Bryant Travel Guide

This comprehensive tour guide for Bryant, Arkansas includes a list of places to visit, hiking and biking routes, food and drink scene, where to stay, local culture and customs, safety and health, transportation options, nearby destinations and more.


Introduction to Bryant

Bryant is a small town located in Central Arkansas, United States of America. Nestled in the heart of Saline County, it is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts and those who appreciate natural beauty. Bryant is a charming town that offers a rich cultural experience, with its museums, historical monuments and artifacts.

List of Places to Visit in Bryant

When visiting Bryant, there are several places worth checking out. Below are attractions to visit, divided into culturally important regions and natural attractions:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Saline County Regional Heritage Museum: It’s a museum showcasing local history and exhibits on the Civil War, railroad history, and the Saline Spring.
  2. Bryant’s Historic Reynolds Cemetery: A historic resting spot was brought to life through a restoration project, where locals and visitors can learn about local history from gravestones.
  3. Bryant Family Cemetery: The cemetery is highly noted as an important source of evidence for early family settlement in the region.
  4. Royal Theater: This classic movie theater has been remodeled and is now a popular venue for locals and tourists to catch movies, plays, and musical events.

Natural Attractions of Bryant: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Alexander Wilderness Park: Here nature is in its full form, a spot where hikers, walkers, and bird watchers come to get lost in the beauty of nature.
  2. Hornbeck Homestead: This ranch is an ideal spot for horseback riding, tours through the farm, and exploring the surrounding area, including hiking trails, fishing spots, birding sites, and more.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Bryant

Bryant has plenty of trails that offer a great escape for the nature lover. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or an intense hike, there’s a trail for everyone in Bryant.

  1. Holland Ridge Trail: This 1.4-mile trail is a moderate hike that loops around Holland Ridge Park.
  2. Haskell Lagoon Trail: A 1-mile loop that offers a peaceful escape through the woods.
  3. North Bishop Loop Trail: A 2.5-mile, heavily trafficked trail that loops around the Bishop Park in North Bryant.

Best Things to Do in Bryant: Activities and Tours

Bryant is full of activities that tourists can enjoy, with plenty of things to do, from cultural events to outdoor adventures.

  1. Bryant Farmers Market: A local market offering fresh produce, artisan crafts, and local products.
  2. River Market: This Market has daily events going on where you can enjoy food, drinks, and musical performances.
  3. Shooting Sports Complex: This complex offers supervised shooting and a pro shop.
  4. Escape It: An interactive adventure where visitors can solve puzzles, codes, and clues to escape the room within a given time frame.

Week-Long Itinerary for Bryant

Here is a suggested itinerary for visitors to Bryant who have a week to explore the city:

Day Activity
1 Visit the Saline County Regional Heritage Museum and Bryant’s Historic Reynolds Cemetery
2-3 Explore the natural attractions, Hornbeck Homestead, and Alexander Wilderness Park
4 Visit the Royal Theater, followed by Shooting Sports Complex after dinner
5 Visit Bryant Farmers Market and Escape It
6 North Bishop Loop Trail hike followed by a visit to the River Market for local food
7 Spend the day exploring neighboring cities and attractions

Food and Drink Scene of Bryant

Bryant has plenty of great dining options, with a range of international and local cuisines. Here are a few must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  1. BBQ: Bryant is a mecca for BBQ, so make sure to try out some of the great restaurants in town, including Whole Hog Café, and Roberto’s Grill.
  2. Catfish: Catfish is another must-try dish, with many different restaurants along Bryant’s Main Street serving up their own take on this southern delicacy.

Local Beverages

  1. Kent Walker Artisan Cheese is a local restaurant where visitors can enjoy a tasting of local cheeses along with a glass of beer or wine, made in Arkansas.

Where to Stay in Bryant: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  1. La Quinta Inn & Suites: A hotel located within walking distance of Bryant’s downtown area.
  2. Fairfield Inn & Suites: This modern hotel comes equipped with refrigerators and microwaves in every room, along with a hot breakfast.
  3. Motel 6 Bryant, AR - An affordable option located just off of I-30 in central Bryant.

What to Buy in Bryant: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Bryant is a great place to pick up some souvenirs or local products. Some places in Bryant to find great souvenirs include

  1. Bryant Antique Mall: This mall offers antiques, collectibles, and other unique items.
  2. The Salty Banana: A quaint boutique offering an array of eclectic and locally made products from jewelry to candles

Local Culture and Customs of Bryant

Bryant is a town with an enormous heart, and tourists will feel right at home. The local culture and customs revolve around a love of nature and outdoor activities.

Best Time to Visit Bryant

The best time to visit Bryant is in fall, from mid-September to mid-November, when the weather is pleasant and the leaves are changing. The parks and natural attractions are at their scenic best during this time.

Do’s and Don’ts of Bryant

Here are a few Do’s and Don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Bryant:

Do:

  1. Respect Nature: Whether you’re visiting one of the city’s parks or exploring the surrounding area, be sure to follow the Leave No Trace principles and keep natural spaces clean.
  2. Be friendly: The locals in Bryant are friendly and welcoming, so be sure to say hello and strike up a conversation.

Don’t:

  1. Litter: Be sure to dispose of your trash properly, and respect the natural spaces in which you’ll be exploring.
  2. Be Disrespectful: Disrespecting local culture and customs can be incredibly offensive.

Safety and Health

Safety in Bryant

Bryant is a relatively safe city, with a low crime rate. However, visitors should still exercise caution when walking in unfamiliar areas, especially at night.

Health in Bryant

Visitors to Bryant should be aware of the risks of tick bites and take necessary precautions, including covering up in wooded areas and using insect repellent.

Getting to Bryant: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Bryant

  1. Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport in Little Rock is the closest major airport to Bryant, about 30 miles southeast.
  2. Hot Springs Memorial Field Airport in Hot Springs, Arkansas, is another option, located around 30 miles to the southwest.

Bus Stations Near Bryant

  1. Little Rock Union Station is the closest bus station to Bryant, around 20 miles to the southeast.
  2. Hot Springs Transportation Center is another option about 30 miles to the southwest.

Other Options

  1. Cab service: There are several cab services available in Bryant, with reasonable fares and good customer service.
  2. Car rental: Visitors can also rent a car to explore the city and the surrounding area at their own pace.

How to Get Around in Bryant

Getting around in Bryant is easy, with several modes of transportation available, including taxis, ride-sharing, and rental cars. Public transit options are also available, but limited.

Where to Go Next from Bryant: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Bryant is conveniently located for visitors who want to explore the surrounding area, with plenty of interesting destinations nearby. Some of the exciting places in the area include:

  1. Little Rock: The state capital, located just 20 minutes from Bryant. Little Rock has a lot to offer, including museums, parks, and great food.
  2. Hot Springs: A resort city known for its natural hot springs, located around 40 miles to the southwest of Bryant.
  3. Ouachita National Forest: A beautiful, scenic park located approximately 60 miles to the west of Bryant.

Conclusion

Bryant is a hidden gem in Arkansas, with plenty of things to see and do for nature lovers, history buffs, and adventurers. From its natural beauty to its cultural treasures, Bryant is a must-visit destination for anyone planning to explore Arkansas.