War Eagle Craft Fair

On the banks of the War Eagle River in a serene valley sits an old Grist Mill that dates back to the 1830’s. When you drive down Highway 12 East as you leave Rogers, the worries of the world will melt from you. You have to slow down physically, the road is very curvy and winding. Huge hardwood oaks, hickories and pines are dense as you make the 15 mile trek to War Eagle Road. As you go around the final curve the Mill jumps out of nowhere. Three stories high with an 18 foot waterwheel, it’s a beautiful building.

This weekend, October 15th-18th, War Eagle is bracing for 250,000 visitors over four days. Held on the green pastures that lay beside the War Eagle River, it's called the "Grandaddy of all Craft Fairs." Craftsmen from across the US bring their pottery, quilts, folk art, watercolors, oil paintings, candles, homemade soaps, whimsicals, jewelry, and primitive Santas, Halloween and Thanksgiving crafts are highlighted in the fall. A huge assortment of fair foods tempt hungry shoppers. Hot peanuts and almonds are roasted in antique roasters with ice cold sarsaparilla. Or if you would like a “sit down meal” the “Bean Palace Restaurant” up on the third floor of the Mill offers country breakfasts featuring War Eagle biscuits and gravy, eggs and sausage and giant cinnamon rolls. The lunch specialty is War Eagle beans and cornbread made from the cornmeal being ground on a 150-year old stone buhr mill on the first floor of the mill. Other choices are freshly made smoked turkey or ham sandwiches on the Mill’s delicious whole grain breads. If you have room for dessert you must try the pecan cobbler served with Blue Bell ice cream!

I hope I’ve tempted you to come to Arkansas and visit the state we call “Home.” Log onto their website War Eagle Mill and plan a trip, consider this your “Official Invitation!”