Travel Stop: War Eagle Mill and Restaurant Fall Craft Show

As the leaves of fall change color, my thoughts turn to.....craft shows! Yes, craft shows. One of my favorite craft shows is located on the grounds surrounding the War Eagle Mill and Restaurant near Fayetteville, Arkansas in mid-October. The winding road leading to the mill explodes with color in October. The air is crisp in the morning and warm in the afternoon. The day is filled with the colorful booths of vendors with every possible craft or hobby. The scent of foods, soaps, and cinnamon decorations float around you as the bluegrass music lifts your spirits. It is a circus for your senses! An utter delight for the soul and the start of the Christmas shopping season for me!!

You will find vendors of all types in tents, buildings, booths and under trees all across the acres of land surrounding the War Eagle Mill and Restaurant. The mill celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2008. It is one of the few working grist mills found in America. Inside the mill, visitors can view the working grist mill and purchase bags of flour, cornmeal and biscuit mix among many other baking mixes offered for sale. They are bundled neatly into the old-fashioned "flour sack" bags made from cotton material decorated with delicate floral designs. These flour sacks were once used for material for quilts and clothing by early settlers. It is a sweet reminder of days gone by to see the products still sold in their original garb.

Upstairs you will find a quaint and quiet restaurant overlooking the river and the water wheel that turns the grist mill. It is a picturesque view like no other! In the fall the hillside is clothed in scarlet, gold and amber while the gentle blues of the sky and water rush to meet the velvety carpet of grass that covers the meadows. It is beautiful. The menu is simple, offering a fare for all. You can then go downstairs to the mill and purchase the supplies to mimic the meal at home. There is nothing better than cornbread made from freshly milled corn. Souvenir items are available as well for those travelers that collect such items as the state spoons, thimbles and postcards.

The area is filled with a variety of craft shows in the middle of October. This area experiences ideal weather this time of year, providing vendors and crafters a delightful experience. Vendors come from all over as well as from the immediate area. It is booth after booth of a variety of items. There are authors hawking their latest endeavor. There are all types of decorations for body and home, holiday and theme, indoor and out. There are toys, dishes and foods of all types. There are handcrafted items, store bought items and there are paintings that make you feel as if you can touch the item! There are soaps and nuts and sponges. There is something for everyone and everyone finds something! My elderly father bought a set of handles for an old plow. I bought hair clips for my daughter and granddaughters and a gingerbread man decoration for my home. It was a wonderful time soaking up the sights, sounds and smells! It is easy to find and a great memory for all ages!

This year's craft show is set for October 17-20, 2013! Make plans now to attend if at all possible! Look for me....I'll be there!!

Photo and Text Copyright 2011

Deborah M. Carey