For those who have been here for their whole lives and for those who have just moved here for their freshman year, it can get difficult to find something to do in this small town. I mean, half the population from August to May is college students. Here are a few things that you should definitely enjoy as you spend your college career/life in Arkadelphia!
1. Have Coffee At Java Primo
This underappreciated coffee shop in downtown Arkadelphia has the outlets for your laptops and phones, as well as amazing food and drinks. You get that laid-back vibe of a boho coffee shop even when the shop is full of people. It's a great place to do homework, catch up with friends, or have a date night!
Java Primo: 614 Main St, Arkadelphia, AR 71923
2. Hammock At The Bluff
If you're in Arkadelphia, one of your must-haves is a hammock. When it's warm outside, that's basically all you're going to do. The Bluff has amazing views of the Caddo River, and you can see all the way through Caddo Valley from the edge. It's only a 5-8 minute walk from the parking lot. Make sure to bring bug spray!
DeSoto Bluff Trail: 1146 N 10th St, Arkadelphia, AR 71923
3. Hang Out At Lake DeGray
You'll have so many lake days over the course of your college years here, and many more if you live here. This is a chance to take advantage of your hammock, swimsuit, or even your parents' RV. It's also only 15 or 20 minutes away from HSU and OBU. With the beautiful trees, picnic tables, and the swimming beach, you'll have a great time at Lake DeGray!
Coordinates to the DeGray hangout spot: 34.244085, -93.170680
4. Float Caddo River
Even with the sketchy name "River Rats", floating Caddo River is something to cross off your bucket list. You can rent either a float or a canoe. It's not expensive, and when it rains, the river is flowing fast enough to make it a great time for you and your friends!
River Rats Canoe Rental: 116 Valley St, Caddo Valley, AR 71923
5. Try All Of The Restaurants
There aren't very many places to eat in Arkadelphia, but there is definitely a variety here. El Parian is the closest to the campuses and the most popular to go to. It's cheap Mexican food, but it's good Mexican food. Donut Palace isn't ever open as long as we want it to be, but you should take advantage of their cheap prices when it is open. Their donuts are some of the best around, and in my opinion, they're better than Krispy Kreme. Slim and Shorty's has some really good food with live music at night, and Domino's Pizza will deliver to all campuses. We also have a Taco Bell in Caddo Valley. That's self-explanatory.
El Parian: 202 N 10th St, Arkadelphia, AR 71923
Donut Palace: 2807 Pine St, Arkadelphia, AR 71923
Slim and Shortys: 617 Clinton St, Arkadelphia, AR 71923
