I remember the first time I experienced Greenwood, Arkansas. It was the winter of 2013 and my husband and I were leaving the Title Company on the square in Greenwood, Arkansas. We had just purchased 10 acres of land outside of town when we walked out of the Title Company.
It was evening and just a few weeks before Christmas. The smell of homemade beans and cornbread was flowing through the air.
As we walked down the sidewalk to our truck, someone at a food booth asked if we would like some free beans and cornbread or hot cider.
Children were lining up outside Santa’s booth so they could sit on his knee. Apparently, the Christmas parade was about to come through.
It was magical.
I felt like I was walking through a Hallmark movie. Everyone was having a great time, the Christmas music was playing, and there were smiles everywhere.
I’m not making this up. It was wonderful!
There are so many great things to do in Greenwood, Arkansas and to learn them all, I asked a Greenwood local to help us out.
Best Things to Do in Greenwood, AR
I interviewed a Greenwood local and friend to get the full inside scoop on all things awesome in Greenwood.
What is your favorite thing to do in Greenwood?
We enjoy picnics at one of the many parks. We take our lunch and make an afternoon of it.
Best restaurant in Greenwood
If you enjoy Chinese, Lin’s House is the best hands down!
Favorite place to get coffee
Lola’s Blessed Bean just came to town and they are Christian-owned. There is such a good feeling that comes with supporting a Christian-owned business that provides a quality product and great service.
Best activity to do with kids in Greenwood
We enjoy going a little ways down the road to the Janet Huckabee Nature Center. They have wonderful learning sessions for the kids and we enjoy fishing in their stocked lake.
The Janet Huckabee Nature Center is on our list of ADVENTUROUS Things to Do in Fort Smith Arkansas with Kids!
Most unique place to explore
Greenwood’s Historic District includes the Old Jail Museum, the Vineyard Cabin (a restored two-room dogtrot cabin), an old barn with antique tools, a one-room school house, and the Coal Miners’ Memorial Park.
Best hiking or walking trail in Greenwood
The city of Greenwood has several wonderful walking trails. If you like to be in nature but still be in the city limits, they have made a trail that starts at the City Hall and ends at Bell Park. If you like to get out in the country to enjoy the quite and scenery, Lake Greenwood North Trail is a good one. It spans 1.8 miles with beautiful scenery and wildlife.
Best place to stay near Greenwood
Just a few miles down the road in Ft. Smith you will find the Beland Manor Inn. Full service Southern Colonial Style Bed and Breakfast with a rich history.
You’ll find Beland Manor Inn here:
1320 S Albert Pike Ave
Fort Smith, AR 72903
479-782-3300
Official Website
Best museum near Greenwood
The Ft. Smith Museum of History & the Old Railroad Museum
Can you share a cool, secret place that only the locals know about?
I’m not sure that its a secret but Greenwood has a nice little lake that people love to fish in. Lake Jack Nolan is a great place if you’re looking to catch Channel Cat or Large Mouth Bass.
Best place to see live theatre near Greenwood
The Ft. Smith Little Theatre is Arkansas’s oldest continuously running all-volunteer community theatre. Established in 1947, the Fort Smith Little Theatre has been entertaining crowds for over 70 years!
You will also love: FUN Things to Do in Fort Smith, Arkansas.
Best farmer’s market in Greenwood
Greenwood Farmers Market on the Square where “local farmer’s join with local craftsmen/women to bring you friendly face and the best quality products!”
Best drive-through Christmas light display
We have been attending Bell Parks Christmas light display for many years. It’s great for all ages and is run on donations.
Best flea market in Greenwood
I love love love Rags and Roses!!! They have a variety of things to offer for all interests.
You will find Rags n’ Roses here:
100 N Main St.
Greenwood, AR 72936
Official Website
Best camping near Greenwood
We enjoy Lake Fort Smith! It is located in the Boston Mountain Valley of the Ozarks with camping, fishing, kayaking, hiking, and mountain biking. The 240-mile Ozark Highlands Trail begins there.
The park offers 30 campsites , 10 cabins, a swimming pool, marina with boat rentals, pavilion, picnic sites, and group facilities including a dining hall and two group lodges with full-size kitchens. They cater to all of your wants and needs.
Don’t miss our BEST State Parks in Arkansas for Camping!
Best Girls Weekend ideas
Hands down, Eureka Springs! You can attend the Great Passion Play one day and spend all day hopping from one awesome gallery to another with great shopping all up and down main street. You can also enjoy dinner and a ride on the North Arkansas Railways Dining Car.
Does Greenwood have any popular festivals you like to go to?
We LOVE the Greenwood Freedom Fest that the Parks and Recreation puts on every year to celebrate Independence day. It is a day full of entertainment on the square that is great for all ages.
Favorite “Mom and Pop” restaurant
Ed Walkers Drive-In in Ft. Smith. It is known for its 50’s atmosphere and great French dip sandwiches
Are there any “Arkansas Made” products that are crafted in your town that we should all know about?
Smiling “H” Farms makes the best pepper jellies and sweet jams/jelly, soy candles, goat milk soap and beeswax lotions/salves. You can find them on Facebook to order.
Best place to watch a live sports game in Greenwood
Smith-Robinson Stadium!!! Go Dawgs
Best free thing to do Greenwood
Bell Park is our favorite place to go for free fun. They offer a few different playgrounds and our boys love to watch the guys playing disc golf.
Best Things to Do in Greenwood, AR
Thank you Heather for filling us in on how amazing Greenwood is!
Heather is a wife, Homemaker, mother of two boys (both 5), and Greenwood area native. She loves spending time with her family on the family farm, attending church, and running her little shirt business Thread of Hope Creations. Her very favorite thing to do is vacation on the beach in Galveston with her husband, boys, and parents.