It was the middle of January and the thermometer said 60
degrees. Was Mother Nature kidding? The intense sun rays beat down as dazzling
as a freshly minted copper penny. Robins made an appearance in the yellowed
grass. Despite a recent bout with Crohn’s Disease and the death of his mother,
DH wanted to take a ride, a ride some direction besides east or west. So we
headed for the Arkansas line which is only about an hour away with the new
highways in place.
We left early, Biscuit ensconced in the way back with her
seat belt and doggie pad. I did the driving this day which was okay as for once
I felt fairly rested. I wasn’t sure why or where we were going. We rolled down
the highway reaching Ozark hills quickly. Old cedar trees were the only green
we could spot. Fields were fallow and grasses were shades of saffron. Small
creeks bubbled along with winter moisture. We often have to take a mini-trip in
March, that time before winter ends and spring begins to escape cabin fever. Yet
this day was way too early as I am sure more winter looms ahead.
So we reached the square in Bentonville right as things
began to open for the day. We had never been to the Walton Museum, a tribute to
the founder of Walmart, Sam Walton. He started his business life in the Ben
Franklin stores, moving up quickly. Eventually he set out on his own and the
rest is history. I think he was a good example of the Greatest Generation. He
served his country, felt civic pride, worked hard and was a fair man. On the
square his museum has a front like the old Five and Dime stores. My favorite
things were the old products. Also there was a 1960 era soda fountain connected
to the museum.
From there we edged into Rogers and found the Charming
Charlie store. What a riot of color there as some of the spring stuff was out.
Heads up as orange and navy are the colors for spring along with a splash of
mint green. While I moseyed around the store, DH and Biscuit had a winter walk
across the parking areas.
Then we looked up an old eatery we had not frequented for
years. In fact, it had closed and relocated in our absence, but we found it.
What was once a sweet little tea room decorated in shabby chic on a brick
street was now located in a strip mall type affair near a big shopping mall.
Ah, okay, it was inside that would be the tea room! However, right off the menu
was posted on the wall like McDonald’s and you placed orders at a cash
register, were given a number, and then seated yourself at a marble topped
table. It got worse. You fetched your own iced tea (although they did brew pots
and bring them.), gathered your own table service and sweeteners from a wooden buffet
cabinet. McDonald’s influence again?
There was not an ounce of tea room ambiance and the iced tea
was a choice between overwhelmingly sweet or a bit bitter, weak brew (but the
brewed pot was very good), but I will say the sandwiches were first-rate. I had
a Rueben and spring salad. The Crumpet had always been known for their orange
rolls and that was one thing that had not changed! They were outstanding. Yeasty
sweet bread, shaped like a cinnamon roll, these buns have a subtle but distinct
flavor of a slightly sugary orange. Marvelous with tea! We brought two extra
home with us.
Despite DH saying I was a bit of a tea snob and I know it
was true, we walked out satisfied. With no real shopping needs and no true
desire to flea market, we rolled right back home to carry on with January!
Most interesting sight of the day, Look at the size of this dog!
9 comments:
Must have been the weather. Seems everybody went for a leisure drive yesterday. Sounds like your adventure was fun!
Interesting! Sometimes a change of scenery helps us return to our Januarys.....
I think I need a change of scenery myself!
Benton is only 3 or so hours down I-40 to the 430 bypass to I-30 (toward Texarkana). Next time, drive a little farther/further. I have tea and Schwan's scones (to die for, I've recently discovered). Come on over and down! Good trip "we" took with you.
Claudia--I think Linda was right. This weekend was a perfect time for a drive or a little trip. It sounds like you had a great time.
A selective tea drinker of discrimination rather than a snob. Says another tea snob.
I do resent the McDonaldisation of things. A lot.
That is a HUGE dog. Not a comfortable lap dog - though I wouldn't be surprised to hear it tries.
It was a great weekend for a drive! I've never been there, but sounds like an interesting place to visit. I, too, am particular about my tea!
Sounds delightful, Claudia. You and your DH enjoy some wonderful adventures together. And that dog is huge. What did your Biscuit think of him?
A delightful stroll down memory lane, Claudia!
And the dog could rival a Shetland pony. What a great post.
Yowsers, that was a big dog. Wouldn't want to meet him coming down an alley!
So glad you and hubs got out and had a little fun! Sounded like my kind of day! Thanks for sharing with us. Susan
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