FORT SMITH, AR

Nestled in the Arkansas River Valley, between the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains, Ft. Smith has a unique feel—a little “Old West” mixed with the gentle charm of the antebellum “Old South.”
www.fortsmith.org

Perhaps the most prominent stop is the Fort Smith National Historic Site, home to the original 1817 fort located on the Arkansas River. www.nps.gov/fosm

 

The two-story barracks housed the Federal Courthouse for the Western District of Arkansas in the 1870s. Inside are the restored courtroom, of the famed “Hangin’ Judge” Isaac C. Parker, and the dingy frontier jail appropriately dubbed “Hell on the Border.”

 

 Also on site is the Ft. Smith Museum of History which contains exhibits and artifacts that tell the story of Ft. Smith’s colorful history starting with the first fort in 1817, through the westward expansion, the Civil War, and Fort Chaffee (where Elvis received his famous first G.I. haircut).

 

DOWNTOWN FT. SMITH

In the fabulous Ft. Smith downtown--which is experiencing a lively renaissance--you'll want to enjoy a few of the contemporary amenities housed in an historic setting. Although I like to highlight inns, I feel that location sometimes trumps a traditional B&B experience.

 

The Perfect Ft. Smith Itinerary:

 

• Stay at COURTYARD FORT SMITH DOWNTOWN
• http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/fsmcy-courtyard-fort-smith-downtown/
• Rates from $129 (includes breakfast)
• Walk several blocks to the riverfront, and enjoy the quaint downtown on foot.

  

  
  

 

Along the Riverfront, you'll find a fun park featuring an old-school Ferris wheel and diner in a train car.

 

• Eat at BRICKTOWN BREWERY
• famous for its wood-fired artisan pizzas (which you can watch being made by hand). Try the BBQ Chicken Pizza--with its savory local Head County BBQ Sauce.
• you'll find a few good brews; try a local! Or my favorite--Blue Moon, which pairs well with the Bavarian Pretzel Sticks, for starters OR the Dipping Trio--which comes with the Brewery's famous house guacamole.
• on the healthy side:  "Cluck, Oink & Apple Salad"--yum!!!
• light-ish:  a bowl of Buck's Bourbon, Bacon & Beer Chili
• Fill up on: Bricktown Brewery Truck Burger featuring Petit Jean Bacon--a local hickory-smoked specialty. It doesn't get much better than this!
• Dessert? the Brownie Sundae. Where else can you try it topped with bacon peanut brittle?!! mmmmh--good!
• 
   www.bricktownbrewery.com 

Make sure you stop in at the Visitors' Center, which once house a more colorful venue.

 

TRADITIONAL FORT SMITH:

Where to Stay:  Michael’s Mansion 

www.michaelsmansion.biz

Rates from $99

#479-883-8336

Where to Eat:  George’s Restaurant

www.georgesongrand.com

Time it Right:  Arkansas-Oklahoma Rodeo, Ft. Smith (June)

www.kayrodgerspark.org

 

One last note:  During the Frontier Movement, the Arkansas River Valley served as a route to the Far West. This fertile valley created a nice path from Little Rock to Ft. Smith, an important supply base for gold-seekers during the California gold rush of 1849. Today, you’re traveling that very path as you follow I-40, so:
 

Saddle up, partner! It’s time to head WEST!