Arkansas Vacation - Day 1

With October comes our anniversary and we typically try and take a trip during this time span (October/November/December).  It is just us -- not a family visit and we use it to reset our relationship and take time for each other.  With COVID all around, we are doing another road trip as we did in Louisiana last year.  (If you wish to peek in on that trip --- here is the LINK to Day 1)  

We have tossed around several ideas and at first the plan was to go further east and we came up with a loop that went as far as Pine Bluff.  It seemed doable and would show a lot of Arkansas plus a little more of Louisiana along the way.

The some reevaluation of the drive led us to more scenic roads as many places are still closed or limiting people due to the pandemic.  The new, more northern route is here:

Once we had the route down pat --- the research began and we started filling in places and things to see along the way.  Nothing is set in stone, but oddball things have been jotted down and we are ready to hit the road.  It's still dark when we hit the road and clouds abound.  This is the best sunrise I could get and it's not much to write home about.

The first stop is in Paris, TX and we have been here before (here is a LINK back to 2010 when I stood under the mock Eiffel Tower) so the major landmarks were not our destination.  I had read about a unique cemetery here and wanted to see it for myself.  Mister and I stop at cemeteries often.  There is a certain calm and quiet that is peaceful and it's fascinating to read about people who have come before.

This is Evergreen Cemetery and is the "final resting place for many notable citizens of Paris and Lamar County.  Due to the steady growth of the area, the old cemetery of Paris, located near the center of town, quickly became too small.  In 1866, the Evergreen Cemetery Association was chartered by well=known community leaders to purchase land for cemetery purposes.  After the initial purchase of sixteen acres from George Wright, additional tracts were acquired in 1893, 1907, 1956, and 1957.  The first burial is attributed to Lucy Pope Maxey (1794-1866).  The mother of Samuel Bell Maxey, a West Point graduate, Confederate General and United States Senator."

I found myself thinking that this is the first cemetery that reminded me of a chess board.  SO many of the headstones are tall and slender, taking on the appearance of chess pieces.  Do you see it, or am I just being irreverant?  I only took the one picture, but this the entire grounds are similar.

"Another incorporator buried here is Wilet C. Babcock (1828-1881).  His 'Jesus in Cowboy Boots' monument attracts visitors from across the nation.  Examples of the unique stonecutting art within the cemetery include a bevy of angelic figures and religious imagery, flowers, vines, cotton bales, broken trees, anchors and chains, sheep, a life-size buffalo (we didn't spot him) and a replica of the front page of the Paris Morning News.  This historic cemetery reflects the growth and rich history of Lamar County."

As we drive through Paris we find ourselves stopped in front of the Sam Bell Maxey House by pure accident.  It's a Sunday, so they are not open.  Drat.

Next is Clarksville, and if you are watching our map you will see that we have already veered off route.  The thought of main highways just never sits well with us.  The Red River County Courthouse comes into view and stands regal in the soft, cloudy light.

From the back side.

The "Last Train to Clarksville" keeps running through my mind.  First Paris and now this.

A quick stop in Broken Bow shares information on the Trail of Tears and nets me a closed quilt shop.  It's tough to travel on Sunday.

The plan is for lunch in Hochatown at one of the breweries, but we are running a bit early, so a turn off to Beavers Bend Dam ensues.  There is a pull off right before the bridge/dam and we quickly park to stretch our legs and check things out.

Broken Bow Lake is the result of this dam.  No one is out on the lake today and although it is cloudy, it is not at all cold.

Before I know it, I'm heading for the bridge to walk out on the dam and guess what is on the other side?  Some water flow, but loads of people fishing.  I wanted to say fishermen, but there are gals out there too and am not sure of the correct terminology these days.

It looks lovely further down stream.

The other side of the dam reveals the splendor of the lake once more.

And our trusty car in the distance.  Back we go.

Mister decides to drive over the dam and on the other side is a trail that leads down to the stream.  We are not right under the dam, but it looks pretty so off we go.

Ooooh ----- right onto the rocks we go.

The return walk up has me watching my feet like crazy as I have kept my glasses on (like a fool) and the tri-focals are making things a little unclear.  However, not if I keep my head down and as I'm going, I spot a large walking stick.  Mister stands still and he soon makes a friend.  The last pic is kinda blurry, but it's all I got.

Now for lunch.  However, en route to the location, another brewery is passed.  Stop -- U-turn and check it out.  It is Beavers Bend Brewery and they are open.

We toss around eating at the food truck, but instead opt to simply let them know how much we love the name of it.  So cute.

A quick trip to the restroom nets me this next picture and a peek into the brewery itself.

Mister has our order and I've located the perfect place to sit.  Looking back is the brewery and trees.

Looking forward is the town and and a wonderful view of the valley.  I'm keeping that memory to myself.  Y'all need to go there and see for yourself.

NOW -- lunch.  Mountain Fork Brewery has pizza and I'm looking forward to it.

It's an old-style bar back and they are thoroughly decorated for Halloween.

Mister is informed that his beer choice will take 10 minutes to pour.  We are both in shock.  Seriously?  Watching the bartender is quite amusing as she keep pouring the top off and letting it set for a few minutes and then starting again.  Apparently, she did not learn the double pour that is so normal for nitro.  

The pizza is yummy and we are soon on our way once again, spotting another quilt shop, Jill's Quilty Pleasure in Mena.  I'm so sad that I'm still not able to check it out.  This is a long Sunday.

Upon reaching Greenwood, AR, we stop to check into our little cottage.  It's on a farm and as soon as we arrive, smiles appear.  Using AirBNB has been so good for our travels and, once again, it's worked out wonderful.   Take a peek.

It's beautiful outside and time for a chance to just take it all in.  While we were inside, a couple of cats stopped by to greet us and make sure all is well.

Walking around the property, finds chickens

And goats.  We just stand and giggle as they watch us very closely.

This chicken just strikes me a gorgeous and I strive to get a picture for my Bingo card.  I know, the things we do.

Looking out from the property.  I think I see Canadian Geese out there.

I do.

As we walk back to the car, Mister spots a bat hanging on the back window of the cottage.  Leave it be.

We are driving into Fort Smith for the evening and as we drive through the Chaffee Crossing Historic District, where Fort Chaffee was located, it is amazing how good the condition still is.  Many of the buildings are occupied with new business and it's hoped to be an upcoming entertainment area.  If you are interested in learning more about this area, here is a link:  https://www.fortsmith.org/chaffee-crossing-historic-district/

Fort Smith Brewing is right on the other side of the rail tracks and that's our stop for now.

Snacks and a beer to end the day.  Perfect.  I know it seems like three breweries in a day is a bit much, but it is dark by the time we return to the cottage and we started out in the dark this morning.  There won't be breweries everyday and we are being cautious about alcohol levels.  Staying safe, we promise.  We'll see you in tomorrow's post -- off to Eureka Springs.