THE SWEETEST SELFIE STOP IN ARKANSAS

I’d planned to share this pic a bit differently, but a sweet request led me to make it my goodbye to Arkansas instead.

I’m always cautious about when and where I take pictures, but the best are usually taken when and where you’re not supposed to be: after hours, in the middle of the street, standing precariously on top of something, you get the drift.

So when someone’s headed straight for me, looking very serious, I know I’m about to have to pack it in.

I’d hoped to avoid that look when I decided to take a selfie on this adorable vintage bench at a store just up the road from my cabin in Eureka Springs. As the last fuel station before Beaver Dam, it was always busy, but I was sure a Monday morning would see a slower crowd. Every space was taken when I arrived. Luckily, the gas pump closest to the bench was free and perfectly positioned for me to park between it and the last truck up front to create a safe little pen for my tripod, and a bit of cover for me too.

With my collapsible tripod fully extended and ready, I hopped out, framed up, and started shooting. I’d only taken 2 photos before she headed my way. I couldn’t tell if the wrinkle across her brow was for me or because she’d just emerged from the fluorescence of the store onto the surface of the sun, so I pretended to go about my business while I kept my eyes on her behind my dark sunglasses.

I painted on a smile and greeted her first. “Good mornin’!” I chirped.

“Mornin’! I was just in there wonderin’ ‘what is she doin’?’ so I came out to see!”

I explained that I’d spotted this vintage bench a few times in passing, and wanted to take pictures, but didn’t want to disturb anybody. She broke into a proud grin. She was not only happy to let me keep shooting, but told me all about the local couple who made her fish benches (woodzyshop.com if you’re interested!) too.

Before heading back inside, she gave me the store’s website and asked me to share my pictures, so if you’re driving Hwy 62, the easiest route to Tulsa and Dallas from NW Arkansas, stop in for a welcoming smile, fun photo ops, and a whole lot more at Riverview Resort & Country Store. Fish benches not included.

Until next time, Arkansas