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True to the “We’re Making it Happen” tagline, our Springdale, Arkansas community is changing and growing—a lot. This city where my children attend school boasts a new destination farmers market, a bike trail connecting it to the rest of the region’s major cities, downtown development and the growth of local business. Our family’s schedule takes us east of the rodeo grounds and all the way west of Interstate 49. Armed with smiles and smartphones, we bring you some of the best places to check out in this Northwest Arkansas town.
Outside, Among the City’s Natural Beauty
- The Razorback Greenway by Lake Springdale. Pose for a selfie (or a professional photo shoot) on the rustic bridge that carries the trail across the lake, and then trek part of the route created for bikers, runners and walkers. This 36-mile route joining Northwest Arkansas cities helps show off the area’s beauty for residents (and their out-of-town guests).
- Next to fluorescent-like trees in the fall. We’ve seen some of the most beautiful trees sprinkled through downtown, on the outskirts of Springdale and in neighbors’ backyards.
- And at Mill Street Market in the Summer. A new destination farmers market with locally grown food, handmade items and live music.
With Symbols of Springdale’s History
- Shiloh Museum. Dress up as a pioneer from way back in the day while learning about how past generations lived in here—and in other parts of America.
- Parsons Stadium. Home to Rodeo of the Ozarks, the local Christmas Parade, the annual Stick Horse Rodeo for Springdale school students, and carnivals throughout the year. Hat, boots and bandana not required, but certainly suggested.
And Representations of Its Future
- Shiloh Square/Downtown Springdale. Hit that bike trail again, this time downtown. Within walking distance of the square, we can: get a bike fixed, shop for vintage home furnishings, do our banking, play at Luther George park, order a coffee during the day, drink a beer in the evening or sit down for a meal at the local restaurants.
While Enjoying Food and Drink
- At Marketplace Grill with a chocolate mess or a flaming queso. It’s hard not to love a restaurant where we can start a meal by playing with fire, and then polishing off our appetites with a chocolate-covered serving dish. Marketplace is a Springdale staple: the restaurant’s menu accommodates a variety of taste preferences and makes an ideal choice for small groups and large parties.
- On the patio at Onyx Coffee. In the midst of the hustle and bustle on Highway 412, make the time to relax and the drink of your choice in camaraderie in this peaceful respite—both inside and out.
At Community Gathering Places
- In front of the Maser Mural at the Jones Center. Painted by a street artist with help from local children, this bright and bold piece of art has a hidden word sprinkled across its colorful medium.
- Where children can learn (and have fun). We’ve taken advantage of many services Springdale has to offer for children and families: swimming lessons, ice skating, camps, and gymnastics at the Jones Center and other businesses as well as sports activities with the recreation center. During the school year, my boys and I might take a selfie while waiting outside as each brother takes his piano lesson turn at the teacher’s house. In the summer, I’ll drop off one child at day camp and watch another on the soccer field at Don Tyson Park.
Springdale has provided opportunities for everyone in our family, so we’re making it happen without leaving its boundaries. We invite you to do the same.
Yellow tree photo courtesy of Laurie Marshall.
Coffee shop photos courtesy of Janie Michaelson.
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