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October 29, 2022
Fort Smith, AR

Eli & Ben

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    Things To Do in the Area

Things To Do in the Area

The Wedding Website of Eli Goll and Ben Klopfenstein
"Where the New South Meets the Old West" Fort Smith, Arkansas is such a special place to us. It's where Ben's grandparents raised their families. It's where Eli and Ben went on their first hike. It's where Eli roundtripped in the height of Covid to rendezvous with Ben as he was doing his rotations for Medical School. It's where Eli's favorite basketball player, Jaylin Williams is from (still crossing my fingers he shows up at the reception). Here are some other things we think you'll love while you're in the area. If you have time to explore, we highly recommend it. There's nothing more beautiful than the mountains in October.
Hiking, Biking, and Canoeing

Hiking, Biking, and Canoeing

Hiking: - Ozark Highlands Trail: https://fortsmith.org/ozark-highlands-trail - Devil's Den (this is our favorite hike!): https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks/devils-den-state-park - White Rock Mountain Camping: https://fortsmith.org/white-rock-mountain-camping Biking: - https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/activities/biking Canoeing: Fun fact, Chuck and Nora spent THEIR honeymoon canoeing the Mulberry River. Nora almost died, but at least it's a *really good story now! - Canoe/Kayak Rental: https://byrdsadventurecenter.com/ - Lake Fort Smith State Park: https://fortsmith.org/lake-fort-smith-state-park Give Eli or Ben a call if you need more recommendations!

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

600 Museum Way, Bentonville, AR 72712
, (479) 418-5700

This one is for my architecture crew. This place will blow your damn mind. Designed by Moshe Safdie and includes the Bachman-Wilson House by Frank Lloyd Wright

The Unexpected Project Outdoor Art

The Unexpected Project Outdoor Art

Garrison Avenue, Fort Smith, AR 72901

You'll notice there are A LOT of murals in Fort Smith thanks to The Unexpected Project - a downtown revitalization project created by 64.6 Downtown. The project began in 2015 and has transformed downtown Fort Smith into a world-class destination for urban and contemporary public art. The growing collection of permanent/semi-permanent outdoor art now includes more than 30 pieces by highly sought-after international artists such as D*Face, Ana Maria, Askew, Okuda San Miguel, Bordalo II, Maser, Hoxxoh, and many others. Come by Miss Laura's Visitors Center at 2 N. B St. in Downtown Fort Smith to grab a printed copy of The Unexpected artwork map!

Fort Smith Regional Art Museum

Fort Smith Regional Art Museum

1601 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, AR 72901
, (479) 784-2787

Eli LOVES a darling museum. And the RAM is darling - A fine arts museum showcasing rotating contemporary exhibitions, annual competitions, and permanent collection work. RAM offers opening receptions, galas, members-only events, lectures, artist-led workshops and children’s art camps. In 2014 RAM won the prestigious 2013 Preservation through Rehabilitation Award from the Historic Preservation Alliance of Arkansas, as well as the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) Gold Award. The architects of the newly renovated museum, Polk, Stanley Wilcox, are known for their work such as the William J. Clinton Presidential Library, Heifer International World Headquarters, and the Arkansas Studies Institute (ASI) of Little Rock.

Fort Smith National Historic Site

Fort Smith National Historic Site

301 Parker Avenue, Fort Smith, AR 72901
, (479) 783-3961

The Goll's have TWO attorneys in our family, so we know this place will peek some interest. Key events in the history of the United States judicial system were at the forefront of the original Fort, with Judge Isaac C. Parker holding court for the Federal Government in the Western District of Arkansas, just before the turn of the century. Visitors can experience that history firsthand at the Fort Smith National Historic Site. Shout out to all our attorney, history, and wild wild west fans - you're going to love the history here.

Fort Smith Trolley Museum

Fort Smith Trolley Museum

100 South 4th Street, Fort Smith, AR 72901
, (479) 783-0205

The museum offers a collection of railcars that includes the Frisco 4003 Steam Locomotive and a working 1926 electric Birney Streetcar, which takes passengers on a 3/4 mile tour down a stretch of track between historic Garrison Avenue and the National Cemetery in downtown Fort Smith. A Western-themed village is located just outside the museum and the Indian Territory Pistolier re-enactment group hosts regular "Robbing of the Fort Smith Trolley" performances both at this village and along Garrison Avenue. Trolley Rides: Adults $4 Children $2

Fort Chaffee Barber Shop

Fort Chaffee Barber Shop

7020 Taylor Avenue, Fort Smith, AR 72916
, 479-434-6774

“Hair today, gone tomorrow!" - Elvis Presley, March 25, 1958, upon being asked what he thought of giving up his famous sideburns to be inducted into the U.S. Army. On March 24, 1958, an international rock and roll star named Elvis Presley suspended his music career to serve his country in the U.S. Army. Famous for his iconic hair, Elvis made international headlines the next day when he received his first G.I. buzz cut that was dubbed, “the haircut heard ‘round the world.'” While some fans feared it might signal the end of his music career, it became one of the biggest pop culture events in history. Elvis Presley’s patriotism and exemplary attitude, in fact, made him more popular than ever. The Chaffee Barbershop Museum not only lets the visitor 'step back in time' to that day in 1958 but also serves to honor the effect Fort Chaffee had on the state of Arkansas and the important role it played during that time and every decade following.

The Park at West End

The Park at West End

115 Garrison Avenue, Fort Smith, AR 72901

Fort Smith's charming and picturesque downtown park, complete with a Ferris Wheel from the 1935 World's Fair in San Diego, a vintage carousel hand-painted in Treviso, Italy, a refurbished Pullman Railcar Diner, a Double Decker Bus concession stand, a new LED-lighted Splash Pad, and more in downtown Fort Smith, Arkansas! Ferris Wheel Rides are $1. Park Admission is Free.

Fort Smith Coffee Co.

Fort Smith Coffee Co.

1101 Rogers Avenue, Fort Smith, AR 72901
, (479) 226-2437

This is the best place for coffee and breakfast treats!

Fort Smith Brewing Company

Fort Smith Brewing Company

7500 Fort Chaffee Boulevard, Fort Smith, AR 72916
, (479) 242-3722

This is the only Brewery in Fort Smith, but worth the stop for all you beer lovers!

906 Cocktail and Cigar Lounge

906 Cocktail and Cigar Lounge

906 Garrison Avenue, Fort Smith, AR 72901
, (479) 434-4343

Our onsite walk-in humidor is stocked with some of the worlds finest hand-rolled cigars. Brands include Davidoff, Arturo Fuente, Ashton, Rocky Patel, La Flor Dominicana and more. Friday and Saturday nights from 8 PM to Midnight, enjoy live performances by area Jazz Ensembles.

AJ's Oyster House

AJ's Oyster House

115 North 10th Street, Fort Smith, AR 72901
, (479) 434-5115
Papa's Pub & Pizzeria

Papa's Pub & Pizzeria

508 Garrison Avenue, Fort Smith, AR 72901
, (479) 783-9941

Best pizza in town.

Rolando's Restaurante

Rolando's Restaurante

917 North A Street, Fort Smith, AR 72901
, (479) 573-0404
The Rialto Restaurant

The Rialto Restaurant

720 Garrison Avenue, Fort Smith, AR 72901
, (479) 769-2406
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