Road Trip: Arkansas (Out and about in Little Rock)

May 9-We headed to Little Rock, Arkansas. We toured the city a little and then met up with my sister-in-law to eat lunch at the famous Cotham's in the City. Cotham's is famous for the "Hubcap Burger" that was shown on Man v. Food.

Arkansas State Capitol

The Little Rock Nine Memorial. (Little Rock Central High School is now a National Park because of their bravery.)

Elizabeth Eckford (1942-  )

Dr. Terrence J. Roberts (1941-  )

Thelma Mothershed Wair (1940-  )

Carlotta Walls Lanier (1942-  )

Minnijean Brown Trickey (1941-  )

Ernest Green (1941-  )

Gloria Ray Karlmark (1942-  )

Jefferson Thomas (1942–2010 Columbus, Ohio )

Melba Pattillo-Beals (1941-  )

Arkansas Fallen Firefighters' Memorial

Names of the fallen

Hook and Ladder

Arkansas Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall

Lots of great things to see in Little Rock, Arkansas, right at the State Capitol. I loved seeing the Little Rock Nine standing facing the Capitol. It spoke volumes for the impact those people had at the time and continue to have. Change is sometimes a great thing.

After touring the State Capital site we headed over to Cotham's in the City.

The inside of the restaurant was covered in political signs from past runners and even current runners for senate, mayor, president, and even local law enforcement. It was really a neat theme. The Mr. and I aren't much on politics, but we loved reading some of the political signs from the 50s and 60s.

Mississippi Mud Cake.

My sister-in-law works close to the capital and was able to take lunch with us. We all knocked back some delicious food.

If you're in the Little Rock, Arkansas area, check out Cotham's in the City. There's another location called Cotham's Mercantile. Both carry the same food and you won't leave hungry.

Road Trip: Arkansas (Birthday Surprise)

Road Trip: Arkansas (Mother's Day and Vista Trail)

What happened this time last year?

Five simple things

Hey guys! A lot has happened this week, nothing really worth talking about-yet, but soon. We have been busy going through more things and donating, donating, and donating on our mission to live more simply. We are following the tips at Reading my Tea Leaves, so if you get a chance, check out Erin's new book, too. It's great! So here are the things that made this week great, or at least worth passing onto you.

1.  This Quote

Isn't that the truth!

2.  This Sign

Source

I always found it strange that people had a perfectly clean home when you visit on an off day. Like nothing out of place even if you show up unexpectedly. Just something unnatural about that.

3.  This Minimal Tip

Source

It really is. Check out my Minimal Living Pin Board and check out Joshua Becker's posts on helping you see what's really important-hint, it's not stuff.

4.  This Blog

Have you checked out my Dooms Day Prep blog? It's worth taking a look if you're into prepping for disasters, or other emergency situations. -Even if Zombies are your thing- Ha!

5.  Happy Everything to you!

Source

Enjoy your weekend and remember to love each other unconditionally. Life is precious. If you've done someone wrong, take the time out of your life to try to make it right. Hate is a horrible thing to hold onto in your heart. 

Extras:

1. Have you joined Generation Good?
2. Strawberry Lemonade concentrate the right way.
3. Worst mass shooting in American history.
4. Did your state's Senator vote for stricter gun laws?
5. What a cute craft.
6. Another cool cookbook to add to my collection. Outlander fan?
7. Always look for the helpers.
8. Shady Grove, Andy Griffith.
9. Still on a hunt for a new fridge. I think we've settled on one...
10. Take better photos.

What happened this time last year.

Road Trip: Arkansas (Mother's Day and Vista Trail)

May 8-We all met up at my mom's new cafe (Crystal Springs Mercantile & Cafe) for Mother's Day and went for a hike on Vista Trail near the cafe. This was the first time that we have eaten at the cafe since she opened. The food is amazing and my mom's chicken and dumplings (Shelly's Dumplings) are soon to be added to the menu. The Bean loved sitting outside in the front where the bistro seating is and he knocked back a lot of pie!

The inside of the cafe is decorated in a theme that I like to call "rustic comfort." I fell in love with the mismatched chairs and tables and my uncle did the window work with the wood. It looks so homey inside.

Crystal Springs Mercantile & Cafe

 

This was the first Mother's Day I have been with my mom in 13 years since moving to Oregon. We had such a great time and everyone enjoyed this visit a lot. Springs visits back home are always hard to work in, but I am so glad we were able to make it happen this year.

The hike we took on Vista Trail was a lot of fun. Everyone, but my mom, went on the hike and the cackling and laughter could probably be heard for miles. I've always said, "My family is most definitely louder than yours." Ha!

Do you see the snake? It's a Yellow-Bellied Water Snake and it isn't poisonous, but we kept our distance so it didn't get defensive.

My niece, Natalie, loved to point to her favorite birds as we were walking. She likes the Robin and the Mallard Ducks the best. 

She also found some turtle eggs along the path.

The Bean found some slate that was caked in mug and we packed it up and brought it back to Oregon with us.

My brother, Will, and The Mr. had to taking a short break. The decking on this trail is incredible!

The boardwalk trail took you right up into the Ouachita mountain side.

We had a great time hiking Vista Trail and it's definitely a spot worth checking out. If you're in, or around the Crystal Springs area of Arkansas, give these two spots a go. [Vista Trail and Crystal Springs Mercantile & Cafe] If you're an avid mountain biker, this area of the Ouachitas is one to mark on your map.

Check out Road Trip: Arkansas (Birthday Surprise)

More soon!

What happened this time last year?