Hello Lake & River Lovers the holiday months are upon us. If your looking to enjoy a mix of outdoors with all of your indoor excursions this holiday try this self guided tour. It has a little of both and some great one of a kind experiences.
Destination: Clinton, Arkansas to Botkinburg, Arkansas
What: Half Day or Full Day Trip with Scenic Drive and Local Experiences
Where: Start from Little Rock or Conway on this itineary and make Clinton and Botkinburg your day trip destination. Best Months to Experience: Any time unless there are extreme weather conditions such as heavy rain or snow.
Bring/Wear: Comfortable Shoes, Water, Clothes for comfort based on weather.
Suggestions for safety: Always let someone know where your going if your venturing to the outdoors. Cell phones do not work at the bottom of a waterfall. Have a general idea about outdoor safety before heading out.
Start your day in Clinton, Arkansas about one hour and forty minutes from Little Rock
https://goseedoar.org/van-buren-county/
8:30 AM to 8:45 AM Depart LR
Arrive Clinton 10:20 AM to 10:30 AM
Be sure to enjoy the view of the Boston Mountains (on a clear day) as you head down the crest of hill on Hwy 65.
10:20 AM to 10:30 AM
Joe and Hash
230 Hwy 65 North, No 8
Clinton, AR
(501)745-2200
https://joenhashcafe.wordpress.com
Grab a cup of Jo to go or a holiday drink then head to Archey Fork Park for a stroll. You can access the park just down from Joe and Hash from the back of the building on foot, but a better view is from Archey Fork Rd.
Joe and Hash has great coffee plus a little culture. They also serve breakfast and lunch but if you want to experience both save room for lunch at L’Attitude Bistro nearby.
10:45 AM to 10:55 AM
Head to Archey Fork Park
Archey Fork Rd
Clinton, AR
(501)745-8110
10:55 AM to 11:05 AM
Three Rivers Trailhead
Main Street Park
Clinton, AR
Off Hwy 65 on the opposite side of Archey Fork Park.
An 8-foot tall symbolic monolithic sculpture made from native stone. Created by Fayetteville artist Hank Kaminsky, it celebrates the area’s natural & cultural heritage. See it in the Main Street park!
Then head to Pottery Shop also off Hwy 65.
11:10 AM to 11:40 AM
Pottery Shop
850 Hwy 65 North
Clinton, AR 72031
(501)745-2060
Get a view of local wares and great specialized gifts. Be sure to take advantage of the great photo op. Then head to L’Attitude Bistro for lunch.
11:45 AM to 12:20 PM
L’Attitude Bistro
1303 Hwy 65
Clinton, AR
(501)745-4888
M-Sat 11AM to 8PM
Sun 11AM to 2Pm
Ask about their popular Reuben sandwich and pasta dishes. Plus they have great deserts. Call ahead during holiday season. Note: They are in the small shopping mall on the right side of Hwy 65 just behind KFC. You can not view their sign from the hwy. Turn into the parking lot and the small strip of shops is on your left.
Then choose from the following or you might have time to do both if your not pressed for time. Both are a must see at least once. And also great photo opportunities. Be sure toe call ahead. The Natural Bridge is seasonal but if they know your coming they will make accomodations.
12:40 PM to 1:10 PM Experience the Natural Bridge
Natural Bridge
627-614 Natural Bridge Rd.
Clinton, AR 72031
(501)745-2357
CALL A FEW DAYS AHEAD during December and January especially during the holiday season.
Then head to Botkinburg
1:30 PM Arrive Botkinburg
Antique Warehouse
9256 US Hwy 65
Botkinburg, AR 72031
(501)745-5842
https://www.antiquewarehousearkansas.com
Antique Warehouse isn’t just a warehouse. It’s a multitude of buildings with filled with items small and large from all over the world. Ask the owner to give you a tour and share a bit of history. Be sure to let him know how much time you have if your on a tight schedule.
2:30PM Leave Botkinburg to head back to Little Rock (approx 2 hour drive)
Or continue to Shirley, Arkansas and experience
3:00 PM to 3:20 PM
Middle Fork River View
As you cross the main bridge after entering Shirley your crossing the Middle Fork River.
Historic Railway Bridge is accessed from the downtown area of Shirley.
Enjoy the scenery and antique shops along the way on this day trip if your not pressed for time. There are many antique stores along the corridor from Greenbrier to Clinton to choose from. So be sure to save some time and perhaps money to visit the Antique Warehouse in Botkinburg. It’s a must see at least once.