Fall is Arkansas’ time to strut her stuff, and there isn’t a better time to jump in the car and explore.
I was lucky enough to have a free afternoon and traveled to the Pocahontas region, and let me tell you, it is definitely worth the trip.
As the county seat of Randolph County and home to five rivers, Pocahontas also has the state’s first courthouse, pharmacy, barber shop and school.
Of which, Futrall’s Pharmacy and the Sanitary Barber Shop are still in business today and bustling in the city’s historic district.
The Randolph County Courthouse looks over the square in all of her restored glory as the two-story Italianate Victorian brick structure built in 1872, looks as great today as it did when it was constructed.
The Randolph County Courthouse
Walking along the 17-block National Historic District, one can enjoy the Randolph County Museum for free and enjoy exhibits from northeast Arkansas and shop their one of a kind gift shop. While there, one can enjoy the rich historic architecture that includes buildings dating back to 1860.
The area is perfect for history buffs and is home to 35 historical markers and memorials ranging from the Black River Overlook Park that features the legendary Century Wall.
The Century Wall is three large, curved walls with over 100 of the most influential Americans of the 20th Century etched into them.
The park also includes the Civil War Memorial Trail, multiple pavilions and a playground.
While traversing the square, history buffs can enjoy historical markers dated as far back as 1812, through the Civil War and even a marker for Rock n Roller Billy Lee Riley.
The area is full of rich, historical treasures, it’s always great to take a break and enjoy some scrumptious treats at the Buttercream Bakery on Bettis Street.
I had the opportunity to chat with owners, Misti and Donald Stowers for a few minutes as I eyed the peanut butter pastries that were begging me to snap them up.
The Stowers moved to the area 25 years ago to start a family and are excited about their bakery and from my humble opinion, everyone should be excited! The cupcakes are deli sh!
Once I got back out on the street, I remembered I had seen a clogging group from Marilyn’s Clogging Company, a few weeks prior as I was exploring Jackson Farm in Black Rock.
Lo and behold! What I thought was Marilyn’s Clogging Company is actually Marr Street Productions and was right around the block. Located in the Downtown Entertainment District, MSP includes dance and music studios perfect for rehearsing or recording. The complex also offers a coffee shop with an indoor al fresco dining area.
Strolling along, there is so much to see from murals, antique shops, restaurants and Arkansas’ First Quilt Trail and even a dinner playhouse just a block from the square.
If you happen to get tired, and need an extra day to continue exploring, the Lesmeister Guesthouse is where you need to go.
The motto there is “il dolce far niente” the sweetness of doing nothing!
Located in the center of it all, and offers everything you need to take it easy and their one of a kind rooms will leave wanting to stay even longer.
As I started to say goodbye to the area, I had to peek my head into the Buttercream Bakery one last time to get a whiff of those mouth watering treats.
For a day of fun, good treats and more, head to Pocahontas today, and enjoy what Randolph County has to offer.
Karin Huffman is an Independence County native who graduated from Cushman High School in 1996. Traveling throughout the state is one of her passions, along with writing about her adventures.
Taking over as travel writer for the Ozark Gateway Region is a dream come true for Huffman who lives in the region with her two daughters, Grace and Stella.
As a family, they enjoy canoeing the Poke Bayou, Salado Creek and the many waterways along the White River in Independence County. Camping and hiking throughout the region is a must for them in the spring and fall as well.
Huffman is an avid nature photographer who will do just about anything to find the perfect waterfall shot, and has visited many in the great state. From Twin Falls and the Richland Creek area in Northwest Arkansas to little known places off the beaten path, waterfalls will be found.
Huffman has been a travel writer for the Eye on Independence Magazine as well as a staff writer for the Batesville Guard, and is looking forward to devoting her time to traveling throughout the eight county region that the Ozark Gateway offers.
If you would like to contact Huffman about an adventure or would like to know how to get more information out about your area, contact her at 870-307-5473, karinhuffman78@gmail.com or karinozarkgateway@sbcglobal.net.