Tourism in Searcy and White County really is growing! Just ask the local restaurants and hotels. In 2015, the county tax dollars collected from the 258,683 estimated tourists visiting White County was recorded at $1,090,733 and 2016 recorded even higher numbers.

There are many reasons why people come to our town. They come for local events, ball games, tournaments, and concerts. We recently hosted the Arkansas Youth Dixie League Tournaments bringing in large groups. Our town is an ideal location to stop for the night during a long road trip. We have conveniently placed hotels, restaurants, shopping and convenience stores right off the highway. Tourists also fly into our airport for recreation and duck hunting nearby. Sometimes tourists come into town to be entertained at a concert or to listen to a political figure speaking at Harding. People also come to town for family or school reunions and to visit the college campus. Pioneer Village has a big open house that brings visitors. Other big events like the Special Olympics and the NCAA Ladies Championship also bring crowds of tourists to town. Our Beats and Eats downtown event put on by Main Street Searcy brought thousands of visitors, and those events are now scheduled throughout the year.

It’s time to look at our town from a tourism point of view. Sometimes we get so busy that we just don’t slow down and enjoy the things right in front of us. But we don’t have to miss out on the fun. Spend some quality time with family and friends right here in town. Discover and rediscover the neat things around Searcy. Try a new dish or visit the restaurants you haven’t been to yet. Enjoy a morning of golf at River Oaks public golf course. Check out new stores that have opened. Hunt for cool finds at flea market booths, take in the newest movie, go bowling or take the kids and their friends skating. Play tennis or badminton in the evenings. Go for an early morning hike or a bike ride. Drop your boat in the Little Red River at River Side Park for great fishing. Check out all the unique historical trinkets at Pioneer Village. And don’t forget to include the frozen treats of summer!

Did you know there are over 60 restaurants in town and more than 10 catering options? You could actually eat at a different restaurant every day for two months and still not try them all. Additionally, there are least 14 different activities to enjoy on any given weekend.

Have a staycation at one of our 14 hotels. Swim in their pool, let them cook breakfast, and sleep late without having to worry about laundry! Stop in at a coffee house to get your boost for the day. Then hit some of our retailers and flea markets. Enjoy a picnic lunch. Have dinner and try a new activity or try a dinner theater show. Try Searcy from a different point of view. If the tourists are enjoying your town, shouldn’t you be doing the same?