Discover Arkansas: Mount Magazine – Paris, Arkansas
{Mount Magazine Lodge: views from our balcony were just breathtaking. I could have sat here all day!}
{But we decided to get a drink at the restaurant … I really could have sat here all day!}
{Gorgeous wedding in Blue Mountain – congrats Kelsey and Kyle! <3}
{Good morning, Arkansas – you sure are stunning.}
{We did a little bit of hiking on our way out – highest point in Arkansas!}
{And of course, when in Paris you must see the Eiffel Tower!}
We were here for less than 24 hours, and we’re already planning our next trip!
xo xo
See more Discover Arkansas posts here.
Discover Arkansas: Stand Up Paddle Boarding
Ever since I heard about stand up paddle boarding a few years ago, it’s been on my bucket list. I have never been into water sports, but I love being in or near the water. I’ve tried surfing several times (fun fact: I went to surf camp in Santa Barbara for a week when I was in middle school) and enjoy it, but it’s still pretty hard. I thought this would be the perfect solution to be on the water, but not too strenuous.
When SUP first became popular it was only on the coast or in bigger cities. I knew it would take a while to come to NWA. I thought I would get an opportunity to try it before it did, but unfortunately did not. Today, husband and I tried it for the first time, and we are HOOKED. It was exactly like I imagined. I felt so at peace on the water, and just fell in love. Don’t get me wrong – it was hard at first. I was so unsure of myself and my “sea-legs” standing up on the board for the first time, but once you get it, you get it, and it’s like you’re walking on water.
We got up early (6am on a Sunday!) and drove about an hour to a section of Beaver Lake near Eureka Springs. We rented the boards through SUP Outfitters. It was the perfect time to be on the lake – there were no boats out yet, it was about 80 degrees and the water was so calm. It was absolutely beautiful. We had so much fun together exploring the lake. There was only one problem … it was too short! We went for an hour and time seemed to run out just as we were getting the hang of it. Next time, we’re planning to go for 2-3 hours and take a little cooler out with us. Who’s ready?!
After our morning on the lake, we headed to Eureka Springs for brunch at Local Flavor Cafe.
[the best appetizer: baked brie + blood orange mimosas]
[huevos rancheros – mine and husband’s favorite]
[cheers to all of our sides of the best cheese grits]
[love these beautiful ladies and all of the adventures we get to go on together! and love that we all wore the same hat!]
xo xo
Read all my Discover Arkansas posts here.
Blackberries for Days [Photos + Recipes]
[my bounty]
[skinny blackberry margaritas via – TIP: more tequila needed]
[blackberry & raspberry oatmeal crumble bars via]
[pioneer woman’s blackberry cobbler via]
[M’s blackberry cabernet sorbet via]
[E’s blackberry mojitos via]Discover Arkansas: Whitaker Point/Hawksbill Crag
“Lord, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory
in the heavens.
Through the praise of children and infants
you have established a stronghold against your enemies,
to silence the foe and the avenger.
When I consider your heavens,
the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars,
which you have set in place,
what is mankind that you are mindful of them,
human beings that you care for them?
You have made them a little lower than the angels
and crowned them with glory and honor.
You made them rulers over the works of your hands;
you put everything under their feet:
all flocks and herds,
and the animals of the wild,
the birds in the sky,
and the fish in the sea,
all that swim the paths of the seas.
Lord, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!”
– Psalm 8
See all my Discover Arkansas posts here.
Discover Arkansas: Fayetteville Farmers’ Market
[my first farmers’ market of the season!]
[veggies on veggies on veggies]
[love the live music on each corner]
[stopped in at bouchee bistro for coffee + macaroons on the patio,
then a walk through the anchor – an adorable new home decor store]
[surprise run-in with my sister-in-law!]
[great family saturday morning adventure!]
xo xo
See all my Discover Arkansas posts here.
Discover Arkansas: Little Rock, Part 1
I’ve officially started on my Discover Arkansas Bucket List. We spent a wonderful Memorial Day weekend in LR with some close friends, and got to visit some family who were gracious enough to let us stay in their home. Though we didn’t get to do everything on our list, we did ate a LOT. [Spoilers: the following photos may put you in a food coma like they did us]
Note: This is part 1. We have plans to go back in July and will absolutely cross the following off the LR Bucket List: Hike Pinnacle Mountain, Eat at Cotham’s + The Faded Rose.
F R I D A Y N I G H T
ZaZa’s Pizza – The Heights
[We were fortunate enough to be staying with my aunt and uncle who live in The Heights, so a walk to ZaZa’s is always a must on my list]
[The wait for our pizza was 40 minutes, so of course I decided I needed dessert first – Dulce De Leche Gelato]
[The taps were mixed up, so Natalie kept getting the wrong beer … which in turn meant free beer … which I wouldn’t say was a bad thing]
[Finally our pizza arrived, and it was SO worth the wait. First time trying the ZaZa’s Italian and it was delicious]
S A T U R D A Y
[Not Pictured: Josh driving to North Little Rock to get us Mark’s Donuts for breakfast – amazing]
[Spent the morning at the Clinton Presidential Center – where we learned about a lot about Clinton and a little about dinosaurs]
[Next stop: The Flying Saucer because after all that walking around the RiverMarket, we needed none other than carbs + beer]
[said carbs – pretzels, brats + IPA mac and cheese]
[and said beer]
[Not Pictured: Nap time back at the house, followed by a walk around The Heights oohing and aahing over all the beautiful houses]
[Dinner at another one of my LR faves – Local Lime. Six different kinds of salsa, followed by tacos + frozen margs. Not to mention our amazing waiter Kye who sang us show tunes with his BEAUTIFUL voice]
S U N D A Y
Brunch: Loca Luna
[mimosas + breakfast pizza, which we continued to eat on the way home]
[we had a wonderful weekend with these friends we love so dearly!]
until our next adventure! xo xo
UPDATE: Arkansas Bucket List + Discover Arkansas Series
I had such an overwhelming response to my Arkansas Bucket List post, (thank you, I Love You, Arkansas Facebook page for posting) that I had to share an update.
I’ll be starting a new series on my blog called Discover Arkansas. Each post will highlight pictures and my experiences. Thanks to all of you, my bucket list has expanded tremendously! I’m not sure if I’ll get to all of them this summer, but will certainly keep you updated as I do.
1. Float the Buffalo River
2. Eat a famous hubcap burger at Cotham’s [Scott/LR]
3. See the new Crystal Bridges exhibit, Van Gogh to Rothko [Bentonville]
4. Dig for diamonds at Crater of Diamonds State Park [Murfreesboro]
5. Climb Pinnacle Mountain [Little Rock]
6. Go to the drive-thru wilderness safari [Gentry]
7. Climb to Hawksbill Craig and take a cliche picture [Ponca]
8. Enjoy an evening at the drive-in movies [Fayetteville]
9. Tour the Ozarks through railway [Springdale to Winslow or Van Buren]
New Additions:
10. Spend the night in a tree house at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge [Eureka Springs]
11. Visit the Elephant Sanctuary [Greenbriar]
12. Float the Mulberry River
13. Visit [Mountain View] – go to the Drive-in and Blanchard Springs Cavern
14. Rivermarket & Heifer Project [Little Rock]
15. Hike to waterfall at Petit Jean State Park
16. Trout fishing on the White River and swimming at Big Spring Park [Cotter]
17. Hike at Painter’s Bluff
To follow along on my journey, make sure and follow my blog via WordPress or email:
I’m excited to explore our beautiful natural state! xo xo
m.davis xoxo 