So I meant to post this one last year, but better late than never right? Besides, you won’t want to miss this one. If you live in or plan to visit Northwest Arkansas you should definitely check out Downtown Rogers. For this installment of Let’s Go for a Walk, we’re taking a stroll around this historic area and checking out Railyard Park.
I’ve always enjoyed visiting Downtown Rogers. It was a tradition growing up for my mom to take off a day before school started, shop for new outfits for the first day of school, and have lunch at the Crumpet Tea room in Vincent Square. I will always cherish those memories. The tea room may be gone now, but luckily there are lots of new memories waiting to be made there with my kids.
Our son is still nurturing a love of trains (we’re celebrating his 5th birthday on a train car at the Springdale train station this month) so I am sure we will be venturing back to the area this year as well.
LET’S GO FOR A WALK IN DOWNTOWN ROGERS
While the shops and restaurants have changed over the years, Downtown Rogers and Vinson Square in particular has never lost its charm for me. From the brick roads to the Coca Cola signs painted on the sides of buildings, and now to more modern street art just across the railroad tracks, this place has a lot of charm.
For someone with more photography skills than myself, it’s definitely an Instagram-worthy locale. It was hot when we were there, but Vinson Square is now home to a great place to cool off on a hot day.
After you’ve checked out the shops, catch a bite to eat at one of the local restaurants. I highly recommend Levi’s Gastrolounge and Low Bar. We’ve enjoyed a few date night meals there. We’re big fans of the Dope as “Duck” Wings. Make sure to get the parmesan garlic sauce.
If you’re there with the whole family there’s a pizza place right across from Railyard Park. I haven’t tried it myself, but I’ve heard good things.
RAILYARD PARK
And now for the main attraction if you have kids. There is a water park in Vinson Park and it is so cool. It is also worth noting that the restrooms there are some of the cleanest public restrooms I have ever used. And the best part – they’re housed in shipping containers! I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves.
The Railyard is also home to an outdoor concert area, and a block or so away, a bike trail. There is truly a lot to explore within a walkable distance, even with young children in tow. If you get the chance, definitely check out the area.
Also be sure to check out the Rogers Historical Museum; they’re open Tuesday – Saturday 10 AM to 4 PM. We’ve visited before, but like most of our new park visits, this particular one was on a Sunday afternoon.
