{ Your Shopping Guide }
A Very Merry Christmas Store & More
…
In the Spotlight
Hot Springs, a favorite of summertime lake-goers, bubbles over with cultural attractions all year long. This month (October 15-24), at the historic Malco Theatre downtown, the 19th Annual Documentary Film Festival will attract tens of thousands of visitors as one of the premier documentary showcases in the world—and dozens of films means there’s something for everyone. From the silver screen to the shopping scene, make a weekend of it and stick around for a shopping spree for your home and wardrobe as well. For more information about the festival, visit www.hsdff.org.
Where to Shop
Accessory Gallery
…
A Shopper’s Mecca
The chic boutiques of West Little Rock beckon as a unique destination for a wardrobe-update shopping trip. Beginning west of the Heights neighborhood and extending all the way to Chenal Valley, you’ll find everything from upscale shops to alfresco dining to uber-relaxing day spas, sure to help you enjoy the waning days of summer in sizzling style.
In and Around Pavilion in the Park
…
Antiquing in Northwest Arkansas
Headed north for a Razorback weekend? Planning a girls’ get-away to top off the summer? Or are you simply looking for a relaxing retreat? No matter your travel intent, we have the itinerary set for a change-of-pace tour, visiting charming antiques and collectibles shops in a handful of historic downtowns in Northwest Arkansas.
FAYETTEVILLE:
…
Summertime in Eureka Springs
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
…
Swing Into Spring with a South Arkansas Road Trip
|
Downtown El Dorado
… |
Sweet Escape
|
Downtown Searcy
… |
Heart of the Ozarks
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.
…
Northwest for the New Year
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.
…
South for the Winter
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.
…
