Date:  March 28, 2025  |   Story: Stephanie Maxwell Newton  |   Photography: Lawrence Knox  |  

The largest city in the Arkansas River Valley is a hub of history, culture, and creativity

Outdoor seating is a popular draw at The Bakery District.

World-class public art, well-preserved historic sites, and shopping and dining along the broad expanse of Garrison Avenue: You’ll find it all in downtown Fort Smith. And while the name “Main Street” might be missing from the street signs, the nonprofit Main Street Fort Smith is hard at work spreading the word to visitors and locals alike. “Our organization started with the idea that if we can bring more arts and culture downtown, economic vitality will result,” says executive director Amanda Hager, who joined the program shortly after moving back to her home state in 2024. “I missed my community,” she says about her return to the River Valley. “There is something special about Fort Smith, and there are a lot of kind, genuine people. It’s where I wanted to raise my son.” For this issue, we spoke with Amanda about the latest happenings in Fort Smith and what’s in store for the city’s future.

Amanda Hager, Main Street Fort Smith Executive Director

Q: What is your number one recommendation for someone visiting Fort Smith for the first time?
A: You have to see the Unexpected murals. It’s like walking around in an open-air, world-class art gallery. We also have an outdoor entertainment district, so you can enjoy a beverage from one of the many bars and restaurants downtown while you enjoy the art! The city’s history is a significant part of its identity and culture. There are many historic sites, but I would say the Fort Smith National Historic Site is a can’t-miss destination. The Poteau River and Arkansas River meet at the site making for an incredible view.

Q: We’re all about supporting local dining establishments. Do you have any go-tos?
A: For happy hour, I love to hit up The Bakery District to get my shot of caffeine at Fort Smith Coffee Co. and then walk over
to Mad Ox Bar & Tap for libations. For date night, my favorite dinner spots are Doe’s Eat Place and 21 West End before going to a show at TempleLive or Majestic Fort Smith; and, of course, we will head to 906 Cocktail and Cigar Lounge or Prohibition for a nightcap.

Q: Speaking of area restaurants, we were sad to hear Bricktown Brewery and the historic building it called home were destroyed in a fire last fall. Is there any way Main Street Fort Smith can help during times like these?
A: Losing Bricktown Brewery was a devastating loss. That building was one of the oldest in downtown Fort Smith. When something like this happens, Main Street Fort Smith’s role is lending support in any way we can, especially in sharing information about things like tax exemptions, grants, or any resources that might help rebuild. It was really incredible the way the downtown businesses started rallying with fundraisers for employees who were affected. AJ’s Oyster House raised more than $20,000 to support the families, and it was great to see the community come together to support them.

Q: What IS something you think surprises people about Fort Smith?
A: I think visitors are surprised by the thriving arts and music scene. Not only do we have public art created by world-renowned artists, but we have many local galleries like Hidden Talent Fine Art Gallery & Restoration. You can see live music pretty much any night of the week, and we have the Levitt AMP Fort Smith Music Series, which provides 10 free concerts a year, as well as other large festivals like Peacemaker Festival in the fall.

Q: Are there ways the city as a whole is growing or changing that excite you?
A: The entire city is proud to be the home of Ebbing Air National Guard Base, and the arrival of a training component for the Foreign Military Sales program is a significant economic driver for the city that gives us a chance to show airmen and their families from across the country—and the world—why Fort Smith is a great place to work, raise a family, and visit. Beyond the excitement about these military members and their families coming to our city, there is just a general excitement about Fort Smith growing and moving in many positive directions. It’s a vibe! You can feel it when you are here.

Read on for more of our favorite ways to discover Fort Smith.

Fort Smith Historic Site. 

The Park at West End. 

Shoppers walk along Garrison Avenue. 

A motocross rider gets air at Riverfront Skate & Bike Park. 

Fort Smith Coffee Co. at The Bakery District.

SHOP

Bibliophiles will want to visit Bookish (bookishfs.com), the city’s independently owned book store, to find their next good read. To shop women’s clothing, hit up Hazel’s Haven Boutique (hazelshaven.com), which carries trending looks, designer denim, and charming accessories. For a sophisticated selection of fine jewelry, visit the newest location of Sissy’s Log Cabin (sissyslogcabin.com), which has a statewide reputation for a beautiful selection and excellent customer service going on 65 years.

DINE

Neumeier’s Rib Room & Beer Garden (479.494.7427) is where the locals go for the ribs and stay for the live music. It has long been a go-to for mouthwatering tamales, too. Italian restaurant Prima Italia (primaitaliarestaurant.com) is a newer addition to Garrison Avenue but already a favorite for housemade pasta and an elevated dining experience. For down-home cooking in a cozy atmosphere, 5th Street Cafe (479.226.3510) serves classic breakfast and lunch options that hit the spot.

VISIT

Located in nearby Van Buren, Arts on Main (artsonmainvb.com) is a gallery-meets-community art center dedicated to engaging the entire region in creative opportunities. Next door you’ll find the historic King Opera House (kingoperahouse.com), which plays host to a line-up of music, theater, and comedy entertainment in an intimate setting. Don’t miss the theater’s $5 movie night, where you can attend screenings of family favorites such as Twister (April 18) and Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory (April 19). Since 2020, the Levitt Amp Fort Smith Music Series (levitt.org/amp-fort-smith-ar) has brought new life to the city’s Riverfront Amphitheater with live music in the spring and fall. The spring season starts April 3 with concerts every Thursday through May 1, then picks back up again in the fall. Pack a picnic basket and blanket and head to the amphitheater to enjoy the show with a view.

A sign for Holsum Bread pays homage to The Bakery District’s history. 

A covered wagon on view at Fort Smith Historic Site. 

One of the Unexpected murals on the northwest wall of Neumeier’s Rib Room. 

The entrance to the United States Marshals Museum.