|
I-40 follows the Arkansas River with the Boston Mountains visible to the north. Though not ‘high’ mountains
(Magazine Mountain at 2753 feet is the highest mountain in Arkansas), they are beautiful and interlaced with many scenic wonders – especially waterfalls. (see
www.Waterfalls-Guide.com)
A great place to
eat
At 315 West Main, on the south side of the street, is the Italian Gardens Café. They open for lunch at 11a. They also
serve dinner but if you arrive after 5:30p you may have to wait a bit for a table – especially during tourist season. Not only is this place popular with the locals, but many of the tourists now know about it.
Note: Main Street is US-64. If you are eastbound, we recommend you
take I-40 exit 78 and continue eastbound on US-64 which takes you right
into downtown Russellville. Italian Gardens Cafe will be on your right.
If you are westbound on I-40, take I-40 exit 84 and turn left at
the end of the off-ramp. US-64 is less than 0.2 mile from the Interstate.
Turn right on US-64 and follow it into downtown Russellville. Italian
Gardens Cafe will be on your left two blocks past AR-7 (Arkansas Avenue).
(continued
in column 2)
view RV Parks
in
Russellville
|
|
(continued
from column 1)
The 'Ifs'...
If you are eastbound on I-40, and if you are planning
to spend the night in Russellville, and if it is still early
evening (or late afternoon and the sun has not set, yet), and if it
is autumn (leaf-viewing season), take I-40 exit 78 which will put you on
US-64. Continue eastbound on US-64 and, in a moment, you will be crossing
Lake Dardanelle on a long causeway. On the opposite shore you will see a
spectacular sight of beautifully hued leaves. If it is a calm day (and it
usually is, the reflection in the water is certainly a great photo
opportunity.
When you get to the other end of the causeway, turn left onto
AR-326 (Lake Front Drive) which will take you to exit 81 and Arkansas
Avenue where most of the Russellville hotels are located.
Boston Mountains and the
Buffalo National River
AR-7 is more than just the access to Russellville. It is also the portal
to one of the most scenic drives in Arkansas.
Head north on 7 and you’ll wind through the Boston Mountains and, then cross the Buffalo River, a National River protected under federal law. The Buffalo River is the destination of many hikers and equestrians.
Here you can experience many very rewarding sights (especially waterfalls).
For more about waterfalls, see
Waterfalls
For more about the drive, see
LeafLookers
|
