Searcy Visitors Guide

From Downtown main street, uptown arts and close-to-town nature.

Let Searcy surprise you!

Welcome to the City of Searcy, where warm friendly smiles and greetings are as frequent as the sunshine.

Searcy is a vibrant thriving city with a mixture of parks, lush green forest, art, culture, history, sports, and education nestled in the neighborhood of the Little Red River.

We invite you to visit our city. Stop into our Courthouse in the newly revitalized Main Street District and say hello.

You’ll be standing in one of the oldest working courthouses in the United States. Visit our Chamber of Commerce and let them tell you a story or two. And if you’re looking for a new community to call home, Searcy may be the unexpected surprise you’re looking for. Welcome.

Table of Contents Welcome . . . . . . . . . 1 Make a Day of It . . . 2-3 City Map . . . . . . . . 4-5 History of Searcy . . . 6-7 City Adventures . . . . 8-9 Outdoor Adventures . . . . . . . . . . . 10-11 Arts & Entertainment . . . . . . . . . . . 12-13

Bonus Video

Little Red River Foldout Map . . . . 14-16 Local Retail . . . . . 18-19 AgriTourism . . . . . 20-21 Driving Tour . . . . . 22-23 Facilities & Services . . . . . . . . . . . 27-29 Events . . . . . . . . . 30

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Greers Ferry Lake & Little Red River Tourism Association VisitGreersFerryLake.org Photography by: Al Fowler, Arkansas Parks and Tourism, Dewayne LaForce, Jeff Montgomery, Michelle Rohlman, and Tara Cathey

Bonus Video

This brochure was paid for with a combination of state funds and private regional association funds. © Greers Ferry Lake & Little Red River. All Rights Reserved.

Printed in the USA | 7,500 | 03/2018

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Make a Day of It

Take an Adventure Cast your line or kayak down the cool waters of the Little Red River. Take a ‘Walk Through History’ tour, or stroll the fountains and flowers of Harding University campus. (See pages 8-11)

Downtown Treasures Charming brick walkways invite you to explore this quaint downtown, with stained-glass art, unique boutiques, cafes and coffee houses, treasure seeking vintage markets, and an abundant farmer’s market.

(See pages 18-20)

Always Entertaining If you’re looking for hometown ‘feel good’ performances with uptown high-stepping reviews – grab your seat!

Musicals, dinner theater, art galleries and handmade goodness abounds. (See page 12-13)

Bonus Video

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Founded in 1838, Searcy has more than 170 years of rich history waiting to be discovered.

Founded in 1838, Searcy has always been a hub for family, new opportunity and a vibrant life. With abundant waterway access, steamboats carried pioneers and entrepreneurs who quickly called the city home. Named after Tennessee native and Arkansas pioneer, Richard Searcy, the town has roots from across the early U.S. In fact, city architect Israel Moore designed the community with the street names reflecting his hometown of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Through periods of economic downturn, and a couple of riverboat battles during the Civil War on the Little Red River, Searcy saw its fair share of trials and tribulation.

Always resilient, Searcy quickly became a diverse economic nucleus for industry, agriculture, education and healthcare.

Searcy is home to Harding University, which has been an integral part of the community since its origins as Galloway Women’s College in 1889, and today is home to more than 6,000 students from 50 states and 54 foreign countries.

More than 170 years later, Searcy remains a symbol of family, faith and freedom. The city continues to thrive and welcome people from all corners of the world.

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Set

the stage – for your Searcy visit

with adventures in the city. Don’t miss the historic White County Courthouse, fly a kite in BerryHill Park or stroll the stunning Harding University campus.

Find unique city adventures while uncovering the story of Searcy.

HISTORY WALKING TOUR

This

self-guided 3-mile walking tour features 16 historic sites including homes, monuments and local businesses. Starting at the Benjamin Clayton Black House (300 Race St.).

Historic

Harding

University

–

Begin at the front-lawn fountain, and stroll around the beautiful campus with origins from the late 1800s.

Be greeted by a myriad of flowers and captivating landscape design, unique architecture and plenty of history at the campus that greets students from 54 countries around the world.

Take the fun indoors – Need an outdoor adventure break? Take your adventure indoors to Searcy Skate, Super Bowl or Zion Rock Climbing Gym for family-friendly fun.

SPRING PARK A City Oasis

Spring Park is a quiet oasis in the middle of historic downtown Searcy. Developed around the white sulphur springs and known as a health resort, the original town plot, including the park, was donated to the public in 1880.

BERRYHILL PARK The Greens are Calling

Experience

Berryhill Park with a morning run on the lighted trail. Take to the tennis courts, volleyball pit and softball field for exciting competition.

Pack a picnic basket and take advantage of the seven acres of luscious green grass.

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Scenic

Hiking and Biking – Hike

6 miles of trails showcasing boulders, cliffs, river views and river access at Riverside Park!

Pack a picnic, take a board game break at the pavilions and relax in the sunshine. Feeling more adventurous? Try the Lercher 15 trails.

This family-owned trail system features 17 miles of mountain biking/hiking trails.

Daily and annual rates, the ranch features a break room, hot showers, picnic areas and a bike wash station.

Rappelling

Adventure Seeker? –

Get a group together and go rappelling off of B Rock, located on the grounds of Camp Wyldewood. The 80-foot rock face offers up plenty of excitement.

In operation since the 40s, the Camp features a host of activities for all ages.

(Be sure to book in advance.)

GRAB YOUR GEAR Places to Play

Discover volleyball, disc golf, baseball and softball fields at Harding’s intramural fields. A perfect place for a competitive round of whiffle ball or flag football.

If the greens are calling, head over to River Oaks Golf Course for a beautiful morning round.

Get outside! go kayaking or explore a biking/hiking trail to uncover the adventurous you!

FIND YOUR INNER ANGLER The Little Red River

The Little Red River’s cool, trout-filled waters run right through Searcy. Make a trip downtown to Beyond Boundaries Outdoor and Adventure, a locally-owned outdoor store, and find the perfect kayak to help you snag some well-awaited water time or even a feisty rainbow trout.

There are several access points, the nearest being Riverside Road, Ramsey Access and Dripping Springs Bald Knob.

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TAKE THE STAGE! Visual and Performing Arts

The always-entertaining Center on the Square and Searcy Summer Dinner Theater offer dinner theater shows, musicals and performances using local talent. Encore!

Each Easter weekend, more than 12,000 people flock to Searcy for Harding University’s annual Spring Sing musical.

The all-around-feel-good performances are produced and performed by students in social clubs, hosts, hostesses and ensemble.

Take a step back in time – The historic Rialto movie theater was built in the 1920’s and renovated in 1940. This Art Deco beauty is on the National Register of Historic Places and still shows movies daily and features weekly matinées.

Visiting

during the fall or spring?

– Make your way to Pioneer Village to experience farm animals, pioneer games, Dutch oven cooking and pioneer-era guides. (See page 18 for more.)

YES, it’s a cozy town, but “WOW” is what you’ll be saying.

Lively, authentic and creative works abound.

THE BLACK HOUSE Award-Winning and Awe-Inspiring

The

historic, Victorian-style Black House – a piece of art in itself – is home to the Black House Art Gallery with six major exhibits a year. Built in 1858, the house holds original furnishings and stunning woodwork with plenty stories to share. The gallery’s gift shop showcases local hand-made jewelry, woodcarvings, watercolor paintings and more.

RIVER OAKS GOLF CLUB in Searcy Monthly Memberships: $121 Single, $135 Family

1241 West Beebe-Capps Expwy.

Searcy, AR 72143 Phone: (501)278-3082

Big Cre ek

RIVER OAKS GOLF CLUB in Searcy River Access

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PANGBURN

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SEARCY

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Downtown Eats – Start your morning with a home-cooked breakfast at Main Street Cafe. Save room for a tasty lunch at Burrito Day or Daisy’s Lunch Box and ask about their homemade cinnamon rolls.

Searcy’s cafes, boutiques, and vintage markets are a favorite for locals and are bound to be some of your favorites, too.

One Flawless Latte – A caffeine boost is just what you need to keep up with your Searcy to-do list. Try Stews Brew, or Kibo Midnight Oil offers a traditional coffeehouse atmosphere with a meaningful mission.

Their profits relieve poverty-stricken communities in East Africa.

Pull up a chair to enjoy a class – Take a break at Wellspring Spa and Yoga Studio. Head downtown for a class in stained glass art at Glass from the Past or try your hand at Bennett Art Studio.

LOVE LOCAL? Antiques and Boutiques

Looking for once-in-a-lifetime gems that reflect Searcy’s story?

– Wonderflea Made, Freeway Emporium, Thackerland, Posing in Vintage and The Bees Knees are some of the area’s most popular vintage markets and won’t disappoint.

In search of something more Savor

Searcy – Finding a family

favorite for dinner is easy at Rock House Grill or Whistle Stop BBQ. Looking for a taste of a different culture? Fuji’s Steak House, Venezia’s Italian Grill, El Almacen and Greek House please any worldly tastes.

modern and adventurous? – Sophitique, Hays 2, H & S, Lefler’s, Sunrise Marine Center and Salon Bliss boast unique collections for all occasions!

You’re sure to find your new go-to tee and become part of the community fabric. Nothing better than local service, local shopping and local love.

21

LIVING & LEARNING FROM THE LAND Exploring Local AgriTourism

Pioneer Village – Into a wild country went the first settlers – hunters, trappers, miners, and pioneer farmers. So what was it like to live as a pioneer? Step into a living village, recreated as an 1880’s settlement, with items of historic interest gathered from across White County. There you can visit a log house, Little Red School, an old post office, smokehouse, jail, windmill, barn, blacksmith shop and more.

Beats & Eats – This Main Street family-friendly festival celebrates all things local and loved. Held the first Friday evening of the month on the courthouse square, enjoy local music, food, and unique creative in art, woodwork, painting, upcycled and vintage treasures.

Farmer’s Market – Fresh, fresh and fresh!

Community market with artisans as well as local farmers sell a variety of Arkansas grown fruits and vegetables, plants, baked goods, farm fresh eggs, jellies, handmade soaps, and more. Saturday mornings at the courthouse square.

Getting back to our Searcy roots means being close to the

– celebrating our farming community.

land we love

THE SEARCY DIAMOND The famous Arkansas Diamond

Back

in 1929, a young girl

named Alice Taylor of Holly Springs (in White County, Arkansas) made an amazing discover. Just 11 years old, Alice was hoeing cotton and found what she thought was just a ‘pretty rock’ about the size of a quail egg. Alice kept that rock for many years and in 1942, at the urging of a Searcy drugstore owner, Noel Crook, Alice mailed the rock to the famous Tiffany’s of New York to see its value.

Tiffany’s sent a check for $8,500 for a 27-carat diamond. Said to be the third largest found in North America, Tiffany’s was noted to have it on display since 1942. The famous Arkansas Diamond is reportedly still there and never been cut.

Smyrna Church Hwy 36 & Jaybird Lane The oldest church building in Arkansas, the Methodist Church was founded in 1856 and is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Spring Park 113 E. Pleasure Ave. See Page 9

Spring Park

Smyrna Church

Donated to the public in 1880, the park was developed around the white sulphur springs and known as a health resort.

White County Courthouse 300 North Spruce Street The 1871 Courthouse, the oldest Arkansas courthouse still being used for its original purpose, houses an 1855 clock tower bell resembling the Liberty Bell.

White County Courthouse

Rialto Theater

Rialto Theater 100 W. Race See Page 12 This 1923 movie theatre landmark was renovated in amazing art deco style with 1940’s neon lighting.

One of a few historic theaters showing films daily.

Black House 300 E. Race See Page 13

Black House

The historic Victorian-style Black House is a piece of art itself, holding original furnishings, woodwork and presents the Searcy Art Galley exhibits as well.

Oak Grove Cemetery 601 E. Moore Ave

Oak Grove Cemetery

Oak Grove is a cultural and historical cemetery, established in 1889. The confederate civil war general Dandridge McRae is buried here.

Pioneer Village 1200 Higginson St See Page 20

Bonus Video

Pioneer Village

This recreated 19th-century village features a log house, little red school, post office, smokehouse, barn and blacksmith shop.

Serving White County Since 1945

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AIRPORT

Bonus Video

VISITSEARCY

Searcy Municipal Airport 2609 South Main Searcy, AR 72143 (501)279-1080

APARTMENTS/ EXTENDED STAY Country Meadows 909 Holmes Rd Searcy, AR 72143 (501)268-6296

ARTS/CULTURE/ HISTORIC Performing Arts Center on the Square 219 West Arch Searcy, AR 72143 (501)368-0111 Searcy Art Gallery at the Black House 300 E Race Ave. Searcy, AR 724143 (501)279-1018

www.visitsearcy.com

2323 South Main . Searcy AR 72143 (501) 268-2458 or scc@searcychamber.com

Pioneer Village 1200 Higginson St. Searcy, AR 72143 (501)580-6633 White County Court House 300 North Spruce St. Searcy, AR 72143 (501)279-6200

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Searcy Regional Chamber of Commerce 2323 S. Main St Searcy, AR 72143 (501)268-2458

FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS Edward Jones Amy Daniels, Financial Advisor 1111 South Main Searcy, AR 72143 (501)305-3044 First Community Bank 306 East Beebe-Capps Searcy, AR 72143 (501)207-6000 First Security Bank 314 N. Spring St Searcy, AR 72143 (501)279-6200 (877)611-3118 River Wind Bank 1241 West BeebeCapps Expwy.

Searcy, AR 72143 (501)278-3082

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FISHING GUIDES Sore Lip’Em All Guide Service Searcy, AR 72121 (501)230-0730

GOLF The Course at River Oaks, LLC 1 Golf Course Drive Searcy, AR 72143 (501)279-4653

HEALTH CARE FACILITIES & SERVICES Reaper Physical Therapy 2918 Hawkins Dr. Searcy, AR 72143 (501)279-9255 Unity Health (WCMC Campus) 3214 E. Race Searcy, AR 72143 (501)268-6121

HOTELS Best Western 501 Willow St., Searcy, AR 72143 (501)279-9191 Econo Lodge Searcy 120 North Rand Dr. Searcy, AR 72143 (501)279-1200

Knights Inn 3211 East Race Ave. Searcy, AR 72143 (501)268-9900

Zaxby’s 1303 East Beebe Capps Searcy, AR 72143 (501)305-3918

Sowell’s Furniture 207 W. Arch Street Searcy, AR 72143 (501)2268-8100

Super 8 in Searcy 1200 Truman Baker Dr. Searcy, AR 72143 (501)268-8988

RETAIL

Sunrise Motorsports and Outfitters 800 Truman Baker Dr. Searcy, AR 72143 (501)305-2900

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Home Howell Inspection 343 Tater Hill Rd. Searcy, AR 72143 (501)207-1494 (501)230-2456

RESTAURANTS/ FOOD Burrito Day 108 E Center Ave. Searcy, AR 72143 (501)230-3980 Daisy’s Lunchbox 311 N Spruce St Searcy, AR 72143 (501) 281-0297 Good Measure Market 614 S. Main St. Searcy, AR 72143 (501)268-9000

The Bike Lane 2116 W Beebe-Capps Expwy.

Searcy, AR 72143 (501)305-3915 Good Measure Market 614 S. Main St. Searcy, AR 72143 (501)268-9000 H&S 1627 E Beebe-Capps Expwy.

Searcy, AR 72143 (501)388-7431 Old Hippy Antiques 1208 S. Benton Ave Searcy AR 72143 Radiance Tanning 1414 East Race Ave. Searcy, AR 72143 (501)203-0380 RV Fog Doctor Searcy, AR 72143 (501)278-3015

UNIVERSITIES/ SCHOOLS Harding University 915 E Market Ave. Searcy, AR 72143 (501)279-4000 Searcy Public Schools 801 North Elm Street Searcy, AR 72143 (501)268-3517

MARCH

NOVEMBER

Harding University’s Spring Sing Benson Auditorium

Beats & Eats Main Street Parking Lot

MAY Pioneer Village Spring Open House 1200 Higginson St The 65 Roses Bike Tour City Wide

SEPTEMBER White County Fair Davis Drive

Pioneer Village Annual Fall Festival 1200 Higginson St Holiday of Lights Festival City Wide

DECEMBER An Old Fashion Christmas in the Village 1200 Higginson Street

In the Neighborhood?

Let’s Get to Know One Another

The Living Nativity Benton Ave

Get Down Downtown Festival Court Square

New to the area? Unfamiliar with the Edward Jones way of doing business?

Take an hour or so to learn how we work

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OCTOBER

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Trick or Treat on the Square Court Square

Amy L Daniels

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1111 South Main www.edwardjones.com

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Community and our

Community Bank!

Make Your Financial Future a Priority Call or visit today to schedule your personal financial review.

Amy L Daniels

Financial Advisor .

1111 South Main St Searcy, AR 72143 501-305-3044

SEARCY 2401 W. Beebe Capps Expy. • 800 E. Beebe Capps Expy. • 2801 E. Race St. BALD KNOB 159 Hwy. 167 CABOT 3084 Bill Foster Memorial Hwy.

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