One Tank Travels: Pie in the River Valley
May 24, 2012 12:00 PM
Arkansas is blessed with a lot of good desserts... and many of those desserts are pie. From one side of the state to the other, you could eat pie all day and still find so many variations. So go fill your tank and head to the River Valley to thoroughly satisfy your sweet tooth.
Start off your adventure in the tiny community of Jenny Lind, between Fort Smith and Greenwood on Gate Nine Road off Highway 71 S. You have to go Thursday through Sunday, since the place is closed Monday through Wednesday. And this is where you can get breakfast, including homemade biscuits and gravy and a mean omelet. But what you really want is a slice of pie, and your best chances of getting a slice of your favorite is right when the place opens in the morning. Chocolate Joy is so popular, I have never been able to capture it. The chocolate pie is delightful, as is the Butterfinger pie. My favorite, though, is the
Buttermilk pie. Have a slice with a cup of coffee and you are ready to start your day.
Head up Highway 71 right into Fort Smith and stop at
Lewis Family Restaurant. This longtime city staple is home to the Inferno Burger, which might be the hottest burger in the state of Arkansas. Everything is homemade, especially the pies. You’ll want the coconut meringue -- a light, sweet coconut-perforated meringue atop a coconut flake-heavy honey-tinged custard in a blind-baked flour crust.
Stay on Highway 71 B and head around the curve to where the street picks up the name Towson Avenue. Your next stop will be Miss Ann’s on Towson. The family style restaurant formerly known as
Goodson’s on Towson serves up a very large variety of pies, from meringues (lemon, coconut and chocolate) to fruit (apple, cherry and strawberry) to specialty pies like the peanut butter chocolate pie. While the Chocolate Heaven pie with its chocolate custard, sprinkles, chips, crust and Hershey’s Kisses is amazing, the Cherry Crisp is an all around winner, a perfect blend of sweet and tart in a pie shell.
A couple blocks up Towson, stop in at
Lucy’s Diner and pick up a slice of homemade pie, preferably one of the cream pies. The coconut cream is pretty lovely, though I hear the sweet potato pie is out of this world.
From there, take Highway 71B up to downtown, then highway 64 across into Van Buren, where a stop at
D’s Restaurant right by I-540 is in order. D’s does a decadent Karo-nut style pecan pie that’s a classic.
Highway 64 will take you right on over to Alma, where you need to take a left on Southfork Street like you’re going to I-40. You’ll see the
Red Rooster Bistro on the left hand side of the road. Once you walk in, you’re going to be a little overwhelmed by the big chalkboard that takes up the left hand side of the room -- it features more than 30 make-your-mouth-drool pies. Don’t worry -- they’re not all available each day. Choose one with a checkmark by it. Right now, peaches are in season -- and you’ll be doing yourself a disservice if you don’t have a slice of that peach cream cheese pie, made only when Arkansas peaches are in-season. That little bit of pink tint is absolutely normal. If you miss out on it, go for the pecan cream cheese pie -- or choose the German chocolate pie... it’s a decadent blend of chocolate and coconut. Get yourself some beans and cornbread while you’re at it.
Roll out onto I-40, but take the Dyer exit for your next pie experience. Don’t be afraid, we’re heading to a gas station. I kid you not. On the right you’ll see the Dyer Truck Stop. Go through the doors, head slightly to the right and meet one of the attendants at the pie case. Here’s more of those great Red Rooster Bistro pies... the same woman makes pies for both. If you missed that peach pie, get it here... or pick up a Tollhouse Cookie pie. Oh, my.
You’re going to need a little time to digest all that. Don’t worry, it’s another 30 miles or so down to Clarksville... which you’re not stopping at. Instead, head to Lamar and double back on Highway 64 a couple of miles to
Sweet Treats. This little luncheon joint does great home cooking, chili and sandwiches, but you are there for the pie. In specific, you need to try the Caramel Pecan Pie. This is the sort of thing you’d expect if a burnt sugar pie and a Karo nut pie had a baby. It’s a sugar-based pecan pie, and it eats like a regular pecan pie but sorta tastes like a good old-fashioned pecan patty. You really can’t go wrong with any of the pies at Sweet Treats -- but be warned -- the place is only open for lunch Monday through Friday.
Still craving more pie? Down the road at Russellville you’ll find
Stoby’s -- one of two, sure (the other is in Conway) but this one is in a railroad themed building, complete with dining cars on the side. While you’re enjoying some cheese dip and watching the train roll overhead, order up a piece of Possum pie. This Arkansas specialty is a layered situation, with a flour-and-pecan butter crust. It’s layers of soured cream cheese, chocolate custard and whipped cream and it is splendid.
If by some reason you still haven’t had enough pie, you are directed to head east on I-40 until you... well, honestly, by this point you have had at least nine pieces of pie. Isn’t that enough?
Kat Robinson
kat@tiedyetravels.com
Biggest Burger in Arkansas at Ed Walker's Drive-In
May 24, 2012 12:00 AM
There are a lot of places around the state that proclaim the largest this-or-that. When it comes to single-patty burgers, you won’t find one larger than the Giant Hamburger at Ed Walker’s Drive-In in Fort Smith.
Ed Walker’s is known for a lot of reasons. It’s the only place in Arkansas where you can drive up and have an ice cold beer delivered to your car, for one -- thanks to the double threat of being grandfathered in for an old rule and being in a border city. For service, you just pull up and flash your lights when you’re ready to order. The restaurant is also home of the Ed Walker’s French Dip Sandwich -- a nice, tender mess of fall-apart good roast beef on a tight French roll that’s served with a savory jus for dipping.
The restaurant started out in 1943 as a little place to catch one of those great French dips. There are some who claim moonshine also came out of this location, but lips are sealed with a wink on that account. In the 50s the restaurant was expanded, and Ed Walker himself had a bedroom on the back side of the place... right where the center dining room is today.
At 69 years old, Ed Walker’s is one of Arkansas’s oldest restaurants; it’s one of the few that still sits in its original location. The restaurant has been expanded several times and now even has a small in-house bakery in the back that supplies bread and buns to the restaurant and to the recently purchased sister restaurant down the street, Miss Anna’s on Towson. In fact, the famed pies from Miss Anna’s (formerly Goodson’s on Towson) are now sold at Ed Walker’s.
I’ve enjoyed the French dip sandwich before. I’ve also tried this massive burger on numerous occasions,
starting with my first encounter in December 2007. It’s not a small burger by any means, and in my personal opinion it’s meant for sharing.
My dining companions and I placed our order by phone in advance -- and for good reason. A mammoth single patty burger containing five pounds of meat takes a while to cook through -- and the whole shebang can be 30 minutes from when you order it to when it comes to the table. We arrived 20 minutes after we ordered, so we asked for some Texas toothpicks (battered and fried jalapeno and onion strips) and nibbled on them with some Ranch dressing. We also had second thoughts and ordered a simple regular ⅓ pound cheeseburger and fries to have a means of comparison.
And then out came the burger. Now, it’s a little different from what I had experienced before, in that it had a different sort of bun. Used to be, those buns were made by Craig Family Bakery in Van Buren; these days, Ed Walker’s bakes its own sourdough type buns. This time we’d had all the toppings put on the burger (the default is to order them on the side so different members of the party can add what they want). The massive burger had been sliced into eight pieces and was served up with a pie server.
To give you an idea of the burger’s size, you have to see it with the smaller burger. Grav Weldon took this photo of the regular ⅓ pound burger perched atop the larger, Giant Cheeseburger we had ordered. More scope? Each of the eight slices contained roughly 10 ounces of meat -- that’s nearly 2/3rds of a pound!
Did we finish it? No. The four people who dined on that burger that day didn’t get through but about half of it, and there were leftovers shared around. Now, you can, if you’re crazy enough, get that burger for free if you eat it with all the fixings, with an order of fries or onion rings and with a beverage in 45 minutes or less. I hear it’s been done, but I don’t see how.
If you’re in Fort Smith and want to experience this big burger, bring a crowd and head to Towson Avenue for a bite. Ed Walker’s is open every day from 10 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week. For more information, call (479) 783-3352.
Kat Robinson
kat@tiedyetravels.com
One Tank Travels: Gilbert
May 23, 2012 12:00 AM
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: Gilbert
Gilbert is laid out along the banks of the rugged and free-flowing
Buffalo National River in the Ozark Mountains.
The main draw for tourists is camping and canoeing at the Buffalo. And in a town with a population of only 13, visitors can easily outnumber locals. The 2000 census set the town’s population at 33, the delineation on the sign marking the city limit; but the number of residents has dropped since then.
Don’t let its size fool you. Gilbert may be a tiny town, but it is big on beauty and charm. It scenery and people are distinct and inviting.
Located just off of U.S. 65 on Ark. 333, the main road through Gilbert ends at the soft gravel bar providing access to the scenic river. The nation’s first national river, the Buffalo National River meanders through the Ozarks for almost 135 miles. This middle section is noted for its beautiful limestone bluffs, smallmouth bass, and year-round floating. Designated in 1972 after years of debate, the Buffalo celebrates its
40th anniversary this year
.
This area of the river came into existence in the early 1900s. The
Gilbert General Store, built in 1901, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places under the name Mays Store. The community was founded in 1902 when a railroad construction camp for the Missouri and North Arkansas Railroad was built and named in honor of Charles W. Gilbert, secretary-treasurer of Allegheny Supply Company, which was building the railroad. In 1906, William Mays moved his store and post office from Duff, located a few miles away.
Gilbert was a hub for commerce. Cotton, logs, ore and grain came by rail. Gilbert was eventually the home to a repair shop for the railroad, which ceased operation in 1946. While the tracks were removed and sold as scrap, there are still signs of the railroad where the old concrete supports crossed the Buffalo River. The former rail bed is now a hiking route along the river.
Today, Gilbert contains a few homes, guest houses and cabins for rent, and camping facilities. An RV park opened recently. Remnants of old homesteads provide a hint of its past. The Gilbert General Store is still in operation, providing supplies and hunting and fishing licenses. It offers a selection of T-shirts, knick knacks, beverages, sandwiches, snacks, charcoal, automotive needs and more
.
Owner Ben Fruehauf describes the store as a working museum. He’s been adding old signs, memorabilia and other items to the store since he and his wife Cindy purchased it in 1988. He runs his other business,
Buffalo Camping and Canoeing, from the store too, renting cabins, and canoes, kayaks and rafts for single or multi-day float trips.
A stone’s throw from the General Store is
The Gilbert Café feeding diners in the area – locals and tourists. It’s a blue plate special locale serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Back out on Ark. 65,
Ferguson’s Country Store & Restaurant is another excellent place to eat for breakfast and lunch. And don’t miss getting some smoke meats and cheeses from
Coursey’s or
Big Springs Trading Company. Numerous other
outfitters,
attractions, lodging and dining opportunities are available in this middle Buffalo area.
Gilbert never fails to make me smile, and I always feel a wave of relaxation wash over me as I step out of my car. This is a place for un-orchestrated vacations - a place where you walk to the river, flip a rock in the water, take a swim, float the buffalo, chat at the general store.
Gilbert holds the self-proclaimed title of “Coolest Town in Arkansas.” It is the coldest place on average here in The NaturalState. It’s definitely one of the coolest places I know of, but not just because of the temperature.
One Tank Travels: Exploring Downtown Conway
May 22, 2012 8:00 AM
Those of us of a certain generation have fond memories of spending the whole day downtown. It was a really big deal to “go to town.” You can relive those wonderful remembrances or, if you are younger and don’t know what it’s like, create a new experience by visiting
Conway. Downtown Conway has a wonderful energy that delights the visitor.
Over 50 shops and restaurants are located the historic area of Conway, all within walking distance of each other. The variety of retailers is amazing and reminds people of when downtown was the shopping mecca of every community.
For the fashion conscious there are seven stores with apparel for men, women and juniors: PKs on Front Street, Pizzazz, Lefler’s, Mary’s Boutique, and EM on Oak Street; and HipSway on Locust. In addition, there are specialty stores such as The Sporty Runner on Van Ronkle for sports-related items and Kicks Active Wear on Oak Street for the gymnast, dancer and cheerleader. Toddlers up to age 7 are the focus of Ann’s Trendy Kidz located on Oak Street.
If home décor is on someone’s wish list, there are a number of antique, decorator and furniture shops. There are enough antique stores in downtown Conway to appease even the most voracious hunter. Jennifer’s and Carmen’s on Oak Street, plus nearby Funky Junk on Van Ronkle can keep even the most energetic shopper busy for hours. Others include Anything & Everything Design, the Kitchen Store and The Stitcher’s Garden.
Some of the other shopping venues include Front Street’s A Very Merry Christmas Store. In addition to all things Christmas,
keepsakes, gifts, collectibles and additional items for other holidays are also available. Everyone knows someone who is a shoe connoisseur and Wilkinson’s Mall is pure paradise for the “shoe-a-holic” with over 20,000-square-feet of stock.
The centrally located
Simon Park is a great place to rest from all the power shopping you’ve done. A colorful and whimsical mural depicts the history of the town.
When faced with a busy day of shopping, people need sustenance to keep going and nine restaurants in the downtown district fill that bill.
Michelangelo’s, on Front Street, offers a varied menu of authentic Italian cuisine. For some home-cooking, try Bob’s Grill on Oak, “a downtown Conway tradition,” for breakfast and a lunch buffet. Mike’s Place features a Cajun flair and great fried green tomatoes, and U.S. Pizza and ZaZa Fine Salad + Wood-Oven Pizza Company have pizzas, salads and sandwiches. Jennifer’s Antiques has a restaurant within the shop -- Cross Creek Sandwich Shop.
There’s so much going on in downtown Conway it may take more than one day to experience it all. And it doesn’t have to take place at just one time of year; shopping is good year-round. Don your walking shoes, pack a checkbook, credit card or cash and get going – shopping and strolling downtown Conway.
Properties representing nearly all the major lodging chains are located in Conway for overnighting. For a different experience, check out the
Ward Mansion Bed and Breakfast in the historic residential district. This stately home features three suites, two of which have sitting rooms, one that has a sun room, and has all the amenities today’s discerning traveler expects. After a good night’s sleep, you’ll be ready to hit the streets of downtown Conway for even more shopping.
For history buffs, there is the
Faulkner County Museum, housed in the 1869 County Jail downtown, preserves the heritage of both the city and the county. The
1830 Greathouse Home dogtrot cabin has been restored and relocated to the Courthouse Square. Head a little north of town and visit
Cadron Settlement Park, which highlights both the
Cherokee Trail of Tears and the
Butterfield Overland Mail Route. A reconstructed Blockhouse, outdoor exhibits, a boat launch ramp, accessible trails, and a historical mural are a part of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers property. Another historic Corps site is Toad Suck Park, where the Toad Suck Towboat can be viewed.
It's a great place for camping, boating and picnicking.
If you’re in the mood for music or other entertainment, you can attend a concert by the
Conway Symphony Orchestra or attend a presentation at the
Ford and
Lantern Theatres. The
University of Central Arkansas’s Reynolds Performance Hall and Hendrix College’s Cabe Theatre both have musical and theatrical performances along with a calendar of events by nationally known entertainers and lecturers. During the summer and early fall months, the
Downtown Conway Concert Series in Simon Park features the Conway Community Band and other groups.
Go Early, Go Often to the Greek Food Festival
May 18, 2012 6:00 PM
This weekend is the annual International Greek Food Festival at Little Rock's Greek Annunciation Church out on Napa Valley Road. It's the 28th year for the event. I've been going since it was pretty darn small -- and since I was pretty darn small. And I've learned a few things.
The biggest thing about going to the Greek Food Festival is to get there early. That's not to say you' won't have a good time whenever you go, but you'll do better to find those Greek dishes you really want if you head over there on Friday afternoon. That's because the baklava, butter cookies and such will all sell out before Sunday afternoon, mark my words. It's not that the folks at the Greek Annunciation Church aren't trying to meet the demand -- after all, they start working on those pastries six months before the event! -- but that they're so popular there's no way to make enough for everyone to take home so much. I try to visit early, usually Friday around noon, so I can go on in to the air conditioned hall on the property, peruse the wares and pick up my sourota. That way I know I'll be able to take home those fabulous pastries.
The next thing to know about is the parking. It's free. It's not just free across the street, it's free down the block. There's parking at several locations and trolleys to get you to the front door of the festival. Still not comfortable enough? As far as I know, the International Greek Food Festival is Arkansas's only food festival that offers valet parking. I kid you not! For $10, follow the signs to the festival and let someone else do the parking while you go about your eating and relaxing.
A third thing to know about: the festival is a great place to shop. There's the market, which offers Greek cooking specialties such as oil, vinegar and olives. There are Greek costumes, toys, those fascinating little dolls that live inside other dolls, scarfs, lamps, paintings, jewelry and more. This is a great place to shop for that person in your life who has everything.
Another thing to note -- while there's a lot of food available to eat right there, you can also take home frozen pastichio (think Greek lasagna), tirapetes (cheese-filled triangles) and spanikopita (spinach and cheese filled triangles). Over by the end of the pastry section there's a man with a cooler who will sell you frozen goodies to put in your freezer and cook up later. The kids will never know how you managed that fancy Greek cooking months from now!
There's also the drive-thru. See, the International Greek Food Festival is the state's largest food festival, and there's a big demand on what's available. For some, the only reason they go is for a hot gyro plate. You can get a gyro, a k-bob, hummus or pastries without ever leaving your car.
My last bit of advice -- go often. There are so many things to see and do at the festival, it's hard to choose just a few. Go shopping. Come back and eat and enjoy the entertainment. Return the next day. It's a unique experience and it's tasty, too.
I just gotta mention -- that pastichio platter is $10, comes with a block of pastichio, a square of spanikopita and some Greek salad and a half a pita. The pastichio? It's light and airy on top and full of flavor, thanks to a homemade bechemel sauce that ties cheese, ground beef and pasta together.
For more information on the International Greek Food Festival, check out the event website.
Kat Robinson
One Tank Travels: Jonesboro
May 18, 2012 12:00 AM
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: Jonesboro
Today’s “One Tank Travel” suggestion in the Arkansas Delta is
Jonesboro. Located along Crowley’s Ridge in northeast Arkansas, it continues to be one of Arkansas’s fastest growing communities.
There’s also something for everyone in Jonesboro!
There are great options for family fun. Check out the
Crowley’s Ridge Nature Center, operated by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. It’s a fun and insightful way to learn more about Crowley’s Ridge, its geography and topography, and the “critters” that call the region home. Don’t miss the 16-minute film, complete with special effects and animation, which explains the formation of the ridge. Hands-on exhibits tell the story of the plants and wildlife that call the area home. There’s also the
ASU Museum, located on the ground
s of Arkansas State University. Exhibits tell the story of the region’s history from prehistory to today, including great hands-on activities for all ages.
Looking for some outdoor fun, visit
Lake Frierson State Park for a picnic, camping, fishing, boating or hiking.
On Target Family Sports Complex offers miniature golf, batting cages, and driving ranges.
Jonesboro offers great shopping options. The
Mall at Turtle Creek features large retailers and smaller shops and boutiques, in addition t
o a play area for the kids and a food court. Downtown Jonesboro is home to a variety of shops, antiques stores, spas and restaurants.
When it’s time to grab a bite to eat, there are great restaurant options guaranteed to please even the pickiest palate. If you’re in the moo
d for pizza, I’d suggest
Upper Crust Pizza, a personal favorite. You also can’t go wrong with
Piero’s Restaurant, one of my favorite places to eat in northeast Arkansas.
Godsey’s Downtown Grill and Omar’s Restaurant are also local favorites. If you’re in a barbecue mood, there’s
Couch’s Barbecue and
Corky’s. Jonesboro offers a variety of restaurants that will make the whole group happy. Click
here for a list of restaurants in Jonesboro.
If your plans include an overnight stay, check out
West Washington Guest House Bed and Breakfast. Built in 1914, the beautiful house
features 12 bedrooms, all named after famous Arkansans. If the kids are wanting to swim and the weather isn't cooperating, check out the
Holiday Inn, which features an indoor pool. There are plenty of lodging options in Jonesboro. For more information, click
here.
So fill your tank, grab the family and head to Jonesboro for the day, the weekend or the entire week! Safe travels!
Kim Williams
Burgers: Wink's Malt Stand in North Little Rock
May 17, 2012 12:00 PM
There are a lot of dairy bars and drive-ins out there that could be interchangeable. That’s not to say the burgers from such a place aren’t any good -- they usually are. Those sort of burgers are marked by good quality meat, a nicely seasoned grill, a smashed patty, fresh toppings and a traditional bun wrapped in wax paper.
Wink’s does all that and more. The burger stand, which has been around since 1968, serves up a series of amusingly-named burgers, plate lunches, tamales and such with pie, shakes and malts and whatnot for dessert. It’s located in an old yellow building at the corner of Washington and Redwood in North Little Rock. I ventured there on a Monday afternoon looking for something good to eat.
Wink’s only does walk-up service, the sort that comes with a number on a small tab of paper. If you stand at the front of the building after you order, others are likely going to think you are in line. In fact, I was the only person who sat outside my car waiting on my order. The day was too pretty to waste in my opinion.
That lead me to stare directly at a coconut meringue pie set exactly at eye level on the other side of the glass. Until this point in time I was unaware that Wink’s did pie; I knew only of the legendary malts, and thanks to my current diet that wasn’t on my menu for the day.
My order took about 15 minutes to prepare. My number was called, I picked up my white paper bag and headed for the car -- where I pulled out my burger and fries and photographed them before dumping half of said fries all over the passenger side seat. Well, there you go.
Now, Wink’s sells burgers and cheeseburgers by name -- Small, Jumbo, Elephant and Whimpy. The Elephant, with its three four-ounce patties, is actually heavier than the half-pound Whimpy, so I chose that. I mean, let’s go with the visual appeal here. The Elephant with cheese cost me $4.80, while a small order of fries ran $1.90. I could have gone with tator tots, onion rings, fried okra, slaw, bean, spicy corn nuggets or fried green beans instead.
The fries are crinkle-cut and golden brown. I have a soft spot for crinkle-cut fries, even though I know they come frozen. Something about the extra surface area gives them the perfect blend of crisp and soft, and these were good examples. They came with four ketchup packets and a packet of salt, the latter of which was completely unnecessary.
The burger? The wax paper was already shining from the grease within. Once I released its toothpick I could see three patties that weren’t quite the width of the bun, organized to cover that bun-space. They sorta looked like sausage patties when you flatten them with a spatula. There was a slice of American cheese melted onto one of them, and they sat between buttered toasted seedless whitebread buns on top of an ample bed of lettuce, tomato, pickle and white onion. Mayo was the default condiment.
It looked like a burger that could have been conjured elsewhere -- but it was not. There was a flavor to the patties, a nicely varied but not overdone spice heavy on the onion powder and reminiscent of Cavender’s Greek Seasoning -- but still not Cavender’s. I suspect, being a 44 year old dining establishment, that Wink’s has its own proprietary spice blend. It was marvelous.
Still, the Elephant Burger lived up to its name. I got through a third of it and wrapped the rest for a later date. I’m going to have to go back some other time for my chocolate malt, and perhaps a piece of pie -- Wink’s sells coconut meringue and lemon icebox every day, and sometimes it sells egg custard, peanut butter, caramel and something called peanut butter luster.
You’ll find Wink’s at 2900 East Washington in North Little Rock. It’s open 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10:30am to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday. (501) 945-9025.
One Tank Travels: Heber Springs
May 16, 2012 12:00 AM
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: Heber Springs
I’m a keeper. Not a hoarder - a keeper. I do purge stuff – albeit some stuff easier than other stuff. Old notebooks, full of old notes, seem to be something I have a hard time parting with. If I’ve already written the article, I no longer need the notes, so I don’t know why I don’t just toss them. Sometimes I find papers stuck in the notebooks, like recently when I found an agenda from a writer’s workshop I attended in December of 2006 (yes, 2006).
Scratched on a side border was a quote from freelance writer Georgie McIrvin of Heber Springs. It read, “Everybody ought to have to go to Heber Springs before they go to Heaven so it won’t be such a shock.”
Well, if that doesn’t make
Heber Springs worth at least one tank of gas, I don’t know what does.
Heber Springs was founded as a health resort in the mid-19th century. Today it serves as a gateway to
Greers Ferry Lake and the
Little Red River. I have to agree with Georgie that the scenery in this area is pretty heavenly. Greers Ferry is among the state's five largest lakes and is tops in providing great fishing, water sports, boating and camping. Corps of Engineers campgrounds and commercial parks are available. You can also try your hand fishing for trout on the Little Red River below the Corp of Engineers Dam. It’s internationally known for producing world-record trout. Resorts and outfitters are abundant. The lake and river have served as national models for environmental cleanliness.
In addition to the great outdoors, Heber Springs’
historic downtown district has an Americana square with a stately county courthouse, museum, antique shops, art galleries, and gift shops. Spring Park, which attracted settlers to Heber Springs in the 1830s, is located in the heart of town along east Main Street. The park has picnic tables, shade trees, a basketball court, skateboard ramp, playgrounds, two outdoor amphitheaters, public restrooms and is wheelchair accessible. It’s also the backdrop for many festivals throughout the year including Spring Fest and Old Settler’s Days.
So fill up your gas tank and make plans to see Heber Springs’ little slice of heaven. I’m going to go throw out a notebook from 2006. I suddenly don’t feel like I need it anymore.
Jill M. Rohrbach
This Weekend in the Arkansas Delta
May 15, 2012 8:00 AM
Kimberly J. Williams
Some of the Arkansas Delta’s favorite festivals and events are taking place this weekend.
Downtown
Paragould is the setting for the
23rd annual Loose Caboose Festival on May 17-19. Live music, carnival rides, a bike ride, vendors, a fish fry, a large children’s area and stage, an expanded arts and crafts area, a karaoke contest, and petting zoos are all scheduled. To learn more, log on to
www.LooseCaboose.net or phone 870-240-0544.
If you’re a fan of crawfish,
Dermott is the place to be as the town hosts the
29th annual Crawfish Festival on May 18-19. The two-da
y festival also features live music, the Arkansas Game and Fish aquarium, a dog show, children’s rides, vendors, arts and crafts…. and crawfish! To find out more visit
www.DermottCrawfishFestival.com or phone 870-538-5656.
Downtown
Tyronza serves as the backdrop for the
10th annual Stars and Stripes Festival on May 18-19. The festival features live music and a pageant on Friday evening. Saturday’s events include a parade, live music, games, and vendors and concludes with an evening street dance. For more information, phone 870-487-2168.
The
14th annual Piggott Heritage Park Car Show, one of Arkansas’s largest, takes place May 18-20 in
Piggott. Check out hundreds o
f classic cars restored to their glory. Other festivities include live entertainment, classic car parade, games, and lots of food. Saturday night’s events include a 50s dance contest for kids and live music. For more information, contact 870-598-3167.
The 2012 Tour de Hoot Bicycle Tour is slated for May 19 in
McGehee. The bicycle tour, which benefits the McGehee Boys and Girls Club, offers routes ranging from 25 to 100 miles throughout southeast Arkansas. The event is known for great rest stops and delicious food. A pasta dinner is held the night before the race at the Boys and Girls Club. Registration is $35. Log on to
www.TourdeHoot.com or phone 870-222-8410 for all the details.
Come visit the Arkansas Delta! You won’t be disappointed!
One Tank Travels: Little Rock’s River Market
May 15, 2012 8:00 AM
If you’re looking for a vacation that doesn’t call for a lot of driving that also offers a wide array of activities, then look no farther than downtown
Little Rock. And if you find you don’t want to walk the whole area, you can always hop a ride on the
River Rail Trolley.
Head to the
River Market District located along the Arkansas River. What was once a pretty-much abandoned strip of warehouses is now a thriving entertainment district. Within a few short blocks, you’ll find restaurants, shops, museums, the
Clinton Presidential Library, the Central Arkansas Nature Center, and Heifer Village.
First, check in to the River Market District, literally. There are five lodging properties in the area, ranging from the
Doubletree at the western end to the
Courtyard by Marriott Downtown on the eastern edge. In between, you’ll find
The Peabody Hotel Little Rock, the historic
Capital Hotel, and the
Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown.
You can start your adventure at any number of places in the River Market. The
Clinton Presidential Library is located at the
eastern end of President Clinton Avenue. You’ll get a feel for the White House when visiting the museum due in part to the authentic replicas of the Oval Office and the Cabinet Room. The informative but not boring displays are a fun way to learn about American history. There is a variety of acclaimed visiting exhibits, such as original Dr. Seuss art, a rare collection of Elvis photos, Peter Max Paints America, and Play Ball! The St. Louis Cardinals. A monthly schedule of nationally known speakers adds to the allure.
You’ll notice the
Presidential Park Wetlands on the banks of the river. The 13-acres provide unprecedented public access via an elevated boardwalk and two bridges to conservation, environmental and wildlife watching opportunities. Also located there is the
Clinton Presidential Park Bridge, an old Rock Island bridge converted into a pedestrian and cycling walkway, which connects Little Rock and North Little Rock.
Next door to the Clinton Center is headquarters of
Heifer International, a Leed-Certified building. In Heifer Village, learn about how Heifer’s sustainability efforts to protect Little Rock’s environment and how the organization is working to end world hunger and poverty.
From there, head west back toward the district, stopping to admire
Art Along the River, a series of outdoor sculpture decorating the area. Drop-in at the
Central Arkansas Nature Center to explore wildlife and nature available within an urban area. Portions of the Arkansas River Trail cross the grounds. Right next door is the reinvented
Museum of Discovery. It’s not just for kids any more as new interactive exhibits make it fun for all ages. See if you can lift your weight, lay on a bed of nails, send smoke signals, or get-up-close-and-personal with a tornado.
La Petite Roche Plaza is next along the Arkansas River. This beautifully landscaped park highlights the capital city’s namesake – the little rock. Interpretive signs explain the significance of the area, located at the foot of the Junction Bridge Pedestrian Walkway. Another old railroad bridge, the structure spans the Arkansas River affording gorgeous views of the surrounding terrain and is popular with bicyclists as well.
Don't forget to bring your swimsuit so you can cool off in
Peabody Park, located behind The Peabody Little Rock. The watery playground was designed from suggestions made by area children.
The majestic
Old State House will definitely catch your eye as you’re strolling through the River Market. The stunning Greek Revival structure served as Arkansas’s first capitol building and it now a museum of Arkansas history.
Don’t miss the shopping opportunities here. At the
Clinton Museum Store and the
Shop at Heifer, you can find gifts from all over the world, along with Clinton memorabilia. Handmade jewelry, books, collectibles, shirts, hats, artworks, plus items just for kids are
great take-homes. The Museum of Discovery offers the Explore Store while the Butler Center at
Arkansas Studies Institute Galleries showcases some of the finest examples of local art. Other souvenirs can be picked up at 4 Square Café & Gifts, the Central Arkansas Nature Center, and Shop the Rock.
When you get hungry, there are numerous options in the area. You’ll find fresh fruit and homemade items for nibbling at the
Farmer’s Market if you happen to be there on
Tuesday or Saturday mornings during the season. Ethnic eateries featuring Mexican, Japanese, Thai, Middle Eastern, International and Italian are all available. You’ll find some local favorites here such as
Boulevard Bread, the
Copper Grill,
Iriana’s and
Dizzy’s Gypsy Bristro. If you like pizza loaded with ingredients, try Iriana’s Sweep the Floor Special. Check out the winner of the professional category in the
2010 World Cheese Dip Championship at Dizzy’s. You absolutely have to try an
Arkansas delicacy – fried black-eyed peas – served at the
Capital Bar & Grill inside the Capital Hotel. The homemade pimento cheeseburgers are awesome as well.
See how much fun you’ve had and you have not once moved your car. There's enough going on in the River Market District to keep you busy for days....and you won't have to get behind the wheel once you are there..unless you want to. Talk about a money-saving vacation.
Kerry Kraus
Several Options for Celebrating Mom this Weekend
May 10, 2012 11:00 AM
Historic Arkansas Museum: Live music, dance, frontier demonstrations, pioneer games and more are on tap at the
39th Annual Territorial Fair, May 12 in downtown Little Rock.
Dutch oven cooking, quilting, blacksmithing and other 19th-century demonstrations all take place at the 1850s Log House Farmstead. Visitors can join the Arkansas Country Dance Society in traditional dances. Children will be able to enjoy stilts, hoop-rolling and pioneer table games.
Living History characters portraying residents from the 1800s greet visitors in the historic homes. Some will be doing chores, like laundry, while another packs his bags for the California Gold Rush. At 10 a.m. the museum’s Medicinal Herb Garden will be dedicated in honor of Mary Fletcher Worthen by the Herb Society of America, Arkansas Unit. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and admission is free.
Quapaw Quarter: One of the most beautiful areas of the Capital City is highlighted during the
48th Quapaw Quarter Association's Spring Tour of Historic Homes,
May 12-13. P. Allen Smith’s original Garden Home, the Charles Thompson-designed Croxson House and the recently rehabilitated Boyle House are some of the featured structures. Several other privately owned homes along Arch and Gaines Streets are also a part of the event. As is tradition, there is a candlelight tour followed by a dinner and gala at the Spanish Revival YMCA on Saturday. The Sunday afternoon tour is from 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Event prices vary from $20 to $150 and can be found on
www.quapaw.com.
Arkansas Symphony Orchestra: “
Wicked Divas” will be on stage along with the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra
May 12-13 at Robinson Center Music Hall in downtown Little Rock. Eden Espinosa and Emily Rozek will be performing popular favorites from “Wicked,” “The Wizard of Oz,” “My Fair Lady,” and “Chicago.” Espinosa is an acclaimed vocalist best known for her portrayal of Elphaba in the Broadway production of “Wicked.” She has also performed the role of the green witch in both Los Angeles and San Francisco. Rozek appeared at Glinda in the Los Angeles performances of “Wicked.” The curtain rises at 8 p.m. on Saturday and 3 p.m. on Sunday. Ticket prices range from $20-$65; $10 for students. Tickets can be ordered online by visiting
www.arkansassymphony.org/.
Arkansas Queen: Treat Mom to a relaxing cruise on the
Arkansas Queen Riverboat,
May 13. Boarding begins at 12:30 p.m. with a departure time of 1 p.m. The trip ends at 3 p.m. The menu consists of salad, chicken, ham rice, green beans, fruit salad rolls and dessert. Admission including meal is $32.50 plus tax per adult and $22 plus tax for those ages 3-12; ages three and younger are free.
Taste of the Rock is a Great Deal for a Lot of Food
May 9, 2012 11:00 AM
Aren’t there a few restaurants in
Little Rock you’ve always wanted to try but, for whatever reason, never have? The annual Taste of the Rock offers you a terrific opportunity in that you’ll be able to sample approximately 35 capital city eateries. It takes place in the
River Market Pavilions tomorrow, Thursday,
May 10 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Advance tickets are $15 and can be ordered
online. Gate tickets are $20. Guests must be 21 or over to attend. The ticket gets you the opportunity to sample free food and beverages from some of the area’s finest restaurants, caterers, and distributors. After sampling the delicious wares, visitors will be able to vote on their favorite.
Here is the list of mouthwatering businesses that have committed to be in attendance.
1620 the Restaurant
Blue Coast Burrito
Boscos
Boston's Restaurant and Sports Bar
Bumpy's Tex Mex Grill & Cantina
Candy Bouquet International, Inc.
Cantina Laredo
Photos courtesy Taste of the Rock Facebook page
Mather Lodge Reopens May 8 Following Renovation
May 4, 2012 12:52 PM
The beauty of Petit Jean Mountain inspired the creation of Arkansas’s state parks system in the 1920s, and with it, Arkansas’s first state park. So the history of Petit Jean State Park, constructed in 1933, is as rich as its scenery and facilities, which include the legendary Mather Lodge. The lodge reopens at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, May 8 after having been closed since December 2010 for renovation.
The renovation work replaced the 1960s-era dining room with a more rustic-style design, expanded the kitchen, added a meeting room, relocated the guest registration desk, enhanced the guest rooms, and constructed a new swimming pool. The renovation did not affect any of Mather Lodge’s original Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), and later Works Progress Administration (WPA), work dating from the 1930s.
Overlooking Cedar Creek Canyon, Mather Lodge is the only CCC lodge constructed in an Arkansas state park. Following the lodge’s original construction in 1934 by the CCC, the Works Progress Administration constructed an architecturally compatible addition to the lodging wing in 1939. In the 1960s, a dining room and kitchen addition were added on to the lodge. The demolition and replacement of this addition was the major work done during the renovation.
I commend the Arkansas State Parks personnel for giving us an updated modern facility with minimal impact on the historic building. Now we have the best of both worlds. The renovated portion mirrors the Adirondack-style park architecture of the original 1930s portions of Mather Lodge. And anyone who has hiked the beautiful trails of the park will appreciate the addition of restrooms underneath the pool due to its proximity to one of the park’s most popular hiking trails.
The lobby and restaurant feature exposed log construction, use of natural materials, and extensive glass window walls that provide a full view of the natural beauty surrounding Mather Lodge. The new dining room seats 104 persons and the private dining room for small banquets and group retreats seats an additional 50 to 60 people.
Parking has been expanded from 44 spaces to 81 including four ADA accessible spaces. A new barrier-free walkway connects the parking area to the lodge’s new entrance.
Petit Jean lies in a unique area between the Ozark and Ouachita Mountain ranges in west central Arkansas. Situated on Petit Jean Mountain, the park encompasses 2,658 acres of rare natural beauty. Thick woods, ravines, streams, springs, spectacular views and interesting geological formations are preserved almost as French explorers found them 300 years ago.
The park trails system features 20 miles of interconnected trails and quintessential Arkansas scenery. Trails range in length from one-quarter mile to 12 miles.
These hikes are not simply walks in the woods. They illuminate history and nature. One can visit a cabin constructed in 1853 by slaves and tenant farmers, or walk on stone steps cut and laid in the 1930s by men using only hand tools and teams of mules. These hard working men of the CCC drew a wage of only a dollar a day.
The park’s unique “carpet rock” formed when crisscrossed fractures in sandstone were filled by quartz cement. Since quartz is very resistant to weather and erosion, the filled fracture lines now stand out in relief like a man-made pattern imprinted in each boulder’s surface. Equally intriguing are the huge “turtle rocks,” which appear to be just what their name implies.
Just as flowing water over countless centuries has carved the valleys, so have lichens, living on the surface of bare rocks and producing acidic secretions, dissolved rock and created fissures, eventually breaking larger stones into smaller ones.
Wildlife watchers can observe mink, kingfishers, herons and raccoons foraging the creeks for meals, which might include fish, frogs, crayfish and mussels.
Birding enthusiasts frequent the park to see the double-crested cormorant, great blue heron, ring-necked duck, bald eagle, wild turkey, spotted sandpiper, pileated woodpecker, Carolina chickadee or golden-crowned kinglet. Field checklists are provided by the park.
The park drew its name from the legend of a young French girl who disguised herself as a cabin boy so she could secretly accompany her fiancé to the “New World.” Petit Jean, or “Little John,” became fatally ill and requested to be buried on the mountain. Many believe she is in fact buried at a point overlooking the Arkansas River Valley. The “gravesite” is one of the most popular sites to visit at the park. The spirit of Petit Jean is said to hover over the mountain, giving it an air of strange enchantment.
As Petit Jean State Park reveals its history, legend and nature, it also provides peaceful and serene venues.
Lush tree canopies shelter plants such as wild hydrangeas, violets, mosses, ferns and liverworts. Running water along Cedar Creek Self-Guided Trail tempts passers-by to cool their feet in the summer. A 94-foot waterfall gives hikers of Cedar Falls Trail a refreshing spray, while Cedar Falls Overlook provides a magnificent view of the falls from above.
Other natural attractions at the park include Rock House Cave, Bear Cave, and a natural bridge along Seven Hollows Trail. The hollows inspired those who wanted to preserve the area as a state park. Sunsets over the river valley are spectacular from Palisades Overlook.
Mary Ann Richter Overlook provides a scenic view of the peaks of Mt. Nebo, Mt. Magazine and of Dardanelle Rock on the south bank of the Arkansas River. The flatlands visible in the distance include Carden Bottoms and Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge.
The CCC Overlook with a view of Petit Jean River to the west, gives visitors an opportunity to watch black and turkey vultures as they soar the windy bluffs and roost on the sheer canyon walls below.
In addition to the new lodge, the park offers cabins, individual campsites and pull-thru sites, all with water and electrical hookups. Modern bathhouses are also available. You can also Rent-A-Camp and Rent-A-Teepee.
Picnic and grocery supplies, firewood, horseback riding and arts and crafts shops are located near the park. Some facilities are open seasonally only. Petit Jean is Arkansas's only state park with its own airport, open for daytime use only.
also on the mountain, The Museum of Automobiles is a must for automobile lovers. Numerous antique and classic autos are displayed. The museum is open daily and a small admission fee is charged.
Directions
Take Hwy. 9 (Exit 109) off 1-40 at Morrilton south nine miles to Oppelo. Then head west 12 miles on Hwy. 154 to the park. Or, visitors approaching from the west can head south on Hwy. 7 at Russellville off I-40 to Centerville, then east 16 miles on Hwy. 154 to the park. Visitor’s approaching from the southwest can take Hwy. 7 off I-30 north through Hot Springs to Centerville, then east 16 miles on Hwy. 154 to the park. Or, from Hwy. 7 off 1-30 north through Hot Springs take Hwy. 10 east to Casa and Hwy. 155 north to the park.
Art and Nature Celebrated With Artosphere Festival, New Crystal Bridges Exhibit
May 3, 2012 1:51 PM
You can’t look at “Arkansas, The Natural State” as just a slogan. It really is a way of life. Just look at what’s going on in northwest Arkansas this week and you’ll see how the beauty of the landscape influences and inspires a way of living.
In the days ahead, you’ll find an emphasis on the marriage of art and nature. Artosphere 2012 kicks off today (May 3) at 4 p.m. “The Hudson River School: Nature and the American Vision” opens to the public on Saturday, May 5 at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.
Artosphere is an arts and nature festival running for two months. It celebrates not only the arts in all forms, but also artists, influenced by nature, who inspire people to live more sustainable lives. Presented by the
Walton Arts Center in
Fayetteville, events and performances take place throughout northwest Arkansas at traditional locales as well as unusual settings. Music, theater, dance, visual arts, lectures and more can be found on stages and in auditoriums as well as on bike trails. This is the third year for the multi-week event, which has dozens of free and low cost programs.
Loosely structured around the theme "Sticks & Stones", this year’s festival will feature an installation piece by Stickwork Artist Patrick Dougherty, dance and theater pieces that explore buildings and structures, and a rich tapestry of classical music programming exploring man's connection to place and identity. Popular programs will return and expand, including the Artosphere Festival Orchestra performing in Siloam Springs and Fayetteville, the Trail Mix Concert Tour in Fayetteville and Bentonville, and the first year of the Artosphere Partner Grant program, which offered $4,000 to two artists/arts organizations to develop unique projects specifically for Artosphere.
The festival has two phases: May programming, which focuses on dance, children's theater and outdoor music, and June programming in classical and chamber music. It kicks off today at the Fayetteville square for First Thursday, an art event, then with a gallery opening and lecture with Michael Pollan, author of “In Defense of Food,” and “Food Rules” at the Walton Arts Center on Dickson Street. There will be a special Farmer’s Market on Tyson Plaza, and a beer garden by Hog Hause Brewery featuring local beers. The event, which includes live music, is free. Bring a jar of nuts or peanut butter and get free event parking (in the lot across from WAC only). We'll donate it all to local food shelters in an effort to stock the shelves with real food, inspired by Michael Pollan. Today from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. is also the opening reception for “Structuring Nature,” consisting of 27 carved and burned wood panels, in WAC’s Joy Pratt Markham Gallery.
This is a rare opportunity to view these works while the Society’s permanent gallery space in New York is under renovation. They will appear at only four museums around the country.
Murphy said Crystal Bridges does have a very nice collection of paintings of the artists in the Hudson River School exhibition but this collection “will give depth and fullness of the School as a whole. The scope of the collection is large compared to the single representative painting we have in our permanent collection.” In addition to well-known works by artists such as Albert Bierstadt, Frederic Church, Thomas Cole, Jasper Cropsey, Asher B. Durand, Martin Johnson Heade, and John Frederick Kensett, the exhibition includes all five paintings in Thomas Cole’s allegorical series, “The Course of Empire.”
The exhibition, which will be on view through Sept. 3, will require timed, reserved tickets for entry. Tickets are $5 for non-Members ages 18 and up, and free for guests ages 17 and younger. Museum members receive complimentary admission, but reserved tickets are still required for entry. Tickets may be reserved online at
www.crystalbridges.org/Exhibitions/Hudson-River-School.
Murphy said Crystal Bridges invites the public to view, absorb, and think of the history of collecting, then go out in the nature around the museum and take photographs to share and be displayed with Crystal Bridges. The museum sits on a 120-acre park with trails and gardens. The Artosphere festival encourages the public to participate in a photography element as well.
And so, with the knowledge of the kick off of Artosphere and the opening of the Hudson River School, I leave you with the words of Asher B. Durand (1855), “Go not abroad then in search of material for exercise of your pencil, while the virgin charms of your native land have claims on your deepest affection.” Or, in other (my) words, "Arkansas, The Natural State" take advantage of all it has to offer.
Celebrating African Culture in the Ozarks
May 2, 2012 4:53 PM
Feel the beat of the African drum calling you tomorrow when Kouakou Yao (“Angelo”) and his
Afrique Aya Dance Company put on a unique and unforgettable experience of the culture and art of West Africa during Africa in the Ozarks, held in
Eureka Springs May 3-6.
This is the fifth year for the event led by master-level African performers and teachers from around the country. It begins at 6 p.m. Thursday with an African feast at Caribe Restaurant, located at 309 W. Van Buren.
You can catch performances of world-class drummers and dancers at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday at The Auditorium on 32 S. Main. There will also be mask stilt walking.
The event is part of Eureka Spring’s May Festival of the Arts, so you can catch the Afrique Aya Dance Company at 2 p.m. Saturday during the Artrageous Parade with a free demonstration in Basin Springs Park at 3 p.m.
Take drum and dance classes at 10 a.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at The Auditorium. All adults and children 10 years old or older are welcome.
A closing ceremony, at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday is free and open to the public. An African-style bazaar will also be open all weekend in Basin Springs Park, featuring African clothing, jewelry, musical instruments, and art.
Vote for Your Favorite Cheese Dip This Saturday at Fayetteville Sip & Dip
May 1, 2012 10:55 AM
I absolutely, positively love cheese dip. I could eat it every day, and come really close to doing so some weeks. I like all types – simple Rotel mixed with Velveeta to the real cheeses laden with spices, peppers and even meat – which is why you’ll find me this Saturday (May 5) at the Washington County Fairgrounds in Fayetteville for the
Northwest Arkansas Cheese Dip Classic.
The cheese dip competition takes place from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Local celebrities, food critics, and political dignitaries will join the public in voting to decide which cheese dip will best represent the northwest Arkansas region at the 3rd annual
World Cheese Dip Championship on Oct. 20 in Little Rock.
The cheese dip classic is divided into amateur and professional divisions. Winners receive cash prizes as well as trophies created by a local artist. The professional division winner also receives free entry into the 3rd annual World cheese Dip Championship and hotel accommodations for the championship weekend in Little Rock.
Some of the restaurants signed up for the professional division include: The Flying Burrito Company, Qdoba, Northwest Arkansas Chef’s Association, Farrell’s Lounge, Ella’s, and Legacy Blues Club. There will also be a University of Arkansas Greek cheese dip competition. Sororities and fraternities will partner and battle it out to be crowned campus champions.
And in case you didn’t realize it, this Saturday is Cinco de Mayo, and what better way to celebrate than by eating and voting on your favorite cheese dip.
The Northwest Arkansas Cheese Dip Classic is also partnering with
Fayetteville Foam Fest to create a new and unique for the area. Fayetteville Foam Fest takes place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Washington County Fairgrounds. It is a craft beer appreciation festival, and a non-profit festival dedicated to raising money for FEED FAYETTEVILLE.
In addition to create beer and cheese dip, there will be live music from local and regional artists and other food and beverages for sale. Three of the food vendors for the event are Hammontrees, Mellow Mushroom and Hog Haus Brewing Company.
Proceeds from the Northwest Arkansas Cheese Dip Classic will benefit the Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Northwest Arkansas, whose mission is to create brighter futures for single-parent families by offering encouragement and access to higher education through community supported efforts.
Admission to the Northwest Arkansas Cheese Dip Classic is $10 for adults, $5 for students with a valid school ID and FREE for children 10 and younger. Advance tickets can be purchased at some Arvest Bank locations, including the main bank and branches on Crossover, Green Acres, Joyce, University, Wedington, West Sixth, and the Walmart Supercenters on Mall Avenue and Martin Luther King Boulevard.
Tickets for the Fayetteville Foam Fest are $30. Entrance tickets for both events can be purchased together for $35. Registration to compete in the Northwest Arkansas Cheese Dip Classic is now open to the public. For more information, visit
www.CheeseDip.net..
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clicking here.
Yarnell's Returns To Shelves in Arkansas
April 19, 2012 12:15 PM
This is a guest blog by Kat Robinson, Communications Manager for the Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism.
It’s been a saga that perhaps my friends in other states haven’t quite understood. How could one state get so worked up over one ice cream manufacturer?
When the Yarnell family announced suddenly on June 30th of last year that they were closing the doors to the 80 year old Searcy plant, there was much wringing of hands and breaking of hearts. Just days before the most ice cream-friendly holiday of the year, Yarnell’s ceased to exist. The doors were locked, the employees told to go home, and all that ice cream already produced was left in a freezer.
Someone distributed it -- while it disappeared from shelves in Little Rock within hours, I found cartons at CVs and Wal-Mart in Fort Smith through early September, and purchased my last carton of Ozark Black Walnut at a Mountain Home Wal-Mart in October. That carton has been carefully preserved and saved.
Thing is, Searcy and Arkansas both love Yarnell’s, and through the work of a whole lot of people, Yarnell’s has come back. The legendary Schulze & Burch Biscuit Company -- which already owns a snack manufacturing plant in town -- purchased the whole kit and kaboodle of the Yarnell’s empire: name, logo, plant, equipment, truck fleet and recipes.
Today I attended a press conference at the State Capitol where Schulze & Burch CEO Kevin Boyle, Searcy Mayor David Morris and Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe celebrated the return. Governor Beebe got the first bite of Homemade Vanilla from off the line -- presented to him by Scoop, the new ice cream dude that will represent the Yarnell’s brand.
So, best news? Yarnell's is back! The introductory flavors: Butter Pecan, Cookies and Cream, Death by Chocolate, Homemade Chocolate, Homemade Vanilla, Homemade Strawberry, Real Vanilla, Rocky Road and my favorite -- Ozark Black Walnut! Yarnell's will also offer frozen yogurt in five flavors -- Blueberries & Cream, Peaches & Cream, Strawberry, Chocolate and Vanilla -- and Guilt Free in Butter Pecan, Chocolate and Vanilla. Plus, the chocolate and vanilla Ice Cream Sandwiches are coming back, too!
The ice cream carton is different. Though the cartons retain that fabulous familiar deep red color, they’re now sqround -- both square and round, with a plastic top on them. The new cartons are bigger -- 56 ounces compared to 48 -- and they seal better, which is good news for you if you actually manage to keep ice cream in your freezer for more than a day or two. The new package also extends the shelf life... which, you know, I’m thinking might mean an eventual push outside the MidSouth for the ice cream. Can you imagine -- Yarnell’s in Chicago, San Francisco, China? Who knows?
It’s also more “scoopable,” I’m told. I’ll take their word on it.
So, after the announcement, folks lined up for cups of chocolate and vanilla. I tried both -- the vanilla first, which that very moment brought back so many memories. It is indeed the exact same homemade Vanilla I remember, though several people I saw there swore it was better. The chocolate? Yep, still the same. Same, though, is such a good thing. I am so glad they kept to the standard recipes.
And then... well, I was getting ready to leave and realized that while everyone was flocking to the ice cream cups being filled from giant tubs, that there were actual cartons of the other great flavors up on a table up front -- being ministered to by a crew of dignitaries who were sort of halfway making their way through samples while being interviewed by the press. I stood up there with my puppydog eyes looking longingly at the Ozark Black Walnut until one of the Yarnell’s employees noticed me and graciously doled up a scoop for me. Oh, sweet heaven, thy middle name is walnutty goodness.
They'll be available at Wal-Mart next week and within the next month at Kroger, Harp's and many independent Arkansas grocers. Keep your eyes open!
Steven Foster to Give Lecture and Workshop
April 10, 2012 10:40 AM
It looks like
Steven Foster, an herbalist and noted botanical photographer, is making his rounds in northwest Arkansas this spring. Hopefully, you can make it to one of these, the lecture or workshop.
Best-selling author, photographer, consultant, and herbalist, Steven Foster, has 36 years of comprehensive experience in the herbal field. He started his career at the Sabbathday Lake, Maine, Shaker’s Herb Department—America’s oldest herb business dating to 1799.
As an international consultant in medicinal and aromatic plant technical and marketing issues, Foster has served on projects in Argentina, Armenia, Belize, China, Costa Rica, Egypt, England, Germany, Guatemala, Japan, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Peru, the Republic of Georgia, Switzerland, Trinidad and Tobago, Vietnam and elsewhere.
Steven has 17 books published. He is senior author of three Peterson Field Guides, , including A Field Guide to Medicinal Plants and Herbs (with Dr. James A. Duke), 2nd edition, 2000, A Field Guide to Western Medicinal Plants and Herbs with Christopher Hobbs, (2002), and A Field Guide to Venomous Animals and Poisonous Plants of North America (with Roger Caras, 1995 and many other books. Other titles include Tyler’s Honest Herbal 4th edtion (with Varro Tyler) and the 1999 Independent Publisher's Association's Best Title in Health and Medicine—101 Medicinal Herbs. Foster is senior author of National Geographic’s A Desk Reference to Nature’s Medicine (with Rebecca Johnson), a 2007 New York Public Library “Best of Reference.” He has also authored over 800 articles for numerous trade, popular and scientific periodicals. An acclaimed photographer with over 250,000 images in his stock photos files, Foster’s photographs appear in hundreds of publications. He is Associate Editor of HerbalGram, and Chairman of the Board Trustees of the American Botanical Council in Austin, Texas. Steven makes his home in Eureka Springs, Arkansas.
Foster will speak at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 14 at
Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area in
Rogers. His topic will be Ozark Herbs and Medicinal Plants. The park’s visitor center is located on Ark. 12 just east of Rogers. The presentation is free. For more information, call the park at 479-789-5000.
This is Foster’s second year to visit
Ozark Folkways, located on Ark. 71 on the Boston Mountain in
Winslow. His one-day workshop will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 12, costs $100 and includes a wild herb walk and catered gourmet lunch by Chef David Lewis. Lewis is the creator of two Fayetteville favorites,
Brick House Kitchen and
BHK Kafé. With a focus on fresh, local cuisine like none other, Chef Lewis is a driving force in the local-food movement in
Fayetteville.
Space for this class is limited and requires a $50 non-refundable deposit to reserve your spot. Contact Rebecca Buchanan, the folkways director, at 479-634-3791 or by email at
director@folkways.arcoxmail.com.
Tasty Thursday: Along Highway 70: Phillips Fish Market in Forrest City
April 5, 2012 10:33 AM
Located right off U.S. 70 in
Forrest City at 122 Turner Rd., you’ll find Phillips Fish Market, a local favorite for fried catfish. The restaurant celebrates 30 years of operation in 2012.
In 1982, Richard and Inez Phillips decided that retirement from their family-run grocery store wasn’t what they thought, and they decided to open a small restaurant in Forrest City. According to her grandson, Aron Phillips, Mrs. Inez missed two things she loved: cooking and visiting with customers. She thought the restaurant would give her the chance to cook and sell a few plates each day…but within a few years, the business had grown so large that she and her husband could no longer handle the workload alone. It was then that her son, David, and his wife Betty took over the management of the restaurant and fish market.
Today, Phillips Fish Market serves over 100 plates each day and is run by Mrs. Inez’s grandson, Aron. Known most for the fresh, crispy fried fish (catfish or buffalo), the menu also features hamburgers, seafood dinners, barbecue sandwiches, fried oysters and frog legs (on Fridays only). The fish at Phillips is special for two reasons: local fishermen catch it daily and it features a special meal coating hand-prepared by the
Phillips family. The meal is also packaged and sold in the restaurant.
I’m not a big fan of fried fish…but I’m a huge fan of THIS fish. The large pieces, coated in the special Phillips family meal, are fried to perfection and the fish is flaky and flavorful. You can purchase the fish by the piece or as a dinner, complete with fries, hush puppies, dill pickle slices, fresh onion and coleslaw.
Phillips Fish Market is open Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. In addition to prepared food, customers can purchase a variety of fresh-caught fish in the attached fish market. You can reach them at 870-633-1799.
Easter Celebrations in Little Rock This Weekend
April 4, 2012 11:00 AM
What are your plans for Easter? Hunting for Easter Eggs? Attending church services? A big family dinner? Or are you just not sure yet? There are numerous activities going on that you may want to add to your list or make them your celebration of your day.
The Easter Bunny makes an early appearance in
Little Rock’s River Market on Saturday,
April 7 at 9 a.m. Come help him find his way to the Trolley Barn where you can have your photo made (bring your own camera) and enjoy refreshments. In honor of the holiday, rides on the
River Rail Eggspress will be free from 8:30 a.m.-midnight. A River Rail Eggspress Promotions is available providing great deals along the trolley route from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. You also have a chance to wind one of six golden eggs worth $15 at
River Market and
Argenta businesses.
Also on Saturday,
April 7, you can have either breakfast (9:30 a.m.- 11 a.m. ) or lunch (1:30 p.m.-3 p.m.) with the Easter Bunny at the
Little Rock Zoo. You’ll enjoy a meal in
Café Africa, decorate Easter egg shaped cookies, make an Easter basket, and have your picture taken with the Easter Bunny. At 11 a.m. you can watch the Easter Bunny deliver large egg shaped toys to the big cats and otters. Advanced reservations for breakfast or lunch are required and can be made by calling (501) 661-7218. Cost is $9.95 for children and $14.95 for adults for zoo members and $18.95 per person for non-members.
Sunday morning,
April 8 brings the annual
Community Easter Sunrise Service at 7 a.m. in Riverfront Park. Sponsored by Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church, the gathering has guest speakers, musicians and local musicians. Worshippers are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs.
The
Arkansas Queen is offering an
Easter Lunch Cruise on the Arkansas River. Boarding for the Sunday event begins at 12:30 p.m., departure at 1 p.m., with a 3 p.m. return. The menu includes salad, roasted pork tenderloin or queen’s chicken, scalloped potatoes, Southern-style green beans, whole kernel corn, dinner rolls, the captain’s dessert, tea, water and coffee. Additional beverages available for purchase. Visit
www.ArkansasQueen.com for phone 501-372-5777 to make reservations.
Wood's Pharmacy & Old Fashioned Soda Fountain
April 4, 2012 12:00 AM
I walked into the
Wood’s Pharmacy & Old Fashioned Soda Fountain on a Wednesday, thank goodness, when the special was chicken pot pie with a side salad and a roll. It was a cool, rainy March day in
Mountain View and I was delighted to see one of my favorite comfort foods on the menu. I grew up with my grandmother and my mother making this dish from scratch. In fact, it’s something I’m carrying on. I use our family recipes for the pie dough and also stew a hen and pick it off the bone. I enjoy the process of making it as much as eating it.
Ordering chicken pot pie in a restaurant is always risky though. I mean, seriously, how can it ever live up to my grandmother’s or mother’s? While I could never say anyone else’s chicken pot pie was better or as good as my family’s dish, I will say that Wood’s version was excellent. It had a flaky crust, big chunks of chicken, loads of vegetables, and a nice creamy sauce. The side salad and roll were the perfect accompaniments.
While my husband and I dug into the comfort food, our kids went for the all-American hot dog with a side of chips. There’s a wide variety on the menu, including a Reuben sandwich, Chicken Salad, Tuna Salad, Salad Plate, BBQ Pork Sandwich Plate, Chef Salad, Ham & Cheese, Turkey & Cheese, Grilled Pimento Cheese, Polish Sausage, Grilled Cheese, and Peanut Butter and Jelly. Then there’s the good stuff, the old fashioned specialties from the soda fountain – ice cream soda, banana split, hot fudge cake, caramel apples, floats, shakes and malts, sundaes, ice cream, phosphates, limeade and lemonade.
It’s worth stopping in at Wood’s Pharmacy for the food as well as the soda fountain offerings. But you’ll also enjoy the overall ambiance of this old fashioned place that is a working pharmacy. It’s located on the Mountain View square, which has great shopping venues. In the evenings you’ll find impromptu music jams throughout the square grounds. This is Americana.
Jo Jo's Catfish Wharf Serves Up Southern Goodness With an Excellent View
April 2, 2012 12:00 AM
“Are we supposed to be able to eat all of those hushpuppies?” my husband Mike asked. The waitress at
Jo Jo’s Catfish Wharf in
Mountain View had just placed a huge basket full of these hot, fried cornmeal delights on our table as a precursor to our meals. You know you love it when food you weren't expecting shows up at the table. We, along with our two boys, started into them to give emptying the basket our best shot. I mean, waste not want not, right?
Then our meals arrived. Two kids meals – popcorn shrimp and chicken strips, both with fries. My husband had the seven-piece catfish dinner. I had the three piece. Both dinners came with fries or baked potatoes, cole slaw, brown beans, and tomato relish. I also had a side of fried okra, which is something I cannot resist ordering when I see it on the
menu – that and chocolate lava cake, but that’s another story.
To say we were stuffed is putting it mildly. It was a classic Southern fried meal, which you must have every now and then. The specialty of the house may be the catfish filets, but you’ll find a variety of items on the menu, including shrimp, steaks, chicken, burgers, sandwiches, and homemade desserts. There’s also a large salad bar set out in an old johnboat.
Other pluses - the wait staff gave great service. And, the entire back side of the restaurant is windows, providing a panoramic view of the scenic
White River.
Tour America’s Treasures Features Arkansas Locations
March 28, 2012 1:00 PM
Over the next two weeks, the “Tour America’s Treasures” blogs cover six “Save America’s Treasures” sites in Arkansas. First on the list is
Lakeport Plantation, located just outside
Lake Village. Lakeport is the last remaining antebellum house on the Mississippi River in Arkansas that hasn’t been extensively altered. Thanks to Arkansas State University, this treasure has been restored and is open to the public.
Read Lee Price’s blog about this gorgeous piece of architecture and surrounding grounds on the Tour America Treasures blog page. You’ll learn plenty about this piece of American and Arkansas history; so much so, you’ll start planning a visit.
While you’re in that part of the state, stop at Lake Chicot State Park, situated on the shores of Lake Chicot. It offers fully equipped cabins, fishing dock, bicycle, boat and party barge rentals, special programs and tours, plus Civil War history. Terrific shopping is available at the Paul Michael Company, Nonie’s Antiques and others. When you get hungry, check out Rhoda’s Famous Hot Tamales, the Cow Pen Restaurant, the LakeShore Café and others.
Try Pancho's Mexican Restaurant in West Memphis
March 28, 2012 10:57 AM
In early March, I was in
West Memphis for the Arkansas Governor’s Conference on Tourism and had the opportunity to eat at Pancho’s, a place I had heard great things about.
An eatery that starts out in 1956 with packed dirt floors and still operates today, albeit with tile flooring, is a must-try, wouldn’t you say? From its humble beginning, Pancho’s Mexican Restaurant in West Memphis continues to serve up excellent food from its immense menu. While there is plenty on the menu to rave about – from the basics like tacos and enchiladas to dinner plates such as Shrimp Veracruz and Chicken Guadalajara to desserts of Peachy Con Queso and flan – its signature dish is its cheese dip. Or cheese dips, rather. They have a yellow and white version.
To many people’s delight, you can also find Pancho’s cheese dip, salsa, and salad dressing in supermarkets in Arkansas, Missouri, Alabama, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Mississippi. This iconic restaurant was born from a surprise high school graduation trip to Mexico offered by a father, Morris Berger, to son, Louis Jack Berger. The flavors, colors, and taste sensations the two experienced in Mexico inspired them to open Pancho’s. Today it is run by Louis’ sister, Brenda Berger O’Brien. (3600 E. Broadway St.; 870-735-6466;
http://www.panchosdips.com/)
Tasty Tuesday: Riverfront Restaurant and Fish Market in Biscoe
March 27, 2012 10:22 AM
Kimberly J. Williams
The Riverfront Restaurant and Fish Market, owned by WO and Patsy Prince, is located at 1278 Riverfront Road in Biscoe. Mr. Prince is a former commercial fisherman and knows his fish. The restaurant is located literally steps from the Cache River.
The menu features a wide variety of items, in addition to the family’s claim to fame…fried catfish. There are even varieties in the fish options…fried filets, fried steaks and grilled catfish. You’ll also find fried shrimp, fried and grilled chicken,
steaks, chicken fried steak, hamburgers, fish sandwiches, chicken sandwiches, salads, homemade hush puppies, and homemade desserts, including Patsy’s fried peach pies!
On my trip, I went for a hamburger. All burgers are half-pound weight, extra lean and grilled. It’s also very tasty! It’s a burger that you won’t walk away from still hungry. The burgers and sandwiches don’t come with sides, but you can get a nice selection if you choose, including French fries, tater babies, onion rings, baked potato, and homemade baked beans. I chose to add some fries…and some homemade hush puppies. I take hush puppies very seriously. And obviously the folks at Riverfront Restaurant and Fish Market do as well! I can’t describe them! First of all, they weren’t your standard hush puppy “ball.” These were about four inches long and cylindrical. As I bit into it, I knew that ordering four was a mistake…it wasn’t going to be enough! The “puppies” are crisp on the outside and almost grit-like on the inside (the hush puppies are on the left in the photo). I just can’t explain them.
You’ll just have to try them yourself.
Finally, it was time for dessert. Ms. Patsy’s famous fried peach pies were gone, but there was a chocolate fried pie. If the peach is better than the chocolate, it must be unbelievable. The crust was crisp and flaky and the inside was smooth and chocolaty. It reminded me of my grandmother’s fried pies…but better! That is saying something!
Riverfront Restaurant and Fish Market is opened Sunday and Monday from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. You can call them at 870-998-7041.
Along Highway 70: Ms. Lena's Pies
March 26, 2012 10:36 AM
As you know, Interstate 40 from Brinkley to Carlisle is undergoing some major construction through late 2013, so we at Arkansas Tourism wanted to offers some things for travelers to do and see and EAT along U.S. 70. Today...it's PIE!
The first time I visited
Ms. Lena’s Pies in
DeValls Bluff, I could smell the pies before I completely got out of the car. I was on my way home from Little Rock and I knew we were all going to work on a piece about things to see, do and eat along Highway 70. And, as far as I’m concerned, any time is a good time for pie!
Ms. Viv, daughter of Ms. Lena, and her daughter Kim were inside making pies with the windows open for a cooling breeze, which also allows the amazing smell of baking pies to escape outside…enticing those nearby to surely wonder what and where the lovely scent was coming.
Once inside, the aroma is even more intoxicating. When I arrived, Ms. Viv and Kim were working on coconut and chocolate pies. Coconut
pie just happens to be my personal favorite. I sampled Ms. Lena’s coconut pie (Ms. Viv still uses her mother’s recipes), still warm from the oven. That’s all it took…I was hooked! I also tasted the peanut butter, the pineapple cream, and the chocolate. I had more pie that day than during the holidays!
Ms. Lena opened the shop in 1992 and worked there until 2004. Ms. Viv, who worked alongside her mom from the beginning, took over the business when Ms. Lena passed away. The majority of the recipes are her mom’s, although Ms. Viv has added a few over the years…like the Hershey’s Sundae pie. If you like chocolate, you owe yourself the chance to try this pie!
Ms. Lena’s is open Thursday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. The pie menu is impressive. Coconut, chocolate, half coconut/chocolate, lemon meringue, peanut butter, pineapple cream, apple, sour cream apple, egg custard, buttermilk, Hershey’s Sundae, strawberry, lemon icebox and Mounds. Whole pies are $14 and slices are $2.50. Ms. Viv doesn’t offer every pie every day, so your choice of slices depends on what’s available. Call 870-998-1393 to place orders.