Author: Tessa Callen

A thick beef patty hitting a hot griddle can wreck your plans in the best possible way. One second you’re cruising along, thinking about the miles ahead. The next, the…

Brunch has become one of my favorite excuses to get out and explore Arkansas. Give me a slow morning, good coffee, and a plate of something comforting, and I’m happy….

I’ve eaten a lot of chicken fried steak around Arkansas, but every now and then one stops me in my tracks. This was that kind of plate. The first bite…

Some of my favorite meals around Little Rock have started with, “It’s just a short drive.” I’ve learned that crossing a bridge or hopping on the interstate for twenty minutes…

I laughed a little when I saw the entrance, mostly because it didn’t look like anywhere I’d ever planned to spend the night. The air was cooler, almost damp, and…

A great steak will make you think twice about how far you’re willing to drive for dinner. I’ve put in plenty of Arkansas road miles chasing meals, and this small-town…

You stand on a limestone ledge and wonder where the crowds went today. Most people flock to the famous peaks, but this spot feels like my own discovery. I counted…

I went in planning to sample one scoop and leave, but the dessert bar had other ideas. A quiet weekday visit quickly turned into a full-blown tasting session. I kept…

Most retirees I talk to assume living on Social Security means cutting back on almost everything. Spend a little time in Arkansas, though, and that idea starts to fall apart….

I went in thinking I’d look around for a few minutes and somehow stayed long enough to start doing the math on what I could carry out for $25. Arkansas…

There’s a place in Little Rock that people can’t stop talking about. Every time I walk by, the smell of fried chicken hits me from half a block away. It’s…

Getting a table at this Italian spot might just be the toughest reservation in Arkansas in 2026. You’d think it’s because of some flashy marketing or a celebrity chef, but…

A simple drive through Arkansas quickly turns into a hunt for the most seasoned griddle in the county. The state has a way of making you pull over just by…

Have you ever noticed how the most memorable meals always happen when you least expect them? There is a specific kind of magic happening in Arkansas right now that has…

Tires crunched over loose gravel as the lake came into view. I pulled into a space near the water and let the engine idle for a second. Arkansas has a…

Arkansas caught me off guard in the best way possible. I expected pretty drives and quiet towns. I didn’t expect to plan whole days around where I was going to…

If you’re craving a day full of thrills and nostalgia, this park in Arkansas should be on your radar. When I first arrived, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but…

I still haven’t stopped thinking about that golden, bubbly crust shattering against my teeth. You know that specific sound? It is the hallmark of a pastry made by someone who…

There’s nothing like a perfectly fried piece of catfish, right? Maybe it’s the crispy, golden crust or the hushpuppies on the side that make it irresistible. Whatever it is, Arkansas…

Ever wish you could capture that kid-like joy and open it up on a random Tuesday? That’s exactly how it feels when you walk into this candy store in Arkansas….

If Arkansas food were a mixtape, these spots would be the hidden tracks you keep playing on repeat. I set out on a road trip with a phone full of…

There’s a place in Arkansas where the road just stops and the wilderness begins. Most people drive right past it. One minute you’re in a neighborhood, the next you’re looking…

I wasn’t looking for seafood when I ended up in central Arkansas, but I’m glad I found it. I was there for the weekend and asked a local where to…

I realized I was in the right place when I stopped checking the time. The morning felt unhurried, and nobody around me seemed in a rush either. I had come…

The smell hits you before the building even comes into view. You can already sense the deep smoke, sweet heat, and the unmistakable aroma of meat slow-cooked to perfection. I…

Arkansas rarely gets the spotlight it deserves, which is exactly why I love exploring it. But trust me, this state has some seriously stunning spots that will surprise you. The…

Valentine’s Day is around the corner, and if you’re looking to make it extra special this year, it’s time to skip the usual dinner-and-a-movie routine. Let’s talk about restaurants in…

If you’re someone who believes breakfast should be a meal you savor, this place in Arkansas will win you over with its first bite. Here, you can truly taste the…

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and if you’re like me, you’re looking for a cozy spot to enjoy a great meal with someone special. Arkansas has plenty of…

The parking lot was already full when I pulled in, and the smell of sizzling beef hit me before I even opened my car door. That was my first clue…

Would you love to spend Valentine’s Day in Paris, but a trip across the Atlantic isn’t on the agenda? If so, I’ve got some great news for you: Arkansas has…

I’ve made some long drives across Arkansas just for a good steak, but this place had people talking before I even got in the car. It’s the spot friends bring…

I used to think I had Arkansas hiking figured out until I missed a turn on a backroad and ended up somewhere that changed my whole perspective. Instead of crowds…

For me, there’s nothing better than indulging in some great Italian food. There’s something about the rich flavors, the warmth, and the satisfaction of every bite that makes it the…

You don’t expect to walk into a thrift store in Arkansas with $25 and leave feeling like you seriously beat the system, but that’s exactly the vibe at Potter’s House…

I have to admit that I didn’t think I’d be impressed by a cave. I’ve seen caves before, and I expected this one to be nice, maybe even pretty, then…

Everyone who’s spent time with me knows how much I love tacos. Whenever I’m in Conway, Arkansas, I rush to one place to grab the ideal one. Tacos El Paisa…

Arkansas has always been known for its rich food traditions. However, there’s a new wave of restaurants shaking things up across the state. In Little Rock, Bentonville, and beyond, chefs…

If you haven’t had a real taste of Arkansas, you’re missing out on some seriously delicious spots. These restaurants have been around for decades, and they’re still packed with people…

If you think a great meal needs big advertisements or flashy billboards, think again. In Arkansas, there are food spots that have become local favorites without spending a dime on…

I didn’t plan on stopping for tacos, but the line made the decision for me. Tacos Godoy in Little Rock, Arkansas doesn’t look like a place you’d build a food…

If you think you need flashy ads to pack a restaurant, think again. In fact, some of Arkansas’ best spots have been flying under the radar for years. These hidden…

Have you ever had a meal so good, you’d drive hours just to have it again? At Ozark Café in Jasper, that’s exactly the experience you’ll get. Located in the…

Who else is a fan of a good mystery? I have to admit that I’ve always had a thing for it, mystery novels and movies, you name it. I also…

Going on a road trip through Arkansas’ charming small towns offers more than just stunning drives and places most people overlook. It’s about the unforgettable meals you’ll savor along the…

If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to step onto another planet, this Arkansas cave will give you that feeling. As soon as I entered Cosmic Cavern, I…

If you’re like me and think the best burgers come from local spots, you’re in for a treat. Arkansas is full of hidden gems serving up some of the juiciest,…

Who doesn’t crave endless plates of food that never stop coming? In Arkansas, you’ll find some of the best all-you-can-eat buffets, where the food flows just as fast as the…