12 Things Outsiders Should Know About Arkadelphia | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

12 Things Outsiders Should Know About Arkadelphia

It's a tiny place, but there's a lot to love.

345
12 Things Outsiders Should Know About Arkadelphia

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


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.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

196853
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

18832
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

460871
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

28303
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments