Normally, college towns are pretty popular. There is typically an abundance of recreation throughout the town — and maybe even something of a nightlife. Then there's Arkadelphia. The town, although small, may still have a shock factor to the outsider driving through or stopping to visit a student at one of the colleges. So allow me to throw you a bone in this definitive guide to the tiny community of Arkadelphia, Ark.
1. On Wednesday, we hear sirens
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Every Wednesday at noon, the city tests the emergency sirens that are scattered across Arkadelphia. They're basically tornado sirens with a voice ensuring you that it is "just a test." Regardless, they're still pretty frightening. Don't worry. You probably won't get used to it, but you'll remember after a few brief seconds that it happens every single week at the same time.
2. You may hear it called the "Delph"
Let's face it — college kids love acronyms and nicknames. Around town, you'll hear others refer to the Delph, or perhaps even the Dirty Delph. No, this is not a different city. You're still in the right place. Arkadelphia is a bit of a mouthful, so we just shortened it to something that's easier to swallow. Or text.
3. Two separate (but equal) colleges are here
Arkadelphia is home to not just one but two colleges: Henderson State University (HSU) and Ouachita Baptist University (OBU). Henderson is a liberal arts college while OBU is a private Christian school. They are literally across the street from one another and both house students with a deeply rooted pride in the school they attend. While in town, use ambiguous terms when referring to one school in the presence of students from the other. This brings me to my next point.
4. It's not war. Just Battle of the Ravine
Okay, maybe it is a war on some diminished level. Each year, the two colleges face one another in what is known as the shortest-distanced rivalry in the nation. Although smaller versions in different spots happen throughout the year, the biggest game in which the two teams face is the football game that usually comes to pass in November. The whole week before the game is known for pranks, which explains why you may see signs from each school covered in giant black trash bags and students posted at monuments at all hours of the day or night. You may see glitter on the sidewalks of one school shimmering in the bold colors representative of the other. Although it has been known to get out of hand, the antics are all in good fun and last until the big game. After that, we're all friends again. Normally.
5. For a college town, there really isn't much
Not only is Arkadelphia a college town, but a double-college town. That considered, there does not exist a single bowling alley, movie theater, skating rink, shopping center or even an amphitheater. The youth of the town have to get creative in their recreational activities, since there really isn't much to do at all off campus. If you've come to Arkadelphia for entertainment, you'd better check up on the colleges' student activities boards, because you'll find yourself woefully disappointed anywhere else in the town.
6. But entertainment isn't that far away
That being said, for residents of Arkadelphia, an hour drive is the equivalent to driving down the street. Delphians alike don't mind going elsewhere to find the entertainment they seek. Hot Springs is 45 minutes away, Little Rock can usually be reached in about an hour and the same can be said for Texarkana. You'll see Snapchats full of fun outings with friends, but just know that none of those things happened here.
7. If you don't like Mexican food, you're out of luck
There's El P, El T, El Z, Rosa's — the list goes on. The truth of the matter is there is an abundance of Mexican restaurants in Arkadelphia, and each is a little different from the next. You'll find that people have their preferences and hold strongly onto them. Just know that if you're caught with the middle vote between friends with differing opinions on which Mexican place to go to, you can always choose the neutral Burger Barn.
8. Caddo Valley is not Arkadelphia
There is an observed difference between the tiny Caddo Valley and the slightly larger Arkadelphia. The only time in which this difference may be observed is when choosing which fast food joint to go to. There is, however, a great bakery in Caddo Valley you should definitely stop at the next time you drive through. It's wonderful. Also, Caddo Valley is a giant speed trap and there is an abundance of cops so really watch that speedometer through there.
9. Walmart is 24 hours, and that's so important
Here's a tip: Do your grocery shopping late at night. It seems as though when college students get bored and desperate, they'll amble around Walmart for hours. Later in the night is the best time to go because most shoppers have already gone home. You'd be surprised how many college students make runs to Walmart at midnight for toilet paper, erasable pens and snacks.
10. You won't finish a song in the car
Arkadelphia is such a small place, you can pretty much drive anywhere in three minutes or less. Make sure you pick a good song when you get in the car to start your drive. You might just finish it before you get to your destination.
11. Hammocking in random trees is super normal
While driving down Highway 7, you'll see colorful splashes of parachute material strung up between two trees. These are hammockers, and they are hammocking. These terms were created for nature lovers like these who take their books, iPads and speakers outside for a hour or so with friends between any two random and sturdy trees.It is definitely recommended to the outsider visiting Arkadelphia. Try going to the "Bluffs" across from Pizza Hut on 10th Street.
12. You'll meet the best people here
Although Arkadelphia has its quirks, you'll find that the small town is filled with wonderful people that don't mind passing a smile and greeting as you pass them on the sidewalk. They'll amicably jump into your conversations if they overhear you discussing where to eat or what professor to take, and most times they will invite you to one of the many happenings that happen on campus in a double-college town. This place is where you'll meet lifelong friends and make lasting memories.
