The Natural State offers lots of opportunities for outdoor activities. But in this Arkansas heat, where can you score on-the-trail snacks and drinks for a break in the shade? Here are five places to put on your bucket list located near some of the state’s most-visited attractions.
Airship Coffee at Coler
1300 Applegate Trail, Bentonville
With four cafe locations in Bentonville, Airship Coffee offers a unique experience at each location with outdoor seating and a sense of neighborhood comfort. However, with their location at the Coler Mountain Bike Preserve, you’ll get to walk or cycle to get there; the open-air coffee shop is only accessible by trail and located almost a mile from the closest parking lot. The spot purposefully does not offer Wi-Fi, instead encouraging visitors to take a break from their screens and engage with those around them and the surroundings. To find out more, visit airshipcoffee.com.
Loblolly Outpost at Pinnacle Mountain Visitor Center
9600 AR-300, Roland
With a brand-new facility opened in 2023, the Pinnacle Mountain Visitor Center is a home base for those visiting Pinnacle Mountain State Park’s 2,300 acres and 33 miles of trails. Now, hikers can find a sweet treat at the end of a long hike at Loblolly Outpost, the Little Rock-based creamery’s scoop shop located at the visitor center. Alongside seasonal flavors and recurring favorites to enjoy, there are also dairy-free and vegan options to choose from. Light and summery flavors like Honey Lavender, Vanilla Coconut, and Very Berry Sorbet paired with a trip to the mountain trails equals a weekend trip where you can get active and then cool down. For an extended menu, visit loblollycreamery.com.
Rock-N-Java
1193 North US-65, Marshall
For those driving from central Arkansas, Highway 65 is a corridor to the Buffalo River and the Ozark Mountains, offering beautiful vistas and breathtaking overlooks. Just south of Marshall, Rock-N-Java offers a chance to fuel up on caffeine while taking in the view. In addition to coffee, the gift shop includes quartz crystals, jewelry, locally made pottery, and more. With a breakfast menu all day long and daily lunch specials and pastries, Rock-N-Java is the perfect stop in your travels to take a moment and enjoy the view of the overlook with a vanilla latte or refreshing peach tea. Find hours and more information Rock-N-Java’s Facebook page.
The Outpost
1506 Petit Jean Mountain Road, Morrilton
Whether you’ve found yourself atop Petit Jean Mountain to hike to Cedar Falls or take in the views from Stout’s Point, chances are you’ve worked up an appetite along the way. Head to The Outpost, where a burger or sandwich will fill your tank. Craving something sweet? This Conway County spot is known for its homemade fudge, with flavors like maple walnut, chewy praline, and even jalapeño chocolate behind the counter. And while you’re there, visit The Petit Jean Coffeehouse next door. This coffeehouse offers the perfect cafe-style dining experience for a fresh summer morning. For more information, visit The Outpost on Facebook and petitjeancoffeehouse.com.
Gear Garden
948 Blowing Spring Road, Bella Vista
Gear Garden is a dog-friendly beer garden located within the 6-mile loops of Blowing Springs Park, one of the hiking and biking trails that’s part of Northwest Arkansas’s Oz Trails. Selling refreshments like shell-on roasted peanuts, trail mix, granola bars, and beverages, Gear Garden also has beers and ciders on draft. Open Wednesday through Sunday from March to October, the area is home to a rotating line-up of food trucks as well. For more information, visit oztrails.com/gear-garden.
