a food tour of small town America, pt. i

"For the blog," I'd say each time we ordered more food than I knew we could stomach. I said yes to a lot of food and drinks during our time in the States under the guise of "conducting research." And, listen, I really was doing it for the blog, but does that mean I couldn't enjoy it? (cheekily smirks)

Our trip to the US consisted of visits to 3 states: Florida (to see extended family), Arkansas (to see friends) and Tennessee (to see more family). Oh, and there was a quick 3-hour dash around New York City, but I hardly call that a visit and definitely can't classify it as a small town. Each town we ventured into had something (multiple somethings) to offer, and we had to try it all -- for the blog, of course. ;) Here's my list of the top spots we tried in the small towns we found ourselves in:

State: Arkansas

Town: Searcy

I spent 4 years of my life in this small uni town, and though, like many small towns, it isn't always bustling with activity, it does have a great food scene.

Bakery: Wild Sweet Williams

Before Sunday morning church, the girls and I'd try to snag a pastry from Wild Sweet Williams, but sometimes we'd only make it in afterwards, and though choice was limited by that time of day, you knew no matter what you got, you'd be satisfied.

Since I was last here, WSW has upgraded to a larger venue and serves not only pastries but a full lunch menu. I'm jealous of everyone who gets to enjoy this space weekly.

Highlight: Chocolate Espresso Roll

Coffee: Mr. Postman

Madison and I only discovered Mr. Postman towards the end of our final year at uni, so we really made up for it and went nearly every day during those final weeks. We'd order the same exact drink every time and I've highlighted it for you below.

Highlight: Iced Salty Monkey (with oat milk because I can't handle the taste of dairy milk, bleh)

Restaurant: Slader's

One of my part-time jobs during uni was working at Slader's, and it still claims a top spot on the list of places I've worked. With it's vintage arcade games, Alaskan memorabilia, and impressive record collection, it remains a go-to not only for college kids but for the locals with a taste for something different.

Highlight: Potato and Cheese Alaskan Style Dumplings

Coffee: Midnight Oil

I always felt that only the coolest students at Harding studied at Midnight Oil, and because I have never felt particularly cool, I often opted for Starbucks right around the corner from my uni house. But when it comes to quality coffee, no one beats Midnight Oil, and I wish I hadn't sacrificed good coffee just because I didn't think I'd fit in with the crowd. Also, who cares.

Highlight: The Blackbear (again, with oat milk)

Restaurant: Burrito Day

During my final week at uni, I distinctly remember grabbing Burrito Day to-go and having a picnic on the lawn with my flatmate and best friend, Madison. It hit us that this chapter of life was nearing its end, and we were determined to soak every moment of it in. It's fitting that, during my first time back in Searcy, we ended the trip with Burrito Day.

Highlight: Chicken Burrito Bowl (with a strawberry cookie for dessert)

Town: Bentonville & Fayetteville

Being the birthplace of the very successful Walmart (and Madison), Bentonville it's an affluent and artsy town full of quirks and things to do & eat/drink. As for Fayetteville, it's a popular uni town only about 20 minutes from Bentonville, making it easy to drive over for a taste of their best foodie spots.

Coffee: Kennedy's

Since moving to London, I've swapped my syrupy sweet lattes for flat whites and cold brews, but I can't resist the inventive drinks from Kennedy's.

Highlight: Frozen Blackberry Mocha (you guessed it ... with oat milk)

Coffee: Onyx

Known as one of the top 50 coffee roasters in the world, Onyx is a must-try when in Bentonville. Not to mention, everything about it is so pleasing to the eye, and your coffee is delivered on a conveyer belt (depending on the location you choose). If you're in the airport, they have a robot make your latte. They're just coolest.

Highlight: Hail Fellow Well Met (already made with oat milk)

Breakfast/Coffee: Arsaga's

My favourite coffee has always been from Kennedy's but Arsaga's really tested that. Plus, their Mill District location was the coolest spot, and we had the coolest, kindest waitress. Perfect score for all categories -- food, drinks, service and atmosphere.

Highlights: Cacao Cloud, Turkish Eggs and Cornbread (that's your entire order settled for you; thank me later.)

Wine: Ramo's

Rain or shine, Ramo's is the perfect backdrop for a catch-up with the girls or a date night. Plus, they do spaghetti dinners on Wednesday nights, but you gotta book as the spaces fill up fast!

Highlight: A glass of Montepulciano with a bowl of spaghetti

Dinner: Pizzeria Ruby's

I can't really say much about this place because I am too busy drooling while dreaming about the meal I had here.

Highlight: Babe, get anything.

Sweets: Markham and Fitz

Madison once sent me a surprise package, and one of the items was a box of truffles from Markham and Fitz. I've been so obsessed with their unique chocolate bar flavours and truffles ever since.

Highlight: Sea Salt Caramel Truffles

Cocktails: Loveless

This was by far my favourite espresso martini of the trip. My friend got the non-alcoholic version, and even that was incredible (which I can't often say for non-alcoholic espresso martinis). Plus, the decor and tunes were unmatched. The DJ was very clearly passionate about his job.

Highlight: Espresso Martini

Cocktails: Calisto

A small art gallery with a hidden cocktail bar? I'm there, and you should be, too! The experience and the drinks are equally fascinating and fun, and I sometimes feel you either lack one or the other, but this bar does it all and does it well.

Highlight: Mai Hi (their version of an Espresso Martini)

Dinner: Azul Tequila

When I say you cannot, must not visit Bentonville without getting some tacos and margs from Azul, I freaking mean it. Trust me on this one, please.

Highlight: Steak Street Tacos paired with the Hibiscus Marg

So, that's my round-up for Arkansas, but I've got some other spots to tell you about. Stay tuned because we're road-trippin' over to Tennessee and Florida for a continuation of good coffee and southern comfort food. And alligator bites. Yup, it's a thing.