At Arkie Cypress River Excursions, our simple mission is to make exploring the outdoors accessible for everyone. But what happens after you paddle with us and come ashore feeling refreshed? You keep the adventure going by supporting the incredible local businesses and events that make the Natural State the best place to be!
Here are a few folks, places, and events we want to give a huge shoutout to this week:
1. Welcome to the Two-Wheeled Travelers!
If you’ve noticed a few more motorbikes around town, give a big “Welcome, Bikers!” The energy that comes with a big motorcycle convention is contagious, and we love seeing so many adventurous people coming to explore Central Arkansas.
Whether you’re exploring the winding roads of the Ouachitas or riding up to grab a bite in the city, we hope you take a little time to slow down and enjoy the natural side of our state. If your wrists are tired from the throttle, let your arms do the paddling for a change! We promise a cypress swamp at sunset is a different kind of beautiful rush.
2. Post-Paddle Feast: Argenta Arts District
After an evening paddle with us, you’re going to be hungry. And we know exactly where to send you: the Argenta Arts District in North Little Rock.
Argenta is a heartbeat of local activity and great food, and it’s one of our favorite places to wind down. Whether you’re grabbing a craft brew at a local spot or enjoying a delicious dinner, you’re supporting the creative energy that makes our community thrive. Go shop, grab a bite, and enjoy the lively atmosphere—you earned it!
3. Spirits with History: Postmaster Spirits in Newport
Looking for a truly unique Arkansas experience? Make the drive to Postmaster Spirits in Newport—a craft distillery housed in a stunning 1915 historic post office building. This place isn’t just about the handcrafted vodka (though their spirits are excellent); it’s about the experience.
Owners Ross and Lua Jones have lovingly restored this architectural gem complete with twenty-foot ceilings, terrazzo floors, and even the original writing tables with inkwells. They offer tours of the building, ghost tours, and a rotating menu of what they call “Casian” cuisine—half Cajun, half Asian—that changes every weekend. Whether you’re sipping cocktails in their tasting room or learning about the building’s fascinating past (including secret surveillance tunnels from Prohibition!), Postmaster Spirits is the kind of Arkansas original that makes our state special.
4. Our Fellow Outdoor Warriors: Poke Bayou Outfitters
We have to give a huge shoutout to a business that shares our heart for making the outdoors accessible: Poke Bayou Outfitters in downtown Batesville.
Tyler and Monica Griffin opened their doors in 2023 because they saw the incredible natural beauty of North Central Arkansas and asked themselves, “How do we not have a place to get outdoor gear?” As the only outdoor outfitter within a 40-mile radius, they’ve created a genuine hub for adventurers in their community. From fly fishing tackle and camping supplies to kayak rentals with shuttle service on Poke Bayou, they’ve got the gear and the knowledge to outfit every step of your journey. We love supporting businesses that share our passion for getting people outdoors!
5. Riverside Dining Done Right: The River & Sandbar
After a long day of paddling, you’re going to want to refuel—and if you find yourself in Batesville, head straight to The River & Sandbar.
Perched right on the banks of the White River, this steakhouse offers something we always appreciate: stunning water views to go with your meal. Picture yourself enjoying perfectly prepared steaks, fresh seafood, or Cajun-inspired dishes while watching the White River flow by through massive riverside windows. The menu has something for everyone, the cocktails are on point, and the atmosphere is exactly what you need after a day on the water—relaxed, welcoming, and genuinely Arkansas. Trust us, there’s something magical about unwinding with good food and a river view after exploring the Natural State.
#ArkieLocal The next time you visit any of these great local spots, tell them Joey sent you!