Beatlemania Comes to Arkansas!

            

            One of my favorite memories from my time with the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism was leading a group of international tour guides and travel bloggers on a memorable tour of musical attractions in the Arkansas Delta back in 2017. We explored several interesting sites, including Dyess (Mississippi County), which is the boyhood home of the legendary Johnny Cash. We also stopped in Walnut Ridge (Lawrence County) to delve into the town’s fascinating connection to the most successful band in music history: The Beatles.

            In the chaotic atmosphere of Beatlemania in the fall of 1964, four of the most recognized figures on the planet—John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr—yearned for a moment of peace. Surrounded by deafening fans, overflowing stadiums, and relentless media attention, they craved a brief escape.

            Their destination turned out to be an unexpected sanctuary: Walnut Ridge.

            On the evening of September 18, 1964, a modest chartered plane touched down at the small Walnut Ridge Regional Airport. The Beatles had selected this secluded town in northeast Arkansas as a quiet landing spot before retreating to a dude ranch in Missouri for a weekend getaway.

            The airport was peaceful. No photographers, no journalists. Just a handful of staff and intrigued onlookers, none of whom anticipated witnessing the world’s most famous band disembarking a plane right in their town.

            However, in a small town, word spreads fast.

            Word had spread by the time the Beatles returned two days later, on Sunday, September 20

            By the time the Beatles returned two days later, on Sunday, September 20, word had spread. Dozens, then hundreds, of locals gathered at the airport, eager for a glimpse of the Fab Four as they prepared to board their plane back to New York.

            Though their stay lasted mere minutes, the Beatles' fleeting visit to Walnut Ridge created an unforgettable memory for the town.

            As George Harrison noted about their U.S. tours, “We always needed a break from the madness.” That weekend in Walnut Ridge offered them just that.

            Years rolled by, yet the memory of that surreal encounter stayed vivid. Eventually, the residents of Walnut Ridge felt it was time to commemorate their unexpected connection to Beatlemania.

             In 2011, the town proudly opened Beatles Park—a vibrant tribute featuring murals, artistic installations, and displays celebrating music history. Among the highlights is a life-sized metal sculpture of the Beatles crossing Abbey Road, now a popular spot near Main Street, attracting fans and curious travelers from across the country.

            Charles Snapp, the mayor of Walnut Ridge, has worked tirelessly to shine a light on the town’s unique historical ties to The Beatles. In 2018, he took significant steps to improve the Walnut Ridge Airport, ensuring it proudly showcases its Beatles connection. The airport, famous for being the landing site of the Beatles’ plane, now features a dedicated tribute area filled with memorabilia celebrating the band. This exhibit not only serves as a reminder of their brief visit, but has also become a beloved attraction for both residents and tourists alike.

            Under Snapp’s guidance, the town has woven Beatles references into its tourism initiatives and business promotions. The connection to the iconic band is prominently featured in the town’s official events and marketing materials, transforming Walnut Ridge's history with The Beatles into a source of local pride.

            Every September, Walnut Ridge holds the Beatles at the Ridge Festival, filled with live music, food trucks, a British car show, and tributes honoring the band's enduring influence on music and culture.

            For many towns, a fleeting moment of fame might be just a quirky footnote. However, for Walnut Ridge, the Beatles' brief visit evolved into a source of pride, unity, and timeless music.

            Perhaps it’s fitting, then. The Beatles were known for the unexpected—and so was Walnut Ridge.

Buc-ee's Comes to Benton!

                During the summer of 2016, my wife and I had the chance to visit her uncle and aunt, Tom and Cassie, who live just outside Houston. One of the highlights we were looking forward to was a day trip to Galveston. I was particularly excited to see the coastal city that I had always heard Glen Campbell sing about. On our way there, Uncle Tom mentioned he wanted to take us to a well-known convenience store and gas station called Buc-ee’s.

                I was all set for the beach and wasn’t thrilled about a quick stop at a convenience store. But as soon as we arrived in Texas City and pulled into the Buc-ee’s parking lot, I was completely blown away. I’ve never seen so many gas pumps and cars packed into one spot! Once we stepped inside, I was taken aback by what I found. People everywhere grabbed hot barbecue brisket sandwiches, snacks, drinks, and all sorts of random items—from nail clippers to bobbleheads of Buc-ee Beaver, the store’s mascot. Not only could you find Buc-ee’s stuffed animals and neck pillows, but the actual Buc-ee Beaver was also mingling and snapping photos with fans. Of course, I couldn’t resist joining in on the fun and getting my picture taken. Since discovering Buc-ee's, I’ve become a huge fan. My closet is filled with Buc-ee’s t-shirts and caps, and my desk is home to a variety of beaver-themed trinkets I’ve collected over the years.

                For anyone who may not know much about Buc-ee’s, let me share a little background about it. Founded in 1982 by Arch “Beaver” Aplin III and Don Wasek, the very first Buc-ee’s opened its doors in Clute, Texas, not far from Lake Jackson. The name "Buc-ee’s" is a fun mashup of Aplin’s childhood nickname, "Beaver," and his beloved Labrador Retriever, "Buck," along with a nod to the animated character Bucky Beaver from the classic Ipana toothpaste ads.

                What started as a humble gas station and convenience store began transforming in 2003 when Buc-ee’s launched its first travel center in Luling, Texas. From then on, the brand took off, expanding across Texas with larger stores offering various products. Their impressive 68,000-square-foot location in New Braunfels in 2012 put Buc-ee’s on the map.

                In 2019, Buc-ee’s set its sights outside Texas, opening its initial out-of-state store outside of Mobile, Alabama. Since then, it has continued to grow, opening locations in Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Missouri, South Carolina, Tennessee, Colorado, and beyond. Currently, Buc-ee’s operates 50 locations across nine states, with plans to unveil new stores in North Carolina, Virginia, Mississippi, Ohio, Louisiana, Arkansas, Arizona, Kansas, Wisconsin, and Oklahoma.

                Buc-ee’s stores are remarkable for their size, with some locations stretching over 75,000 square feet. The largest store, situated in Luling, Texas, opened its doors in June 2024 and boasts an impressive 120 gas pumps, employing around 200 team members. Renowned for their immaculately clean restrooms, Buc-ee’s earned the Cintas “America’s Best Restroom” award back in 2012. Beyond that, they tempt visitors with a delectable array of food, including freshly baked kolaches, fudge, and their signature Beaver Nuggets. The stores also offer a range of branded merchandise, from clothing and home decor to outdoor gear.

                Buc-ee’s has evolved into a cultural phenomenon, cherished in Texas and beyond. Their stores are popular pit stops for road trippers, thanks to the brand's unwavering dedication to cleanliness, exceptional customer service, and unique offerings. This has not only created a loyal following but also attracted significant media attention.

                Arkansas’s first Buc-ee's store is set to open its doors in September 2026, conveniently located off the Haskell (Saline County) exit of Interstate 30 on Arkansas 229, at the southern end of Benton. Additionally, another location is planned to open in West Memphis (Crittenden County) later that year.

                Wednesday, April 16, marked an exciting milestone with the groundbreaking of the Benton Buc-ee’s. It attracted a huge crowd, including our state’s governor, the mayor of Benton, and various other political and community leaders. Among those present was Arch Aplin, the founder of the company, whom I was able to meet and get a photo with.

                In a year and a half, I can't wait to bring our Texas uncle and aunt to the Natural State’s very first Buc-ee’s, a whole decade after our first experience with that legendary beaver.

The White River Monster

            

            Hidden amidst the twisting waterways of northeastern Arkansas lies a tale that has captivated the region for over a hundred years. Known locally as “Whitey,” this creature is more famously referred to as the White River Monster. Legend has it that this enigmatic being lurks beneath the murky waters of the White River close to Newport (Jackson County).

            Skeptics may dismiss the monster as mere myth, yet believers and the curious continue to flock to the story, hoping to spot the elusive entity woven into Arkansas’s cultural identity.

            The earliest recorded sighting dates back to 1915, when a plantation owner reported encountering a gigantic creature that stirred the river into a frenzy. However, it wasn’t until 1937 that the monster captured the public’s imagination.

            That summer, numerous witnesses claimed to have seen an unusual form in the water near Towhead Island. Descriptions varied, with many characterizing it as a gray, dinosaur-like being with a spiny back and a long snout. Some insisted it was as large as a car. Newport buzzed with excitement, and within days, the area swarmed with monster hunters and eager onlookers. Boats set sail, cameras were ready, and plans to capture the creature were tossed around.

            Though no one ever caught Whitey, the legend endures.

            For a time, the river was quiet. But in 1971, a woman named Tracy Bettis stirred the waters of curiosity once more. She reported an encounter that captured the public's imagination, describing a creature that emerged from the depths, boasting a broad body, a spiny back, and curious tusks protruding from its face.

            This fresh tale made headlines again—and sparked an unusual response from the Arkansas government.

            In 1973, the Arkansas General Assembly adopted Senate Resolution 23, introduced by Senator Bob Harvey, establishing the White River Monster Refuge along the White River. This refuge stretches from the southern point known as Old Grand Glaize to a northern point referred to as Rosie. According to this legislation, it is unlawful to harm the mysterious creature residing within the refuge.

            So, what exactly is this elusive being? Over the years, various theories have surfaced. Some speculate that the monster might be a sizable Gulf sturgeon, potentially reaching lengths of up to 15 feet and weighing several hundred pounds. Others suggest it could be an elephant seal that somehow found its way deep into the river—though that idea seems a bit far-fetched. Many believe it may simply be a case of misidentifying a log or other debris. The truth remains elusive, leaving open the possibility that it’s something beyond our understanding altogether.

            Skeptics point out the absence of tangible evidence, while enthusiasts of the cryptid community argue that the river's murky waters and deep pools provide an ideal refuge for an undiscovered creature.

            The most notable site for sightings of Whitey is Towhead Island, a small, wooded area along the river near Newport. Even now, some locals prefer to avoid fishing there, while others insist that they have glimpsed unusual ripples and eerie shadows just beneath the surface.

            You won’t stumble upon gimmicky tourist traps or shops, but there is a sign marking the territory where this legendary monster is rumored to roam, and you might find a local with captivating tales to share.

            Whether the White River Monster is merely a misidentified fish, a figment of collective imagination, or a genuine cryptid lurking beneath the waves, it remains an integral part of Arkansas folklore. For many, it's more than just a monster—it's a captivating enigma, a shared memory, and a representation of the peculiar allure that small towns and winding rivers possess.

Jones Bar-B-Q Diner

                Fortunately for barbecue connoisseurs such as myself, Arkansas is home to a fantastic array of barbecue restaurants. From the well-loved Dixie Pig in Blytheville (Mississippi County) to McClard’s Bar-B-Q in Hot Springs (Garland County), the Natural State offers an impressive selection that promises to satisfy any barbecue lover's cravings. Jones Bar-B-Q Diner in Marianna (Lee County) is among the most celebrated barbecue spots in Arkansas and nationwide. This remarkable diner isn't just known for its delicious smoked meats; it also boasts a rich history as one of the oldest black-owned restaurants in the United States, proudly serving mouthwatering smoked meats for over a hundred years.

                The diner’s story dates back to at least the early 1900s, with some accounts tracing its roots to the 1890s. Founded by the Jones family, it has been lovingly passed down through generations, keeping its promise of simple yet unforgettable barbecue. Today, James Jones proudly carries on that tradition, dishing out the same classic flavors that put the diner on the map in Arkansas and far beyond.

                Jones Bar-B-Q Diner chooses to keep things simple in a world of complex menus. The star of the show? Pulled pork sandwiches, served on two pieces of plain white Sunbeam bread with a tangy red vinegar-based sauce. The pork is slow-cooked over a wood fire, giving it a rich, smoky flavor that has diners returning time and again. This straightforward menu allows the quality and tradition of the barbecue to shine through.

                The building itself is simple as well. Diners find themselves in a cozy little room lined in cinderblock. The walls tell stories through old photographs, Arkansas memorabilia, and magazine and newspaper clippings. Originally, the restaurant was located in downtown Marianna and was named The Hole in the Wall. The restaurant moved to its current location in 1964 and took the name Jones Bar-B-Q Diner. 

                Jones Bar-B-Q Diner shot to national fame when it received the prestigious James Beard Foundation’s America’s Classics Award in 2012. This accolade honors small, regional restaurants that truly embody the spirit of their communities, solidifying the diner’s reputation as a must-visit destination for barbecue aficionados from coast to coast. Many people in the culinary world view the Beard award as one of the most prestigious accolades a chef or restaurant can receive. In 2017, the restaurant was among the first inducted into the Department of Arkansas Heritage’s Arkansas Food Hall of Fame.

                Sadly, on February 28, 2021, a fire broke out at the restaurant, but thanks to the quick response of firefighters, they managed to keep the flames restricted to the pit area. Determined to bounce back, owner James Harold Jones successfully raised funds for the rebuilding effort. The restaurant celebrated its grand reopening on July 14, 2021.

                Located at 219 West Louisiana Street in Marianna, Jones Bar-B-Q Diner is more than just a dining spot; it’s a piece of Arkansas history that’s alive and well. Despite its well-earned reputation, it’s a cozy, no-frills establishment where the focus is squarely on delicious food and a friendly atmosphere. The restaurant shuts its doors when the meat is no longer available, which can happen as early as 11:00 a.m. on busy days. Many patrons start arriving by 7:00 a.m. to secure their barbecue fix.

                For anyone eager to savor genuine Southern barbecue in its most authentic form, a visit to Jones Bar-B-Q Diner in Marianna is a must. With a rich heritage spanning over a century and acclaim that reaches far beyond our state’s borders, this restaurant truly showcases the enduring values of tradition, family, and outstanding cuisine.