Author: Tessa Callen

You hear the water before you see anything, and it kind of pulls you along the trail without much effort. I’ve hiked all over Arkansas, but this short walk is…

I didn’t plan on stopping, but that apple-cinnamon smell hit me before I even parked, and that was it. I walked in half awake and walked out thinking about when…

My hands tighten on the wheel as soon as the road starts to bend. The curves don’t ease you in either. They show up quick and keep coming, like the…

Arkansas heat in the summer doesn’t mess around. On days like that, the only thing I want is a river, a tube, and a few hours to drift without a…

There’s something about biting into a piece of catfish so crispy it almost snaps. I’ve had plenty of fried fish in my time, but there’s one place that does it…

Rice and beans are the usual sidekick for Tex-Mex. So the first time I saw fries on the plate instead, I had to pause for a second. I spend a…

If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to step into a scene from a fairy tale, this trail might be the closest thing. As you walk, the air shifts,…

The first time I walked into this museum, it felt like I had entered another world. Bright lights, whirring machines, and intricate contraptions surrounded me, and I couldn’t help but…

The smell of warm spices greeted me before I even reached the buffet line, and I knew right away I’d come to the right place. I’ve tried plenty of buffets…

Mid-March in Arkansas always seems to stir up my appetite for fried food. Not just any fried food. I mean a hot plate of fish and chips. That craving recently…

Does the aroma of cornmeal and hot oil hitting the air ever make you want to skip the wait and go straight to the first bite? I pulled over in…

A really good Arkansas burger doesn’t need much to impress me. Give me a well-seasoned patty, a soft bun, and a griddle that’s been working overtime for years, and I’m…

A railroad line still runs through this part of Arkansas, and reminders of that past show up the moment you roll into town. I noticed it right away on my…

Good lobster rolls are not something you expect to crave in Arkansas, yet here I am still thinking about one weeks later. I ordered it on a whim the first…

The road climbs for a bit, and then the view suddenly opens up. Wide Ozark hills roll out in every direction. I’ve driven plenty of Arkansas backroads over the years,…

Spring arrives in Arkansas in a burst of color. One week the trees are bare, and the next the roads are lined with pink redbuds and bright white dogwoods. That…

In Arkansas, a good buffet is serious business. I’ve seen folks walk in saying they’ll “just have a little,” then head back for a second and third plate without thinking…

Cold mornings and bright sunshine are a pretty great combination in Arkansas this time of year. March still carries a bit of winter in the air, but the days start…

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…