Field Trip to El Dorado, AR

Hubby and I had a field trip!

An artist friend told me about an art exhibit in a nearby town - 2.5 hours away in another state - that he thought I needed to see.  After one canceled trip due to bad weather, I was determined to go by myself.  But, Hubby wasn't having any of that and said he would take me.  I just love that man!

El Dorado, Arkansas is a small town in the south central part of the state and the county seat with a population of approximately 18,000.

 It could never be described as a "sleepy little town" because although small, there is plenty happening there.

El Dorado is headquarters of the Arkansas Oil and Gas Commission as well as Murphy Oil Corporation, and the Lion Oil Refinery.

Just off the main square around which the town is centered, is the "Oil and Gas Park" commemorating those who helped build this town around that industry.

 As I said, the center of the town is the courthouse.  It is a lovely, large majestic building with

beautiful architectural details.

 

 

 

 

 

 Architectural details were to be seen on several of the old buildings such as the churches.

Our first stop was at the Black Cat Restaurant for lunch.  We both had the Taco Salad and it was delicious.  The flaky crust bowl was some of the best we have ever had.

The next stop was to the corporate office for Century 21 United.  Hubby has been with this Realty firm since moving to Shreveport in 2002.
The ladies inside were so friendly and gave us a tour of the offices.  Thank you Jan and Marquita for making us feel so welcome.

This visit only set the stage for the rest of the day.

After leaving the realty office, we decided to walk around the square and see what we could see.

Only in a small town would you see High School athletic jackets displayed in a vacant store window.
Let's just say that the south is proud of their winning seasons.

Only in a small town will you find a squirrel feeder hung on a tree that was important enough to build the sidewalk around.

The outside of the Elm Street Bakery caught our eye and we had to see what was inside and we were so glad we did.

We learned that the building was built in 1879 for the US Post Office which remained until the oil boom in 1921.  Then Hall's Pharmacy occupied this idyllic space until 2006.

Recent renovations to the building have preserved the old-time grace of the 114-year-old stamped metal ceiling, the thick white marble soda fountain, and the mahogany apothecary cabinets with etched glass.

The Website describes it like this:  "The atmosphere at Elm Street Bakery combines classic southern charm and hospitality with contemporary elegance and design.
 
We could not agree more.

Another stop was Sidney Murphy Design

There are so many pretty things in this store, from gift items, furniture, china, to the pillow you saw at the beginning of my blog and in the store-front window.  But we most enjoyed our visit with Sidney Murphy herself.  And would you believe she would like to retire to Shreveport one of these days?  How fun is that!

Next door is

 As soon as Hubby walked in the store, the owner took him to the back to try his spicy dip and renowned Turnip Green Soup.  Hubby said they were both delicious!  I couldn't get past the fudge counter in the front of the store where I found the most unusual flavors.

We met this lovely couple on the street and struck up a conversation.  Knox and Judy White are a lovely couple who have lived in this quaint little town for 50 years.   They love to travel and were getting last minute items for a Caribbean cruise they are about to take.

 Are you beginning to get the idea that El Dorado is all about the people who live and work there?

Our final stop was the

South Arkansas Art Center

which was the real reason for our trip.

As I said, a friend told me I must see the

"A Brush with Arkansas" Bill Garrison Exhibit

Bill Garrison is a native of Arkansas and loves everything about the "Natural State" and has painted some amazing landscapes to capture its beauty.  I was in awe!

These are only a few and I hope he won't mind my showing them here.  Friday was the last day of the exhibit and I am so glad I was able to see it.

I featured one of our favorites on last Friday's blog Here.  The deep reds and greens and the way he captures the sun, which draws the eye into the scene, amazes me.

After inhaling every painting, I went to the front desk to thank the nice lady for assisting us, and she offered to give us a tour of the whole place.  How could we refuse this, another example of the friendliness of the folks in this town?

Little did we know that there was a theater, multiple class rooms, piano/voice practice rooms, a ballet studio, an unbelievable maze of wardrobe rooms, not to mention the office space it takes to run such a busy community art center.

We even got to meet and visit with two of the ladies who devote their time to designing and making the sets for all the children's plays.

This was such a delight and a behind-the-scenes look that we could have never expected.
Thank you ladies for your time to share something so special to you and the community.

To learn more about what goes on at this busy, and vital place in the life of El Dorado, Arkansas go here.

SAAC Facebook Page

There was only one disappointment in our trip.  I was hoping to see the old hotel building where my parents spent their honeymoon night on November 24, 1943.  Alas, like so many other old buildings, it was torn down many years ago to make room for progress.

 We enjoyed seeing the buildings, the realty headquarters, eating a delicious lunch and the beautiful paintings, not to mention the lovely country roads to get there.

But, what we will remember the longest is the time we spent together meeting some of the friendliest  people in the world.
People who will stop on the street to talk to you.
People who take you by the arm and say, "Come try this!"
People who will stop what they are doing to share something that they are proud of with you.

Thank you El Dorado for making our visit a very memorable one.