48 HOURS IN EL DORADO
Boomtown provides bang for the buck
Stroll El Dorado’s picturesque downtown for entertainment and dining.
WHY GO?
El Dorado, the seat of Union County, is a thriving community that has transformed itself from oil boomtown to the center of tourism and the arts in South Arkansas. Nearby natural amenities combine with a robust slate of dining, entertainment and special event options for an enjoyable weekend or quick getaway.
HISTORY
El Dorado has a history built on happy accidents. Town founder Matthew Rainey got stranded in the area, selling his possessions to local settlers to tide him over. Impressed by the sales, he drove a stake into the ground that would officially become El Dorado in 1843. In January 1921, Dr. Samuel Busey, a physician and oil speculator, hit oil and changed the face of the community forever.
Over time, El Dorado suffered the same stagnation as many Delta communities, only to reinvent itself as an entertainment center with its fall MusicFest concert festival in 1987. Three decades after that, the community invested in arts and culture tourism in a big way, investing $100 million in the Murphy Arts District, upgrading arts and music amenities and providing a means for year-around entertainment by national touring performers.
It doesn’t get any wilder than Felsenthal NWR.
GET OUTDOORS
Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge
Established in 1975, Felsenthal is located due west of El Dorado at the confluence of Union, Bradley and Ashley counties in Arkansas. The 65,000-acre refuge provides an abundance of wildlife resources for fishing, birding, canoeing, hiking, photography and observation, available year-around. Hunting is also permitted for waterfowl, deer, turkey and quail along with other small game. (fws.gov)
Moro Bay State Park
Looking for something a little more refined? Moro Bay State Park, just 22 miles from El Dorado, provides nature trails, boating, fishing, campgrounds and cabin rentals, Moro Big Pine WMA allows hunting of deer, waterfowl, turkey and other game, managed by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. (agfc.com)
El Dorado to Magnolia
This 78-mile cycling route follows quiet county roads through the scenic pine woodlands. This easy ride is particularly breathtaking in the fall months when seasonal color is at its best. (arkansas.com)
South Arkansas Arboretum
Maintained by South Arkansas Community College, the arboretum boasts 12 wooded acres showcasing plants native to Arkansas’s West Gulf Coastal Plain. These plantings, combined with exotic species including flowering camellias and azaleas, make for a stunning show. (arkansasstateparks.com)
Arkansas Scenic 7 Byway
This popular motorcycling route tours the entire state top to bottom, with El Dorado being its southernmost major point of call. From the main route, find miles of rolling countryside to explore from atop your hog. (arkansas.com)
WHERE TO STAY
Downtown Guest Quarters
El Dorado features the usual collection of chain lodging, but for something different, check out Downtown Guest Quarters, which operates a variety of accommodations in the heart of downtown. This includes the Union Square Guest Quarters historic hotel and various converted oil mansions. Definitely out of the ordinary. (www.usgq.net)
Summertime festivals include the popular gunfight reenactment.
WHERE TO EAT
Minute Man #14
The venerated burger chain is experiencing a revival with new locations in Arkansas, but don’t miss the chance to eat at an original (and for decades, only) location in Arkansas. (minutemanburgers.com)
Off The Rail Café
Power up for your day’s activities with the best breakfast and brunch in the area, served in a restored 1883 rail car. The lunch menu is equally tempting offering a variety of soups, sandwiches and salads. (offtherailcafe.net)
House of Wylie Coffee Bar & Cafe
Don’t let the name fool you, this place serves some of the best lunch grub anywhere. Check out what fresh homemade soups are simmering on any given day via its Facebook page.
Fayray’s
If fine dining is what you seek, look no further than Fayray’s. The New Orleans-inspired menu is chock full of delicious choices, including steak, pasta and seafood. (fayrays.site)
Cafe 1891
For an off-the-beaten-path treat, take a short roadie to Norphlet to experience Cafe 1891, serving fresh, reimagined diner fare. The shrimp and grits entree comes highly recommended. (cafe1891.net)
WHEN TO GO
Match your trip with concerts, events and community festivals to round out your 48-hour immersive experience. Here are some highlights to plan around, keeping in mind that events are subject to change or cancellation due to covid-19. Check websites for updates.
MusicFest (September)
Mayhaw Festival (May, mayhawfestival.com)
El Dorado Film Festival (October, eldofilmfest.com)
Showdown at Sunset gunfight reenactment (June-August)
South Arkansas Arts Center (saac-arts.org)
Murphy Arts District – MAD (eldomad.com)
For a complete list of events and activities, visit:
El Dorado Chamber of Commerce (goeldorado.com)
Main Street El Dorado (mainstreeteldorado.org)
