November 19, 2025 (Wed.) – Stickers, Statues, and Frontier Justice: Wrapping Up Arkansas.

Today marked our final day in the Altus/Ozark area, and the plan was simple: track down a Pig Trail sticker, visit a few roadside attractions, and explore Fort Smith.

Lynn was up at 7:00, Kirk followed at 8:45, and we were greeted by a lively show of Blue Jays—several of them perched right outside our RV door. A beautiful start to the morning.

By 10:45 we set out on our sticker hunt. None of the little shops we’d checked yesterday had any, but Turner Bend looked promising. On the way, we tried a big travel center gas station (Workman Travel Center)—no luck. At Turner Bend, though, we struck gold: shelves full of stickers, shirts, and souvenirs. Sadly, no t‑shirts in our sizes, but we happily left with a few stickers at last.

Next came roadside attractions Lynn had flagged on her app. First stop: Alma, AR, home to Popeye’s Garden and its cheerful statue of Popeye. Quaint town, fun stop. Then it was on to Fort Smith in search of chaps for Lynn. Kirk wasn’t thrilled with her riding in jeans, and her riding pants felt bulky. We found a pair of chaps, but they were too long. The shop staff offered to cut them, but the owner refused (via telephone) —worried about sharp scissors injuring employees. The owner offered to cut them but would not be in until Friday but we’d be gone by then. So off we went to a sewing/fabric store, where we picked up a pair of heavy‑duty fabric scissors. Price tag: $80! At least they’re high‑quality and useful for future projects. Kirk was firmly warned: only fabric, nothing else. At $80, he’ll remember.

By 12:30 it was time for lunch. Lynn found Calico County on Yelp, which advertised catfish—Kirk’s current obsession. The meal was fine, nothing special. Afterward, we headed to the next quirky stop: the 30‑foot Mr. Peanut sign and several statues scattered around the Planters plant in Fort Smith. A fun little detour.

Our final destination was the Fort Smith National Historic Site, where the Old West meets frontier justice. We wandered through the grounds, seeing the courthouse, jail, and gallows, learning about Native American removal, Civil War soldiers, and Judge Isaac Parker—the infamous “Hanging Judge.” Of all the forts we visited, this one stood out. Unlike others that relied more on reconstruction, Fort Smith offered a stronger sense of authenticity, with original remnants that made it easier to imagine life as it truly was. The site felt less like a staged recreation and more like a genuine window into the past.

Driving through town, we passed Miss Laura’s Brothel Museum. It was closed, but the exterior, with its playful silhouettes in the windows, was worth the look.

It was a fitting way to wrap up our time in Arkansas—quirky attractions, history, and a few surprises along the way. Tomorrow, we roll into Oklahoma.

Weather – High 75*, Low 53*. Winds 3-13 mph. No rain. No humidity.

Traffic – None.

Food – Nothing to report.

Notable – Pig Trail sticker, Popeye, Mr. Peanut, Fort Smith, Blue Jays.