Date: April 29, 2019 |
A Special At Home in Arkansas Promotion | Illustrations by Will Echols
Cole’s Jewelers
Founded in 1974, Cole’s Jewelers is operated by original owner Gail Cole, Cindy Leverette, and Lindsie Leverette. Their selection at two El Dorado locations includes fine jewelry for engagements and special occasions, designer bracelets and watches, and—a recent addition—the latest by Kendra Scott. colesjewelersonline.com
Flying Burger & Seafood
While Flying Burger now boasts restaurants in El Dorado as well as throughout the ArkLaTex region, the original location of this 1950s-inspired burger joint is in Magnolia. The menu features fried catfish and po-boys in addition to diner staples like cheeseburgers, fries, and milkshakes. (870) 234-3701
Griffin Restaurant
This farm-to-table restaurant is part of El Dorado’s Murphy Arts District, with a stage that features live entertainment every Thursday evening. The lunch and dinner menus offer Southern classics such as fried chicken and barbecue beef brisket. eldomad.com/griffinrestaurant
Jefferson Street Books
Right on Union Square in El Dorado is this quaint bookstore where you can get lost in titles for all ages. Have little ones in tow? They will love the extensive collection of children’s books and toys. facebook.com/jeffersonstreetbooks
JavaPrimo Coffee House, Café & More
In addition to a wide range of single-origin and blended brews, this Magnolia coffeehouse has an extensive menu that includes everything from brick-oven pizza to fresh pies and cakes. javaprimo.com
The Loft on the Square
Looking for a place to lay your head in Magnolia? This boutique hotel on the downtown square provides accommodations just steps from local shops and restaurants in the town’s historic district. A shared kitchen and business center make this a good choice for longer stays or business trips. facebook.com/theloftsq
Mina Rea’s Antiques & Embroidery
This El Dorado shop is a can’t-miss if you’re keeping your eyes peeled for something truly unique—from antique rugs to funky furniture, Mina Rea’s has it. Enjoy shopping an assortment of vintage books, glassware, and collectibles at the shop’s new location on East Main. facebook.com/minareantiques
Murphy’s Jewelers
Murphy’s Jewelers has been providing jewelry repairs and engraving services in downtown Magnolia since 1939. In addition to fine and casual jewelry, you can shop gifts, decor, and entertaining pieces at their showroom on the square. murphysjewelers.com
PJs Coffee
Locals and visitors alike head to PJs Coffee when in need of caffeine in downtown El Dorado. In addition to its regular menu of coffee classics, PJs has decadent drink specials, like the
Honey Crème Brûlée Iced Latte. facebook.com/pjseldorado
Spa on Main
Treat yourself at Spa on Main with a with a massage, facial, or pedicure. In addition to these services, the El Dorado storefront stocks a range of luxurious hair and makeup products.
spaonmain.com
Spudnuts
Spudnuts—a breakfast pastry kin to the doughnut—are a South Arkansas staple. Locations in El Dorado and Magnolia are two of the only Spudnuts shops still open in North America. spudnutshop.com
South Arkansas Arts Center
This arts center encompasses both visual and performing arts and offers rotating gallery exhibits, community theater productions, and classes. Its next theater production is “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” which opens July 18. saac-arts.org
South Arkansas Arboretum
Take a stroll across this 12-acre wooded site in El Dorado featuring walking trails as well as flora and fauna native to the area. The system, which is Arkansas’s 50th state park, is maintained by the South Arkansas Community College. arkansasstateparks.com/parks/
south-arkansas-arboretum
Union Square Guest Quarters
This charming guesthouse in El Dorado offers 31 comfortable suites, plus accommodations at the Mason House just a block away. If you happen to be in town for performances at the Murphy Arts District, show your key at the box office for a 10 percent discount
on your ticket. usgq.net
EXPLORE THE STATE
Toad Suck Daze
May 3-5 // Conway
This free, family friendly festival has been a Conway tradition since 1982. Don’t miss the Championship Toad Races on Sunday at 3 p.m. toadsuck.org
Carrie Underwood
May 4 // North Little Rock
The American Idol winner known for “Inside Your Heaven” and “Before He Cheats” visits Verizon Arena as part of The Cry Pretty Tour 360. verizonarena.com
Bentonville Film Festival
May 7-11 // Bentonville
In its fifth year, this fest’s mission is to highlight underrepresented voices in all forms of media. The six-day event includes an “Inclusion, Research and Content Summit” in addition to film screenings. bentonvillefilmfestival.com
Southern Food & Wine Festival
May 9-11 // El Dorado
Chefs and sommeliers from around the world gather at Murphy Arts District to share their knowledge and favorite flavors with attendees through ticketed workshops and tastings. eldomad.com/southernfoodandwinefest
Magnolia Blossom Festival
May 17-18 // Magnolia
This annual gathering boasts live music, a 5K race, and the World Championship Steak Cook-off. Buy a ticket to the Saturday night dinner to taste ribeyes cooked as part of the competition. blossomfestival.org
Sound of Music
May 24-26 // Little Rock
Join Maria and the von Trapp family for this Rodgers & Hammerstein favorite on the Robinson Center stage. celebrityattractions.com
“Nature’s Nation”
May 25 – Sept. 9 // Bentonville
Crystal Bridges’ newest exhibit examines the connection between nature and art through 100 paintings, photographs, and installations about the environment. crystalbridges.org
Cats
May 28 – June 2 // Fayetteville
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s record-breaking musical about a tribe of felines hits the stage at Walton Arts Center. waltonartscenter.org
