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We want to thank Experience Fort Smith and the local businesses for hosting our visit. rest assured all opinions are our own.

Patrolling the Frontier

The original stockade, built in 1817, was situated on the edge of the western frontier. By the time they decided to move farther west, into what would become Oklahoma, a small settlement had sprung up surrounding the fort. By 1838, the Army decided to return to this site, as the Indian Removal Act was enforced. Fort Smith saw minimal action during the Civil War but gained notoriety at the end of the 1800s. It was the appointment of Judge Isaac Parker (The Hanging Judge) that drew the attention of the nation. His jurisdiction included 74,000 square miles of Indian Territory, which was filled with lawbreakers bent on taking advantage of the Five Civilized Tribes. Parker presided over around 13,500 court cases and dealt out 160 death sentences.

Engaging the Locals

We were enjoying our history lessons but wanted to learn from the locals. A couple of stops on our schedule offered a chance to do that. Miss Laura’s is one of the original bordellos that were frequented by cowboys fresh from the trail. These days it serves as home to the Visitors Center. We were offered a tour and quickly jumped on it. A local character actress, playing the part of Belle Starr, helped fill us in on some of the sordid details. Later, we would run into her at the Fort Smith Trolley Museum, when her partners in crime held up our tour. Once the action ended, we were able to chat with the characters. What we discovered was there are a lot of people in Fort Smith who love sharing their city’s stories with visitors.

History Lessons

We had already seen three of the 8 top activities in Fort Smith but were eager to continue learning about this Wild West town. Located just steps from the trolley we found the Fort Smith Museum of History. Inside, we uncovered more details from the past. Not only did we find exhibits about the fort, but we took a stroll forward in time. Just as we’ve discovered in other cities, the local history museum has stories to tell that are complete eye-openers. Have you ever heard of Brigadier General William Darby? We had not, but after reading his tale, we found out he created the Army Rangers unit.

Take a Walk

The weather during our visit was perfect for outdoor exploration. There’s no better way to enjoy a beautiful Spring day than with a walk along the river. The Fort Smith National Historic Site runs along the bank of the Arkansas River. We followed the path and found the walk has some informational plaques that tell about the area. We followed the path to Belle Point, which is the confluence of the two rivers. This excursion was a quiet break from the bustling downtown but soon we were anxious to do more exploring.

Urban Art Abounds

Many cities are finding a rebirth of interest in their downtown corridor. To help spark more activity, urban art has been used as a catalyst to draw visitors and potential new businesses. Fort Smith has done this through the Unexpected Art Project. All around the downtown, you will discover vivid murals created by world-famous artists. They now number around 30 with the list growing each year. Since we enjoy exploring on foot, these murals added a nice surprise during our walks.

Staying Close

To minimize our travel time, our lodging was also downtown. The Fort Smith Downtown Courtyard made the perfect home base for exploring. Located just a block off of the main drag (Garrison Avenue), we were able to enjoy quiet nights and easy access to the downtown corridor. During our walks along Garrison, we found a bunch of plaques that detail stories from Fort Smith’s past. While I captured images of our visit, Crystal was busy making mental notes of the history.

Retail Therapy

It is a rare visit where we don’t carve out time for exploring some of the local shops. Fortunately, there was an assortment of shops located along our path. this made it easy to pop into one or two between our other stops. We even made it to their weekly farmers market on our last morning in town. You can bet that we brought home plenty of souvenirs, as well as some tasty treats. It’s hard to beat the tastes of a new town. You can learn about some of our meals and treats in this Fort Smith foodie article.

8 Top Activities in Fort Smith

As you can see, we had a wonderful time exploring the downtown region. Our visit to the confluence of the Arkansas and Poteau Rivers left us star-struck with its down-to-earth vibe. The 8 top activities in Fort Smith are just a portion of the long list of attractions in this frontier town. If you’d like to learn more about our visit, you can select from our other Fort Smith articles here. We’d love to hear about your experiences in this city, so drop us a note in the comments section below.

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We want to thank Experience Fort Smith for hosting our visit. Rest assured all opinions are our own.

Fort Smith Trolley

Way back in 1883, the Fort Smith Railway Company opened for business. Back then they didn’t have the electrified version of trolley cars, so mules were used for mobilization. The cars moved through the dirt streets, which became hard to traverse during wet weather. By the start of the 1900s, the first electric streetcars began operation. Even with this advancement, they would still only run during good weather. 1911 saw the change to enclosed cars, which allowed for year-round operation. The regular runs of the Fort Smith Trolley would end in the Fall of 1933.

Exuberant Guide

When we discovered that the Fort Smith Trolley makes regular runs, we figured it would be a nice novelty experience. Without much knowledge of what to expect, we went in with open minds. One of the reasons we enjoy these kinds of activities is the chance to hear some new stories from the past. Sure enough, our trolley driver was filled with some wild tales from the frontier town days. While we had picked up some of the city’s background during our tour of the Fort Smith Museum of History (You can read about that visit here!), the trolley tour was providing some additional background details. We especially liked learning more about Bass Reeves, one of Judge Parker’s most notable deputy sheriffs.

Outlaw Activity

When we climbed on board of the Fort Smith Trolley, our driver warned us of the possibility of running into some unsavory characters. After navigating the streetcar into the downtown area, we stopped to hear more tales from the past. Suddenly, two masked desperadoes struck without warning. While one stood guard outside, the other climbed aboard to collect the mail bag. What began as an old west-style holdup soon turned into a laughfest. Once the “withdrawal” had been made, the bandits beat a hasty getaway.

Getting Into The Role

Not to be outdone, our driver hightailed our streetcar back toward the loading point. As we approached, he stopped to let me disembark for a fun photo opportunity. The volunteers have a makeshift frontier town diorama set up near the depot. I quickly spotted the two villains who had robbed the trolley. The trolley driver stepped off and called to the sheriff and his deputy. After accusing the ruffians of their crime, they responded with a flash of their weapons. The driver fell victim to a quick round of gunfire.

Noisy Wrap-up

Soon, the entire field was filled with loud bursts and smoky plumes. One by one, the villains dropped, until they were all vanquished. The entire shootout only lasted a couple of minutes, but it was plenty of action to thrill the trolley riders. As the smoke cleared, we could see the results of this violent volley.

No Harm, No Foul

After checking the victims for signs of life, the action ended. The rousing cheers and applause returned the actors to the realm of the living. At this point, we were given the opportunity to meet all of the characters and learn more about the roles they play. We felt like the $4.00 fare was quite a bargain for the education and entertainment we received. The Fort Smith Trolley is a family-friendly activity that adds a bit of wild west flair to a day of exploring. We even got deputy sheriff badges as a reward for surviving this harrowing experience.

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We want to thank Experience Fort Smith for hosting our visit. Rest assured all opinions are our own.

Great Starts

They say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but we take a different approach. Our version of breaking our overnight fast is to start with some caffeine. Our short stay meant there were two mornings to sample the local coffee scene. Who would pass up a coffee shop that is actually named after the city where it is found? Fort Smith Coffee Co. is located in the Bakery District. The spacious shop roasts its beans to perfection and offers up some delectable pastry bites, as well. The Artistic Bean is easily spotted while traversing downtown Fort Smith. It was the perfect location for grabbing a cup of go-go juice, before hitting some of the local shops.

Downtown Brewpub

Our prearrival research made it obvious that Garrison Avenue is the main drag through downtown Fort Smith. After the 4 1/2 hour drive from Kansas City, we were ready for lunch. Traveling eastward from the Arkansas River, it’s hard to miss Bricktown Brewery. This regional chain has locations in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, and our home state of Kansas. We’ve had the chance to dine in one of their restaurants in the past, so we were curious to see how consistent their menu is in another location. A cold hard cider and a couple of mouth-watering burgers later and we knew they take their business seriously. It was a great way to begin eating our way through downtown Fort Smith.

Fun Settings

As is the nature of the restaurant business, places are fated to come and go. As I was in the process of compiling my notes for this article, it came to my attention that PT’s Manor has closed. It is always a little saddening to see this happen, but it is unfortunately a reality of life. Now we are left with only our memories of a wonderful brunch at this delightfully fun bistro. We weren’t sure what to expect when we arrived but were quickly won over as fans. From their artistically designed plates to the opportunity to dine in an old elevator, this place was impressive. We will be interested to see what others thought of the food at this restaurant. In the comments section below, let us know if you have eaten there in the past.

South of the Border

There were instances where eating our way through Fort Smith brought out some international flair. An example of that was our meal at Rolando’s Restaurante, which transported us to a quaint Central American café. The décor inside the eatery reminded us of trips south of the border and we were anxious to see if the food would do the same. Sure enough, the menu is packed full of delectable Latin American dishes that brought the flavors crashing onto our taste buds. The artistic flair on the walls was reflected in the preparation of the meals, as well. Each plate was a masterpiece of edible enjoyment.

Upscale Eatery

If we were going to truly be eating our way through downtown Fort Smith, we wanted to make sure we covered a broad spectrum of dining options. It would have been remiss to leave out a fine dining selection. Fortunately, it was easy to add The Rialto Restaurant to our list, as it was just a couple of blocks from our lodging. If you are looking for an upscale experience, this place is a great option. From the moment we entered, it was a memorable experience. A local musician was providing a background atmosphere as we savored the creative dishes. While the meal is a lavish treat, the atmosphere did not feel pretentious. This is how fine dining should be presented to the masses.

Eats on the Go

Being foodies is easy for us because we enjoy sampling new flavors. Even on our last morning in Fort Smith, we found a way to add more treats into our travels. The local farmers market was in full swing, as we prepared to head home. We stopped by and perused the stalls for some enticing delicacies we could enjoy along our route. Sure enough, we spotted a vendor selling some tempting baked goods. Many reminded us of our visit to Quebec City, so we grabbed a few for the road. Later, we would make a roadside stop and create an impromptu picnic that would tie us over until we returned home.

Eating Our Way Through Downtown Fort Smith

Over the years, we have learned not to take ourselves too seriously. We have expanded this approach to our dining. The course we take for reviewing meals is a bit more relaxed, which allows us to add some fun to our meals. As we were eating our way through downtown Fort Smith, we soaked up the atmosphere of each location. What we discovered was that Fort Smith presents a casual vibe where diners are focused on savoring the moment. This makes travelers feel welcome and it was easy for us to blend in with the locals. That makes this a great destination for food lovers.

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We want to thank Experience Fort Smith and Fort Smith National Park for hosting our visit. rest assured all opinions are our own.

Early Settlement

Within eight days, temporary lodging had been completed and they set about the construction of the fort. The finished structure had barracks, shops, storehouses, and a hospital. All of these were located inside the sturdy log walls. By 1822, increased hostilities required additional quarters to be constructed to hold more soldiers. Unfortunately, only two years later the government determined that Fort Smith was too far from the area needing the most oversight. Fort Gibson was constructed, in Oklahoma Territory, and the troops relocated to this new site.

Town Building

During the time that the first fort had been in use, a small settlement had sprung up. When the Army abandoned its properties, a savvy land speculator bought up the parcels. He would promote the up and coming town of Fort Smith. By the 1830s, the U.S. government was in the midst of their Indian Removal program, designed to relocate tribes from the southeast into Oklahoma Territory. This relocation would become known as “The Trail of Tears“. By 1838, the Army returned to Fort Smith and even expanded the base. This was done to provide additional oversight and limit the impact of settlers among the Indian tribes. Troops spent a large portion of their time patrolling the Wild West, that was found just across the Arkansas River.

Whiskey War

One of the biggest troubles faced by the troops, was stopping the flow of liquor into Indian Territory. In the early days of the town of Fort Smith, there were six shops, of which five were taverns. It didn’t take long for the Army’s commanding officer to realize that the whiskey problem had permeated into his troops. The ongoing battle to stem the flow of illegal booze into Oklahoma Territory would continue for years. During the time of Judge Parker’s court, in the late 1800s, selling liquor to the Indian tribes was still one of the most common reasons for arrest.

Life at Fort Smith

Life as a frontier soldier was not easy. Waking hours were often filled with duties that ranged from cleaning to parade ground practices. Quarters were small and bereft of luxuries. Patrolling the border was a necessity, and it was a non-stop endeavor to stop the flow of liquor peddlers. The Indian relocation meant the population in eastern Oklahoma territory had grown substantially. Settlers in western Arkansas demanded a larger military presence to prevent any aggression form the tribes. By the late 1840s, Fort Smith was seeing increased traffic due to the California Gold Rush, as well as the Mexican-American War.

Company Store

The plans for expanding the fort got put on the back burner, as the attention moved from patrolling to more of a supply depot. Fear of armed uprising form the tribes across the river decreased. With the Arkansas River on their doorstep, Fort Smith was the perfect setting to store goods for downstream operations. This phase of the fort’s service would continue until the hostilities of the Civil War overtook Arkansas.

Civil War at Fort Smith

When the winds of war blew across the State of Arkansas, the Department of War decided to abandon Fort Smith. This was done in part to prevent munitions from falling into the hands of Confederate troops. The citizens of the area were divided on their loyalties, so many were frightened by the news of the fort’s abandonment. Pro-Confederate troops descended on the fort and captured the few remaining staff members. The Confederates would hold the fort for a year, during which time it became an important supply and communication waypoint.

Reenactment Activity

During our visit to the Fort Smith National Site, we learned that the following day would be a reenactor event. By working our itinerary, we were able to open up time to attend. The volunteers were all wearing period garb and setup a small encampment. After mingling with some of them, it was time for the reenactment to begin. The main event was a recreation of the surrendering of the fort, which was followed by a variety of demonstrations. Civil War soldiers were armed with a wide range of weapons, since many were brought from home. The volunteers showed how each was loaded and fired. At the end of the demonstration, they fired off the big gun (cannon) to the delight of the crowd.

Seeing Fort Smith

Exploring historic sites, like Fort Smith, help us piece together a timeline of America’s past. The Wild West days may seem long ago, but many of the events we picture from the past actually took place in the 1900s. It’s just hard to fathom this, since technological improvements happen at a dizzying pace. Sometimes it is good to just step out of the rat race and enjoy learning about the past. Where will your next historic trip take you?

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Wild West Vibe

Fort Smith was born on the edge of the Wild West. It seems fitting that some of their urban art projects would fall into this theme. These two murals were on our favorites list with crisp colors and stylish designs. While each mural can look simplistic at first glance, we found that they hold clues to more profound meaning. It’s the hidden messages that can be different for every person who views them. That is one of the best things about connecting through art.

Honoring the Native People

Sitting on the border of Arkansas and Oklahoma means that Fort Smith has a long history with the indigenous people. When the Five Civilized Tribes were forced on reservations, it was the US Deputy Marshals from this city that helped remove villains from Oklahoma Territory. To honor this long-standing relationship one of the artists met with the Cherokee nation to develop this mural. It represents Cherokee women and we found that the strength of their spirits really permeates the piece.

Toss in some Macabre

Like most art, there is always a lot left to interpretation. As we explored along the side streets of downtown Fort Smith, we found there are lots of hidden murals scattered throughout the area. Some we enjoyed in passing, as their simplistic design made an instant impact. Others were a little darker and required examination to see what we felt was the hidden meaning. With muted colors, these pieces provided plenty for the viewer to absorb. The absence of the true definition meant that we could paint our own picture of the essence of the painting.

Art in Other Places

Murals are certainly attention grabbers but don’t represent all of the potential art forms in urban settings. In fact, our visit to a local farmers’ market reminded us that art comes in various styles. Strolling through the aisles, we spotted some local artists displaying their latest creations. Once again we were awash with curiosity about their production. These types of gatherings allow plenty of interaction for the public. This meant we could get a little more insight into their creativity. Listening to an artist describe their works really lets their passion come through.

Love Languages

Not all art is permanent. Some artists work in a more temporary medium. Have you ever thought baked goods are a form of art? While it seems an odd belief, it makes sense. The creator pours their passion into each piece. While the finished item may not have an underlying meaning, it often has layers of flavors. By developing a recipe that incorporates these layers, in a complementary fashion, they are creating a masterpiece of tastes. We are always looking for ways to support local artists, so purchasing a few of these goodies was a must.

Keeping Our Eyes Peeled

Back on the streets, we continued our exploration. Each mural that we spotted became another victory. Before long, we realized it wasn’t just the murals that make up the art scene in downtown Fort Smith. Many businesses have found unique ways to incorporate art into their street presence. This boosts the artistry of the area and entices people to take a closer look.

Connecting Through Art

It’s interesting how changing world events can impact our thoughts about art. When this piece was created, the Russian invasion of Ukraine was not even a consideration. By the time we visited Fort Smith, it had become a reality that was dominating the headlines. When we discovered that the mural was created by two artists, one being from Ukraine, it piqued our interest. The meanings behind the art had been established in the past, but for us, they were created at the time of viewing. It’s this evolving aspect of art that makes it special to the viewer. We had plenty to think about as we continued exploring. Do you enjoy seeing urban art during your travels?

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We want to thank Experience Fort Smith and Rolando’s Restaurante for hosting our visit. rest assured all opinions are our own. 

Popular Place

During our wanderings, we found the downtown to be jumping with activity. After our first day of exploring the city, we made our way just off of Main Street toward our dinner destination. Now that the day was wearing away, the shift of focus appeared to have moved toward diners seeking meals. We joined in the movement toward our destination. All of the recon work that I had done, left me feeling anxious to visit Rolando’s.  Stepping through the entrance, we found ourselves transported to Central America. It was quickly apparent that this place is a local favorite.

Settling into Central America

The decor helped set the mood for dining Ecuadorian style. It was obvious that much of the artwork was handmade by artists here and abroad. A discussion with staff uncovered that many of the tiles were brought here from Rolando’s home country. I couldn’t resist doing some exploring and made my way upstairs to see more. On my way back down, I found the staircase offers a commanding view of the dining room. What an impressively designed space. Turns out, it once served as an auto company in a previous life. Time to get back to the business at hand and do some exploring of the menu.

Pollo Chuchaqui

Munching away on our chips and salsa, we found ourselves immersed in a menu filled with many unfamiliar plates. Our server arrived with our fruity margaritas and walked us through some of the nuances of the dishes. After hearing some details, Crystal selected the Pollo Chucaqui, which has a distinct Cuban influence. Tender chicken cutlets are marinated in a lime and wine mojo. These are cooked up with tomatoes, celery, onions, and parsley. Laid out on a bed of white rice, the plate presentation was obviously made with an eye for decoration. We loved this, since we first dine with our eyes.

Bohemios

I didn’t stray far with my choice of Pollo Bohemios. With a chicken base that requires the same marinade, there were definite similarities between our two choices. Mine veered to the left with the addition of a tequila sauce. Laid out on its bed of rice, the dish was topped with a mixture of green onions, sweet peppers, and parsley. Like Crystal’s plate, my entree came escorted by black beans, pickled red onion, and a crispy tortilla. I must say that both dishes carried their delectable flavor blend and we ended up swapping plates about halfway through our meal.

Dining Ecuadorian Style

Our expedition into Rolando’s Restaurante had provided us with a peek into a cuisine somewhat unfamiliar to us. That being said, we have a handful of Central American cuisine choices in our hometown. As we learn more about the dishes from south of the border, we become more intrigued with them. Fort Smith was proving to be a foodie haven and we were just wrapping up the first day. Looks like we would be in good culinary hands for the rest of our visit. We strolled out the door knowing that we had many more delightful meals in our near future.

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We want to thank Experience Fort Smith and the Fort Smith National Historic Site for hosting our visit. Rest assured all opinions are our own. 

Law & Disorder

We had already enjoyed a visit to the Fort Smith Museum of History, where we learned the general timeline of the city. By following it up with a stop at the Fort Smith National Historic Site, we were able to dive further into this unique portion of our country’s development. Our story begins not in Arkansas, but just across the river in Oklahoma territory. For decades, the American government had been slowly restricting the territory of the native Indian tribes. This had been accelerated during the Andrew Jackson presidency. While the natives attempted to resist, ultimately most would follow the Trail of Tears to Oklahoma territory.

Changing the Narrative

After the end of the Civil war, life in America was filled with uncertainty. In the absence of oversight, many officials found the temptation of wrongdoing too enticing. Such was the case in Fort Smith. In 1871, President Grant had appointed William Story to preside over the recently formed Western District of Arkansas. Within four years, he would find himself facing potential impeachment proceedings, due to allegations of graft and corruption. To save face, Story resigned his post, and was replaced by Judge Isaac Charles Parker. For the next 21 years, he would leave a legacy of actions that would be memorialized in books and movies.

Deputy U.S. Marshals

One of Judge Parker’s first acts was to appoint Bass Reeves as a Deputy US Marshal. This appointment made Bass the first African American lawman west of the Mississippi River. Parker would proceed to appoint around 200 deputies to help maintain the peace in western Arkansas and Oklahoma territory. The job was difficult on good days and nearly impossible on bad ones. During Parker’s tenure, more than 65 deputies would die in the line of duty.

Round ’em Up

As we explored the Fort Smith National Historic Site, we began to grasp the difficulties that the marshals faced on a daily basis. They were tasked with covering 74,000 square miles of territory, filled with bushwhackers, thieves, and murderers. The city of Fort Smith stood at a crossroads and Judge Parker was attempting to help usher it into the future. The rough and rowdy Wild West days were drawing to an end and industry was beginning to take a foothold in the region. The city’s position along he Arkansas River made it an important stop along the supply route for the region. It was dire that crime was reigned in, so the city could advance.

Familiar Sight

The deputies found themselves facing an almost insurmountable number of criminals. While riverboats were important to the supply chain, it was also used to transport liquor. Many of the offenders brought into Judge Parker’s court faced charges of introducing “spiritous liquors” into Indian territory. This was a federal crime that was difficult to enforce. The growing number of cases meant that the Fort Smith jail was overflowing with prisoners. The former mess hall, located in the basement, was converted into two communal cells. These provided unsanitary and cramped conditions that earned the jail the nickname of “Hell on the Border”.

Guard Duty

The marshals had to have a specific set of skills to be successful in their duties. Knowledge of Indian territory, marksmanship, and the ability to blend in with civilians were paramount. A lucrative outing could last two weeks and result in the apprehension of multiple suspects. Bringing them back to Fort Smith, the prisoners were shuttled into the cramped cells. With those overcrowded conditions, it made guard duty especially dangerous. The dark, dank spaces were jammed full of all levels of criminals. Notable prisoners of Judge Parker include; Belle Starr, Cherokee Bill, and the Dalton Gang.

Judge Parker’s Court

On his first day of court, Parker sentenced eight men, guilty of murder, to death. Six of them would be executed at the same time, while one died during an attempted escape and another had his sentence commuted. The judge was not in favor of capital punishment, but stood by the need to apply the law, as it was written. During his tenure, Judge Parker presided over nearly 13,500 cases. He sentenced 160 to death and 79 of those were executed. To keep up with the extensive workload, Parker held court six days a week.

Locked Up

In 1883, Congress reduced the jurisdiction of the Western District of Arkansas. While this was intended to help lighten the workload, an influx of settlers to the region contributed a new set of problems. Judge Parker’s court was so noteworthy that it has been represented in multiple books, television shows, and movies. Rooster Cogburn and True Grit portrays the judge’s court, as does one of my all-time favorites, Hang ‘Em High. Having an opportunity to walk through these historic spaces, left us with a better appreciation for life during Judge Parker’s court days. Have you ever heard of Judge Isaac Parker?

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We want to thank Experience Fort Smith and Bricktown Brewery for hosting our visit. Rest assured all opinions are our own. 

Chill Vibe

While neither of us will ever rank as “beer connoisseurs”, we do enjoy the relaxed vibe found in places like Bricktown Brewery. From the moment we stepped through the door, we felt the casual atmosphere that filled the restaurant. Being a weekday, the other clientele was a mix of business people and locals. There were a few travelers blended into the mix and we became two more of them. As I moved around the space taking pictures, I struck up a conversation with a couple of guys at the bar. They explained that they were from Kansas and found this place to be a great place to chill out for a while.

What’s in a Name?

While this was our first visit to a Bricktown Brewery, we were aware of their presence in the Central states. Our trips through Oklahoma City and Wichita had shed light on their existence, but we had yet to make a stop. Now that we had broken through that barrier, we were ready to make the most of our time. As we reviewed the menu, I was surprised at their numerous choices. Many brew bars focus more on the beverage side and leave us, foodies, feeling a little overlooked. Bricktown avoids that by offering everything from burgers and pizza to full-blown homestyle meals. With my days of beer drinking behind me, I ordered up a hard cider and perused the menu.

Bricktown Brewery Delivers

Here’s where the rubber meets the road for us. I went full bore and ordered the Blue Ribbon Burger with fries. Loaded with; peppered bacon, frizzled onions, and Buffalo blue cheese sauce, this mountain of a burger were more than enough to tame my hunger hankerings. I enjoyed every last bite, as I watched Crystal investigate her choice. Knowing her affinity for avocado, I predicted she’d choose the Turkey Bacon Guacamole Melt. The sammie was filled with roasted turkey, peppered bacon, Swiss cheese, bacon aioli, and tons of guacamole. She changed it up a bit by selecting the Sweet Potato Fries for her side. Paired with a sweet caramel sauce, they were pretty darn tasty.

Fort Smith First Tastes

Now that we had our first tastes of Fort Smith under our belts, we were ready for more exploring. During our walk to lunch, we spotted lots of interesting artwork dotting the landscape. It was obvious to us that we would be taking plenty of strolls, with camera in hand, to capture some of these unique creations. To get a true taste of a city, we have learned it is important to tackle it from a variety of angles. Our lunch at Bricktown Brewery allowed us to check off one box on our “to-do” list. Now it was time to tackle some more. How important do you feel it is to explore the local dining scene in new destinations? Let us know in the comment section below!

The post Bricktown Brewery – Fort Smith First Tastes appeared first on Our Changing Life.

We want to thank Experience Fort Smith and the Fort Smith Museum of History for hosting our visit. Rest assured all opinions are our own. 

An Uncivil War

Fort Smith served the role of a staging zone, during the Civil War. On the western front, many of the fights and skirmishes were in guerilla form. Far to the east, large companies squared off in massive battles, which accounted for an ever-growing number of fatalities. Closer to the open frontier, populations were thinner and often separated by many miles. It made it easier for roving groups of soldiers to move unheeded between destinations. There was still a need to gather supplies for these excursions and Fort Smith’s location along the Arkansas River made it a valuable asset. Less than two weeks after the war’s beginning shots were fired at Fort Sumter, and the Union presence at Fort Smith evacuated their stronghold. It only took hours for this void to be filled by the state militia. When Arkansas officially joined the Confederacy, a month later, the fort became a post to drill new troops.

Guerilla Warfare

The first of our 3 history lessons would revolve around why guerilla warfare was so prevalent on the western edge. I had always assumed the main driver was to claim lands for their respective side. While this was certainly part of the plan, the Confederacy had an underlying reason. By stirring up concerns in the Union leadership, it would potentially require the redeployment of troops from the east. This would help the Confederacy by balancing the number of troops available to each side in the eastern theater. Guerilla attacks also helped limit exposure to lengthy fights, which usually resulted in a higher number of fatalities. Even skirmishes, like the Battle of Massard Prairie, were about more than retrieving some needed supplies from Union forces. This fight was designed to draw troops out from the cover of Fort Smith and leave the complex underdefended.

Wild West Notoriety

The end of the Civil War signaled an end to the need for a western frontier fort. The city was growing and the river steamboats brought a steady flow of travelers through this town. Across the river, in Indian Territory, things were continuing to degrade for the Native Indian tribes. The U.S. Government had taken the approach that all of the 15 Indian nations were defeated enemies, even though some had fought on the Union’s side. This created an atmosphere where cooperation with the government was waning. The lands west of the river became a place for renegades and desperadoes to escape justice from the law. With an aura of corruption in the Fort Smith judicial system, change was brewing like a summer storm.

The Hanging Judge?

The second of our 3 history lessons revolved around Judge Isaac Parker. We had an inkling of this famous character from the American West. Movies like True Grit and Hang ‘Em High are loosely based on the staggering responsibility laid upon the district judge for this territory. After his appointment by President Grant, Judge Parker set about repairing a broken system. In May 1875, he held his first court session, which resulted in eight death sentences. This mass hanging drew reporters from all across the nation, and it is estimated there were 5000 people in attendance. It didn’t take long for the moniker of “The Hanging Judge” to become associated with Parker. While Parker disdained the death penalty, he felt compelled to carry out the decisions of the jury. During his time as a judge in Fort Smith, he would sit on over 12,000 cases that saw some of the worst horse and cattle thieves, whiskey peddlers, and bandits.

Order in the Court

While the hangings were sensationalized, a deeper inspection reveals that Judge Parker was extremely fair. Over his extensive tenure as a district judge, he would sentence less than 100 to hang. His true sympathy fell on the victims of the crimes and he was a pioneer in the need for victims’ rights. While this compassion seems unusual for someone with such a strict approach, earlier actions in his life hinted at his true life philosophy. Before arriving in Fort Smith, Parker had served in Congress. During this period he worked to secure pensions for veterans and sponsored a bill to allow women to hold public office. While this bill failed, it does offer a glimpse of his core beliefs.

Darby’s Rangers

Moving further into the Fort Smith Museum of History, we found ourselves in a gallery dedicated to a local hero. The third of our 3 history lessons would involve Brigadier General William Darby. This well-known WWII Army officer is recognized for establishing Ranger units. As the U.S. entered the war, Darby found himself assigned to duty in Northern Ireland. Here he witnessed British Commandos, and he saw the possibility of a similar segment in the U.S. Army. After securing this assignment, his group of volunteers trained with their British counterparts. His 1st Ranger Battalion first made its presence felt in 1943. Darby quickly gained a reputation for his ferocious style of attack and often with him in the lead. He would lose his life during the war, but his life has been memorialized in the movie Darby’s Rangers.

3 History Lessons Under Our Belts

While there were many more than 3 history lessons available, we chose to concentrate on these for a reason. The majority of our time in Fort Smith was going to be spent downtown. It is this area where many of the historic sites are located. The fort was a central location in the first two lessons, so those were obvious choices. Learning about William Darby became a curiosity from an initial drive we took when we arrived in town. Our excursion had been to identify the locations of the public art, but we spotted a statue that caught our attention. On a prominent corner, there sits a bronze sculpture of Gen. Darby on a motorcycle. It certainly piqued our curiosity and learning the significance left us feeling satisfied. Which of these history lessons was the most surprising to you?

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We want to thank Experience Fort Smith for hosting our visit. rest assured all opinions are our own. 

Rowdy Days

To get a true taste of the past, we have to transport our minds back to a time when Arkansas was the western edge of the United States. By the end of the 1800s, Fort Smith was a bustling town that had already seen more action than many cities ever will. The Indian Removal of the 1830s had seen the Five Civilized Tribes relocated to Oklahoma Territory. By the end of the Civil War, the town had become a launching point for outlaws to escape U.S. law by escaping into Indian Territory. President Grant appointed Judge Isaac Parker to bring justice to the area. His deputy marshals not only patrolled Arkansas but often ventured into Oklahoma Territory to bring outlaws back to court.

Cowboy Callers

The city’s brothels and saloons made it a popular border town. During the early 1900s, the city not only legalized but regulated prostitution in an area called the Row District. At its height, there were seven “row houses” near the river. A catastrophic fire destroyed all but one, which today is used as the city’s visitor center. Our first stop in Fort Smith was at Miss Laura’s for a short education about how the city is preserving the past. Today it is the only former bordello, in Arkansas, on the National Register of Historic Places.

Infamous Visitors

During our visit to Miss Laura’s Visitor Center, we spotted a nefarious character from the past. A local actress was decked out like Belle Starr who hailed from Carthage, Missouri. Born with the name Myra Belle Shirley, her parents were well-to-do and provided their daughter lessons in a life of style. In the meantime, her older brother Bud taught her to ride a horse and handle a gun. The calamities of the Civil War caused the family to pack up and move to Texas. In 1866, members of the James-Younger Gang fled to Texas after robbing a bank in Liberty, Missouri. This would allow the chance meeting of Myra and Cole Younger, who would capture the girl’s attention.

Preserving the Past

She met Jim Reed, her first husband, and they had a daughter named Rosie Lee. Belle adored the child and nicknamed her “Pearl”. Jim turned outlaw and Belle assumed the role of “Bandit Queen”. After Jm was gunned down by a member of his own gang, Belle fell in with a Cherokee outlaw named Sam Starr. It would be Belle Starr who would be the brains behind a new gang. The daring couple were caught red-handed in the act of horse rustling and were brought before Judge parker in Fort Smith. Previous attempts at convicting her had failed due to a lack of evidence. This time the charges stuck and the couple wound up in a federal prison in Detroit. This seemed to do the trick and Belle would live a relatively calm lifestyle after release. 

Interesting Artifacts

As we continued our tour at Miss Laura’s, we noted an abundance of interesting artifacts. Many of these are period pieces that would have been commonplace during the early 1900s. One of the most unique pieces was a replica of the tokens that were used by the bordello. Serving as patron currency, they would be exchanged for “one favor” at Miss Laura’s.

Getting Our Bearings

Now that we had our bearings, we were ready to explore downtown Fort Smith. The city has seen other infamous characters, such as Bonnie and Clyde, who hid out during their outlaw days. While our plans were to remain on the right side of the law, we now knew that this city has drawn in all kinds of visitors. These days Fort Smith is in a transition period, much like many Midwest cities. It is working to rebrand itself, while still preserving the past that includes so much rich history.

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We want to thank Visit Bentonville and the local businesses for hosting our visit. Rest assured all opinions are our own.

Kid-Friendly

Even though we travel without any younger members in our party, we still like to see what a city has in store for families. Bentonville is a city filled with all age groups, so they have seen the growth of businesses that are geared toward the young and young at heart. Our first stop in town landed us at the Scott Family Amazeum. This place may be designed to be appealing to the youngest group, but we had a blast exploring all of the interactive opportunities. If you are traveling with children, this is a great destination to allow them to burn off some excess energy.

Let’s Get Physical

Perhaps your family is into mountain biking. If that’s the case, then Bentonville will be a perfect match. They are the self-proclaimed “Mountain Biking Capital of America” and we believe the title is appropriate. Not only did we discover a myriad of trails and pathways through the city, but they also have created an entire park filled with biking challenges. The Coler Mountain Bike Preserve is designed to get participants off-road and into nature. While we chose not to do any biking, we didn’t feel left out. They have a pleasant paved path that leads through the park. A shady stroll was the perfect way to burn off some of the calories from our many delectable meals.

Fantastic Feasts

Speaking of fantastic feasts, we found lots of culinary options during our stay in Bentonville. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner choices ranged from casual to fine dining. At each one, we discovered friendly staff that helped guide us through the menus and offered some amazing suggestions. It’s safe to say that the restaurant scene in Bentonville is vibrant and eclectic. Whether you are looking to explore an art-filled space or just relaxing after a morning of mountain biking, there is something to fit the bill.

Fly-in Dining

Once in a while, we happen upon a dining experience that is something completely new for us. During our research, we were in regular contact with the staff at Visit Bentonville. We find the local tourism bureaus are an excellent resource for trip planning. After all, they are living the local experiences every day. Our contact suggested a meal at an airport, which definitely captured our attention. Let’s face it, most airport meals are done out of necessity, instead of being a destination. When we visited Thaden Field, we were treated to a delicious breakfast served up in an exciting atmosphere. After all, how often do you get a chance to dine and watch small aircraft coming and going?

Familiar Names

It is likely that you are aware that Bentonville is the home to Walmart. The Walton family has invested heavily into the city and helped bring in a ton of amenities. In the heart of the downtown, guests can make a visit to the original Walton’s Five & Dime. It was here that Sam Walton began down the path of creating the mega-business that we all recognize today. It wouldn’t be a real visit to Bentonville if it didn’t include a tour of this FREE attraction.

Art-Centric

While Walmart has grown to be an example of a successful business plan, the Walton family has reinvested back into the city in a variety of ways. One that we really appreciate is the inclusion of art. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is another FREE attraction that offers visitors a chance for interactive opportunities. After touring the interior galleries, we headed outdoors to explore their many artwalks. We also discovered that they have a newer art installation, called The Momentary, which highlights traveling exhibits.

Facing the Past

For us, visiting new destinations requires learning some of the city’s history. Bentonville has some unique chances to do just that. One of our stops was at the Museum of Native American History. Here we had a chance to learn about the earliest residents of the area. This FREE attraction welcomes guests to learn about a wide range of Native Tribes who occupied or traveled through northwest Arkansas. If you plan a visit to this interesting site, be sure to set aside plenty of time to truly explore their exhibits.

Interactive Opportunities Abound

It’s always difficult to really capture the various experiences in one overview article. Bentonville is a city filled with interactive opportunities and we only scratched the surface during our visit. We know that a return trip will have to happen for us to gain more perspective about the variety found there. Our hope is that we offered up plenty of reasons for you to plan your own Bentonville vacation. No matter the age range of your group, we know you’ll find plenty to keep everyone occupied and satisfied. So with all that we did, tell us what we missed. We need to begin making a list for our next visit.

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We want to thank Visit Bentonville and The Buttered Biscuit for hosting our visit. Rest assured all opinions are our own. 

#1 – Visit Like a Local

We have read many tips about how to predict the quality of a restaurant. While the theories are vast in number, we usually find that seeing a throng of locals is a pretty good indicator. When we arrived at The Buttered Biscuit, we found a gathering of locals that hinted at the goodness found inside. During blogging outings, we will sometimes have reservations that help us streamline our schedule. Since this was our last morning in Bentonville, we decided to just go with the flow. Even with a large gathering, the wait wasn’t too long. We actually enjoy this type of opportunity to mingle with the locals and hear their stories.

#2 – Southern Style

Once we were seated, our server arrived to welcome us. You know that coffee was a must, but we were pleasantly surprised when he dropped off a plate of Biscuit Beignets. There are only a few appetizers on the menu and this one is the local favorite. You can imagine that we would not turn up our nose to a sweet treat and beignets are one of our favorite southern delights. Of our 4 reasons to visit The Buttered Biscuit, this one definitely ranks at the top of the food items. The fried pillows were golden brown and drizzled with powdered sugar and raspberry melba. A scoop of honey marmalade added another layer of flavor and just like that, they disappeared.

#3 – Take a Healthy Turn

Our only other stop for the day was a visit to Coler Mountain Bike Preserve. With an uncertain amount of physical exercise in our near future, we knew that we should keep it light. Crystal decided that the Avocado Grove Toast was her best option. While I have never ordered this dish, she seems to seek it out more often than not. This version included sourdough bread as a base and a slice of melted Swiss cheese. A pair of eggs and a fresh spring mix salad rounded out the meal. It was obvious from her smile that this version was delightful.

#4 – Something New to Taste

I was ready to step out of the normal and try something new. The shortlist of biscuit sandwiches caught my attention, but we had already experienced this type of dish at a restaurant in Kansas City. Instead, I went with the Seafood Omelet, which brought the flavors of the Pacific coast to my plate. It comes stuffed with fresh vegetables, as well as shrimp and lump crab meat. It was undeniably the most unique egg dish I had experienced. Each bite brought a wave of flavors crashing down on my taste buds. The meal includes one of their signature biscuits and a serving of Orange Honey Butter.

More than 4 Reasons to Visit

During our visit to The Buttered Biscuit, we fell in love with this local eatery. While we have provided 4 reasons to visit, there are many more. The friendly staff serves patrons with a smile, even though they face a steady flow of customers. After speaking with a few of them, it is obvious that they love working at The Buttered Biscuit. This resonates with the locals who flock to the restaurant to get their fix of southern cuisine. They say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so why not make it the best that it can be?

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We want to thank Visit Bentonville and Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art for hosting our visit. Rest assured all opinions are our own. 

Making New Friends

It was no accident that we planned our arrival for lunchtime. This was the perfect opportunity to meet our hosts from Visit Bentonville. Crystal Bridges features a scenic eatery named Eleven, which is the perfect location for a gathering. Laid out on a bridge, which spans a natural spring, we had amazing views in a tranquil setting. While the goal was to dine, we weren’t about to pass up this chance to show our appreciation. Our hosts filled us in on some background on the places we would be experiencing over the next couple of days. Armed with this information and full bellies, we were ready to explore.

American Art

We love checking out the local art scenes in the cities we visit. Crystal Bridges has amassed a collection that spans five centuries of American Art. While many of the pieces are paintings by recognizable artists, there are also many contemporary statues and mixed media pieces. By blending these in galleries, they keep the atmosphere light and playful. That allows the museum to be appealing to a wider range of ages.

Art for the People

Crystal Bridges has adopted a “no charge” approach for sharing its catalog of artwork. This makes it accessible to everyone, much like one of our local art museums in Kansas City. Bentonville is a huge draw for mountain bikers, who would usually be an unlikely audience. By adding bike paths and ample bike parking, the museum has expanded the groups that add this space to their itinerary. As we made our way through the galleries, we could sense the relaxed atmosphere that is prevalent throughout the museum.

Immersing Ourselves in Art

In most art museums, we find ourselves moving from gallery to gallery to see the artwork. Crystal Bridges has taken it a bit further, by incorporating art installations in the corridors that move guests between galleries. Floor-to-ceiling windows showcase how the museum is embracing nature even on the inside.

Embracing Nature

While we found a variety of familiar artists’ pieces in the galleries, we were anxious to check out the outdoors. Spring had sprung and everything was so green. Crystal Bridges is embracing nature by providing eight trails throughout their property. We headed up the 1.4 mile North Forest Loop, which is packed with outdoor art. In the still of midday, we happened upon this oversized deer sculpture. Much to our surprise, we caught sight of a real deer just a short distance away. These outdoor trails really highlight how the museum is embracing nature throughout its various spaces.

Heading Outdoors

With a gentle breeze cooling us off, we continued our exploration. There are so many art pieces that we couldn’t include them all. It seemed like each turn opened our eyes to a new “favorite”. While many of the pieces are open to interpretation, a few are just plain fun. Who would have imagined an assembly of canoes bursting from the ground? What about a huge spider that visitors can walk under? Crystal Bridges challenges the norm by spreading these unique pieces around the landscape.

Playing Off the Colors of Nature

As we wandered the grounds, we would happen upon various staff members. Most were busy maintaining the grounds to keep the installations pristine. Often, we would stop and chat with them and they all made time to make us feel welcome. The artwork that is embedded in the landscape really made us think. While many of the pieces forced us to ponder the meaning, others caused other questions to pop up. This Fiori Boat, by artist Dale Chihuly, had us wondering how it could survive the ever-changing weather that passes through Northwest Arkansas. Clearly, these pieces are sturdier than they appear.

Our Love of Art

Having a chance to enjoy and explore Crystal Bridges was so much fun. With so much art, scattered through various settings, there is certainly something for everyone. These are the types of attractions that quickly gain world-class status. We were still early in our visit to Bentonville, but we were already seeing the draw it has for visitors. The combination of relaxation and interaction made us eager to explore more of the city. As we made our way to our next stop, we let the moments at Crystal Bridges replay in our minds. What art museum has given you the biggest surprise?

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We want to thank Visit Bentonville and The Preacher’s Son for hosting our visit. Rest assured all opinions are our own. 

Familiar Territory

Just a block off the square, we discovered this restored historic church. The glass and brick building looks pristine, in comparison to its age. Stepping through the door, we found an interior filled with light streaming through the oversized stained glass windows. The hostess greeted us and showed us to our table. Seated along the perimeter, we had a great view of the whole space. While the structure still held the aura of a church, the redesign brought a modern vibe into play.

First Bites

Our server arrived to discuss the evening menu. Having no preconceived meal direction, we let him guide us toward our choices. We decided to begin with a couple of light plates to whet our appetites. A light salad included berries, cucumber, almonds, and Fromage. A light oil and honey coating added a sweet punch. From the appetizer menu, we selected a plate of Steak Carpaccio. Their thinly sliced beef tenderloin paired well with the herb and bulgur salad and radishes. These dishes were enough to entice our desire for even more flavors.

Layers of Flavor

For my main course, our server directed my attention toward the Sea Trout. It’s nice that modern shipping allows for restaurants in the middle of the nation to serve fresh-caught dishes. Seared to a perfect level, the filet was served up on a bed of peas. Kettle chips added a kick of fun to this artistic dish. It was a departure from the beefy meals that I tend to choose. The flavors were amazing and I enjoyed this rare excursion into seafood. I had been looking for something that would rival the flavors we discovered in a Quebec City smokehouse, and this place has them.

Italian Clucker

Crystal tends to be a little less adventurous when it comes to meal selection. When faced with too many unknown choices, she often gravitates toward her fail-safe protein, chicken. When she spotted the Parisian Gnocchi, she realized that she had found something a little familiar. The bird was roasted and seasoned with truffled Gouda. It was served with a helping of handmade gnocchi. These light dumplings are a slight diversion from the standard potato-based dish. It uses a double-cooked dough called pâté à choux. It’s the same dough often used for eclairs or churros.

Down Under

While the restaurant is on the main floor, the building offered additional spaces. With our pangs of hunger satisfied, it was time to do a little exploring. Downstairs we discovered a basement door marked “coatroom”. Behind this door is a hidden cocktail bar named Under Croft. This upscale space offers a calm, comfortable place to enjoy an after-dinner drink and conversation. Guests can also order some select dishes from the restaurant menu. Heading out the opposite side of this space, we found an archway on the outside of the building that was simply marked “bar”.

The Sky’s the Limit

Our server had clued us in on another spot for socializing at The Preacher’s Son. For those wanting to take in some fresh air, and maybe a sunset, there is the Rooftop Bar. We popped up to see what it has and found a stylish space filled with comfortable seating. Since we had more exploring to do, we passed on their long list of delectable drinks. This spot will be on our list for our next Bentonville visit. After all, everyone needs a little downtime to rest from a busy day of adventures.

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Lay of the Land

An institution as large as Walmart has a lot of moving pieces. To get a little background, we met up with Karen Singleton, Tours Manager for the Walmart Museum. She is a perfect fit for the position, as her bubbly spirit makes her a great cheerleader for the company’s progress. After explaining how the museum was laid out, she wished us the best and headed off to oversee an evening of music that was planned for later that day. Having some background made it easier to know how to work our way through the exhibits.

Going Back in Time

The name Sam Walton is familiar to most, but we never knew much about his beginnings. Much like this display of hidden objects found during renovation, Sam had plenty of history before his move to Arkansas. Born in Oklahoma, he married his wife Helen while serving in the military. After his time in the service, Sam worked in retail. The couple relocated to Iowa and finally made their way to Arkansas. In 1950, they landed in Bentonville where Sam opened his first 5 & 10 store. The location was perfect as it provided Helen with the small town living she desired. Sam liked the idea that the location put him close to hunting spots around a four-state region.

A New Direction

It didn’t take long for Sam to see that there was plenty of competition in the retail sector. Not to be disheartened, he came up with an idea that would revolutionize the marketplace. By offering products at a low-profit margin, he would be able to entice a broader range of customers. Other companies felt like his business model was a setup for failure. His plan to succeed by volume sales was about to be tested. Using targeted sales ads and a concentrated distribution system, the company grew to 24 stores by 1967. The retail experiment was paying off big for the Walton family.

Walk Through Time

After passing through the early days of Walmart history, we made our way into the main exhibit gallery. Here we found an extensive timeline that shows some of the key moments in the company’s past. Many of the displays reminded us of times gone by with the use of familiar images. It was obvious to us that the other visitors were experiencing the same moments of nostalgia. As we continued our walk through time, we learned about Walmart’s rise to domination in the retail sector.

Ground Zero

The display that appears to take the central spot is a recreation of Sam’s office. The staff has taken care to painstakingly duplicate the space just as he left it. It contains a collection of books that were helpful in guiding Sam’s business philosophy.  There are also some personal photos of Sam with special friends.

A Familiar Face

Moving into the next section of the Walmart Museum, we found ourselves learning about the later days of Sam’s life. While his competition attempted to gain ground, Sam was taking to the air. He embraced the idea of flying in the mid-1950s. He would often scout out new potential locations by air and would sometimes be accompanied by his hunting dog, Ol’ Roy. Yes, the dog’s name would be used for the Walmart line of pet food and treats. While reading about his love for aviation, we found a familiar name. A previous stop had introduced us to Bentonville’s most famous aviator, Louise Thaden. Sam passed in April of 1992, and the world remembers him for his retail legacy.

Building a Legacy

We have to admit that before our visit to Bentonville, our opinion of Walmart was one of a business bent on eliminating competition. Their business model has certainly made other retailers rethink their approach. Walmart has created an impressive legacy by filling a void in the supply chain of America for low-cost goods. Bentonville, Arkansas has seen the benefit of being home to the corporation. The Walton family has invested vast amounts back into the community and made the city a cultural mecca. For this northwest Arkansas city, the Walton family have helped lead their hometown into prosperity.

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We want to thank Visit Bentonville and The Hive for hosting our visit. Rest assured all opinions are our own. 

Cool Down

Bentonville, Arkansas lies in the northwest corner of the state. Summer in the Ozark territory can bring with it some hot weather. Sure enough, our visit was falling smack dab in the midst of a heatwave. We try to be prepared for any circumstances, so this was not unexpected. Even knowing the temps would be soaring, there is only so much that can be done to cool down. On the advice of our server, we decided a cooling cocktail would hit the spot. Pouring over the menu, we saw one that seemed extremely promising as a cooling agent. The Miami Vice is concocted with Plantation rum, pineapple, coconut, lime, almond, bitters, and blue curacao. When it arrived at our table, the Caribbean Sea-colored beverage was as beautiful as it was refreshing.

Familiar Classic

When we pick a restaurant for refined country cuisine, we go in with high expectations. This was not going to be a fried chicken and mashed taters meal. Crystal was looking forward to sampling some home-style cooking. Their Roasted Chicken Breast is served up in a bed of grits and accompanied by baby carrots, red onion, and fennel. The mixture of flavors wraps your taste buds like a cozy country quilt. You can bet that Crystal fell in love with this dish.

Pork Chop Heaven

How many times have you ordered a pork chop only to be disappointed in the results? Delivering this cut as a delicious and moist dish is a challenging proposition. The Hive has a menu item called Berkshire Hog Chop. When I spied it, I was immediately tempted. Our server assured me that it is an excellent choice and one of the most popular menu items. That was enough for me to jump on this opportunity. What arrived at our table was a tender, juicy, and absolutely filling plate filled with goodness. The chop comes accompanied by yellow corn grits, broccoli, and grilled peaches. Each bite was a bouquet of flavor that reminded me of the pork chops served up by my grandmother. I was in pork chop heaven.

A Sweet Surprise

Even though we were full from our main courses, the idea of passing up dessert was out of the question. The refined country cuisine we were experiencing required us to sample one of their sweet treats. Our server was helpful in directing our attention to their Pecan Pie. What could be more southern than this classic goody? The Hive’s version takes this delicacy and enrobes it with a shortbread crust, and tops it with a scoop of buttermilk ice cream. To take it to the next level, the bar sent over a couple of glasses of port wine to accompany our dessert. There was no possible way that we were going to let a single bite of this treat go to waste.

Refined Country Cuisine

When we think about dinners we have had in hotels, the results have been a mixed bag. The Hive is definitely one of the experiences that stand out as a real winner. While we did not stay at the 21C Museum Hotel, we still took some time to examine some of the artwork that can be found scattered throughout the hotel. With all of their unique pieces, it really made our refined country cuisine dinner all the more special. With our bodies cooled and our appetites satisfied, it was time to do some more exploring in downtown Bentonville.

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We want to thank Visit Bentonville and the 8th Street Market businesses for hosting our visit. Rest assured all opinions are our own. 

Welcoming All Visitors

Backed by substantial investments, from the Walton family, this northwest Arkansas city has become a destination that embraces non-traditional means of travel. Throughout town, we would see tons of mountain bikers. Many of them were traversing the trails that have been laid out to entice them. The natural terrain of the city is perfect for this type of transportation. The city has gone all-in at becoming the “Mountain Biking Capital of the World“. While there are a plethora of fun bike parks, city planners didn’t forget to connect the urban core. For a couple of pedestrians, seeing all of these bikers made us wish we had brought our own two-wheeled vehicles.

Getting Our Lunch On

The 8th Street Market is a food lovers paradise. A variety of cuisines means there are lots of reasons to partake in a cultural chow down. After examining our choices, we decided to sample the menu at Yeyo’s Mexican Grill. Like many of the other restaurants, Yeyo’s focuses on bringing farms to the table in a fun fashion. Created by the Rios family, this urban cantina draws in a steady stream of hungry diners. The simplistic décor reminded us of our visits south-of-the-border. We wanted to sample a variety of their flavors, so we ordered up a sampler of their Street Tacos. This ended up being a delicious way to experience a collection of the tastes found at this taqueria.

Momentary Spaces

A common theme we found in Bentonville is the use of art to engage residents and visitors alike. While not part of the 8th Street Market, The Momentary serves as the local contemporary art space and is easily walkable from the market. Being a satellite site for Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, this space was created from an old cheese factory. One of the newer places to enjoy regional artwork, The Momentary opened in 2020.

Artful Pause

This new museum is primarily filled with rotating exhibits. These allow for locals to explore new displays on a regular basis. Our visit took place on what could be described as a normal “hot” summer day. Stepping inside, we found that others had discovered this cool space to escape from Mother Nature’s fury. The gallery was in process of a change to some of the rotating exhibits, but they still had one available for viewing. We found this place to be a nice addition to the nearby food hub.

Sweet Retreat

After cooling off with our artistic cultural chow down, we decided to head back to the marketplace. While the majority of the shops were restaurants, there were a couple of others that we wanted to explore. One of these, that caught our attention, was Markham & Fitz. This chocolate shop is the brainchild of two University of Arkansas alumni. Following their passion for food, they have grown this small business into a flourishing enterprise. Their delectable chocolate delights are so good that they have even been featured in Oprah magazine. After sampling a wide variety of their flavors, we can attest to the creamy richness of their products.

Cultural Chow Down

Finding the 8th Street Market was definitely a pleasure for us. Once again, Bentonville was showing us how an engaged community can create a destination that is attractive to all ages. Our cultural chow down was satisfying our appetite for new experiences on a grand scale. The idea that they include a local radio station into the landscape added another fun note to our visit. Designing it like a boombox was truly a fun twist. We realized that time was passing faster than we expected, so we had to prepare to move on down the road. This was one of the times that traveling by car would help us make up some time. Of course, we still want to return and explore by bike.

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We want to thank Visit Bentonville for hosting our visit. Rest assured all opinions are our own. 

Stretching Our Legs

Many people have asked us how can we maintain any type of healthy lifestyle with all of the fantastic food we consume during travel. To be absolutely frank, it can be a challenge. You may have read how we like to focus our itineraries on walkable paths. We strive to squeeze in as many steps as possible, so that we can enjoy that last bite of food guilt-free. When we learned that Coler Mountain has a series of walking trails, we knew a stop was in order. On the west side of the city, we found wide open trails designed to handle foot and bike traffic.

Commune with Nature

It didn’t take us long to realize that the folks who designed Coler Mountain Bike Preserve were focused on blending it with the landscape. As we strolled along the main pathway, we could hear bikers riding along the trails in the surrounding woods. There are actually over 17 miles of trails crisscrossing the nearby hillsides and dales. A babbling stream runs alongside the path and periodically we would see groups cooling themselves in the flowing waters. It was clear that this was much more than just a simple trail network.

Coffee in the Woods

As we moved further along our walk, we began to notice more people walking toward us with cups of coffee. This certainly caught our attention, as we felt ourselves delving deeper into the park. Perhaps we had walked farther than I realized, or else we had entered some alternate universe where coffee comes as a reward for exercise. Much to our delight, we rounded a curve in the path and came upon a large area filled with people resting and relaxing. Sitting on an elevated grade we spotted Airship Coffee.

Trail Break

If you have followed our Instagram account, then you know how passionate we are about coffee. It’s a morning ritual for us and we have enjoyed a cup of java in every city and town we have visited. In fact, we have ordered up a cup in some interesting settings, like a converted blacksmith shop in Lindsborg, Kansas. It’s hard to quantify what the most unique location would be, but you have to admit that finding one in the woods is quite unexpected. This coffee shop is designed to offer visitors an unplugged experience by framing the park while you relax over a refreshing break.

Nature Break at Coler Mountain

We ordered our caffeinated drinks and a couple of baked treats. Sitting there watching everyone enjoying a nature break was refreshing. While we have never been mountain bikers, we were feeling the urge to try it out. It may not have happened on this trip, but who knows what future visits may hold for us. In the meantime, we were happy to watch others pedaling through the park-like setting of Coler Mountain. Strolling back to our car, we knew that this short excursion had burnt off some calories that we could bank for a later treat. After all, it’s all about balance. How do you squeeze in exercise on the road?

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We want to thank Visit Bentonville for hosting our stay. Rest assured all opinions are our own. 

Not Your Standard Breakfast Stop

Arriving at Thaden Field, we felt as though we discovered a hidden entertainment gem. The exterior is a mix of options that include a play area for the younger set. It also incorporates a wetlands area that attracts native wildlife. Large decks allow visitors to commune with nature even as the activity of the airport takes place nearby. Inside we found plenty of space to relax in their upscale “terminal”. This is definitely not what we were expecting when we heard we were dining at an airport.

Hungry Hosts

Our visits to cities are not random events. Most are well-planned occurrences that take weeks or months of scheduling. Working with the tourism bureau aids us in assuring that we experience a wide range of what the city has to offer. We also like to meet our hosts, whenever possible, so that we can engage in an up-close and personal fashion. Sharing a meal is always a welcome way to fellowship and learn more about the city and the locals. For this breakfast, we were joined by Kalene and Aaron from Visit Bentonville. After the customary introductions, we were soon swapping stories about the experiences to be found in this area. It’s a great way to get some last-minute pointers on making the most of our time.

Assorted Eats

Having the extra people with us meant that we were able to see more of the menu at Louise. It worked out that we all ordered different items, so there was plenty of eye candy on the table. I chose the Captain’s Omelet, which is packed with the chef’s choice of ingredients, so you never know what you will get. You can be sure it will be tasty. Kalene loves the Hippy Hash and told us she orders this vegetable-packed dish frequently. Aaron selected the Breakfast Burrito that ended up being a protein-filled marvel. Crystal rounded out our order with a Short Stack of pancakes accompanied by some fresh fruit.  With everyone’s meals in place, it was time to dig in.

Take to the Skies

As we dined and conversed, the scenes around us were abuzz with activity. Small planes were being prepared for flight. Periodically, one would taxi down the runway for takeoff. The seating at Louise offers diners front-row views of the action. It didn’t matter how many we had seen, we were always amazed to watch the next one take flight. There is something mesmerizing about this engineering marvel. This is probably what inspired Louise McPhetridge Thaden to pursue a career in aviation. This Bentonville native set the world on its ear with her daring and courageous approach to flight. Her escapades would rival that of the noteworthy Kansas aviator, Amelia Earhart.

Airborne Inspiration

We can only imagine the criticism and disbelief Louise Thaden must have faced in the early 1900s. Female pilots were not common and in fact, she was the fourth woman to receive a pilot’s license in the United States. That did not stop her from becoming the first woman to win a national air race. Her love for flying became her lifelong obsession and she stuck with it throughout her career. The record books still retain her accolades and achievements. Louise Thaden provided plenty of airborne inspiration for others to follow.

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We want to thank the Little Rock CVB and its businesses for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

The Root Cafe

One of the key restaurants that we planned to visit was The Root Cafe. This locally owned and operated eatery is making waves on a big scale. Our original scheduled time slot was bumped due to the opportunity for them to be featured on Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives. While we were a bit disappointed in missing this chance, it worked out later in our schedule. Boy were we glad that we could reschedule. This place makes even a standard meal taste special. Definitely a stop you will want to add when you sample the flavors of Little Rock on your vacation.

Nexus Coffee

Another unexpected surprise was our stop at Nexus Coffee & Creative. Our itinerary had it as one of two breakfast options, before a visit to the local farmer’s market. Since it was just across the street, we popped in for a quick visit. What we found there was another local favorite. The menu is simple, but filled with protein rich choices that offer plenty of fuel for a morning of exploring. The coffee was magnificent and roasted in-house.

Farmers Market

With our coffee fix satiated, it was time to explore the Farmer’s Market. We love visiting this style of local shopping, as it gives us a chance to meet plenty of residents from around the area. The colors, smells, and flavors of the market were intoxicating. This visit certainly brightened up our Saturday morning. We are pretty sure that some of the local restaurants make routine visits to the market to find special ingredients to add to their menus.

David’s Burgers

We found such a variety of tastes that we were unable to include articles on every one of them. Before our visit, we reach out to the resident foodies to gather suggestions on places to eat. This is a tip that we use regularly, since the locals will know the dining landscape. We spent a good portion of time in the River Market neighborhood, which included a visit to the Little Rock River Market. This food hall is designed like a food court, and filled with many choices, like David’s Burgers. This Arkansas chain has some juicy burgers and sweet ice cream treats.

Boulevard Bread Company

Another local chain, that’s making a mark on the Little Rock foodie scene, is Boulevard Bread Company. Located in the SOMA District (South Main), this “green” friendly eatery was a lower calorie choice. They are known for their fresh salads and sandwiches, as well as delicious baked goods. It’s a great option when you’re ready for a break from heavier foods. More good flavors to sample in Little Rock.

Loblolly Creamery

While we were in SOMA, we found a neat little ice cream shop a couple of doors from Boulevard Bread Co. When we stepped inside Loblolly Creamery, the first thing that caught our attention was the staff in the process of making fresh cones. After looking closer, we also found an interesting variety of small batch ice cream flavors made from scratch. Everything about this ice cream shop screamed handcrafted goodness. Glad we stumbled across this place. After all, what’s life without a few sweet treats?

Big Orange

One of the most highly anticipated stops on our itinerary was Big Orange. This is one of those rare spots that combines delicious flavors and picture-perfect plates all at a pocketbook friendly price. The presentation was so good looking that we hated to dive in, but we did anyway. You don’t come all this way not to sample the flavors of this hip eatery. (Read more about Big Orange here.)

Damgoode Pies

With our downtown lodging nearby, our dinner meals were focused in the River Market area. It’s rare that we would spend three days in a destination, without sampling some local pizza at least once. Just off the Riverwalk is a series of businesses that line President Clinton Avenue. This section of the city is filled with dining, shopping, and entertainment venues. Damgoode Pies uses fresh ingredients that they prepare each day. They cook their own meats, make their sauce daily, and even brew their own craft beers. Like many of the flavors we sampled in Little Rock, freshness was the key.

Stickyz Rock N Roll Chicken Shack

Another River Market find was Stickyz Rock-N-Roll Chicken Shack. This restaurant and local entertainment venue definitely had the longest name of any we visited. The interior is an unending cornucopia of colors for the eyes. Vivid artwork and interesting seating options added an extra level of fun to our visit. We would have loved dropping back later in the evening for some live music, but it didn’t line up with our schedule.

Willy D’s Rock N Roll Piano Bar

While we missed the concert at Stickyz, live entertainment was not going to elude us. Willy D’s Rock-N-Roll Piano Bar is one of those dueling piano places, where the crowd is encouraged to be engaged. It was fun to unwind and sing along with so many familiar songs.

Sampling The Flavors of Little Rock

Like most large metropolitan cities, Little Rock offers too many dining options to even make a dent in three days. This is one of the reasons we will focus our attention on a specific district, which is usually the downtown. We are finding that many cities are seeing a revival in their downtown areas, which allows us to find a higher concentration of businesses within walking distance. Our search to sample the flavors of Little Rock was easily accomplished, with all of these options nearby. Little Rock proved to be a memorable destination, with two of their restaurants making our TOP 10 Eats list for 2018. Big Orange was one that would have held the 11th position, if our list would have gone that far. Clearly Little Rock is a premier foodie city.

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Start at the Beginning

After entering the Historic Arkansas Museum, we met our tour guide. A quick overview of the facility and we were ready to start our tour. The museum has two main parts, with the first section consisting of a group of historic buildings. The museum got its start by a resident who wanted to preserve four run down buildings near the state’s capital. She recognized the historical value of these structures, which include the Hinderliter Grog Shop. Built around 1827, this log cabin structure eventually was covered with planking to resemble many of the other clapboard structures that came later. Underneath this exterior lies the original logs used in the construction.

History Comes to Life at the Historic Arkansas Museum

Inside of the grog shop we found one of the staff members who help bring the history to life. Our guide was excellent at describing all of the historical aspects of the site. The museum also has some Living History actors who portray the people who would have occupied these abodes. As we listened, we heard tales of what life would have been like in that era. He walked us through some of the artifacts on display and their usage in daily life. This is a great way to get a better understanding of the history we are seeing, as the actors help bring history to life.

Old and New

As were moved from building to building, we would catch sight of some of the newer high-rise structures nearby. Being located in the heart of the thriving downtown makes this museum unique. We would tour the inside of a couple of the older structures, and be all wrapped up in the stories, when suddenly this reminder would bring us back to current time. Quite an experience and testament to our guides ability to transport us with his descriptions of those long ago days.

Putting it on Paper

In the Woodruff Print Shop we found another actor on duty. This building is home to a New Yorker who came to Arkansas, in 1819, to start a newspaper. He would eventually move his business to Little Rock, after it became the territorial capital. The interior of the building contains furnishings owned by Woodruff, as well as a replica of the printing press he brought to Arkansas on a keelboat. We listened as this character explained the political and economic atmosphere of Arkansas in the early 1800’s. Soon enough, he was hard at work running copies of his daily post for the eager customers who occupied the township. Once again, the education of the historical events were brought to life by a staff member.

Back to the Present

After our tour was completed, we were ushered back to the main portion of the Historic Arkansas Museum. Our guide explained the layout of the building and left us to explore on our own. The museum is a combination of galleries that include component from all over Arkansas. We wandered through the rooms filled with artwork, jewelry, and furniture created by Arkansas residents.

A Familiar Name

One room is filled with a vast collection of Bowie knives. In the early days of the state, Arkansas was considered the edge of the United States. Filled with tough characters, it would be easy to picture them equipped with an “Arkansas Toothpick”. This is the nickname given to the Bowie knife, which is well represented in the museum. Many of these fantastic creations came from Arkansas, including Bowie No. 1, which is believed to be the original piece created by James Black for Jim Bowie. This “defensive” weapon was highly favored throughout the frontier regions.

Honoring the First People

We passed into another section of the Historic Arkansas Museum, and came to the collection titled “We Walk in Two Worlds”. This exhibit tells the story of the first people to inhabit the lands now known as Arkansas. The displays are filled with over 150 relics and artifacts from the Caddo, Osage, and Quapaw nations. If you followed the displays through the exhibit, it will take you chronologically through time.

Voices for the Past

The Historic Arkansas Museum has done a great job of helping visitors better grasp the impact of civilization’s growth. Throughout the “Two Worlds” displays, you will hear the voices of some of the descendants from the original tribes. These help explain how the changes over time have affected the cultural aspects of the Indian nations. It is quite enlightening to hear the history in their own words, as it helps bring the history to life. Definitely a section of the museum not to be overlooked.

Ready to Explore Little Rock

Now that we had visited the Historic Arkansas Museum, we had a better grasp on how the city got started. This gave us a new perspective on the sights we saw as we traveled around the city. We could almost picture the dirt roads and early structures that dotted the streetscape in the 1830’s. While Little Rock has grown into a thriving metropolis, it is nice to see that it still holds firm to its frontier origins. When you visit, be sure to save some time to get your bearings at this wonderful museum complex. Tell them you heard about them from Our Changing Lives, and hopefully they will remember our visit. It is certainly a great way to see history come to life. Safe travels!

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Free, But Not Free

The Conflict in Little Rock originated with the Supreme Court ruling that states could not legally separate black and white students in different schools. Being from Kansas, the Brown vs. Board of Education was well known, so a visit to Central High School was not to be missed. In 1868, the Fourteenth Amendment, which addressed citizenship rights for the recently freed slaves, was added to the U.S. Constitution. This was hotly debated by many of the states that had been part of the Confederacy. In an effort to further define the intent of the law, in 1896 racial segregation was allowed, as long as it was “separate but equal”. It would take until 1954 for this policy to change. The school case in Kansas would be the impetus for change, but it would be met with mixed resistance.

Little Rock Nine Change Schools

With the Supreme Court calling for desegregation of the nation’s public schools, the battle-lines were drawn. In 1957, the NAACP registered nine black students to begin attending Little Rock Central High School. At the time of its construction in 1927, Little Rock Senior High School was deemed the most beautiful, largest, and expensive high school in the nation. The name changed in 1953, but enrollment continued to be restricted to white students. The original plans for integration were for a full scale approach in all grade levels, but this was reduced to focus on a single school. The hesitancy and slow movement of the school board to initiate integration was another factor in the conflict that was brewing.

Setting The Scene For Conflict

With the upcoming school year bringing the possibility of an integrated classroom, Arkansas Governor Orval Faubus put into action motions that would bring the conflict in Little Rock to the forefront of national attention. Several segregationist groups were planning protests at Central High School, in an effort to block the black students from entering. The governor deployed the Arkansas National Guard to assist the blockade. Photos showing the line of soldiers blocking the entrance made national news. The nation held its collective breath, as it waited to see how President Eisenhower would react. The president warned Governor Faubus not to defy the Supreme Court’s ruling. The mayor of Little Rock, Woodrow Wilson Mann, requested President Eisenhower send federal troops to assist in enforcing integration.

The morning of September 23, 1957 dawned with an air of tension hanging heavy around the school. Over 1,000 whites had assembled at the school to protest the integration. The nine black students, who would be labeled the Little Rock Nine, were escorted past the angry mob by Little Rock police officers. Violence broke out and the students were removed for their protection. The crowd’s actions propelled President Eisenhower to order a 1,200 man Army division to escort the students into the school, on the following day. This move escalated the showdown between the president and Arkansas Governor Faubus, who questioned the authority of the federal court system.

Surviving Day To Day

The Little Rock Nine would spend day after day facing the wrath of those against integration. Physical and verbal abuses were commonplace on a daily basis. One of the students had acid thrown in her eyes. Another was trapped in a bathroom stall, while white students dropped pieces of burning paper from above. The nine were warned not to fight back even though they would face a lot of abuse. By the end of the school year, the governor was creating a new way to fight desegregation. He ordered the closure of all four public high schools in Little Rock. Requiring a referendum to allow this action, he urged voters to pass it. The plan would be to reopen the schools as private institutions, so that they could once again be segregated. Faubus won the referendum, and the 1958-59 school year would become known as the “Lost Year”.

Does Time Bring Change?

Scenes similar to those in Little Rock were played out across the south. Over time desegregation made a lasting effect on the public education system. These days, Central High School continues to serve its purpose, while the museum dedicated to the events is located nearby. Tours must be scheduled of the the school, but the museum is available to all, during its regular business hours. The Conflict in Little Rock would eventually lose its place on the front page, but the impact has resonated throughout the nation.

These days students of all backgrounds are supposed to be able to attend public schools without fear of persecution, but is that really the case? Too often we are seeing stories in the news about bullying. Many of these cases are leading up to our children lashing out in retaliation. How have we gotten so far, yet still seem to have a long road in front of us? It is sites like the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site that remind us how important tolerance is to the human spirit. We hope you all have an opportunity to visit places like this, as it reminds us how important we all are to each other.

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We want to thank the Little Rock CVB and Rock Town Distillery for hosting our visit. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

First in Arkansas

Sitting on a main drag in downtown Little Rock, the outside of the business barely speaks of the good job being done inside. As we entered the doors, we were deposited in the tasting room, which also serves as a makeshift bar. We were surprised to see so many people, but found out that it is also the area where tours wait their turn. Our timing was impeccable, since a tour was about to start. While we waited, we spoke with staff members, who told us a little of the backstory. Rock Town Distillery is the first “legal” distillery, in Arkansas, since Prohibition. Founded in 2010, that means there were about 77 years of no alcohol production in the state. We can see why this place is so popular.

Tour Time at Rock Town Distillery

It seemed that our conversations had just began, when it was time for the tour. Our guide led the group through double doors and into the distillery room. Here he walked through the steps and equipment required to produce their variety of spirits. Using grains supplied by Arkansas farmers, they explained the process from grain to glass. The guide was careful to be sure that everyone was able to follow along with the information. He would periodically ask questions of the group, which would keep them engaged in the discussion. This is a well developed tour that leaves the participant with a great basis of understanding by the end of the trip.

Our next stop was a visit to the barrel room. Rows and rows of oak barrels sit patiently awaiting their turn. We learned that each type of spirit has its own unique aging period. It boggles the mind to think of how many bottles will be filled from the barrels arranged in this room.

Now For The Fun Part

Once the tour ends, it’s time for the tastings. Tours come on two levels, Standard for $10 and Premium for $15. (Of course, tax is required on both.) With the Standard Tour, each paying participant receives a tasting of 10 items that are produced at Rock Town Distillery. The Premium Tour adds 3 special items to that list. These will vary, but could include a single barrel whiskey or an anniversary whiskey, for example. After the tasting, guests are welcome to linger and sample one of the multitude of cocktails, which are whipped up by their inventive staff.

Not only do they create some unique flavor combinations, but they each add their fun twist on creating new drinks. Now, some may look down on decorated drinks, but we believe that there is no reason a drink cannot be as pleasing for the eyes, as it is for the palette. The crowning achievement had to have been the idea to float a fortune cookie on a citrus slice. While they may not seem to be the most practical decorations, they certainly bring a smile to the faces of those near enough to witness them. The bar at Rock Town Distillery has a special cocktail menu that will change periodically, as new drinks are invented. Be sure to ask about it when you visit.

Accolades Abound

Rock Town Distillery may be fairly new to the market, but they are creating quite a buzz. They have seen lots of good press about their tours, and are even considered one of the top 10 U.S. distillery tours. With engaging tour guides, a wide range of small batch products, and some delicious concoctions, we see why they are rising to the top. Stop in on your visit to downtown Little Rock to see just how the first “legal” distillery is shaking up the landscape. We are betting you will love your visit. So the question is, would you order a drink that comes with a fortune cookie?

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We want to thank the Little Rock CVB and Nexus Coffee & Creative for hosting our visit. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

Caffeine Fix at Nexus Coffee

As we walked through the door, the wonderful aroma of roasted coffee beans greeted us. Yeah, we know some of you don’t drink coffee, but we won’t hold it against you. Even though the business was booming, the line to order moved quickly. It was almost too quickly, as we were struggling to decide from all of the options. Fortunately, the staff member was very patient with us and guided us through their menu. The drink side was pretty simple for us, as we are fairly repetitive in our drink choices. Crystal is usually a drip drinker, who adds in creamer and flavors to create the mix she is in the mood for that day. I lean toward straight up lattes with no extra flavoring.

Flavorful Bites

It was the food section that was teasing our decision making. While Nexus Coffee doesn’t have a huge food menu, everything on it looked tempting. I have to admit that I pondered ordering one of each for a moment, but didn’t want to waste a bunch of food. After a quick huddle, we decided to just pick two menu items and split them. At least that way we would each get a couple of the flavors sampled. Our first choice was the Sunrise Sandwich, which has egg, cheese, and a choice between three meats. We chose the sausage, and they sandwich all of these fillings inside a pressed Ciabatta roll. Our second pick was the Breakfast Bagel,which involves the use of a tomato basil bagel. Inside of this densely delightful roll they layer prosciutto, field greens, tomato, with a smear of herb & onion cream cheese. We ended up being pleased with our choices, which were filling enough to carry us through to lunch.

Coffee To Go

The service at Nexus Coffee was amazingly quick and proficient. The steady stream of customers continued to file through, while we dined. We had plopped down right by the counter, so we could gauge how many of the customers were return visitors. It quickly became apparent that this place is a hangout for the locals, as everyone seemed to be on a first name basis. The chatter among them was on a personal level, which showed that they were certainly frequent visitors. After finishing our meal, we grabbed some Joe to Go, and headed out to the market. As we wandered the booths, we saw others carrying cups from our breakfast choice. Yeah, it made us feel a little more like a local. Check them out on your visit to Little Rock.

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We want to thank the Little Rock CVB for hosting our visit. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

Rolling Down the River

The Arkansas River Trail encompasses an 88-mile loop, which we barely scratched. For our visit, we planned to focus primarily on the segment that is located around the River Market District of Little Rock. This destination district is filled with attractions, dining, and shopping galore. A weekly farmer’s market draws plenty of locals and visitors alike to the area each weekend. All of this is within a stone’s throw of the nearby river and the trails that access it.

Art Abounds

The area is so inviting, that we found ourselves drawn to it on numerous occasions. As we meandered the paved pathways, we took note of the large number of sculptures that are found along the way. While the walk can be used as a form of exercise, we did find ourselves stopping frequently to admire various pieces of artwork. We were unable to find someone who knew the whole background to the sculpture park, and wondered if it was assembled in sections. The commonality between some pieces almost hint to different themes. We would love to know if this was done on purpose. If you know, please tell us a little about it in the comments section below.

It is hard to estimate, but we know there are dozens of statues located throughout the park. It seemed that every new turn along a path would produce a series we had not yet seen. Every visit we would see families on walks with the kids rushing off to explore some of the artwork. The Arkansas River Trail is designed to be user friendly for all ages, and incorporates some unique features.

Now You See Me…

It quickly became clear that the designers of the trail wanted to get people outdoors and engaged. It not only shows in the way the sculptures are incorporated, but also in the interactive spaces they included. The Tunnels Playground is a kids dreamland. Huge slabs of rock are stacked around the perimeter and make for good seats to view the play area. Slides and tunnels weave throughout the space, creating transportation pathways for kids to traverse. We watched as heads would pop up in one place and then disappear, only to reappear in a new location. Clearly this is one of the most popular locations for family time in the park. We could see that there were some kids who were going to sleep well that night.

Sunset Views

The area is ripe for sunset viewing, as the river path clears the horizon of vertical obstructions. We made our way to one of the various bridges that cross the flowing waters. From our vantage point, we could watch the streetcars pass on the next bridge over. Little Rock has five pedestrian and bike bridges that connect to the Arkansas River Trail, the largest number of any city in America. The Central Arkansas Trail System has over 36 miles of trails that connect 23 parks, and utilize these bridges as connectors to cross the river.

Night Lights

Once the sun sets, the next phase of the show begins. Three of the connector bridges are illuminated with thousands of LED lights. We watched as the glowing lights rotated through a entrancing light show. The colors slowly morph and cast a rainbow across these silent structures. As the quietness of nightfall fell, we sat and watched with wonder.

Get Moving Along the Arkansas River Trail

If we are going to be honest, we have to admit that we are a little jealous of the residents of Little Rock. The park system that they have built along their riverfront is world class and well deserves all of the press and media it garners. While we are finding more and more cities embracing their riverfront areas, none have done it like Little Rock. It certainly makes us want to get out and explore the landscape. How about your hometown? Does it offer a special outdoor venue? We’d love to hear about it!

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We want to thank the Little Rock CVB for hosting our visit. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

Diverse Ecosystems

Arkansas is made up of six distinct environments, which the Nature Center helps describe. Each has its own unique inhabitants, but the water they share links them. It is quickly clear to us that Arkansas is a sport paradise. Fishing, hunting, hiking, and observing is a little different in each area. We are very familiar with the Ozark Plateau, since we love visiting the Eureka Springs area. Some of the other districts are less familiar, and there are some we have never visited. I guess we will need to start adding new zones to our travels.

Immerse Yourself at Central Arkansas Nature Center

The Nature Center is FREE to the public, since the upkeep is covered by a conservation sales tax. As we meandered through the center, we noted the long aquarium display. It holds a mixture of taxidermied animals that are native to the region, as well as some live fish specimens in the tank. Light from the oversized windows makes the area quite relaxing to just watch the fish swim.

A highlight of the Nature Center is their 10-minute introductory film. Presented on a large screen, the room seats about 60 people. The Nature Center also offers various programs designed to engage with visitors. If you are visiting on the correct day, you may see fish or alligator feedings. At other times there are storytellers who helps educate about many of the creatures found in Arkansas.

Historic Exhibits

Standing opposite the large water exhibit, we found a series of smaller exhibits. These highlight the three main areas of focus for the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission, which is the agency that regulates law enforcement, fisheries, and wildlife management for the state’s wildlife areas. Many of these displays, not only tell the story about the agency’s actions today, but offer historical information.

With so many waterways found in Arkansas, it makes sense that the Nature Center would have numerous fishing exhibits. Deep inside the Nature Center we found a mock trapper’s cabin, as well as a fishing camp. I haven’t done much fishing in years, so many of the displayed items brought back fond memories. As a youth, we would spend many hours fishing in the strip pits of southeastern Kansas. It certainly made me think about those simpler days.

Take A Boy Fishing!

Along one wall, we found a large display of fishing equipment. Rods, reels, lures, and various tools line the exhibit. As I inspected pieces, another visitor struck up a conversation about fishing memories. It amazes me to think about the ability of a simple artifact, like a certain lure, to dredge up long forgotten memories. I spent quite a bit of time scanning this display, and found tons of familiar items. We wonder how many will be familiar to you.

Lots To See and Do

As we mentioned earlier in the article, the Central Arkansas Nature Center is located close to lots of other activities. About a block away is the Little Rock River Market, which houses a variety of dining options with open seating in the middle. Lots of small boutique style shops are located up and down the street. Next door to the Nature Center is the Museum of Discovery, which is an amazing all ages, hands-on science center. (You can read more about it here.) The Arkansas River Trail runs behind the Nature Center, as it follows the bank of the Arkansas River. This whole area is filled with enough sights to keep a family busy for a couple of days, so you will definitely want to schedule plenty of time for exploring. How many of the six distinct Arkansas regions have you visited?

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We want to thank the Little Rock CVB and The Root Cafe for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

Arrive at The Root Cafe Early

Being that our new time landed on a weekend, we expected it to be busy. Some of the locals had suggested we arrive about 15 minutes before opening. Are we ever thankful that we took their advice. Even with an early arrival, there was still a good line in play. We weren’t going to let a wait keep us from experiencing this place. It actually created a greater amount of intrigue. Once the doors opened, the line moved at a steady pace. Near the doorway are some chalkboards that list the key menu items for the day. This helps keep the line moving, since you are prepared to order when you get to the counter.

Once we paid, it was time to grab some coffee and find a table. There is an eclectic assortment of seating options at The Root cafe. It makes for a homey feeling, which was also obvious by the casual vibe that could be felt throughout the restaurant. All around us there were friends and families deep in conversations. It truly left a relaxing feeling in both of us.

A Conversation With The Owner

While we waited for our meals to be prepared, the owner popped by for a visit. Jack Sundell, and his wife Corri, are the spark behind this interesting restaurant. Starting with a small space, they crafted their counter service into a well-oiled machine. The original space was quite cozy, for customers and staff alike. With the addition of extra space, (created with repurposed shipping containers) they have been able to serve their ever growing throng of fans. An outdoor seating patio adds extra options on nice weather days. All of this has allowed Jack and Corri to perpetuate their dream of offering fresh, locally-sourced ingredients to their customers. They felt that this approach would be greeted with approval, and by the size of the lines, it appears that they were right on the mark.

Freshness Matters

It felt like we had barely sat down, when one of the staff members brought out our meals. Crystal was in the mood for a good old fashioned style breakfast, so she ordered the Biscuits & Gravy. The meal comes with two farm fresh eggs to add some extra protein. The star of the meal is the buttermilk biscuit drenched with their amazing sausage gravy. I stole a bite, with her permission, and the gravy has a deliciously silky texture. It was so good, and I can see why she chose it.

I was wanting something a little different, and a bit more photogenic. The Vegan Omelet was a perfect fit for both categories. Filled with grilled onions, peppers, and two kinds of cheese, it is a hefty meal choice. They even add in a side salad to compliment it. I knew that I would be set for quite a few hours of exploring, after this dish. While neither of these meals were the fanciest we have seen, the freshness came through in every bite.

Recipe For Success

It became clear that this simple approach to food is the reason The Root Cafe has continued success. They bring the best ingredients to the table in a sustainable manner. That is how you make a standard breakfast plate turn into an amazing meal. Now we see why Guy Fieri wanted to feature them in one of his episodes, and they deserve their spot in the limelight. Of course, we are betting that once the cameras leave, Jack and Corri will be right back in the kitchen whipping up plates of Good Eats! Do you look for locally owned and operated dining options when you travel? We’d love to hear about some of your best finds.Share them in the comments section below.

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We want to thank the Little Rock CVB and the Museum of Discovery for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

Museum of Discovery’s Noble Cause

After checking in at the entrance, we made our way into the museum. One of our first sights was this placard stating their mission. We have had the pleasure of visiting many science centers, and will usually find plenty of interesting exhibits assembled throughout the facilities. Each location puts their own spin on the experience, which helps keep each visit fresh. For quite a while there has been a push for S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) training for children. Recently, we have seen it revised to S.T.E.A.M. to include the arts into the mix. We like this addition, as too many states have seen a reduction in funding for art programs in schools.

Time To Play

As we moved into the start of the exhibits, it was hard not to begin feeling a little giddy at the chance to engage with all of the interactive displays. Yeah, we know these places are designed for kids. The truth is that most of us adults are just looking for an excuse to spend a little time playing around like we used to. Science centers are an excellent opportunity to do that, in the name of scientific exploration. Sure, we are helping our kids learn basic scientific principles, but isn’t it better doing it in a brightly colored building filled with really cool toys? By the way, it’s hard for us to use the excuse that we are helping our kids, when it’s just the two of us. Instead, we use the excuse that we are doing research for an article. In the end, we still get to play with the cool toys!

There are way too many exhibits to show off in one article. The Museum of Discovery was awarded a grant in 2011 that allowed them to add an additional 90 new exhibits to their ever growing collection. Like all of the other kids, we bounced from one display to the next. Each one is designed to teach the basics of a scientific principle, but in a way that makes learning fun. The one pictured above using a pendulum to draw a design on a piece of paper. The user will set the counterweights at a certain height and this will cause the movement to be unique to the combination. In the end, you can walk away with your own piece of art that was created by your settings. This is a popular exhibit.

Engaging Staff

One thing we noticed at the Museum of Discovery was how engaged the staff is with guests. Throughout the day they would hold demonstrations, which showed off interesting scientific experiments. These were announced, so that visitors would have time to assemble, if they desired. During one demo, we watched a staff member create a fire tornado. These quick lessons were entertaining for kids and adults alike.

Amazing You

At some point during our visit, we moved into the Amazing You section of the museum. This area is dedicated to teach visitors about the body. It has a wide variety of interactive displays that feature just about every organ inside a human. This was another opportunity to learn in a fun way.

Brain Power

One of the first displays we saw, was designed to challenge two people to see who could lower their brain activity to the lowest level. We had only seen this exhibit once before, and it is rather amusing to watch. The idea is that a ball is set on a pathway between the two contestants. They strap bands to their heads, which measure the amount of brain activity. The more activity, the more it will force the ball away from you. The idea is to relax your mind, so that the ball will roll to your side. What we always notice is that when the ball gets close to one side, that person gets anxious to win, which triggers higher brain activity. I’m pretty sure I would fail at this game, since I struggle getting my mind to slow down when I try to sleep. How do you think you would do at this game?

It Takes A Lot Of Guts

Crystal found an interesting exhibit, which focuses on the intestines. Many of you are probably aware that we have a lot of intestines packed into our digestive tract. While we are certain that they covered this in one of our school science classes, there is certainly something to be said for a visual display.

After reading the information on the placard, it instructs you to pull the rope to see how much length you have in the average digestive tract. It really hits home to see Crystal keep pulling and pulling. We really find this type of hands-on exhibit to be some of the most educational, as they open our eyes to the reality of something that affects every one of us.

A First For Us

For us science geeks, the opportunity to see a Tesla Coil is always interesting. We have had the opportunity to see a few during our travels. What surprised us was that the Museum of Discovery has a musical version, and it’s the world’s largest. They have performances periodically throughout the day, which cost just two dollars for non-members. The half hour show is well worth the price, as where else can you see this type of entertainment. Staff can adjust the frequency of the electrical display to play musical notes. We were amazed at this display!

We Just Scratched The Surface

There is still way more exhibits that we have not covered in this article. The Tornado Alley Theater is a multi-sensory display on the devastating tornado that ripped through Little Rock in 1999. Room To Grow is a space designed for museum visitors 6 and under. Here we saw kids practicing their veterinarian skills, performing in a dance studio, and scrambling on an oversize climbing structure. The Tinkering Studio offers guests a space to be the next great inventor. With an assortment of tools and materials, you can create a variety of projects. Staff is often showcasing a specific design that will teach some basic scientific principles. With so much to see and do, you will definitely want to reserve at least a half day for your visit. The Museum of Discovery is an attraction where you will certainly get your money’s worth of educational fun.

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We want to thank the Little Rock CVB for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

Stickyz Unique Decor

Even before we entered, we could already see this place wasn’t afraid to use a lot of color in their decor. This certainly adds a cheerful feel to the place and increased our desire to see the interior. Once we stepped through the door we found that it didn’t disappoint. The vibrant colors are repeated in artwork hanging along the walls. Open spaces are filled with unusual artifacts that catch the eye at every turn.

The seating options are just as interesting as the decor. Diners can find themselves ushered to a variety of options. Booths, tables, and even couches serve as seating choices at Stickyz. From room to room the fun decor continues. Even the bar area has a fun flair. While we were tempted to sit in the bar section, we decided to grab a high-top instead.

Unwinding A Bit

It was an early dinner time for us, but that is usual when we travel, since it leaves us ready for a dessert bite later in the evening. To whet our whistles, we decided to order a starter off of their cocktail menu. The Bob Marley sounded interesting, as it included a mix of fruit juices with spiced rum. This colorful drink really hit the spot on a warm summer afternoon. We sipped while scouring the menu for our dinner choices.

What? No Chicken!

Who goes to a chicken restaurant, but doesn’t order chicken? Well, evidently it is us. Crystal chose the STP Wrap, which features smoked turkey and Swiss cheese. (At least it’s in the fowl family!) Toss in some lettuce and a basil pesto mayo, then fold it all inside a honey wheat wrap and you have a delicious sandwich alternative. The sammies are all accompanied by a side of their house-made Potato Chips, which have a delightful crunch. I did take a bite to test it out and discovered she made a good choice.

My Gotta Try!

Time for me to fess up about this visit. I had previewed the menu and saw they offer a Mr Cubano sandwich, and you all know I have trouble passing these unique sammies up. Obviously, since I already knew about it, the deck was stacked for us to visit this eatery. Like many places, Stickyz offers their take on the Cuban sandwich by using house smoked pulled pork. Of course, they had to add in ham, pickles, Swiss cheese, and mustard to complete the ingredient requirements for this particular treat. They do have another twist, as they serve it all up on toasted jalapeno cornbread for that extra zest. Oh my was it good! Since Crystal had ordered the chips, I substituted the seasoned French Fries for my side. It didn’t take long for us to demolish our baskets. With music scheduled almost every night, we wished that we would have planned for a return later in the evening. Unfortunately, we had already made other plans for entertainment, but you may want to check out their show schedule for your visit. Looks fun, don’t it?

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We want to thank the Little Rock CVB and Esse Purse Museum for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

Why An Esse Purse Museum?

During our visit we had the honor of meeting Anita Davis, the woman behind the museum. Anita saw an area of Little Rock that was prime for a resurgence. The South Main Street area (Nicknamed SOMO) was filled with empty storefronts, like areas found in many metropolitan cities. The addition of an anchor attraction could become the impetus for other small businesses to flourish. The plan was viable, as it has worked in many other places with great success. Bringing a purse museum to the site would certainly create a one-of-a-kind attraction.

What’s Inside

Handbags have been in existence for many centuries, but for the longest time they were simply a utilitarian tool. While there have been examples of decorative leather purses from earlier times, it appears that even through the  Dark Ages decorative styles were reserved for the wealthy and influential. Smaller clutches were used for coin purses and men and women alike would use bags of all sizes. Drawstring bags became the rage in the 1800’s and slowly gave way to embroidered styling. It was the 1900’s that saw the largest variations on the handbag, and that is the period Esse Purse Museum focuses on. Stepping into the gallery, we were greeted with a wide range of colors, textures, and styles.

We examined the display cases, as we listened to Anita’s story about her inspiration for starting the museum. The details in many of the pieces are amazing. The exhibits are not limited to just handbags, but also showcase items that would be commonly found in handbags during the appropriate period. It is interesting to see some of the things that would be found throughout the decades. We remembered some of them from our mother’s handbags during our youth.

Making It Modern

The museum is very modern looking and is quite intriguing, especially for a guy. Our sex has always found a little mystery surrounding the purse. It can be less of an accessory at times and more an extension of a woman’s space. There are not many articles that are so associated with women. If you doubt this, just ask a guy to hold a purse in a busy mall. It is a fun way to determine just how comfortable they are with their own sexuality.

As we examined the display cases, we would come across some designs that we didn’t recall. Many we would certainly have remembered, if we had seen them before, since they were so unusual. Here is another spot where men and women differ on accessories. Men’s wallets are usually fairly non-descript, while a woman’s handbag is truly an extension of her fashion. That being said, I was still a little unsure of what the message was that would be given with some of the purses on display. I’m sure they were meant clearly as a “fashion statement” and not necessarily for functional purposes.

Featured Exhibits

At the Esse Purse Museum they strive to include special exhibits that rotate. This allows visitors to have a different experience on subsequent visits. During our stop they were featuring an exhibit dubbed “Up In Smoke”. The display cases are filled with brightly colored smoking accessories that will be readily recognizable to many. These came from a period of history where the idea of smoking was romanticized in the movies, on television, and in print ads everywhere.

Previous rotating exhibits have featured wedding dresses and accessories, women’s shoes, and even lingerie. The current exhibit is ending soon, and will be replaced with an interesting collection of illustrations by Betsy Davis. It will showcase designs of women with handbags through the decades. So for those that are looking for an unusual site to visit during their next Little Rock trip, the Esse Purse Museum will fit that bill perfectly. Who knows, like me you may find a new respect for this under appreciated accessory. Now it’s time for you to confess something. What is the most memorable handbag you have ever owned. Tell us a little about it, and why you loved it so much, in the comments section below!

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We want to thank the Little Rock CVB for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

Pop Art at Big Orange

When we arrived at their Midtown location, it was apparent that it is a popular place. Even in the mid-afternoon, the parking lot was full. Stepping inside, we found that the place has lots of seating available, so we were immediately seated. We chose the main level, but I did sneak upstairs to see what we were missing. The bright colors and modern graphics continued up there.

Looking over the railing provided a great view of the main floor. The large bar area has tons of seating and is flanked by a row of booths. The whole place has a bright color scheme, but it is done in a way that still feels inviting. After all, the color orange is proven to increase enthusiasm and attention. It certainly caught our attention, and we were definitely enthusiastic about the meal we were about to order.

Shaking It Up

Returning to my seat, I found out that our server had already visited the table once. I hurriedly perused the menu, so we would be ready for her next stop. She saw my return and made her way over. We began discussing the menu choices, and she was very helpful in helping us pick the perfect lunches. It was a sure thing that we would begin with a couple of their signature shakes. Crystal chose the PB & Chocolate shake, which is filled with dark chocolate and peanut butter. This combination is blended into the ice cream and then topped with whipped cream, peanuts, and more dark chocolate. It was a sweet tooth’s dream. Our server explained that there are also special shakes that do not appear on the regular menu, but will be offered periodically. The day we visited it was a Banana Fosters shake. This heavenly treat is made with caramel and banana infused ice cream. This is topped with whipped cream, more caramel, and decorated with a caramelized banana slice. Oh yeah, it was really as good as it sounds!

Beautiful Burger Presentation

When we discussed the menu with our server, we told her we were looking for burgers with beautiful presence. She assured us that every one of them on the menu were amazing to behold. This opened up our choices and challenged us to break out of our normal routine. Crystal shocked me, and probably herself, when she chose the Smashed Avocado Burger. This dish has mashed avocado, Havarti cheese, tomato, butter leaf lettuce, and a bell pepper mix. This was the real surprise, since Crystal has always been hesitant to eat peppers of any type. Topped with a swipe of garlic mayonnaise, the flavors worked so well together that she even ate the peppers. Shocker! She chose the House-made Potato Chips, with Chipotle-Red Pepper mayo, for her side dish, but her focus was on her burger.

With every burger having a special combination, I was struggling with choosing just one. Our server suggested the White Truffle & Pecorino Burger, so I went with it. The all-natural beef patty is topped with arugula, white truffle, mayo, fig jam, and salty, sharp Pecorino cheese.  The mixture of sweet and salty accented the beef so well that I couldn’t get enough. I added Sweet Potato Fries for my side, which come with a Mango-Curry ketchup. By the time we finished our shakes and burgers, we could barely make a dent in our sides. These meals are much larger than they look, but so good. The picture perfect presentation helped drive our appetites up, and probably added to us eating more than we normally would. We left Big Orange totally satisfied and knowing that we had just dined on truly gourmet burgers. Have you ever had meals that looked this amazing?

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Rolling into Town

Our visit to Eureka Springs occurred in September, and coincided with our wedding anniversary. The weather was perfect for a visit to this city of artists. We had left Kansas City early in the morning, so that we could enjoy a more scenic route. As we approached the city on Highway 23 from the north, we soon found our path weaving through the rising hills. Here and there we saw signs of the color changes that Fall brings to the leaves, and an overcast sky kept the temperature in check. Before long, we found ourselves at the entrance to the city limits.

A Big Draw

Eureka Springs is host to a wide variety of classic car, motorcycles, and specialty vehicle rallies. It seems like whatever season we visit there is some group descending on the town. A main draw are the winding roads that cross over, around, and through the hills surrounding the region. Add to this the quaint and inviting residents, and you have the perfect atmosphere for groups. This trip it was the Slingshot® owners sporting around town in their three-wheeled vehicles. These rallies inflate the number of visitors to the town, and bring some extra eye candy for us to see while strolling around.

Main Street Dining

For us the town can be split into three main areas. The first is Main Street, which runs fairly north and south. This is one of the original streets, which used to be called Mud Street before it was elevated. One of the many springs in the area runs along this path, and used to flood the area. Once the street was raised it created a venue for lots of shops and dining establishments. We took time to sample some of the fare at three of the restaurants in this section.

Aquarius Taqueria was originally on our schedule for a dinner, but was moved to more of a Happy Hour stop for timing. This restaurant offers some of the best views of the main drag on their raised balcony. We sat there chomping on guacamole and chips, and washing them down with some unique margaritas. All the while, we watched the three-wheelers passing by.

Just up the street a bit, and owned by the same family, we found Local Flavor Cafe. In a town filled with artists, this place obviously has some in the kitchen. The food is creative and extremely fresh. Even though it is right on Main Street, it is easy to pass by its entrance. Bonus points for having such a delightful outdoor dining courtyard.

Speaking of artistic endeavors, at Mud Street Annex, owner Bobbie Foster has created one of the newest hot-spots in town. An eclectic mixture of modern and nostalgic blend into an inviting atmosphere. Be sure to check out the panel in the floorboards that allows guests to see the original spring running twenty feet below the surface. (Read more about Mud Street here>)

Scaling Spring Street

Eureka Springs is criss-crossed with narrow winding streets. This, combined with the steep hills, creates an unusual situation. Many of the buildings, because of this combination, can have ground level entrances on multiple floors. There is one building that actually has this on five different floors. Visitors to this quaint town will certainly get their exercise just climbing the stairs and hills. From Main Street the prime road up the hillside is Spring Street, which is flanked with interesting retail shops, cafes, and dessert spots. This is what we consider the second section of the city, and we spend a considerable amount of time here.

Every visit to Eureka Springs includes at least one trip up and down Spring Street. We love popping into the boutique shops to investigate all the unique items they hold. This is also where we find the little extras that keep us going between meals. With all the climbing, we figured we were burning extra calories. During our visit, we discovered a small eatery that we had never tried. Nibbles Eatery ended up being a shockingly big surprise, and offered up our favorite breakfast of the trip.

Up On The Ridge

The third area section is the south end, which lies on a ridge above the town. The area is serviced by Highway 62, which runs east to Berryville, and west to Rogers. This area has seen the largest growth over the past couple of decades, mostly because the old section of town has limited room to expand. Lots of shops and restaurants have popped up to service the overflow, as well as those just passing across the state.

Cafe Amore had a sign outside stating they served the “Best Pizza in the Galaxy”. This claim certainly captured our attention, so we stopped in to check it out. Being pizza lovers, we were quite pleased to find a delicious pie while away from home. They even have some creative desserts on their menu.

One of our first breakfast was at Filling Station Restaurant. We were a little out of sorts that morning, and ended up not getting what we needed for an article. It was the place we first spotted one of the unusual Slingshot® vehicles, which was designed like the bat-mobile. Perhaps that is the excuse I can use for my lack of concentration. While the food isn’t fancy, it’s good, filling, and reasonably priced.

What’s There To Do In This Town?

When we first started visiting Eureka Springs, we spent most of our time just visiting the shops. Back in those days I was not as good at doing my research, and the internet was not as robust for discovery. This trip we found an abundance of activities to occupy our time. Here are a few of the best.

At the 1886 Crescent Hotel we discovered why this town is billed as one of the most haunted in the country. Taking the Ghost Tour was definitely interesting, even if we didn’t see any spirits. We still enjoyed all of the historical stories about the building and the area. It was a great way to learn more about this neck of the woods.

Looking for an evening filled with belly laughs and good music? We don’t usually attend many variety shows, but we are glad we chose this one. Mike Nichols and the gang at Ozark Mountain Hoedown do a fantastic job at keeping the audience engaged and entertained. The show runs for quite some time, but they do offer an intermission to stretch your legs.

The Blue Spring Heritage Center was a last minute addition to our itinerary, which was referred by a shop owner in town. We are glad we listened, because we found it to be a peaceful visit during a day of activity. It was nice to stroll around the landscaped park-like setting, and enjoy the scenery. The constantly flowing water added a calming soundtrack to our visit.

We have limited experience riding the rails, so a chance to have a luncheon on one was a must-do for us. The Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway offers a few options, which include with or without the meal. We aren’t sure what it was like in the heyday of rail travel, but we are guessing it was something like this trip. It was certainly the most unique lunch we experienced.

Artistry Abounds In Eureka Springs

As I stated earlier, Eureka Springs is a town filled with artists. Signs of their creativity are apparent wherever you wander. The creative names they have given their shops hint at the goodies to be found within. Upon our arrival, we came upon a musical park located near the northern entrance to town. We were ready for some time out of the car, so we wandered around the park playing with the various percussion instruments we found. It was quite an entertaining session for us. (Not sure about the people in the car nearby!) All around town we found interesting artistic touches. Some were old advertisements that still adorn the sides of the brick buildings from days ago. Add to this the unique sculptures, statues, and paintings that dot the landscape, and we found the walks full of intrigue. When you visit be sure to keep your eyes peeled for these little extras that seem to be found in the most unexpected locations.

Lodging In Style

We were fortunate to have the chance to check out a couple of the lodging options during our visit. Both offered an enjoyable stay, but were unique in their own ways. Eureka Springs is a town that sees a lot of couples visiting, so many of the lodging locations offer stays designed with this in mind.

In the past we have stayed in cabins, which can be found inside and outside of the city limits. This visit gave us a chance to take it to a new level when we stayed at the Treehouse Cottages. These elevated, airy roosts are a perfect couples destination. It made us feel like we were the only people in the woods during our stay.

Our other stay was at the Grand Central Hotel, which is located on Main Street. Their location offers easy access to the shops and restaurants downtown. Of course, you don’t have to leave the hotel to get a meal, since one of the finest restaurants in town is on the premises.

Living On The Edge

Not all of the things to do are located in the main part of town. A drive out to the edge offers some other interesting places to visit. The Thorncrown Chapel is probably one of the most photographed locations in the region, and for good reason. It is an architectural masterpiece that can be viewed from inside and out. It’s a short drive west on Highway 62, and the road is filled with beautiful scenery, as well. On the way there, you will pass by the 100′ Observation Tower, which sits behind the Razorback Gift Shop. (A really cool place to spend some time perusing.) Be sure to get change for the admission ($1 each), and take your time on the climb. The views from the top are AMAZING!

Whenever we visit Eureka Springs, we always make the side trip out to Inspiration Point. It’s a little farther west on Highway 62, but well worth the short time it takes to traverse the winding road. This place offers great views of the countryside from high up on the ridge. Be sure to bring a camera for the great selfie opportunity. It just might become your favorite memory from your visit to the area. So tell us what we missed in our roundup of Eureka Springs stops. We’d love to start our list for our next visit. Thanks!

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 Ancient Beginnings

For thousands of years native tribes visited the Blue Spring area. In the mid-1800’s a grist mill was constructed just downstream. It was used to grind corn, until a new one was constructed in 1903. This new structure added a flour mill and saw to the capabilities. These days the only remnants is the turbine, but we also found a grist stone on display on the grounds. After paying our entry of $9.75 each, we headed into the park. There is a historic film that runs on a loop, which helps show an overview of the site. After looking around at the top of the hill, we made our way down to the water’s edge. Fortunately, the climb back up can be made via a set of ramps.

83 Million Gallons

Blue Spring is one of the largest natural water supplies in the region. Releasing 83 million gallons per day, the water flows into a trout filled lagoon. We spent a few minutes feeding the fish, before moving further down the trail. As we walked, we noticed the wide variety of flowers on display around the landscape. The area is a rough cut out valley, which is probably a result of the running water.

Steady Flow at Blue Spring Heritage Center

Throughout the valley the sound of running water echoes off of the walls. It has a very calming effect, and we found the desire to slow down, and just enjoy the nature. The expanded walkways were added in 1993, and allow for a leisurely visit. As we neared the main spring site, it seemed that the beauty increased. We found signage posted along the way that explains some of the history of the area. The Osage Indians used the area for a trading post for many years. The water from the spring flows into the White River, which made a perfect route for trading.

Truly Leisurely

As I turned to head down another section of the walkway, I spotted a local at the other end. This little guy was enjoying a moment’s rest on the railing. I took a few quick pictures, before he decided to take his relaxation up the nearest tree. I felt a little bad about disturbing him, but we paid our admission, too.

Sad Historical Footnote

The sign above tells a little about the historical significance of Blue Spring, as it relates to the Trail of Tears. Prior to our visit, this piece of history was completely unknown to us. It made us realize that there are still an amazing number of historical sites for us to explore. This knowledge also gave us a new perspective of the importance of Blue Spring.

The Bluff Shelter

We continued our stroll along the opposite side of the lagoon. More flower beds were found, and each were well designed. A ways down the walk we came to a small spillway where the spring water left the lagoon on its way to the White River. We crossed it, and ended up back on the side where we began our visit. A small hill led up to a large overhang area. A few park benches were stationed here, and some of the other guests were enjoying a short break. The signs in this area tell about the indian tribes that had used this spot for ceremonies for thousands of years. It is always humbling to stand in a spot that people have visited for many centuries.

A Gentle Climb

The trail now led away from the Blue Spring, and around the hillside. A long series of ramps allow guests to return to the entrance without traversing the staircases on the other end. This area also has some nice spots for photo opportunities. I waited at the bottom of one ramp, while Crystal made her way up to a gazebo placed on an overlook. After this final photo session, it was time to make our way to the exit. Once again, we found that by listening to a suggestion from a local, we ended up enjoying a “hidden gem” that would have gone overlooked.

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Pocket Restaurant

Did I mention that the place is small? When we spoke with business owners about our experiences and plans in Eureka Springs, quite a few mentioned Nibbles Eatery. With what we had heard before our trip being confirmed by locals, we just knew it was a must visit place. We got there right around opening time, and found it was fairly empty. With only about nine tables, we wondered if it was really that good. We found a table, and made ourselves comfortable. There were two people on staff, with one handling the serving duties, as well as assisting the cook. The space is cozy, which means as others arrived we found ourselves invited into conversation. After getting our coffee, (A must for starting the day right!) we set about deciding on our meals. The menu is as small as their space, so it was easy to pick dishes. A local couple had sat down beside us on my right, and was telling us that this is their favorite breakfast spot in town. We hadn’t seen any of the food yet, but were holding out that they were well versed.

Gourmet Presentation at Nibbles Eatery

I had chosen the Mushroom and Goat Cheese Omelet, which is served with a small salad, as well as some wheat berry bread. First, let’s talk about the omelet. This had to be in the top three that I have ever been served. The mushrooms were tender, without being slimy, and the goat cheese added a delicious tangy bite to the dish. It was unbelievably delicious. The addition of salad would have been a complete shock, if we hadn’t experienced it at a Belgian restaurant in Philadelphia. (You can read about that experience here>) Everything on my plate tasted so fresh, and we were informed that they source as many ingredients locally, as possible. The couple next to us had that look of, “Now you see why it’s our favorite.”, as I savored each bite. The meal was perfectly portioned, so I didn’t feel overly stuffed at the end. It was clear that the owner knew their business.

Crystal chose the Chicken Artichoke Quiche, which also included a fresh salad. These were accompanied by a dish of yogurt with a sprinkling of granola. Her quiche was as marvelous as my omelet (I took a bite.), and she commented that the yogurt was also delicious. I’ll have to take her word on that, as I am not inclined to eat the stuff. Her plate was also well portioned, and we dined in style, as we also began a conversation with the couple at the table on my left. They turned out to be from Kansas City, as well, so we exchanged stories of our visits to Eureka Springs. That we both had ended up at Nibbles Eatery on the same morning was quite a pleasant coincidence. It reminded us just how many people visit this quaint destination for a relaxing get-away. Like us, they were nearing the end of their visit, but planned to return again to this special spot in the Ozark Mountains. We certainly plan to add Nibbles Eatery to our list of places we eat on our next visit, now that we know how good it is. Of course, we know to come early, because table space fills up pretty quickly.

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The Train Yard

We pre-scheduled our visit, which includes picking the date, and meal choices for everyone in the party. We arrived about a half hour prior to our departure, which gave us a little time to look around the grounds. The Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway once serviced a large territory throughout the Ozark Mountains. Other transportation modes eventually replaced the need for the rail service, and these days it is mostly used for tourism. We watched as the engine scooted down the tracks to hitch up the dining cars for our trip. It was a beautiful Fall day, and we waited with the other passengers for our chance to board.

All Aboard

Much like we have seen in countless movies, once the train was in place the conductor gave out the familiar cry of “All Aboard”. This trip was actually hosting two different options. Our lunch train party all filed into the 1920’s era dining cars, while the excursion group had their own cars. Once everyone had found a seat, we heard the sound of the train whistle. The initial lurch of the cars meant that we had started our journey. The dining cars are quite comfortable, with leather tufted seats, and solid wood dining tables. It is easy to understand why this form of transportation was so popular. It lends an upscale feel to traveling, as well as the dining portion.

The train chugged along, and the familiar click-clack of the wheels blended with the piped in music overhead. The trip is not extremely long, and covers about 4 1/2 miles in 1 1/2 hours. This is plenty of time to reflect on the beauty of the scenery around us, while we enjoyed our lunch. A small creek runs beside the tracks, and moves closer until we crossed it on an elevated trestle. On our return the engineer stopped over the creek, and this gave us an opportunity to watch a school of small fish dart around in the water.

Dining in Style

Just after departing the station, our luncheon began. Our server, Ronni, was quite efficient at making sure everyone had what they needed. Crystal had chosen the Chicken Salad option, which is served on a bed of lettuce, and comes with fresh fruit. It all looked so good, and she was quite pleased with her selection.

I didn’t want to pass up a chance to test out the Beef Stroganoff, which is ladled over egg noodles. Man, am I glad I made this choice. The beef was so tender, and the sauce had great flavor without being too salty.  My meal included a side of green beans, which are served country style with bacon pieces. The fresh rolls were a nice compliment, and the table service added a nice air to the meal. As we dined, we watched the countryside slip by.

Heading Back to the Station

The train is set on a straight spur, so it travels down and back. At the far end, we stopped so that Ronni could collect all of the empty dishes. Now that we had finished our lunch it was time for dessert. A slice of cake, which is accompanied by a scoop of ice cream blended perfectly with a fresh cup of coffee. Our trip back had begun, and now we slowly savored our sweet finishing.

Too soon we arrived back at the station, but not before I was able to capture a photo of Ronni with Crystal. We enjoyed our excursion, and recommend it highly to others who are looking for a memorable temporary escape. Thinking back on our experience, this would be an excellent place to host a Roaring 20’s party, as you roll down the rails. Just be sure that you tip your server. It doesn’t look easy balancing a tray filled with dishes on a moving train.

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Hanging With The Locals

This restaurant has been a staple on the Eureka Springs scene since 1991. Owned and operated by chef Britt Evans, we had high expectations for our meals. We had viewed the menu during the planning stage, and saw that Local Flavor Cafe had an eclectic mix of dishes. Many of these have interesting sounding flavor combinations. The restaurant is located on the main drag through town, so it is easy to locate. It sits on a hillside overlooking the street, and offers indoor and outside seating options. They have a nice balcony area, but we chose to sit in a cozier grotto type section, which is also outdoors.

As usual, I popped inside to get a feel for the seating arrangement. The place is very low key casual, and they have a seating area that offers a delightful view of a local spring. That is certainly something we forget about in between trips to Eureka Springs. It seems we are always surprised by the amount of running water in and around this town. The staff were caught off guard by my camera, but once I explained they relaxed, and were extremely accommodating. Blogging is certainly a great way to meet people, and a good conversation starter. After all, just about everyone likes to travel, so it’s easy to have something in common. I headed back to the table, and we ordered our meals. While we waited for our food we observed how tranquil the setting was around us. Even though some of the tables were filled, we still felt like we had as much privacy as we wanted.

Fresh Eats at Local Flavor Cafe

Before long our food arrived, and we arranged the plates on our table. Obviously, I had to take pictures first, and fortunately Crystal has become accustomed to this protocol. Once the formalities were completed it was time to dig in. I was in a beef eating mood, so I decided to sample one of their burgers. There were two or three on the menu that piqued my interest, but I finally settled on the Mushroom Swiss Burger. I am a huge fan of mushrooms, and this sandwich had an ample supply. The condiments and accessories all arrived on the side, which makes it easier to assemble the sandwich to your own liking. The burger was moist and juicy, and they used a good quality Swiss cheese. Everything blended together in each bite to create a pleasing flavor. The meal comes with a side of their homemade Cole slaw, which had a nice tangy taste without being too sweet.

Crystal went with the sandwich that I already knew she would pick, the Turkey Avocado Pepper Jack. It’s almost a certain bet that if a menu item calls out avocado in the title, then she will gravitate toward it. This also explains why we find ourselves testing the guacamole at so many restaurants. This Local Flavor Cafe favorite has a good amount of sliced turkey piled on a sourdough roll. The meat is topped with pepper jack cheese, as well as a generous amount of avocado. This dish also comes with a side of the slaw, and we tossed in an order of the french fries to boot. She enjoyed the freshness of the ingredients, as well as the flavor combination. By the end of the meal our hungers were quenched. Now it was time to get back to exploring.

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We want to thank the Treehouse Cottages for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

First Glance

At the office we met Laura, who had been our point of contact during the booking phase. She explained some of the background of the treehouses, and the people who started them. After a pleasant conversation, that included some great tips on dining and attractions nearby, Laura gave us directions to the hidden drive which leads to our cabin. The gravel road wound through a densely wooded area and up to the “Towering Pines” cottage, where we would spend the next couple of days. Along the drive we passed a couple of other drives that led to other cabins on the property. They are spaced out to ensure that each has plenty of privacy. Our cabin has an appropriate name, as it sits within a grove of pine trees. The staircase led us up to our cabin, which sits 24 feet above the ground. Just outside the door we found a note from Patsy and Terry, the owners. While they were unavailable to meet with us, they wanted to make sure we had a pleasant visit. We love these types of special touches.

Home Away From Home

Before our trip we had scoped out pictures of our lodging from the website. Now that we were here, we found the pictures only tell part of the story. We entered the cabin and immediately fell in love with it. The spacious main room had a warm and inviting atmosphere, and was peppered with charming accents. Staff had left the music playing for our arrival, and the place makes you feel like curling up in front of a fire, while the world passes by outside. Of course, the weather was too warm for a fire, but we could imagine this place would make a nice sanctuary in the winter as the snow fell outside. Our schedule would limit our total time in the cabin, but we planned to enjoy it as much as possible. We set about exploring our space, which included a kitchen area with full-size refrigerator. Inside it we found some juice, as well as a loaf of homemade sweet bread for our breakfast. Another one of those special touches that make for wonderful memories. A comfy recliner love seat offers a good place to enjoy a movie or a roaring fire. The vaulted ceiling, and plentiful hardwood added to the homey feeling, which made us feel instantly at ease.

It’s All About The Views

The star of the show may be the cabin, but the setting makes it extra special. We stepped out the back door, and found ourselves on a wrap around deck that perches far above the forest floor. A bistro table and chairs are available for resting, which we found quite useful for our coffee time in the mornings. There is also a grill on hand for those wishing to stay in and cook their own dinner. We will have to keep that in mind for our next visit.

The peaceful views are not just visible from this deck. Large windows line the back wall of the cabin, and offer panoramic views of the forest. There is also a heart shaped Jacuzzi that has wrap around windows. This is the perfect place to soak away the stress of life, while watching the birds flutter through the treetops. The way the cabins are positioned on the property allows for complete privacy while enjoying this feature. Our stay at the Treehouse Cottages offered us a chance to unwind and reconnect, which is something that every couple needs and deserves. While we always look for the positives in every place we stay, some are easier to spot. This cabin in the woods will stay in our memories for a long time. Wouldn’t this make a perfect destination for your next romantic getaway?

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We want to thank Mud Street Annex for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

Historic Beginnings

Our plan had us scheduled to visit the original restaurant, which is housed in the lower level of an building from 1888. The name comes from the history of the area flooding due to a spring that runs under the building. Since those earlier days, the street has been built up to prevent the issues from the past. These days, the area is filled with shops, restaurants, and other flourishing businesses. The original Mud Street is a local landmark, and home of one of the most popular breakfast spots in the region. While our plan was to eat at this iconic site, owner Bobbie Foster suggested we check out the newer location instead.

Dining at Street Level

While the original restaurant is basically underground, the newer Mud Street Annex is at street level, and just a couple doors down from the original. We followed Bobbie down the boardwalk, and found ourselves stepping in to her newest project. While the original site is filled with all things old and historic, this new location is a perfect blend of old, new, and artistic. As we entered, our attention was drawn to the large neon “Ozarka” sign on the back wall. This is an original piece from the bottling company that was originally based in Eureka Springs.

Artistic Touches at Mud Street Annex

As she showed us around, it was clear that Bobbie was also in love with her new digs. The collection of artwork is spectacular. On one wall is an amazing stained glass water feature. Across from it are a series of modern pieces that compliment the industrial feel of the space. From the lighting fixtures to the exposed limestone and brick walls, and all the way down to the reclaimed wooden bar, it all flows together so well. It is obvious Bobbie had a vision for this space, and it certainly came through in the renovation.

Keep On Running

Remember that natural spring that runs below the building? Bobbie wanted to pay homage to the origin of the area’s popularity, which sits 20 feet below the floor of Mud Street Annex. To do this, a Plexiglas panel was inserted into the floor. Blue lights illuminate the stream, and allows visitors to see what is going on below. Not only can you look down at it, but one table even has a bird’s eye view of the stream. During our visit, Crystal was given the honor of sitting there. I think she liked it. Now that we had seen most of the unique features of the Main Street Annex, it was time to have lunch. During our tour, the servers would eagerly add informational notes about the place. It was quite clear that everyone was excited to see this restaurant open.

An Eclectic Menu

Crystal was in the mood for a salad, and the menu had a few to choose from. She skipped the standards to go out on a limb with the Hummus Salad. A bed of greens is accompanied by the expected toppings; like cucumber, tomatoes, shredded carrot, and red onion. This is topped with a generous scoop of garbanzo bean based hummus, which is blended with just a slight kick. A ring of olives adorn the hummus, and the whole plate is sprinkled with feta cheese. It was a great lunch option that offered a good shot of protein, and Crystal was a huge fan of the dish.

As I looked over the menu, I was immediately drawn to the BLT sandwich. It was the end of a hot summer, and home grown tomatoes were making their last run for the season. Fortunately, I took a second gander at the menu, and noticed a Turkey Bistro offered the flavors of a BLT, but with the addition of turkey breast and cheddar cheese. I immediately switched to this sandwich, which is accompanied by chips and pickle chips. From the first bite, it was obvious that the tomatoes were locally grown. All of the flavors were so smooth, and blended well together. It didn’t take long for me to finish my meal, and I returned to my photography.

Finishing Touches

Bobbie dropped back by our table to see how we were doing. We had finished our meal, and now she tempted us with her homemade cakes and pies. When we entered, we had seen them in the front display case, which is just smart placement. All of the options sounded so good, but the Very Berry Cheesecake won the day. This double layer dessert is half cheesecake, and half whipped cream.  It made a good blend of light and fluffy topping, and a firm foundation filled with a delicate berry flavor. It was so good, that even though we were full from lunch, we still had to finish the piece. We knew that we would be climbing the surrounding hills, so the extra calories were dismissed.

Our visit to Mud Street Annex had been so enjoyable that we hated the idea of leaving. Of course, with so many other places to explore, we knew our exit was inevitable. Before we left, Bobbie tempted us with one more treat. The beautiful Fall day had just a hint of coolness, so she suggested a hot drink to take with us. We were too full to consider until she mentioned the Chocolate Covered Cherry Coffee. In no time the sugary concoction was brought over, and we bid our farewells. Our time at Mud Street Annex had been a highlight of our day, and we felt like we had not just visited, but been welcomed into the family. We experienced lots of good restaurants in Eureka Springs, but this one set the bar at a new level. Many of you may have eaten at Mud Street Cafe in the past, but just wait until you see the Annex.

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We want to thank the 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

1886 Crescent Hotel

Construction of the hotel began in 1884, and by it’s grand opening in 1886, there was already one accidental death on the grounds. Within a couple of years, trainloads of visitors descended upon the site for the “healing waters” of the area’s natural springs. For its first fifteen years, the resort offered refined luxury accommodations, and services to it’s clients. During the day, guests would take trail rides on horses from the stables. In the afternoon, tea was served, and quite often there would be dance parties scheduled in the evenings. The name of the Crescent Hotel was known from coast to coast. While the hotel enjoyed great success, this only occurred during select months of the year. In the colder “off season” months, the crowds left the grounds empty.

Education in the Off Season

In 1908, the Crescent College and Conservatory for Young Women opened for Fall, Winter, and Spring classes. The college gained great success, especially with affluent families. Tuition was moderate to high for the times, but it didn’t slow the flow of students, until the Great Depression. In 1934, the college shut down, but the hotel continued it’s Summer season. This too would end, as the economics of such a short operating season prohibited it’s long term success. In 1937, a dubious character named Norman Baker purchased the hotel, and created the Baker Cancer Hospital. Claiming a 100% success rate, cancer victims from all over descended upon the hospital seeking a cure. This ominous period in the history of the Crescent Hotel is when many of the spirits are presumed to have originated.

Crescent Ghost Tour

Our evening entertainment began not long after dinner. A fun drive through the winding hills led us to the Crescent Hotel. This magnificent structure sits grandly above the city of Eureka Springs, and can be seen from all around. After a short look around the grounds, we made our way in, and up to the fourth floor. Here is where the Crescent Ghost Tour begins. Our group was ushered into a parlor type room filled with chairs in front of a small pedestal area. Here we were introduced to Aunt Reba, our guide for the evening. She was quite inviting, and we took turns introducing ourselves to the group. With introductions completed, it was time for the history lesson to begin.

Historic Learnings

Once the basic overview of the tour was completed, we made our way out into the 4th floor hallway. The Crescent Ghost Tour is designed to begin at the top, and work down to the ground floor. One of the first areas we stopped at was the staircase that led down to the lobby. The handrails on the staircases in the Crescent Hotel and Spa are lower than what we are used to finding. Aunt Reba credited that to people being shorter in the late 1800’s. Whether this is the reason or not, it was clear that they are set at a point lower than today’s standards.

Strange Occurances

It is believed that many of the spirits that haunt the Crescent Hotel are from the period when the building served as a hospital. While Norman Baker claimed to have discovered the cure for cancer, many of his patients expired from the treatments they were given. To keep these failures from public eyes, the bodies of the deceased were often whisked away under the cover of darkness. Many of the stories from hotel guests revolve around sights and sounds associated with these heinous activities. The squeaky wheels of gurneys moving down hallways late at night are still heard. Some of the spirits are well known, and even sought out by visitors. Their stories are entertaining, and enlightening.

Out and Down

We explored the various floors, and ended up in the main lobby of he hotel. Here we had a  chance to see the previously six-sided desk used by Norman Baker to run his six businesses. It was becoming apparent that this man was more than unique. After a short break, we made our way outside to skirt the building. A short walk, on a beautiful night, and we found ourselves being shepherded into the area that once served as a morgue. The ominous sign on the entrance signaled more stories to come.

“Doctor” Baker

Aunt Reba began relating more of the story of Norman Baker, as she had promised earlier in the evening. Apparently, this charlatan claimed to have discovered a magic elixir that reversed, and eliminated cancer in patients. Obviously, a claim like this will certainly attract a large number of believers, as well as those with no other hope for recovery. The real mixture that he supplied his patients was a blend of ineffective ingredients, that often created extremely painful reactions. This lack of success did not slow down Baker’s greed, and numerous steps were taken to keep up the false front. As time passed, the morgue became an integral part of hiding the truth from the public.

Heading Into The Abyss

At the end of the tour, Aunt Reba asked if anyone would like to enter the room used to hold the bodies. Many of us checked it out, and even stayed in while the door was closed, and the light shut off. During our visit, no one had a paranormal experience, but we all still heard some great stories. We also learned a lot of history about the Crescent Hotel, Eureka Springs, and some of the people who have visited or stayed in the area. Evidently, some have decided to remain, but were feeling a little shy during our time. Perhaps you will make plans to visit the hotel, and have different results. If you catch a picture of a ghost they will be happy to share it with others. Happy haunting.

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