One Tank Travels: Lake Village

We invite you to have “More Fun Per Gallon” in Arkansas this year. Each day we will be blogging on different Arkansas destinations which can be reached on one tank of gas or less. This is basically every corner of The Natural State. We hope these suggestions help you in planning a trip to remember.

Today’s Trip: Lake Village

Happy Friday, blog readers! I hope you’re all making plans for a wonderful Memorial Day weekend and holiday.

Today’s suggestion for a “One Tank Travel” location is Lake Village. Lake Village is located along the Great River Road National Scenic Byway and lies on the curving shore of picturesque Lake Chicot, a 20-mile long abandoned channel of the Mississippi River that is Arkansas’s largest natural lake. It’s worth a drive just to see the lake, which is the largest oxbow lake in North America.

Your first stop in Lake Village should be the Arkansas Welcome Center! One of 14 official tourism center in The Natural State, it’s the perfect place to pick up information on attractions throughout Arkansas. You can also pick free cup of hot coffee, check your emails on the free Wi-Fi, and get updated weather information. It’s also a great place to get recommendations on attractions, fun things to do and the “hidden gems” in the community.

No trip to Lake Village is complete without a visit to Lake Chicot State Park. The park offers something for everyone – fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, geocaching and relaxing. During the summer months, the pool is a favorite hangout for young and old. If you love the water, you can rent a fishing boat, kayak or pedal boat for the day or a few hours. You’ll also find some of the best fishing in Arkansas. Find out more about Lake Chicot State Park at www.arkansasstateparks.com/lakechicot/.

 

The town is surrounded by history. Lakeport Plantation is the only remaining Arkansas plantation located along the Mississippi River that has not been significantly altered. The restored Greek revival home is now a part of Arkansas State University’s Heritage SITES and is open to visitors. Visit the site where Charles Lindbergh landed his plane after his first-ever night flight, which happened to be over Lake Village. Learn more about the town’s history with a visit to the Museum of Chicot County, housed in the 1910 Lake Village Infirmary.

You’ll also need to fill up your “internal” gas tank. Check out Rhoda’s Famous Hot Tamales, a regional landmark for decades! People travel from miles around for the tasty delights, as well as her Southern plate lunches and handmade pies. Some say Ms. Rhoda’s cabbage is the best in the world! If you’re in town after 5 p.m., don’t miss dinner at The Cow Pen, especially if you enjoy Mexican food. Their beef enchiladas are some of the best I’ve ever eaten. Their menu also includes steaks, seafood, and Italian dishes. On Sundays, the restaurant features a Southern plate lunch menu.

If you love shopping, you’ll definitely want to stop by The Paul Michael Company. The 35,000 square-foot shop features decorative items, furniture, rugs, outdoor accessories and seasonal decorations. If you love things from past eras, stop by Nonie’s Antiques, which offers an inventory ranging from furniture to decorative items to art to china.

Lake Village truly offers something for the entire family!

 

Kimberly J. Williams