Experience a vibrant blend of modern South and historic Wild West in Fort Smith as you mix and match art, nature, history, food, and more to create an unforgettable adventure. Which adventure will you choose?
The Foodie Adventure
Fort Smith used to be the “last stop” for travelers heading west. So, people from all over the world have made Fort Smith home over time. Today, this merging of cultures is reflected in the diverse restaurant options around town. If you’re a foodie, you’ll have the best time discovering your new favorite dish in Fort Smith. Here are a few of our favorite spots:
- AJ’s Oyster House (Seafood) | facebook.com/AjsOysterHouse
- Calico County (Southern Home Cookin’) | calicocounty.net
- Fort Smith Coffee Company (Cafe) | fortsmithcoffeeco.com
- Fuji Japanese Steakhouse (Japanese) | fujifortsmith.com
- Harvest Moon Bakery (Artisan Bakery) | fortsmithbread.com
- Rolando’s Restaurante (Central & South American) | rolandosrestaurant.com
- Vinnie’s Pies (Pizza) | facebook.com/vinniespies
The Outdoor Adventure
The natural beauty of the Fort Smith area is one reason so many have settled here throughout history. And its location makes it the perfect hub for a Northwest Arkansas outdoor adventure! Camp downtown at the beautiful Fort Smith Riverfront RV Resort and visit multiple local and state parks all in one trip—no need to pack up and move! Here’s a taste of :
- Fort Smith Riverfront RV Resort | 5 mins. from Downtown | fortsmithriverfrontrvresort.com
- Ben Geren Regional Park | 15 mins. from Downtown | sebastiancountyar.gov/Parks-Rec/Ben-Geren-Park
- Lake Fort Smith State Park | 40 mins. from Downtown | arkansasstateparks.com/parks
- Devil’s Den State Park | 48 mins. from Downtown | arkansasstateparks.com/parks
- Mount Magazine State Park | 1 hour 21 mins. from Downtown | arkansasstateparks.com/parks
The Creative Adventure
If you’re into the arts, Fort Smith offers you some true local, regional, national, and international inspiration. The city itself has become a vibrant tapestry of art, with even the buildings painted to reflect rich Western, Native American, and cultural history and heritage. But not only that—live music beats through the heart of the city, bringing locals and travelers together. Here’s just a sample of things to explore:
- Fort Smith Regional Art Museum | fsram.org | Fort Smith’s award-winning fine arts museum offering state-of-the-art exhibits and programming.
- The Unexpected Project | facebook.com/UnexpectedFS | A revitalization project that transformed Downtown Fort Smith into a collection of outdoor art.
- Peacemaker Music Festival | October 11-12, 2024 | peacemakerfest.com | An annual nonprofit music festival blending Country, Rock, Blues, Red Dirt. and Americana music.
- Fort Smith International Film Festival | August 22-23, 2024 | fortsmithfilm.com | An annual nonprofit film festival that brings together a vibrant international film culture.
- Temple Live | templelive.com | A former Masonic temple turned large event venue that hosts a variety of events, concerts, and shows.
The History Buff Adventure
Fort Smith provides a lot of opportunity for all the history buffs out there. Explore the stories of outlaws, cowboys, and bandits. Discover Fort Smith’s military heritage and role in westward expansion. Uncover the area’s Native American history. And, gain a deeper understanding of the city’s significance in shaping American history overall. Here’s a few examples of sites you need to see:
- Cherokee Heritage Center | cherokeeheritage.org
- U.S. Marshals Museum | marshalsmuseum.org
- Fort Smith National Historic Site | nps.gov/fosm
- Chaffee Crossing Historic District | chaffeecrossing.com/chaffeecrossinghistoricdistrict
- Fort Smith Museum of History | fstm.org
Find more information on Fort Smith food, art, nature, and history to explore, and start planning your adventure, at discoverfortsmith.com.
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