Monday, December 11, 2017

Lights and Pie - Great Places To Get Pie When You Go Out To See Arkansas's Holiday Lights.

Tis the season for robust light displays and holiday cheer - and what better way to get in the mood for viewing the sights of the season than with a nice slice of pie. Check out these recommendations for restaurants open in the evening, serving pie near some of the best light shows in Arkansas this December.

First things first. Click into the Arkansas Trail of Holiday Lights. Each of these itineraries offers an opportunity to not only view lights in areas particular to one area or another in the state, but also attractions nearby.

Once you settle on an itinerary, you'll need a pie to go along with it. Here you go.


Northwest Itinerary A: Jasper
Downtown Jasper is pretty marvelous at night. A couple of years ago, we accidentally came upon the Jasper Christmas Parade, then enjoyed a bite at the Ozark Cafe. However, the pie you're looking for is at the Boardwalk Cafe, a block off the downtown area. There, get yourself a slice of black walnut pie WITH the ice cream.

Northwest Itinerary B: Arkansas Wine Country
View the lights in downtown Altus, then head over to Wiederkehr Village for the display of 50,000 lights at the winery. Afterwards, get a pie nightcap (no matter how late it is) at Hillbilly Hideout in Ozark, inside the I-40 Travel Center. A variety of pies are always available, including such varieties as cherry nut, cherry cream cheese meringue and even raccoon - a layered pie like possum pie except with blueberries.

Northwest Itinerary C: Eureka Springs
After a visit to Thorncrown Chapel, Christ of the Ozarks and a tour of the Old 62 Loop, stop in at Local Flavor Cafe for a slice of pecan pie and a hot cup of coffee.


Northwest Itinerary D: Fort Smith
Once you've rolled through Creekmore Park, taken in the sights of Westside Park and enjoyed all the lights, head south to Miss Anna's on Towson for slices of cherry crisp pie.


Northwest Itinerary E: The Corridor
For this multi-night extravaganza, take your time and savor some great evening poes. After viewing the really cool lights on the square in Fayetteville, wander in to Greenhouse Grille for my favorite pie, the chocolate chunk bourbon pecan. If you are ambitious or going for a second night, explore downtown Bentonville and grab a slice of buttermilk pie at Modern Ozark Dining or some pecan pie at The Hive at 21c. You'll still have time to view the lights in the park and downtown in Rogers - and that banana cream pie at Lucy's there is available 24 hours a day.


Upper Delta Itinerary A:
Before you head to the Enchanted Land of Holiday Lights - an exceptional drive-through experience - grab a fried pie at Benny Bob's BBQ. Whether you overnight or head on back this way afterwards, make sure to have a sit-down at Wilson Cafe in Wilson for chocolate chess pie with handbeaten cream, or a slice of airy lemon icebox pie at Sandbar Grille in Osceola.

Upper Delta Itinerary B:
If you go up to check out Candy Cane Lane in Pocahontas on a Friday or Saturday night, you should also make sure to stop in at Junction 166 Cafe beforehand and enjoy a slice of chocolate meringue pie.

North Central Itinerary A: Mountain View
Right there on the square in Mountain View, enjoy the lights and sounds of the holidays. While you're at it, head to PJ's Rainbow Cafe and have a slice of one of Ms. Reda's pies - get the strawberry pie if she has it.

North Central Itinerary B: Heber Springs and Greers Ferry
After you've taken in the lights on the downtown square, head over to Cafe Klaser for a slice of a really kicking coconut meringue pie.


Central Itinerary A:
This one comes in multiple parts. If you're taking in the lights in downtown Conway, head over to Stoby's when you're done for the famed possum pie.

If your travels then take you to Morrilton, be sure to grab a hot Flywheel pie at Morrilton Drive In Restaurant.


And if you're going to check out the lights in Jacksonville and Cabot instead, it's worth your time to try the state fair-like fried pies with one of a couple of dozens fillings at The Original Fried Pie Shop.

Central Arkansas Itinerary B: Little Rock
Before you go to see the lights at the Arkansas State Capitol, Riverfront Park or elsewhere around the city, drop in for a mini pie or slice at Honey Pies on Bowman. Or stick around downtown and get a slice of lemon cream pie at Community Bakery.

Southwest Itinerary A: Hot Springs
You could spend quite a while at Garvan Woodland Gardens, sipping hot chocolate while wandering the extensive glorious lights within the massive acreage of the park, and then head downtown to see the lights on Central Avenue. While you're around, grab a slice of turtle pie at Cafe 1217.


Southwest Itinerary B: El Dorado
The massively new downtown improvements are really coming to fruition. Enjoy a leisurely stroll and then head to Fayray's for the bourbon chocolate pie. Or take home a whole pie from Olde Town Shoppe.


Lower Delta Itinerary A:
Once you've experienced the wonderland at the Enchanted Land of Lights and Legends in Pine Bluff, settle down to a perfect nightcap of coffee and black bottom pie at Colonial Steakhouse.

Lower Delta Itinerary B:
Yes, you should absolutely visit Christmas Wonderland, a really awesome light display three miles north of Crossett, which was the very first ABC Christmas Light Fight Champion. But I am at a loss on a good pie you can get at night near this display. Can you help me?

1 comment:

Be kind.