As fall break quickly approaches, some students have started to realize that it is less like fall break and more like fall long weekend. With only one day more than any other weekend, the question remains: Is it worth it to leave Searcy city limits for such a quick trip? Luckily, staying nearby for fall break is nothing to be ashamed about since there is actually a lot to do right here in central Arkansas.
Junior Carter Shields recommended taking a day trip to Petit Jean State Park in Morrilton, Arkansas. Petit Jean offers camping, hiking, rock-climbing and other outdoor opportunities. Shields said fall is the best time to visit Petit Jean because it is prettiest when the leaves are changing. He specifically recommended two hiking trails: Cedar Falls and the Stout’s Point overlook. He said one is an easy downhill hike that takes you directly to a waterfall and the other takes you to an outlook over central Arkansas.
“I suggest doing [the Cedar Falls trail] around sunset,” Shields said. “It takes you up to this outlook where you could just see the sunset that just goes for miles, and you can see the horizon. It’s just beautiful.”
If hiking doesn’t sound appealing, junior and Arkansas native Chantel Ceaser recommended taking a day trip to Bentonville to experience Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.
“There are art pieces where you get to be a part of the art,” Ceaser said.“It’s just like oh, I get to be a part of something bigger than myself.”
Ceaser also said the 3 1/2 hour drive to Bentonville might seem daunting to some students, but there is so much to do to make it worth while, like visiting the Walmart museum or the highly rated restaurant Tusk & Trotter.
Senior Laura Doyle said going to Peebles Farm Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze is a great way to celebrate the beginning of fall. For any adventurous soul, Doyle recommended going at night, when Peebles features their haunted corn maze. But for someone uninterested in being chased by an actor with a chainsaw prop, she recommends going during the day time for family-friendly fall fun.
“It’s just like my fall aesthetic in general,” Doyle said. “There’s a sunflower patch, which is incredible. There are pumpkin patches and a petting zoo. They also have like bonfire pits, horse carriage rides and hayrides.”
Searcy’s surrounding area is home to many other fun and easy day trips. Hiking Sugarloaf Mountain, exploring Eureka Springs, going to the Wild Wilderness Drive Through Safari in Gentry or even just spending the day in Little Rock’s River Market, there are more than enough things to do right around here during your fall break.
“Go explore Arkansas,” Ceaser said. “There’s so much in Arkansas. It’s beautiful. She has character. She has grace.”