Blue skies and fall color line this stretch of road known as Arkansas Scenic 7 Byway.

State 7 runs through the middle of downtown Hot Springs, our nation's first national resort town.

A NOTE TO OUR READERS:
"This Road Rules!" is from the November 2005 issue of Southern Living. Because prices, dates, and other specifics are subject to change, please check all information to make sure it's still current before making your travel plans.

Start a love affair with the open road, and the unexpected is bound to run wild. Take Arkansas's State 7, for example. Go there for the scenery, and you will find some of the state's best shopping and activities.

Start Your Engine
Follow the road to downtown Hot Springs, where the route is known as Central Avenue.

The Buckstaff Bath House ([501] 623-2308) makes your first stop a relaxing one. The only operational facility on Bathhouse Row is easy to spot by its blue-and-white awning. Opt for the traditional package complete with a thermal bath, whirlpool, Swedish massage, and loofah mitt for $47.

Sustain your bath-time bliss with a trip to Essentials ([501] 624-2025). Must-have selections include Victoria's Egg White Facial Soap ($19 for a box of six) from Sweden. At World Cargo ([501] 624-5968), handmade hardwood furniture from China, Indonesia, and India adds an exotic element to your trip.

Essentials in Hot Springs specializes in European products.

The White House Café in Camden maintains its fun atmosphere with Razorback regalia.

Road-Trippin'
From Hot Springs, continue south along State 7 to the cute college town of Arkadelphia (26 miles away). It's home to both Henderson State University and Thrio's Coffee House ([870] 246-3003), a three-floor facility and major student hangout that offers live music on weekends. Their menu includes smoothies ($3.65) and hot sandwiches ($3.75-$6.15).

Close to campus, the Captain Henderson House Bed & Breakfast ([870] 230-5544; rates start at $80) lures guests with its gorgeous front porch. Inside, the Elkhorn Bank President's room (one of seven guest rooms) and a full breakfast combine to make this a charming stay.

Afterward, set your compass toward Camden, 41 miles away. Popular stops here include Harvey's Grocery ([870] 836-9882) for a plate of barbecue and a taste of local color. Many Arkansas politicians visit this store 10 miles east on State 24.

For more of a sit-down meal, the White House Café in Camden ([870] 836-2255) ranks as tops. Everyone from bikers to grandmas pulls up a chair for this restaurant's hamburgers, rib-eye steaks, and caramel fudge pie ($4.95 per slice).

The route now leads to El Dorado, 30 minutes from Camden. From State 7, get on U.S. 167 Business. Then turn onto Main Street, and take the five-minute jaunt downtown. Anchored by an old-time square, El Dorado boasts gems such as JJ's Barbeque & Catfish ([870] 862-1777) for the finest pork sandwich, chopped or sliced, in town. To experience this city's dramatic feel, stop by the restored historic Rialto Theatre ([870] 881-8771) for a movie ($4). Either way this former boomtown provides one bang of an end to an exciting road trip.