LITTLE ROCK — With the economy still struggling but gas prices marginally reasonable (for now, at least), summer vacations close to home are so hot they've gotten their own word: stay-cations.

We think that sounds as silly as calling Hollywood couples by a single name, but the phenomenon itself is interesting. So we talked to four travel writers working for state Department of Parks and Tourism, each responsible for a different part of the state, to find out their picks for destinations in their area, looking particularly for those that are inexpensive, a little off the beaten path, or both.

Northwest

pullquote: "I think the really fun thing about Jasper is that it's in a very beautiful area of Arkansas, and you can stay in a quaint downtown and still experience the Buffalo River,"

While Fayetteville and Eureka Springs certainly have their charms, the often overlooked little town of Jasper presents a wide opportunity of things to do for people of all interests, said northwest region travel writer Jill Rohrbach.

"I think the really fun thing about Jasper is that it's in a very beautiful area of Arkansas, and you can stay in a quaint downtown and still experience the Buffalo River," she said.

Accomodations: If comfort is important and money isn't, there are hotels or, more immersive still, cabins for rent throughout the area. But campgrounds nearby along the river allow for nature lovers or those looking to stay on the cheap.

In the great outdoors, the river is there for floating or fishing, trails around the area make good hiking and there are also outlets for caving and climbing. If indoors are your natural environment, the city itself has some "fun" antique shops, Rorbach said, and a gift shop in the Jasper-Newton County Chamber of Commerce is "more like an art gallery," she said. Of course, there are a few of those, too.

Dining out: For dining, there are a lot of options - including the majestic valley view offered by the Cliff House Inn Restaurant, but Rohrbach specifically mentioned the Ozark Cafe for its home cooking and the Boardwalk Cafe for an "interesting" menu of gourmet and organic fare that visitors might be surprised to find in a relatively small town.

Something special: Among the must-sees, Rohrbach pointed to Hilary Jones Wildlife and Elk Information Center just north of Jasper, as well as the Ponca Elk Education center just a few miles west. Both are free and have exhibits focused on natural wildlife, particularly elk, which once disappeared in the river valley but have been reintroduced and grown to a herd of 450-500.

Stops along Arkansas 43 offer places to park and watch for wildlife, dawn or dusk being the best time to catch a glimpse of the elk. And if your vacation plans are immediate - as in this weekend - be sure to check out the 12th Annual Buffalo River Elk Festival on the Jasper Courthouse Square.

Getting there: Take the scenic route through the Ouachita National Forest by turning north on Arkansas 7 at Russellville and following it until you get there.

Southwest

pullquote: "If you have flexible plans or are planning something last minute : you can usually find a really good deal, and you can rent a condo or cabin with a group of friends and split the cost."

With enough lakes to give Minnesota a run for its money, the southwest area of the state is a water lover's dream. And while the largest of those lakes, Lake Ouachita, isn't exactly off the beaten path, southwest region travel writer Zoie Clift said the far western shore holds some interesting - and even lesser known - destinations. Accomodations: Among those Clift pointed first to Mountain Harbor Resort, located about 25 miles outside of Hot Springs.

"They have a lot of packages and discounts that vary depending on the season [and] month, so it's best to check out the Web site for deals, etc. since they add deals to the mix (it's under the special packages tab) so often," she said via e-mail. "If you have flexible plans or are planning something last minute ... you can usually find a really good deal, and you can rent a condo or cabin with a group of friends and split the cost."

The regular rates on a basic room starts at $125 a night during the week; the largest cabins (three bedroom, three bath) top out around $700 a night over the weekend. The resort is also home to a restaurant and Turtle Cove Spa (recently named best in the South by Spas of America), as well as a marina with boat rentals for swimming, fishing or skiing.

Something special: In the surrounding area, Clift suggested checking out nearby Mt. Ida, the Quartz Crystal Capital of the World, where you can dig your own (sometimes for free) at a number of local mines, or shop their selection of stones or jewelry.

A biking and hiking enthusiast, Clift said among her favorite attractions are the Lake Ouachita Vista Trail (or LOViT, as it's called) and the Womble Trail, one of two in the state rated "epic" by the International Mountain Biking Association. Less than 50 trails worldwide have this designation; the other one in Arkansas, Syllamo Trails, is in Mountain View.

East

pullquote:

"One of my favorite places, and a place I think a lot of people probably have not visited, is the Hemingway-Pfeiffer Museum in Piggott."

Covering 26 counties stretching from Missouri to Louisiana, the area grouped as east Arkansas is massive and could offer its own road trip vacation taking in museums like the Delta Cultural Center in Helena - home to King Biscuit Time, the longest running daily blues radio show in the country - or good eats like Shadden's Barbecue, located in a 100-year-old general store on U.S. 49 just west of Marvell, along the way, said east region writer Kim Williams.

But for a destination-based stay, Williams said a good spot would be Paragould, just north of Jonesboro and centrally located to several area attractions.

"One of my favorite places, and a place I think a lot of people probably have not visited, is the Hemingway-Pfeiffer Museum in Piggott," said Williams.

Run by Arkansas State University, the museum includes the family home of Ernest Hemingway's second wife, Pauline Pfeiffer, and the barn in which the author stayed while writing several short stories and potions of his classic A Farewell to Arms. Museum admission is $5.

Something special: While in the Paragould area, history buffs would enjoy a trip to Chalk Bluff, nearby site of a Civil War battle and free to see. Nature lovers can check out Crowley's Ridge State Park (which also offers cabins and camping) and Lake Fierson State Park, which are separated by only a few miles, Williams said.

Also nearby to Paragould is Jonesboro, which offers lots of attractions typical to a college town - bowling, mini-golf, and so on - but also has some unique gems all its own. Among those is the ASU Museum, which is part of the Arkansas Discovery Network and free to the public.

On July 16, it will host the Science Circus, a show that mixes learning and juggling in a way not to be missed, Williams said. On the south side of the city is the Forest Wood Crowley's Ridge Nature Center, home to an interactive movie about the history of the Delta that includes shaking chairs and being sprayed by a fine mist that will delight kids and adults alike. Again, getting in is free.

Dining out: While in town, check out dining at Casa Brava or Ta Molly's for Mexican or Whiskey Creek Wood Fire Grill for steaks or barbecue, Williams said.

Central

pullquote: "For people who have never been around cotton, don't know how it's grown or what it would look like if they drove by it even : it should be very interesting."

For those who live in and around the metro, getting away doesn't have to mean going very far - and it can still qualify as a vacation, said central region writer Kerry Kraus.

Of course, there's no lack of well-known destinations in and around the capital city - museums, theaters, a presidential library and even a refurbished submarine. But to get off the beaten path, Kraus suggested heading east down U.S. 165 from North Little Rock.

"One of my favorite places to go for a day trip is down to Keo," she said. "It's a great place to spend and afternoon, or even a whole day."

Any antique lover (like Kraus) can find an endless selection at the sprawling Morris Antiques - spread out over nine showrooms and 60,000 square feet. But other shops abound, too, like Old Gin Antiques and Darla's Antiques and Gift Emporium. Goodbar Lamps specializes in, well lamps, and The Nut House cracks, packages and ships pecans all over the country.

Dining out: To indulge the sweet tooth, Kraus pointed to Charlotte's Eats and Sweets on Main Street, purveyors of "the most incredible desserts anywhere."

While "you gotta space your eating out," Kraus also noted Scott, on the way to Keo, as the location of the original Cotham's Mercantile, home of the "hubcap hamburger."

Something special: While in town, stop at the Plantation Agriculture Museum and get a peek at the evolution of the cotton industry in Arkansas from the early 1800s to World War II. Museum admission is $3 for adults, $2 for kids.

"For people who have never been around cotton, don't know how it's grown or what it would look like if they drove by it even : it should be very interesting," Kraus said.

For another interesting look into history, drop by the Scott Plantation Settlement, where buildings have been brought together to present an image of the typical Arkansas plantation - and it's not Scarlett O'Hara's Tara. Paid tours are available on Saturdays.