Arkansas' 'Brick Capital Of The World' Is A Historic City With A Walkable Downtown And Outdoor Fun

With a nickname like the "Brick Capital of The World," you might assume that Malvern, Arkansas is a bustling metropolis. On the contrary, it's a small city surrounded by forested plains and the Ouachita River. Less than an hour's drive from Little Rock, travelers looking for a more relaxed adventure should stop by Malvern for its quaint historic streets, tasty eats, and stunning landscapes.

Back in the 1890s, the discovery of clay deposits in the area allowed Malvern to flourish into an industrial hub for brick production, thus its nickname. Prior to this, Malvern was a railroad destination, welcoming a steady stream of train passengers headed to spas in nearby Hot Springs. Malvern's Main Street pays tribute to its legacy as a brick-making capital with charming brick buildings. Even the sidewalks are laid with brick, an intentional choice made by the local government when the downtown area was rebuilt following two destructive fires in the late 19th century.

Aside from admiring the architecture, visitors can browse the downtown area's local boutiques and refuel at a nearby cafe or restaurant. With the Ouachita River flowing nearby, outdoor lovers can bask in the Natural State's rugged scenery, paddle the waters, and hike to scenic waterfalls. For a laid-back weekend getaway, consider adding Malvern to your bucket list. 

Most of Malvern's compact downtown district is situated along South Main Street. Start your journey at South Main and West 2nd Street, where knitting fiends can get their fix at Arkansas Yarn Company. As you stroll amid the old-timey architecture, keep an eye out for the Ritz Theater with its Art Deco-style marquee. As you approach 3rd Street, veer eastwards for a quick tour of the Hot Springs County Museum. Here, you'll find vintage memorabilia displayed inside an elegant heritage home dating back to the late 19th century.

Also near 3rd Street is Coffee Records, which one past visitor described as a "great [place] to pop in for a coffee and snack." Browse the selection of vinyl albums, order a cookie, and grab a seat near the window for a view of Main Street. Next to the Ritz Theater is The Pink Pig, where thrifters can pick up vintage and pre-loved treasures of all kinds. 

Keep walking just a few minutes down South Main Street towards the towering steeple of the local First Baptist church. Across the street, you'll find Brick City Pizza, a great spot to grab a bite and watch the game. "The pizza is absolutely the best in Malvern," one recent customer wrote on Google. Once you've explored downtown Malvern, drive about 30 minutes to Arkadelphia, a lesser-known college city with vibrant campus life.

Travelers who prefer the embrace of nature should make their way to Malvern City Park just north of town. A small creek flows through the park, which also has a playground with climbing frames and slides. Online reviews highlight the park's gentle walking paths, benches, and picnic tables overlooking the tranquil scenery. 

Just over a mile north is the Ouachita River Whitewater Park, where thrill-seekers and families can spend a day on the water. Experienced kayakers and rafters can bring their gear to launch into the Ouachita River and tackle the whitewater rapids. The river's water level is dependent on timed releases from the nearby Remmel Dam. Visitors can keep an eye on the company's Facebook page for updates about recreational float times at Whitewater Park. For a more relaxing experience, visitors can drift along the river from Remmel Dam in an inflatable tube. "Very fun for lazy river floats," one person wrote on Google. The park also offers picnic tables to enjoy a snack.

Roughly 20 minutes from downtown Malvern is Lake Catherine State Park, where paddlers can rent kayaks to explore the lake and hikers can trek through rugged woodlands. One popular hiking trail here is the Falls Branch Trail, which leads to Falls Creek Falls, a waterfall that flows seasonally over rocky ledges. Campsites are located in the state park for the more outdoorsy types, and travelers will also find budget-friendly chain motels back in Malvern. Also within easy driving distance of Malvern is DeGray Lake, a gorgeous getaway for camping and fishing. Additionally, Lake Hamilton, a wildly underrated getaway with hot springs and parks, is just 30 minutes from Malvern by car.