Summertime in Eureka Springs

June 30, 2010 by ark_admin

The city of Eureka Springs can officially claim it was born on the Fourth of July. Founded and named on July 4, 1879, Eureka Springs is an ideal place to celebrate summer by soaking in history, taking in sites and cooling off in the Ozark Mountains or abundant waterways nearby (Beaver Lake and the Kings and White Rivers, to name a few). The mountainside city is chock full of charming shops, art galleries, restaurants and lodging tucked into 19th century structures, earning the entire downtown a listing on the National Register of Historic Places. To guide you in your travels, we’ve recommended a few of our favorite places to shop, eat or stay, and some highlights to check out along the way.

Where to Shop:

Vintage Cargo

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Swing Into Spring with a South Arkansas Road Trip

May 4, 2010 by ark_admin

Downtown El Dorado

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Sweet Escape

April 1, 2010 by ark_admin

Downtown Searcy

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Heart of the Ozarks

February 27, 2010 by ark_admin

Make Harrison, Mountain Home or Mountain View your home base while you savor the breathtaking lakes and rivers of north central Arkansas. Clustered together within a short drive of each other, the cities offer an array of charming shopping, dining and lodging options that will make your getaway a truly memorable experience.

Where to Shop

Harrison

Frenzy
105 W. Rush St.
(870) 741-0926
www.frenzy-fashions.com
This exciting new addition to the downtown square features trendy and affordable new fashions—clothing, shoes, jewelry and handbags—and a friendly staff that works hard to guarantee a pleasurable shopping experience.

Lefler’s
101 N. Main St.
(870) 741-2375
Lefler’s offers stylish staples like P.J. Salvage pajamas, Citizens of Humanity jeans and Big Buddha handbags, as well as Clinique and Estee Lauder cosmetics.

Shelby’s
215 N. Main St.
(870) 741-5309
www.shopshelbys.com
Stop by this 7,500-square-foot mainstay for bath and body products, kitchen gadgets, cookware and much more. Baby and bridal registry available.

Mountain Home

Carter’s Jewel Chest
860 Hwy. 62 E., Ste. 1
(870) 425-7070
www.cartersjewelchest.net
Carter’s specializes in fine diamonds and jewelry, including Hearts on Fire, Alwand Vahan and Chamilia, as well as CAD/CAM custom designs, with three gemologists on staff to help you through the decision-making process. (Ask about the incredible Pray for Rain program, which covers the cost of your ring if your wedding is rained out!)

Posh Boutique
40 Plaza Way, Ste. 10
(870) 405-8996
This ultra-hip boutique stocks brands like Heart and Crowns, BCBG and Michael Stars, and a large selection of high-end jeans from Rock & Republic, 7 For All Mankind, Citizens of Humanity and more.

Robin’s Nest
105 E. 7th St.
(870) 424-4861
www.anestofyourown.com
Helping new brides and new mothers build a nest of their own, this enchanting shop offers bridal and baby gift registry and delights with lines like Noritake, Wedgwood, Vera Wang, Lenox and Casafina.

Sheid’s Fine Furniture
10 E. 9th St.
(870) 425-5165
www.sheids.com
Founded in 1940, this family-owned, 60,000-square-foot store merges quality with affordability through its impressively large selection of home furnishings.

Mountain View

Arkansas Craft Gallery
104 W. Main St.
(870) 269-4120
www.arkansascraftguild.org
Browse traditional and contemporary crafts made exclusively by the nearly 200 Arkansas Craft Guild member artists.

Stone Country Iron Works
408 Ironworks Dr.
(870) 269-8108
www.stoneiron.com
Iron Works has been creating high-end, hand-forged iron furniture and accessories for 30 years, offering everything from beds and seating to lighting and hardware.

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Northwest for the New Year

January 26, 2010 by ark_admin

In the four-plus decades since Sam Walton began his discount retailing business in the northern corner of the state, the cities of Bentonville and Rogers have grown and diversified to fit the changing economy. Now, they offer a rare mix of historic charm with refurbished downtowns and modern amenities with top-notch restaurants, hotels and shopping. Pack your bags for a long weekend getaway and enjoy the best of both worlds.

Friday Afternoon and Evening

Start your trip with a step back in time at Bentonville’s downtown square. Refresh yourself with a snack at the neighborhood-favorite Station Café (111 N. Main St., 479- 273-1343), and then head next door to B. LaRue (109 N. Main St., 479-464-9977) for an eclectic array of gifts and home décor items. Travel around the neighboring streets for an assortment of other home furnishings shops: For Me and My House (112 S.E. A St., 479-273-2519, www.formeandmyhousear.com), Cottage of Bentonville (116 W. Central Ave., 479-254-0974), Ideas Antique & Modern Décor (118 W. Central Ave., 479-268-3900 (www.ideasantiquedecor.com) and Bloom (120 W. Central Ave., 479-273-1190).

Downtown Bentonville is home to several museums as well. If time permits, check out: Crystal Bridges at the Massey (125 W. Central Ave., 479-418-5700, www.massey.crystalbridges.org), a satellite location housed in an ornate, circa 1908 building while the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is being constructed; the Walmart Visitors’ Center (105 N. Main St., 479-273-1329, www.walmartstores.com); or the new Museum of Native American Artifacts (202 S.W. O St., 479-273-2456, www.museumofnativeamericanartifacts.org).

Complete your tour of downtown with dinner at Table Mesa Bistro (108 E. Central Ave., 479-715-6706, www.tablemesabistro.com), known for modern Latin cuisine, and then head down the highway to check into your weekend home-away-from-home, the Aloft hotel (1103 S. 52nd St., 479-268-6799, www.starwoodhotels.com). Featuring loft-like guest rooms, a buzzing bar scene in the open lobby and industrial design elements throughout, the hotel promises to be a contemporary retreat.

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South for the Winter

November 24, 2009 by ark_admin

El Dorado was one of just five towns across the country to receive a coveted Great American Main Street award from the National Trust for Historic Preservation this year, prompting us to stop by and see what the buzz is all about. What we found is that friendly people and a delightfully slow pace make this south-Arkansas gem ideal for a family weekend getaway, especially during the hectic holidays. Visit www.GoElDorado.com for more information about holiday celebrations, including Cookies with Santa and the Toys for Tots Bike Run, both on December 5.

Friday Evening

Begin the weekend with a family dinner and movie date. The Laredo Grill (200 E. Main St., 870-875-1722) serves up Mexican food and hearty steaks in a relaxed atmosphere, a good primer for candy and popcorn at Stars Cinema (2620 W. Hillsboro St., 870-862-1919, www.starstheaters.com). Other more elegant dinner options are Fayray’s (110 E. Elm St., 870-863-4000), offering gourmet food and an impressive wine list, and Mel’s Seafood Restaurant (707 Timberlane Dr., 870-863-9950). Turn in at the Union Square Guest Quarters (234 E. Main St., 877-864-9701, www.usgq.net), where reservations include breakfast in a train car overlooking a courtyard and fountain.

Saturday Morning

Bundle up for a stroll on the square. First stop: Elm Street Bakery (116 E. Elm St., 870-881-8844), serving specialty coffees and teas, as well as pastries and fresh baked breads; the kids will love the marble soda fountain. House of Wylie (232 E. Main St., 870-862-6372) is another option for warming up with coffee.

Next, browse a large selection of adult and children’s books tended to by a knowledgeable, friendly staff at Jefferson Street Books (117 N. Jefferson Ave., 870-862-8123); indulge in shoe therapy at Shelly’s Shoes, Etc. (115 N. Jefferson Ave., 870-875-1233); and window shop at Murphy-Pitard Jewelers (201 N. Jefferson Ave., 870-863-8818, www.murphy-pitard.com). For a home-style lunch, we love the vegetable soup and cornbread at The Old Towne Store (113 N. Jefferson Ave., 870-862-1060, www.theoldetownestore.com), which has a bakery and deli, and sells wholesome foods and supplements. Or make the short trip to Morgan’s Florist (320 W. Thompson St., 870-862-8933, www.morganflorist.com), a must-visit destination offering a deli with famous chicken salad, as well as an eclectic mix of gifts that includes hand soaps, picture frames and gift baskets—you can even pre-order and customize your own holiday wreaths to bring home.

Saturday Afternoon

Spend the afternoon marking off your holiday shopping list. On the square, Backwood’s Art and Frame Gallery (209 E. Main St., Ste. A, 870-863-5254) specializes in regional art; Murphy Long Design (111 E. Main St., 870-863-6625, www.murphylongdesign.com) offers unique accessories, furnishings, china, linens and more; and Too Cute (103-D E. Main St., 870-862-7979) will keep the kids entertained with toys and accessories. Further afield, Sports Alley (107 E. Cedar St., 870-862-8151, www.thesportsalley.com) is the place to buy gifts for the sports fanatics in your life; Especially for You (522 W. 19th St., 870-863-9292) stocks jewelry, baby gifts, bags and more, all of which can be personalized with monograms; and Blewster’s Antiques (1603 W. Hillsboro St., 870-862-2903) is brimming with antiques, gifts and decorative accessories for the home. The Slaughter House of Gifts (1803 Sumac Dr., 870-863-4273) has a new location where you’re also sure to find a unique gift or two, whether it’s a kitchen gadget or tableware.

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Falling for Fayetteville

October 22, 2009 by ark_admin

The spectacular seasonal foliage of the Ozark Mountains combined with the University of Arkansas Razorbacks games makes Fayetteville a popular autumn destination. This year, new options in lodging, shopping, dining and entertainment are available. Clustered around campus and downtown, the recent additions blend with perennial favorites to make this area an enticingly urban getaway.

Where to Shop:

Starting from campus, traverse down Dickson Street and around the downtown square for the city’s best boutique shopping. Destinations are listed by location for a walking-friendly visit.

Private Gallery
623 W. Dickson St.
(479) 587-1140
www.shopprivategallery.com
Accessories galore, including handbags, shoes and jewelry.

Luxe Beauty
608 W. Dickson St.
(479) 582-3800
www.luxearkansas.com
Beauty treatments and products in a sleek setting.

V.S. Mobley’s General Store
339 N. West Ave., Ste. 101
(479) 587-1444
www.vsmobley.com
Home accessories, gifts and more (see page 14).

Lola Boutique
339 N. West Ave., Ste. 103
(479) 443-5535
www.lolaboutique.com
Designer apparel in an urban setting.

Mae’s Emporium
352 N. West Ave.
(479) 575-9626
www.maesemporium.com
A gem of a store, with vintage and antique jewelry. Open Wednesday through Friday, and Saturdays by appointment.

Dickson Street Bookshop
325 W. Dickson St.
(479) 442-8182
A Fayetteville icon boasting thousands of used and out-of-print books.

Romance Diamond Co.
248 W. Dickson St.
(479) 443-9289
www.romancediamond.com
The name says it all—if a trip down Dickson Street puts you in the mood, check out their fine jewelry and watches.

Nightbird Books
205 W. Dickson St.
(479) 443-2080
www.nightbirdbooks.com
Recently relocated to Dickson Street, this bookstore invites browsing, relaxing and listening to their namesake birds.

French Metro Antiques
200 W. Dickson St.
(479) 587-0804
www.frenchmetro.com
Direct importers of fine French furnishings and accessories.

I.M. Spa
25 N. Block Ave.
(479) 251-7422
www.imspa.net
Relax with a facial, massage or a cup of tea while you shop.

French Quarters
11 N. Block Ave.
(479) 443-3355
www.french-quarters.com
A one-stop shop for all things French, from furnishings to home accessories and gifts.

Corazon
15 S. Block Ave., Ste. 105
(479) 587-9294
Unique and handcrafted home furnishings, including colorful glassware and one-of-a-kind metalwork.

Where to Eat:

1936 Club
300 W. Dickson St.
(479) 442-9682
www.36clubfayetteville.com
Open for lunch or dinner, locals frequent ‘36 Club often for the seasonal fare.

Bordinos
310 W. Dickson St.
(479) 527-6795
www.bordinos.com
Fresh ingredients from regional farms inspire the lunch and dinner menus, all enjoyed in an artistic setting.

The Common Grounds
412 W. Dickson St.
(479) 442-3515
www.commongroundsar.com
A breakfast and late-night dessert favorite.

Emelia’s Kitchen
309 W. Dickson St., Ste. 2
(479) 527-9800
www.emelias-kitchen.com
Mediterranean cuisine in the heart of town, plus a popular Sunday brunch.

Hammontree’s Gourmet
205 W. Dickson St.
(479) 521-1669
www.hammontreesgourmet.com
Recently opened and adjacent to Nightbird Books, this lunch spot has built its menu around a dozen diverse variations of grilled cheese sandwiches.

Smiling Jack’s Fresh Foods
262 N. School Ave.
(479) 935-4899
www.smilingjacksfreshfoods.com
A recent addition just off Dickson Street, Smiling Jack’s is an all-natural option for lunch or weekend dinners.

Theo’s
318 N. Campbell Ave.
(479) 527-0086
www.theosfayetteville.com
A chic nightspot for drinks and dinner, plus outdoor patio seating.

Trail Side Café and Tea Room
546 W. Center St.
(479) 966-4945
www.trailsidetea.com
On the newly opened Fayetteville bike trail, the café offers soups, salads, and classic lunch options in a unique setting near downtown.

What To Do:

Clinton House Museum
930 S. California Blvd.
(479) 444-0066
www.clintonhousemuseum.org
Close to campus, take a walk down Arkansas’ memory lane.

Clubhaus Fitness
612 W. Dickson St.
(479) 287-Haus
www.clubhausfitness.com
This newly opened, environmentally friendly health club is just steps away from campus and offers day passes as well as hourly bike rentals for enjoying the city trail system.

DDP Gallery
7 E. Mountain St.
(479) 442-0001
www.ddpgallery.com
Just off the downtown square, the gallery spotlights contemporary art and participates in First Thursday Gallery Walks around the area.

Fayetteville Farmers Market
www.fayettevillefarmersmarket.com
A long-standing Fayetteville tradition held on the downtown square, the farmers market runs Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. through November 21. On Sundays, it moves to the grounds of the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks, another destination well worth a visit (479-750-2620 or www.bgozarks.org).

Fayetteville Underground
1 E. Center St.
(479) 387-1534
www.fayettevilleunderground.com
A new addition to the local art scene, this group of four urban galleries is located in the former bank vault areas of the Bank of America building on the square.

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A Fall Weekend in Mid-Town Little Rock

September 22, 2009 by ark_admin

If the Race for the Cure isn’t reason enough to visit Little Rock, stick around after the race for some of the best shopping in the state. Beginning on University Avenue and continuing through The Heights and Hillcrest neighborhoods, you can show off that hard-earned race-day t-shirt all day long.

University

The Container Store
209 N. University Ave.
(501) 660-7828
www.containerstore.com
An organizer’s dream, this store offers an eclectic mix of household products devoted to helping people simplify their lives.

Pottery Barn
201 N. University Ave.
(501) 663-0181
www.potterybarn.com
Comfortable, stylish, high-quality home furnishings and accessories.

Williams-Sonoma
201 N. University Ave.
(501) 663-3019
www.williams-sonoma.com
Gourmet cookware galore.

The Heights

Clothing:

Proposals
5913 Kavanaugh Blvd.
(501) 661-4696
www.proposalsboutique.com
Dresses for that special occasion, from weddings to holiday parties.

New Traditions
1920 N. Grant St.
(501) 663-2388
This women’s designer clothing store has a delightfully large selection of shoes, purses and accessories.

Tulips
5817 Kavanaugh Blvd.
(501) 614-7343
www.tulipsarkansas.com
This ultra-feminine boutique for women, girls and babies is the place to shop for the latest styles from Juicy Couture, Ella Moss and more.

Ember Boutique
5709 Kavanaugh Blvd.
(501) 225-3220
www.ember-boutique.com
More than just cute products at great prices, this boutique carries one-of-a-kind pieces designed by its talented owners, degreed in fashion design and merchandising.

Bella Boutique
5623 Kavanaugh Blvd.
(501) 603-5141
A girly girl’s paradise, this unique shop offers cosmetics and skincare products, bath accessories, candles, handbags, jewelry and more.

Feinstein’s
5600 Kavanaugh Blvd., Ste. 4
(501) 664-7330
This Heights staple is a go-to source for apparel, handbags, accent jewelry, accessories skincare and beauty.

Kristin Chase
5008 Kavanaugh Blvd.
(501) 663-1665
Look to this popular women’s clothing store for timeless designs by Finley, Lacoste and Three Dots, as well as super chic Hobo International and Big Buddha handbags.

Art:

B.A. Framer
5821 Kavanaugh Blvd.
(501) 661-0687
Stop by this local favorite for mirrors, ready-made frames, custom framing and artwork.

Boswell Mourot Fine Art
5815 Kavanaugh Blvd.
(501) 664-0030
www.boswellmourot.com
This fine art gallery features well-known and emerging artists from the international, national and local art scene.

Local Colour Gallery
5811 Kavanaugh Blvd.
(501) 265-0422
www.localcolourgallery.com
A co-op of 26 local artists from central Arkansas, with mediums ranging from oil, watercolor and pastels to sculpture.

Heights Gallery
5801 Kavanaugh Blvd.
(501) 664-2772
This playful art gallery has works by regional and locally known artists, and provides custom-framing services as well.

Chroma Gallery
5707 Kavanaugh Blvd.
(501) 664-0880
www.chromagallery.com
Custom picture framing, museum quality archival framing, heirloom shadow-box framing, as well as contemporary art by local and regional artists and folk art imports, are defining features of this store.

Stephano’s Fine Art Gallery
5501 Kavanaugh Blvd., Ste. C
(501) 563-4218
www.stephanostudios.com
Stephano’s carries a wide range of painting styles and hosts more than 19 artisans working in mediums that include sculpture and glass.

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Out on the Town

August 19, 2009 by ark_admin

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A Family-friendly Weekend in Jonesboro

July 28, 2009 by ark_admin

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Summertime in Eureka Springs

Swing Into Spring with a South Arkansas Road Trip

Sweet Escape