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.