Date: August 13, 2008 | Story: Laura Keech Allen |
Nestled in south Arkansas, El Dorado is brimming with history, from beautiful homes to a busy downtown square, thanks to its past as an oil boomtown. That tradition continues today, with Murphy Oil Corporation creating the El Dorado Promise, a program through which graduates of El Dorado high school receive a scholarship that provides up to five years of tuition and fees to any accredited university based on their length of enrollment in the El Dorado Public School District. With such an amazing opportunity before them, families are flocking to the area, which offers plenty of culture to keep everyone, from longtime residents to weekend visitors, entertained. There’s always something exciting on tap at the South Arkansas Arts Center, so grab a room at the historic and luxurious Union Square Guest Quarters and spend some time exploring this gem of a town.
Gifts and Apparel
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| Murphy-Pitard Jewelers |
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| Too Cute |
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| The Slaughter House of Gifts |
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| Downtown |
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| House of Wylie |
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| Elm Street Bakery |
Backwoods Art & Frame Gallery
209 E. Main St., 870-863-5254
Artist Rhonda Hicks specializes in custom framing and represents the work of 18 regional artists in her downtown gallery. The window displays are not to be missed!
Dermatology Surgical & Laser Clinic
525 W. Faulkner, 870-862-5485
Take a moment for yourself at Dr. John Jucas’ Dermatology Surgical & Laser Clinic, where you can find cutting-edge technology in laser hair removal, Botox and microdermabrasion.
Especially for You
522 W. 19th St., 870-863-4252, 888-238-9123
There are gifts galore in this roomy shop, and almost anything can be personalized with embroidery, engraving or glass etching. Jewelry, baby gifts, bags, frames and more are ready for any gift-giving occasion.
Expressions
203 E. Main St., 870-863-0505
Specializing in children’s and maternity clothing, this adorable spot has just about everything you and your little ones need. Not only do they offer cute maternity jeans and tops, they also have ultra-soothing Noodle & Boo lotions and potions, shoes from Robeez and Ralph Lauren layette, and classic smocked dresses.
Kai Sra
115 E. Main St., 870-863-9600
A new addition to the offerings on the square, Kai Sra is quickly becoming known for stylish ladies’ apparel and accessories, from party dresses to must-have bags.
Murphy-Pitard Jewelers
201 N. Jefferson Ave., 870-863-8818
If you’re in the market for fine jewelry, Murphy-Pitard is a family-owned business specializing in custom designs, jewelry and watch repair, and even appraisals. They offer names like Pandora and Simon G, as well as pearls from Imperial and Akora.
Tasha’s
211 E. Main St., 870-862-6673
Swimsuits, lingerie and sleepwear fill the racks at Tasha’s, where you can also find luscious bath products and candles.
Taylor Jewelry & Design
100 W. Grove, Ste. 200, 870-862-6768
Located on the second floor of the Simmons First Bank building, Taylor Jewelry & Design is filled with beautiful fine jewelry from diamond engagement rings to customizable pieces by Chamilia. Plus, their full-service bridal registry has a myriad of options in china and crystal.
Too Cute
103-D W. Main St., 870-862-1433
Your kids will be begging you to stop in Too Cute, thanks to their large selection of toys and accessories. It’s too much fun to pass by!
Shelly’s Shoes
115 N. Jefferson Ave., 870-875-1233
Shoes are always a winner, and Shelly’s Shoes has plenty of designs from Seychelles, Born and Steve Madden. You’ll love their selection of bags, wallets and jewelry as well.
The Slaughter House of Gifts
511 W. Faulkner, 870-863-4273
Treat yourself with a trip to The Slaughter House of Gifts, where you can find a full selection of Vietri dishware, along with china and crystal by Lenox and Noritake. Wonderful kitchen gadgets and linens are joined by Seda France candles, serving pieces and décor items, and even Bella il Fiore beauty products.
Home Design
Andrea Brooks Interiors
870-314-1334
El Dorado designer Andrea Brooks loves collaborating with clients to help them find their perfect style. Whether you’re looking for guidance in a single room or an entire house, she has the tools to make your dreams a reality.
Blewster’s Antiques
1603 W. Hillsboro St., 870-862-2903
For English and American antiques, Blewster’s has been the source for 23 years, with inventory ranging from large furnishings to glass and porcelain.
Lighting Designs by Lisa
502 N. West Ave., 870-863-0020
To develop the ideal lighting scheme for your home, visit Lighting Designs by Lisa, where you can find a variety of lighting options, ceiling fans and even a selection of home accessories.
Melinda Dodson Interior Design
870-814-2128
Known for her work on the south Arkansas design scene, as well as her artwork, Melinda Dodson specializes in re-imagining spaces from start to finish. Check out her work in “Cottage Comfort” on page XX of Kitchen & Bath Style.
Murphy Long Design
111 E. Main St., 870-863-6625
Interior designer Elizabeth Long’s shop on the square is the place to go for beautiful artwork, decorative accessories, furnishings, serving pieces, china, crystal and even linens and Pinecone Hill sleepwear.
Storey’s Floor & Carpet
2004 Lorene, 870-862-9446, www.storeysfloor.com
The most important names in flooring can all be found at this El Dorado mainstay, including Shaw, Mannington, Azrock and more. From ceramic tile to carpet to wood floors, Storey’s is a true design resource.
Dining
Bayou Bistro
2422 N. West Ave., 870-863-6700
Delicious New-Orleans inspired seafood dishes and Italian pasta specialties stand out on the menu at Bayou Bistro. Don’t miss the crispy shoestring onions.
Elm Street Bakery
116 E. Elm St., 870-881-8844
Occupying the space held by Hall’s Pharmacy since 1921, this new restaurant retained the marble soda fountain and fixtures of the drug store. Along with beautiful pastry treats, their menu includes chicken salad, deli sandwiches and a baked potato soup that was so popular it sold out before we even tried it!
Fayray’s
110 E. Elm St., 870-863-4000
The menu at this fine-dining establishment is broad, ranging from salads and soups at lunch to unbeatable specials and a great wine list at dinner.
House of Wylie
232 E. Main St., 870-862-6372
Coffee specialties are always brewed up fresh at House of Wylie, where you can also enjoy a plentiful menu of sandwiches, wraps, salads and more at lunch.
La Bella
101 E. Main St., 870-862-4335
More than just a popular lunch destination, La Bella is equally known for their catering, specialty foods and amazing house-made fudge. Plus, it’s the place to go for hard-to-find ingredients, gourmet kitchen implements and gifts for your favorite foodie.
Main Street Pizza
101 N. Jackson Ave., 870-863-0505
It’s hard to resist the cheesy offerings piled high with toppings at Main Street Pizza, and their cozy location is simply made for lingering.
The Olde Towne Store
113 N. Jefferson St., 870-862-1060
If you’re in the mood for a healthy bite, The Olde Towne Store has been known for their deli and bakery for years, along with a selection of health foods, herbs, vitamins and other natural products.
