[title subtitle=”words: Paul and Sarah Heer, Arkie Travels
images: courtesy Paul and Sarah Heer, Arkie Travels and the venues”][/title]
If you’re like us, you love little overnight trips. Not too far, but just far enough to have you feeling like you’re on vacation. I’ve always told Mr. Arkie, if we ever decide we want to live somewhere else, it’s going to be Northwest Arkansas. No matter what time of year we go, we always discover something new!
One of our favorite new discoveries is the sweet little town of Prairie Grove. About thirty minutes outside of Fayetteville, it doesn’t look like much on the map, but it exudes all the charm and southern hospitality the South is known for.
Plan on making a weekend out of it and stay at our favorite place in the state, Flamingo Springs. You will literally be taking a step back in time to a 1950’s era Palm Springs style trailer resort. The owners of this unique lodging have gone over the top collecting vintage campers and turning each into originally themed experiences. Our favorite was the “Friends” inspired Airstream they’ve dubbed “The One with the Trailer.” And don’t miss the vintage game room, yes, that is paint by number art on the walls. Stick with their motto for the weekend and “Retreat Yo’ Self”!
We are pretty big on breakfast at Arkie Travels and Mel’s Diner did not disappoint. Located in downtown Prairie Grove, they serve up old-fashioned diner favorites and homemade pancakes bigger than your face. The atmosphere made us feel like we were stepping back in time to the days of milkshakes and roller skates.
Walk off all that good eating with a stroll through the antique shops in downtown Prairie Grove. While the blocks are short, they’re jam-packed with unique treasures all the way up Buchanan Street. Don’t miss High on the Hog, Southern Mercantile and Daisies and Olives for those unique touches you won’t find anywhere else.
Before you head out of town, make sure you stop by the Prairie Grove Battlefield. This Arkansas state park is known as one of America’s most intact Civil War battlefields and marked the last major Civil War engagement in Northwest Arkansas. With over 900 acres, the park is beautiful and offers walking and driving tours, as well as a biennial battle re-enactment in December to commemorate the anniversary.
As you’re driving up Highway 62 towards Fayetteville, watch for the Fayettechill Smokehouse on your right. While the outlet store is no longer open to the public, they are known to have food trucks parked outside and they are now offering a Buffalo River shuttle in partnership with Buffalo Outdoor Center from the Fayettechill Basecamp store in downtown Fayetteville. Make sure you try their all new River Water Lager made exclusively through Ozark Beer Company.
If you’re in the mood for the outdoors, swing through Devil’s Den State Park. You can drive right up to the Lake Devil dam and see a beautiful spillway waterfall or take the Devil’s Den trail on a 1.5-mile moderate hike that includes waterfalls and caves with natural air conditioning. The Civilian Conservation Corps used native materials to build the park’s rustic style wood and stone structures and the park stands as one of the most intact CCC sites in the U.S.
Take Highway 71 South and enjoy the scenic way home. Stop by Ozark Folkways for handmade artisan goods from local artists, as well as folk entertainment. There’s also a wonderful view at Artist Point, perfect for a scenic photo opp. If you’re lucky, you may be able to catch a beautiful sunset off the other side of the mountain.
We love exploring The Natural State and want to encourage you to too! We eat local, shop local and stay local and we’re proud to support Arkansas businesses. For more information on our travels and routes we’ve designed all over our home state, follow us on socials @ArkieTravels or visit our website at www.arkietravels.com.
