the north side. e clear water of the lake is warm year-round because it's used for cooling Southwestern Electric Power Company's Flint Creek coal- red power plant — a plant that continues to provide clean energy to the region. Eagle Watch Nature Area Just north of the power plant and along Arkansas Highway 12, Eagle Watch Nature Area has a nature trail which leads back along native grasses and trees to two viewing pavilions on SWEPCO Lake. As the name implies, it is an excellent spot to observe the numerous bald eagles which winter around the lake each year. It's a great place to visit with binoculars and camera any time of the year for birders, wildlife photographers and nature enthusiasts. Main Street Gentry's Main Street still has the charm of a small town, with ea markets, small businesses and Old Glory ying from every lamp post. Visitors can shop or dine there. Gentry's amenities, attractions Gentry Janai Edwards and son Elijah Edwards, 5, of Gentry have a picnic lunch at the Flint Creek Nature Area in Gentry. McKee Foods has donated money to help Gentry make improvements at the nature area. Photo courtesy of Ben Goff NWA Democrat-Gazette Janai Edwards and son Elijah Edwards, 5, of Gentry have a picnic lunch at the Flint Creek Nature Area in Gentry. McKee Foods has donated money to help Gentry make improvements at the nature area. Photo courtesy of Ben Goff NWA Democrat-Gazette 12 – 2018 Westside Community Guide arvest.com Member FDIC Whether you're looking for a commercial loan, an agricultural lender, tailor-made solutions to fit all your needs. WE HAVE LOANS FOR ALL YOUR NEEDS 506 First Ave SE, Gravette Auto Loans Personal Loans Home Mortgages Home Equity Lines of Credit Business & Commercial Loans Construction Loans Equipment Finance Agri Loans small personal loans or a mortgage for a new home, we offer competitive loan rates with an easy and timely application process. At Arvest Bank, our lending experts can help you with (479)787-5258 "Your Hometown Drug Store" 479-736-2241 www.smithdrug.net Hwy 12 East • Open M-F 9-6 p.m. & Sat 9-1 • Since 1980 • Free Delivery in Gentry • Drive thru 479-736-2695 Unique Gifts Selected to Please