Staying in Town for Spring Break?

UAFS Spring Break is March 23-29. Some students travel or visit family. If you are planning to stay here in Fort Smith, there is fun to be had close by! Things To Do Outside Janet Huckabee Nature Center is hosting Spring Break Tuesday-Saturday for free on March 25-29 from 9 am-3:30 pm. Paint duck decoys, feed the fish, practice archery, canoe, hike, and watch the snakes eat.

Walk the downtown streets of Van Buren, AR. The downtown area is just five miles from Fort Smith. There is an array of shops for clothes, candy, jewelry, escape rooms, arcades, tattoos, food and more. Start the walk at Chapters on Main Bookstore and Coffee Shop. Parking is across the street from Chapters, or directly behind it. The shop is two stories and was built in 1920. Many of the buildings along Main Street are very old, and feature lots of history. Walk along Chapter’s side of the street, stopping in all the shops, until you reach the courthouse. There’s a fountain, benches to rest, and an old schoolhouse for some local history. Head back on the opposite side of the street. Eventually, you’ll hit Freedom Park. There is a free splash pad, not open until Memorial Day weekend. This is just beyond the parking lots.

(Downtown Van Buren)

Inside Downtown Van Buren is also home to the theater King Opera House. The house is rumored to be haunted by an actor who performed there. Plays, performances, and movies are shown in the theater. During Spring Break go watch Forrest Gump on Thursday, March 27 at 6 pm, or Mulan on Friday, March 28 at 6 pm, for $5 movie night. Every Monday until April 28th, go play Bingo at Billiards and Bowling at 6:30 pm. They have food, drinks, and other games. Cool off at Vargas Fruteria (1020 N Greenwood Ave, Fort Smith, AR 72901) for something sweet or savory. They are open every day from 12-9 pm.

Cookies and Cream Freak Shake