No matter the size of a city, one typically pines for a great food truck scene. Even within the relatively small Mountain Home, Arkansas, there are plenty of options available, and here's just a taste of what's offered.
First, we take you to Plaza Center on the east side of the city, where the middle of the parking lot is home to several semi-permanent food-truck-like kitchens. One of these is Ozark Mountain BBQ. Run by Doc, Dennis, Dallas, and staff, Ozark Mountain offers generous plates containing one of several meat options from their nearby smokers, a selection of sides bound to make most happy, and a couple of sauces making you want to have more. One highlight to their menu is their version of a "Frito Pie", an entrée that will remind you of nachos, but take you on a tour of their menu. Bring your furry little friend with you, as the purchase of a meal may come with a "pup cup", a small container of non-sauced pulled pork. We did notice that as much as the original three have done a great job, the introduction of staff let quality slightly slip. However, if you want good barbecue, this is a great place to go.
Heading closer to the center of the city, take a quick trip south of the border to Dos Gringos in Mountain Home. Dos Gringos offers a wide variety of wet and dry burritos, along with tacos, quesadilla plates, and breakfast specials. Although several Mexican establishments adorn the city, Dos Gringos provides quality food at a reasonable price without worries pertaining to shellfish allergies. Call ahead if planning a visit, as this establishment will tend to close on certain regular days in order to cater another event. However, once you're able to find them on an open day, this is one fine place to visit.
When you're ready for a dessert course, head back to Plaza Center for Sno Biz shaved ice. First starting in Minnesota, Sno Biz has expanded all across the midwest and south with several locations across the greater Ozark area, offering a wide variety of shaved ice concoctions. This is a seasonal business in Mountain Home, so don't expect to be able to buy any product during the winter months. When they are open though, Sno Biz continues to offer reasonable prices for all to enjoy. Try adding vanilla cream to even some of their regular offerings, or be creative and combine your own choices of syrups. If you're worried your shaved ice might collapse outward, add a spill stopper. You may even be lucky enough to find their mobile food truck in the Harps' parking lot, or somewhere else in town.
So the next time you Follow your Internal Compass, make a stop at some of the food trucks in the local area.
Calling all music lovers of the 50's and 60's: Have we a drive down memory lane for you.
Situated in northeast Arkansas lies Rock and Roll Highway 67. United States Route 67 itself spans the majority of the central part of the country, however a section from the White River to the Missouri border has been granted this special designation, passed by the state legislature in the late 2000's. The naming of the highway was quite a debate, as the area was famous for "rockabilly" music, a portmanteau of "rock and roll" and "hillbilly". With the latter term proving to be concerning, the politicians of the day settled on its present name. Although the highway itself is being converted to interstate standards today, business routes near the cities preserve the classic designation.
Highway 67 was the home to many nightclubs in the hey-day of the rock and roll era. Popular musicians would flock to northeast Arkansas to perform, such as Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison, and Elvis Presley. The highway's venues were not limited to rock and roll, as country artists from the area were also drawn to the events, such as rock and roll turned country singer Conway Twitty. A story is shared in the area that the clubs were so influential that top Arkansas country artist Johnny Cash, one who would never allow himself to be exposed to the nightclub scene, was convinced by Elvis Presley to give a joint concert along highway 67.
The legacy of the many rockabilly musicians are preserved along Highway 67. The city of Newport Arkansas hosts the Rock 'N Roll Highway 67 Museum, containing memorabilia from all of the great performers who made this route famous. Head a little further northeast to the city of Walnut Ridge, where before catching the midnight train, take a stroll along the Guitar Walk at Cavenaugh Park, as they pay tribute to several famous nightclub acts. Just a block away from the park is a tribute to one more famous musical group that played the venues of Highway 67: The Beatles.
So the next time your Internal Compass takes you to Arkansas, take some time along Rock and Roll Highway 67.
Looking for some nice views? Feeling like an aspiring lepidopterist? Just want a place to kick back and relax? Oh, do we have the place for you.
Situated throughout Northern Arkansas, one of the National Park Service's offerings is the Buffalo National River. This river spans over 100 miles throughout Arkansas, and is able to be visited by the public without a general entrance fee. Information stations and general camping areas are found at three locations along the river. Visitors to the upper portion of the river may head to Ponca and the Steel Creek station. Some from the eastern portions will head between Yellville and Harriet to the Buffalo Point station. Most visitors traveling along Highway 65 between Marshall and Harrison to the Tyler Bend Visitor Center. Each of these points offer camping opportunities, along with day visits.
Prior to becoming protected by the National Park Service in 1964, the Buffalo National River area was once the site of several limestone quarries. Evidence of this is still seen today, as the river flows along many large cliffs and bluffs of limestone and other sedimentary rocks within a fairly deep valley, as motorists will want to beware the steep grades. If you happen to be at Buffalo Point, head down the hill to the rocky beach formed from the sediments that once graced this area to access the water. Perhaps take a tour offered by one of the private guides conducting business nearby. If you're lucky, you may see a cliff diver or two that stop by from boating along the river.
If staying on the land is more of your cup of tea, never fear, for there are plenty of options around. Hiking trails range across the Buffalo National River area at many levels of difficulty, and offer amazing views overlooking the river, along with the ability to view several different species of butterflies. On some trails, you may be able to find and explore caves and waterfalls created from the surface water flowing into the rock, with the underground streams flowing into the river. Perhaps you want to saddle up and take some of the trails by horseback. The Ponca area, along with several other points along the river, will give you this opportunity.
So the next time you're following your internal compass in Arkansas, perhaps it will take you to the Buffalo National River. It may just be somewhere to visit several times while in the area.
Hey, fishermen! Get your bait ready, and head to the Natural State, as do we have quite the location for you.
Running throughout Northern Arkansas and Southern Missouri is the major tributary, the White River. Starting at the Boston Mountains, the White River twists and turns through the area, forming several lakes along the way thanks to the work of the Army Corps of Engineers (CoE), before finally emptying into the Mississippi River after over 700 miles of flow. The White River has many tributaries off from it, including, as part of the National Park system and one of its few free-to-visit sites, the Buffalo National River.
Many anglers will find their way to Cotter AR, colloquially known as "Trout Capital USA". People from all over the south and midwest flock to Big Spring Park in the heart of the town and set off in their motorboats, kayaks, and other water vessels to explore this wonderful area and try their hand and catch-and-release trout fishing. Even those wishing to stay on land have plenty of options at this park, such as seeing the tribute to the now defunct Missouri Pacific Railroad, including a caboose donated by the rail company. Even if it's a nature trail walk along the bluff overlooking the river, or on the island in the middle of the river, this place has something for everyone.
The White River is known for having several settled lakes along its path as a result of the flood control efforts of the Army CoE. Just east of Bentonville lies Beaver Lake, known for its limestone bluffs. Further down near the city of Branson, lies Lake Taneycomo. This lake is unique in that, although it is officially a lake, it has the look and feel of a river. While in downtown Branson, take a walk along the lakeside with the commercial plaza just to the other side. Further downstream lies Bull Shoals Lake, another fine boating location for recreationers. Although flooding is still of concern in the early parts of the year as you head further downstream, the river is allowed to flow naturally through the National Wildlife Refuge of southeastern Arkansas before emptying into the mighty Mississippi.
So the next time your internal compass tells you to go to the water, consider the White River. It may just be the place for you.
English poet William Wordsworth wrote "The Tables Turned" back in 1798. For the full-time RVer, these words could not be more true. With limited space, it is difficult to carry a number of books, even with taking hard drive space and "eBooks" into account. The quotation from this poem, "Let nature be your teacher," was found on our travels, and is quite befitting for a new series on this blog, where we take time from the RV and look at the world around us.
At the south side of the Twin Lakes of Arkansas lies Norfork Dam. This dam was yet another of the multitude of projects built by the US Army Corps of Engineers in the early 1940's, in response to large amounts of flooding in this part of the country. As with many of the dams built by the CoE, a small amount of hydroelectric power is generated here, serving north central Arkansas. Today, a short driving route sits atop, connecting the communities of Salesville and Jordan, along with a boat access point to Norfork Lake at the high point of the dam.
A marvel of engineering is not the only thing this place has to offer, as nearby lies the Norfork National Fish Hatchery. In a bid to protect and sustain wildlife, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service established a number of hatcheries across the country to breed these animals before releasing them to their natural habitat. Norfork's tanks house several species of trout. Step inside the bird-proof netting and walk along the tanks; you may just see a number of baby fish jumping at the top of the water. Once the fish have grown to be self-supporting, they are then released into the nearby Norfork River to enjoy their lives. It is near the hatchery where Arkansas created a small catch-and-release pier to encourage the fish to migrate.Even if you don't have a pole with you, a short nature walk along the river will bring you to peace.
So the next time you need a break from the hustle and bustle of driving and camp life, let nature be your teacher. Allow it to re-orient your internal compass, and you will be better prepared for the adventures that lie before you.
When many think about the midwest, they'll think of corn and wheat fields. Others will think about barbecue. There are a few, though, that will consider an up-and-coming mountainous area of this country.
Introducing the Ozark National Forest, otherwise known as the Interior Highlands of the United States. The Ozarks are mostly situated in Northern Arkansas and Southern Missouri, with a slight extension into Oklahoma and Kansas. Access to the Ozarks is limited in terms of interstate highways, but can be reached from United States routes 65 and 67 to the north and south, as well as through Missouri on U.S. Route 60, and through Arkansas along U.S. Route 62, famous for being the only east-west signed highway to connect, save for a couple blocks, the Mexican and Canadian borders.
If you enjoy the great outdoors, the Ozarks are certainly for you, as there are a vast amount of mountains and lakes to enjoy. Head to Northern Arkansas and visit the Buffalo National River. Designated as the first National River in the 1970s, this area is maintained by the National Park Service. If fishing is your cup of tea, perhaps head to the twin lakes of Norfork and Bull Shoals. Plenty of hunting grounds also exist across the national forest. RVers may also have heard rumors of the famed campgrounds built by the United States Army Corps of Engineers, or CoE. This organization set aside dozens of grounds within the Ozarks for visitors to be able to enjoy these vast highlands, both for camping at an economical price, as well as day use.
Perhaps you're more of a city-goer. Never fear, within the Interior Highlands are a few places for you. The Springfield Plateau, one of the regions of the Ozarks, is named after the largest city in this area, Springfield MO. If you enjoy live theatre, you may want to head a little south to Branson MO, sometimes called the Broadway of the west. Head down into Arkansas to the famous city of Bentonville AR. It was here that the Walton family owned and operated a general store that soon expanded to become the internationally renowned retail establishment known as "Wal-Mart".
No matter how your internal compass is wired, the next time you're in the southern central United States, it may just lead you to a wonderful time in the Ozarks.
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