A Saturday Drive

Somewhere in Arkansas

Saturday morning, with the snow melting, Marty and I set out for Stamps Arkansas. It was a 40 mile trip--about the distance from my house in Mesa to Dad's house, but a much nicer drive. We took the back country roads, debating what part of Arizona the landscape reminded us of. We decided it reminded us of East Texas. Arizona doesn't really have an, "Arkansas back country roads," vibe. 

Our goal was to find the C&C Meat Market, a place located in nowhere*  that was alleged to have reasonable meat prices. We were intrigued. Marty bought some ham hocks for his bean soup and a bit of bacon that made the drive absolutely worth it. We also bought a couple of steaks and a pork loin. All of this was under the usual price we pay at Sam's Club. So, not factoring in the cost of gasoline, we did pretty well.

Somewhere Else in Arkansas

After, we went into Hope Arkansas, the birthplace of former President Bill Clinton and former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee. Other than a train station, a sign telling us a University was somewhere nearby and a fabulous burger joint, there wasn't much else. But it was a nice visit anyway. I'd been curious about that town and am no longer so. 

That's Snow on the Roof.
Really

At some point, I need to contact the Hope AK historical society (or whatever variation they have) because my father researched Mrs. Clinton's genealogy back a few generations. My brothers and I thought it might be a nice donation to their records. 

Wall at the Train Station,
Hope AR

We also passed through a town called, "Evening Shade." For those of you who were aware, there was a TV show by the same name that ran in the 1990s. I know nothing about it. And after driving through Evening Shade, I still know nothing about either. 

We took the Interstate back the 30 miles or so back into Texas, happy the weather held up long enough to give us a chance to explore our new world and in time to catch the Texarkana Home and Garden Show. We decided next time we'd try Shreveport (just because and 90 miles away) or Little Rock (Costco and Trader Joes and 140 miles away).  

*The Meat Market was located on the Arthur Fielder Memorial Highway. I don't know why. Artie was born, raised and left this earth in Boston MA. But it was still kind of cool. I Googled around and couldn't find any mention of why this patch of nowhere was named after him. But let the music live on!