Date: September 6, 2018 | Story: Stephanie Maxwell Newton | Photography: Matt Johnson |
Discover South Arkansas: Immerse yourself in history while taking in the sights and sounds of south Arkansas
There’s a reason you’ve been hearing about south Arkansas now more than ever—it may have something to do with El Dorado’s Murphy Arts District, which turns 1 this month and has brought a recent arts-and-culture renaissance to the region. However, El Dorado and the surrounding towns have always been home to rich history, culture, and tradition. If you haven’t paid Columbia, Dallas, Ouachita, and Union counties a visit, now is the time to consider doing so.
A tour of south Arkansas might look something like this: Start in Camden, once a bustling colonial port town. Learn about its role in the Civil War at historical sites Fort Lookout and Fort Southerland. From there, head south on Highway 79 for an afternoon of shopping, Spudnuts, and mural-spotting in Magnolia, home of the annual eponymous Magnolia Blossom Festival. Next, you’ll of course make a stop in El Dorado, the heart of south Arkansas, which offers a bevy of restaurants and shops to explore around Union Square.
In the morning, a trip to Smackover to learn about the region’s history in oil production is in order (see page 28 for more information about the Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources). Finally, sports fans will appreciate a stop through Fordyce and the Dallas County Museum, which has a special annex dedicated to Arkansas sports stars—including Fordyce’s own Paul “Bear” Bryant, so named because of his legendary wrestle with a carnival bear in this very town.
Those are just some highlights; your state-highway tour of the region might look very different. But if you head that way this month, take note of the following recommendations to tick off your south Arkansas bucket list.
What To Do>>
Find live music, an outdoor celebration, and fun at the farm down South in September
MAD for Music
Ongoing // El Dorado
The Murphy Arts District (MAD) made noise when it opened last year, and it’s easy to see why; this year, the town’s 31st annual MusicFest (October 18-20) draws the likes of Toby Keith, Sammy Hagar & The Circle, George Clinton, and Justin Moore. But you don’t have to wait until October for live music in El Dorado. Multiple MAD venues offer events year-round. This month’s lineup includes singer-songwriter Trey Johnson (September 1), roots crooner Charley Crockett (September 20), and Arkansas’s favorite contestant from The Voice, Barrett Baber (September 27), at Griffin Restaurant and Griffin Music Hall. eldomad.com
The Great Outdoors
September 8 // El Dorado
Since 1988, South Arkansas Community College has sponsored the SouthArk Outdoor Expo, a family-friendly day of activities that encourages attendees to “Celebrate Everything Outdoors” while raising money for the college’s foundation. The schedule includes a 5K run/walk, rib cook-off (with racks available for purchase at the end of the day), dog parade and talent show, and outdoor photo contest—there’s truly something for everyone. The expo is 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the El Dorado Conference Center, and the cost of entry is one canned food item. southarkexpo.com
Farm Fun
Ongoing // Hampton
About 30 miles north of El Dorado is Suzanne’s Fruit Farm, a family farm that invites members of the public to pick their own fruit. Depending on what time of year you visit (they harvest June through October), you could pick peaches, muscadines, or even pumpkins—just call the farm first to give a heads up that you’re planning a trip. (They request 24-hour notice to be able to guarantee enough crop for picking.) From late September through October, Suzanne’s hosts Fall Fun in the Country, a farm experience complete with hayrides, zip lines, a ferry across the pond, and more. Make reservations for Fall Fun in the Country online. suzannesfruitfarm.com
Where To Go>>
Must-stop shops for local eats, drinks, and experiences as you near the Louisiana border
El Dorado Creamery is a south Arkansas favorite.
EAT
Fayrays, El Dorado
Known as El Dorado’s location for fine dining, Fayrays boasts a menu of American comfort food with a Cajun twist—meaning if you’re craving meatloaf with a side of corn maque, you’ve come to the right place. fayrays.com
Postmasters Grill, Camden
In 2010, new owners renovated the historic Old Camden Post Office and opened this refined Southern restaurant, which offers everything from duck tenders to étouffée. Postmasters also has a food truck (known as the “Cruisin’ Kitchen”) that makes regular stops in nearby El Dorado, Magnolia, and Smackover. postmastersgrill.com
Flying Burger & Seafood, El Dorado and Magnolia
Though the Flying Burger has the look of a classic 1950s burger joint, there’s a plot twist—it also serves seafood. In fact, the shrimp po-boy is one of the most popular items on its menu. theflyingburger.com
El Dorado Creamery, El Dorado
Right next door to PJ’s Coffee (another El Dorado fave) is the city’s namesake frozen yogurt shop, where you can choose from 12 rotating flavors and toppings like crushed candy, nuts, granola, fruit, and even cereal to create a truly unique sweet treat. facebook.com/eldoradocreamery
Spudnuts, El Dorado and Magnolia
Breakfast pastries from this once-franchised shop are the things of legend. Made with potato starch rather than flour, Spudnuts are slightly lighter and fluffier than classic doughnuts. These south Arkansas locations are two of the few still in operation in North America. spudnutshop.com
DRINK
JavaPrimo Coffee House Café & More, Magnolia
Shelley Hughes’s coffeehouse has been such a hit in Hot Springs and Arkadelphia that she opened a third location in Magnolia this year. In addition to a wide range of single-origin and blended brews, JavaPrimo has an extensive menu that includes everything from brick-oven pizza to fresh pies and cakes. javaprimo.com
Griffin Restaurant, El Dorado
As part of the Murphy Arts District project, the old Griffin Auto Company was enclosed and transformed into MAD’s cornerstone bar and restaurant. We recommend sipping the Griffin Tree Sap (it has just a hint of maple syrup) on one of the many nights showcasing live music. eldomad.com/griffinrestaurant
In the short time it has been open, Griffin Restaurant has become a destination for excellent dinner, drinks, and entertainment.
Marilyn’s On The Square, El Dorado
For a bit rowdier scene, the party at Marilyn’s gets started at happy hour and can go well into the night. The spot is adorned with memorabilia depicting its namesake, Marilyn Monroe, and has a range of local and regional beers—both bottled and on tap—including Core, Abita, and Lazy Magnolia. (870) 862-2111
SHOP
The Perfects, Camden and Magnolia
Who hasn’t craved a little pick-me-up while shopping? The Perfects offers cool and casual clothing and décor, and right around the corner at both locations is their affiliated coffee shop, The Perfect Cup, in case you want a caffeine treat. shoptheperfects.com
Mina Rea’s Antiques & Embroidery, El Dorado
Don’t miss Mina Rea’s if you’re looking for that perfect antique rug or statement chest—it’s a gold mine for interesting collectibles! In addition to larger pieces, there’s also an assortment of antique books, decorations, and glassware to explore. facebook.com/minareantiques
Mod Maverick Studio, Magnolia
Located just off Highway 79 is this interesting mixed-use spot: Part feed store, part studio, and part furniture and gift shop. Its owners stock new, vintage, and repurposed furniture and décor. The upstairs art studio plays host to special events. modmaverickstudio.com
Jefferson Street Books, El Dorado
Take a break from the hustle of Union Square in Jefferson Street Books, where you can get lost among the shelves of titles. Kids will love the extensive collection of children’s books and toys. facebook.com/jeffersonstreetbooks
Sydney Murphy Design, El Dorado
Designer Sydney Murphy’s interiors and gift store has been a fixture in downtown El Dorado for decades. The shop offers wedding registries for locals and is stocked with eye-catching art, furniture, and accessories. sydneymurphydesign.com
Jennifer’s, Magnolia
Open since 1980, Jennifer’s—a boutique for on-trend women’s clothing and accessories—is a staple on the town square. Find a date night outfit or a casual shirt for Razorback game day. jennifersmagnolia.com
SEE & DO
South Arkansas Arts Center, El Dorado
This center encompasses both visual and performing arts and offers rotating gallery exhibits, community theater productions, and classes. Exhibits by artist Sather Bruguière and Amy Machen can be seen beginning September 3. saac-arts.org
South Arkansas Arboretum, El Dorado
Beautiful weather calls for a visit to this 12-acre wooded site featuring walking trails and 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
Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources, Smackover
There’s no better place to learn about the state’s natural resources and oil industry than this museum that sits on Smackover Oil Field. Operating pumps and rigs across five acres of land demonstrate oil-production methods used through the decades. Little ones will enjoy the Tinkering Studio that offers smaller-scale, hands-on opportunities to learn. amnr.org
STAY
Union Square Guest Quarters, El Dorado
This charming guesthouse offers 32 comfortable suites, plus accommodations at the Mason House just a block away. In town for performances at the Murphy Arts District? Show your Union Square Guest Quarters key at the box office for a 10 percent discount on your ticket. usgq.net
The Loft on the Square, Magnolia
Right on the downtown square is this boutique hotel offering accommodations just steps from shops and restaurants in Magnolia’s historic district. A shared kitchen and business center make this a good choice for longer stays or business trips. facebook.com/theloftsq
This section is made possible by support from the Magnolia Chamber of Commerce and Sydney Murphy Design.
