Backroad Provisions
Explore The Natural State and General Stores This Summer.
By Becca Bona | Photography By Matt White
Arkansas’s backroads are an adventure all their own. Curving around the cliffs of the Ozarks, keeping pace with the White River’s rolling hills, and offering glimpses into the dense Ouachita National Forest, they act as a gateway into The Natural State. Despite the humidity and heavy heat, summer is a perfect time to explore — to float, hike, swim, fish, ride and take in everything Arkansas has to offer.
Forget something in that rush to get out of town? Nestled along these scenic routes are some of Arkansas’s beloved general stores, timeless establishments that offer both essentials and a slice of local charm. From crispy fried pies to sodas in glass bottles, from charcoal and bait to a perfect fried bologna sandwich, these stops are as much a part of your adventure as the natural beauty surrounding you.
Step inside or sit on the porch and stay awhile.
CALLING ALL RIVER RATS
Big T’s General Store
Address: 1090 Highway 88 West, Oden
The Rundown: Sure, Big T’s General Store is a picturesque stop with a 100-year-plus history. But the real gem is Big T himself, equipped with overalls, beard and slinging “hillbilly cuisine.” Big T (aka Tommy Beshears) was born and raised in Oden and used to go to the store as a kid before it closed. He got the opportunity to buy it and after six months of renovations, he opened the doors. “I wanted a place for the kids to come and for the community to gather,” he said. The menu includes pizza and deli sandwiches, but Big T has been smokin’ meats since he was a teen, so check out the barbecue offerings, as well. Big T’s is a general store in the true sense of its offerings: a little bit of everything. As a justice of the peace and pastor, Big T also serves the community in more ways than one: “You can get anything you need here, from plumbing tools to food to floating and fishing equipment.”
Nearby Activities: Ouachita River, Lake Ouachita and the Ouachita National Forest.
Pro Tip: Get the smoked pork nachos, soft-serve ice cream or root beer float. Stay for Big T’s warm welcome and genuine porch-sittin’ conversation.
Fun Fact: Big T is a justice of the peace and a pastor, and thus, he actually performed a marriage at the general store.
PERCHED ON LAKE CHICOT
LJ’s Cafe & Bait Shop
Location: 3373 N Lakeshore Drive, Lake Village
The Rundown: There are plenty of reasons to visit LJ’s but the main one is that charming cozy diner aesthetic that feels like home masquerading as a hole-in-the-wall. Plus, the cafe also contains a bait shop, ready to serve the needs of any avid fisherman. LJ’s has long been a part of Lake Village’s community. Owner and fishing enthusiast Lawanda Penick purchased the shop over 15 years ago and hasn’t looked back. “Great food is what brings us together,” Penick said. Highlights include a lunch special that will rival your great aunt’s home cooking (we’re talking fried gizzards, y’all). Penick loves providing comfort food and lively conversation to locals and travelers alike. “If you want to visit with the locals, our town is small but it’s super friendly,” she said. LJ’s serves breakfast and lunch until 2 p.m., but the bait shop stays open longer to supply fishing needs. Penick invites everyone to come on down and check it out: “Get a burger and some bait and go fishing on the dock.”
Nearby Activities: Fishing and camping in Lake Chicot State Park.
Pro Tip:Order the cheeseburger, it’s hand-patted-hype-worthy. Also, stay a while for the conversation, you’re bound to overhear some tall fishing tails.
Fun Fact: Lake Chicot is the largest oxbow lake in North America.
SUNDAY DRIVIN’ THROUGH THE OZARKS
Oark General Store
Location: 117 County Road 5241, Oark
The Rundown: Nestled at a crossroads, the Oark General Store brings history to life, beckoning visitors from all corners of the world. Owners Brian and Regan Eisele are both from small towns originally, but after working in D.C. decided they wanted to settle away from the bustle of politics. The store was for sale and they pounced at the opportunity a little over 12 years ago. “This is the Arkansas I grew up with, nostalgic and vintage,” Regan said. Various elements of Oark’s original 1890 structure are still visible today, including the floors and beading. The store offers plenty of sundries, a place to fill up on gas and a seasonal, simple menu with staples like burgers, patty melts and sandwiches. “I’m pretty adamant that everyone feels welcome, when they come to Oark,” Brian said. “Enjoy it, soak it all in. Don’t be in a hurry to get anywhere because you’re already here.”
Nearby Activities: Camp in the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest. Float the Mulberry River. Drive the Trans-America Trail.
Pro Tip: Order the Fried Pie. These are those delicious golden fried pies of your childhood but with creative fillings (think PB&J).
Fun Fact: Oark was listed in the Arkansas Register of Historic Places in 1995.
GONE FISHIN’ ALONG THE WHITE RIVER
Guion General Store
Address: 10358 W. Highway 58, Guion
The Rundown: Dave Hoover and Patricia Tatum operate a small, but mighty gem off the beaten path. Hoover himself has a story that would make for an interesting book. Originally from Michigan, he got his feet wet in the restaurant industry at the ripe old age of 13. From the Meating Place in Detroit to the Pontiac Silverdome, Hoover made his mark. He never really had plans to open another restaurant, after running multiple operations in Hot Springs. “I’m semi-retired now,” he said, laughing. But there’s a reason locals line up for his omelets and people who stumble upon the eatery feel compelled to leave 5-star reviews. “We’re out here in the boonies, but we’ve got some of the best fishing along the White River.”
Nearby Activities: The White River is a great place for paddling and kayaking; however, the fishing is where it’s at. If you need bait and tackle, Guion General has you covered.
Pro Tip: Order the Reuben and anything that Hoover has whipped up as a special.
Fun Fact: Hoover is an award-winning chef. Ask him to tell you the story about bringing cheese dip to the Midwest and tell him we sent you.
