The Perfect El Dorado Travel Guide for First Timers

The Perfect El Dorado Travel Guide For First Timers

Trip sponsored by Arkansas Tourism and Murphy Arts District. All opinions and reviews expressed are my own. #ad

 

El Dorado, pronounced El Dor ay doh, has been known for the 1920s oil boom which caused a major economic move to the area,  and most recently for being able to bring in some heavy hitters in the music game to the Musicfest including Cardi B and other big named acts. Even though she was not able to make it due to her giving birth and all, others have graced the stage that I am sure you all know.

This El Dorado travel guide is going to include some of the best finds in this beautiful area, great eats, surprises and more.

 

Where to Stay

When visiting El Dorado, it is good to be right in the heart of the action, but just outside of the action, in the business district is Fairfield Inn & Suites. You talk about a place that has some very friendly staff that want to take care of you and do take care of you. I had a small challenge getting into my room and as soon as I came back down to the front desk, the staff person apologized and gave me another key. I did not have to even say a word. This is the type of place you would want to stay.

Honorable Mention to from the outside looked like one of the best places to stay, Union Square Guest Quarters, which is right in the heart of Downtown El Dorado.

 

Where to Eat and Drink

1. Looking for a well rounded place to be? Historically speaking (used to be a gas station), exciting music, fun events and delicious food prepared by the Michelin-starred Executive Chef, Austin Johnson, it is a winning combination. Located in the Murphy Arts District, the Griffin Restaurant is the perfect place to find a variety of all types of food to satisfy all who find their way here. Beautiful views of the amphitheater are found if you can be so lucky to make your way up to the top level (membership has it’s privileges). With Live Music, Thursday Night Live is the happening place to be.

 

2. Looking for some delicious authentic Cajun cuisine in Downtown El Dorado, then you need to find yourself at Fayrays. Good and a little spicy but you will be happy and satisfied.

 

 

3. The Mink Eye is a great place to hang out with locals. It is intimate and it seems to always be jumping. Warm up your vocal chords because you just might come in one day when it is open mic.

 

4. Marilyn’s on the Square: Cool bartender, beautifully decorated bar with Marilyn Monroe pictures everywhere. Nice vibe and great drinks.

 

Gotta do an honorable mention for my donut eaters out there like me, Spudnuts, some of the tastiest donuts around. They are called Spudnuts, yes, because potato flour is used. They are so much lighter than donuts that use regular flour.

 

What to Do

1. On thing that is a must do for me is to visit the town’s Main Street This is a small quaint town that welcomes visitors. They want you here to see their culture, culinary scene and more. There are so many boutique shops and they support each other. In fact you just might find the Mayor doing some shopping.

 

2. Being in El Dorado and hearing about it’s history, made me want to learn more and to do that I recommend stopping by Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources where we learned about the history of the petroleum industry and a whole lot more.

3. Golf players unite! Pack up your golf clubs and head to Mystic Creek Golf Club where you will be challenged at the Top Rated Golf Course in Arkansas. My dad will love this golf course. I think on our next family trip, I will suggest Arkansas.  If you are one that loves challenges, southern hospitality, and a reasonable cost then this is the golf club to come and experience. P.S. It is open to everyone. No plans on being private here.  What you see below is a sneak peek of what it will look like after the build out.

4. South Arkansas Arts Center is one of the coolest places in Arkansas to come and visit. They have an area for performing arts, ballet studio, and more. This Arts Center wants everyone in the community involved, whether you like live performances or art.

 

Surprises

Now earlier, I did mention surprises and Arkansas is full of them, but guess what? While out for breakfast, I/we met the Mayor of El Dorado, Veronica Smith-Creer and she is soooooooo sweet. As we were visiting and going around El Dorado, residents were sharing just how much she means to them. That is so wonderful to hear.

Another surprise is the El Dorado Promise that simply made me want to change my residency right then and there. I mean along with all of the other wonderful things going on there, after you hear this you may want to move too.

 

As you can see, El Dorado is the perfect place for a weekend getaway with your friends or significant other. Arkansas period, is a wonderful place to visit and I had my first taste while at the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival earlier this year and will be back for more.

Wanna join me and see why I say that this is The Perfect El Dorado Travel Guide for First Timers!!!

 

Have you ever visited El Dorado Arkansas? What were your experiences like?

Special Thanks to Arkansas Tourism, Murphy USA, Murphy Arts District and everyone that made this a spectacular trip.