Looking for a u-pick strawberry farm in Arkansas? Even if it's not quite the season to get out there and start grabbing, that doesn't mean we can't get our baskets ready and start planing out a trip. One of the best pick-your-own produce destinations in Arkansas is in the city of Cabot. Not only is The Cabot Patch home of the Strawberry Festival, it's also home to a fabulous pick-your-own strawberry field.
The state or Arkansas is peppered with berry farms throughout its over 53,000 square miles, but one of our favorite locations is right in Cabot.
One thing you must know about me is that I will travel for food. Some of my pursuits have taken me to hole-in-the-wall places where I’ve indulged in some of the best meals in my life. If you ask me, those little mom-and-pop shops usually have the most mouthwatering food that you can imagine. Not to mention they’re always oozing with charm. That’s especially true for Chester Country Cafe in Chester Arkansas. This off-the-beaten-path restaurant in Arkansas is worth the drive no matter where you live. So, if you’ve never been to Chester, it’s time you plan a day trip to this small town to experience the best of it.
advertisement
When it comes to small towns in Arkansas, Chester is by far one of the tiniest towns in the state. But don't let that fool you, this tiny town is mighty and there is plenty to do here.
Don't expect any extra frills from this unassuming mom-and-pop shop, but do expect the food to be cooked just like grandma used to make it.
If you're there for breakfast, you can enjoy hearty country favorites like pancakes, eggs, bacon, breakfast potatoes, biscuits and gravy, chicken fried steaks, and more.
For lunch, you can order a juicy burger, or try the Reuben, the chicken sandwich or the Philly cheesesteak. You can add a drink and fries to complete your meal.
Dinner includes platters with chicken fried steaks, chicken strips, fish, as well as daily specials that might include fried chicken, meatloaf, and spaghetti, just to name a few.
No matter what you do, don't skip dessert. The strawberry shortcakes made with locally grown berries and fresh whipped cream will leave you coming back for more.
Now that you're nice and full, it's time to explore the tiny town of Chester some more. Within walking distance, you will find the most charming place in town - Beard and Lady Inn.
Part mercantile store, part inn, part restaurant and a historical landmark, you'll find plenty to keep you busy here.
If you're up for some outdoor activities, stop by Chester City Park. This pretty little oasis is on the banks of Clear Creek, so you can bring your rod and spend the day fishing here.
Plus, there is a beautiful waterfall and swimming hole, that's perfect for cooling off on a hot day.
Want more? Lake Fort Smith State Park in Mountainburg is only a 10-minute drive from Chester, so you can even spend the day hiking, kayaking, boating, fishing, and you can spend the night camping here, too.
So, the next time you're yearning for a good downhome cooked meal, plan a day trip to the tiny town of Chester to enjoy food like what your grandma used to make. Then spend the day exploring all that this charming small town has to offer.
What is your favorite off-the-beaten-path restaurant in Arkansas? Have you ever planned a day trip for the food there? If so, tell us all about it below.
Also, while you're in the area, we recommend that you visit the town of Mountainburg for even more adventure.
At times, life can become so hectic, and you don’t always have time to escape to a place far away from home. So, it’s nice to have small towns in Arkansas, where you can pause and enjoy life at a slower pace. A destination where you can indulge in delicious food, bask in scenic vistas, have great shopping options, and more. A town that is a perfect day trip destination in rural Arkansas, where you can do a little bit of everything.
advertisement
The best part about a day trip is that you get to have a mini vacation and be home in time for bed. And that is exactly what you’ll experience when you visit a tiny rural town in Arkansas known as Mount Judea.
Located about 10 miles outside of Jasper off Highway 74, the unincorporated community of Mount Judea, Arkansas, population is just over 100 residents. So, it’s the perfect off-the-beaten-path destination, where you can escape from it all.
The scenic town in the Ozarks has a lot to offer, like incredible views, great restaurants, and specialty stores, just to name a few.
One thing to know about Mount Judea is that the people are friendly, and the town has a big heart. And when you’re visiting, the locals will treat you like family, so get ready to feel right at home.
When you arrive in town, you’ll want to stop in at the Kent General Store.
This family-owned, old-fashioned country store is a great place to grab some coffee and a bite to eat. The store is open early and serves delicious breakfast items.
advertisement
advertisement
The fluffy pancakes will be the best way to kick off your morning or you can also have a breakfast sandwich on a yummy homemade buttermilk biscuit.
Once you’re nice and full it’s time to explore the town, and the first place to start is at the Mt. Judea Mercantile store.
This charming time capsule is a gem of the community. It’s situated in a building that was constructed in the 1920s, and it has stood the test of time.
For more outdoor fun, you’ll have access to Big Creek and the Buffalo National River. After all that physical activity, you’ll want to head back to town to grab a bite to eat.
Please note: SmackDab Cafe is a seasonal restaurant and isn't open year-round. Visit the Facebook page for opening dates and special events.
And SmackDab Cafe has really delicious food. Opened on the weekends only, this eatery serves the best food in town.
And be sure to save room for a big slice of cake. After you’re nice and full it’s time to drive home and reminisce about the day that you spent in the charming rural town of Mount Judea. You’ll agree that it’s the perfect day trip destination in Arkansas.
Have you ever spent the day in Mount Judea? If so, what did you like most about this town in rural Arkansas? Tell us all about it in the comments. You can also read about more rural places in Arkansas.
