It's that time when we search for  our favorite sweater and furry boots.  Taste buds hanker for comfort foods like chicken fried steak with mashers smothered in gravy, and pumpkin pie dolloped in whip cream. Thankfully slouchy sweaters cover up Fall food indulgences. 

From our comfy digs at Beaver Lake Haven, take a leisurely drive on what is called one of the most beautiful drives in America,  Scenic Byway 7. Traverse the Arkansas River Valley and ascend into the Ozark Mountains, where the trees are adorned with leaf jewelry in gold, amber, ruby and topaz. 

Head toward the town of Jasper, home of the landmark Ozark Cafe that first opened its doors in 1909. Which just happens to be where we took the photograph of classic fried chicken, mashers, cream gravy, baked beans and a biscuit. Of course, after we took the shot we couldn't waste it.

​Walk off lunch with a stroll around the quaint town square where we found another use for worn out cowboy boots. 

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On a very warm day on a little side street off the square in Kingston, Arkansas, we saw the nose of this antique Ford peeking out of the stone garage. Charlotte must have spied us as were admiring the old truck in it's quaint setting. She came and offered us some ice tea and the story of her Ford. It was the first brand new vehicle she and her husband bought back in 1964. It was an investment in their future as it was a heavy duty work truck. They used it for 54 years to help build their life together. 

Sometimes we don't take the time for an old-fashion-sit-down-on-the-porch-and- drink-tea afternoon. The Antique Auto Fest, celebrating it's 48th year in Eureka Springs on September 7th & 8th, is  abundant with opportunities to share  precious time with hospitable and warm-hearted story tellers, like Charlotte. 

Then, after all of the festivities, food, parades and races, come on back to The Haven on Beaver Lake, (only a 20 minute drive from Eureka Springs), to recharge your batteries and gather up the stories you will tell, to those  strangers who look like they need a glass of ice tea.