Paw Paws Pecan Farm – Atkins, Arkansas

Whenever you are in the area of Atkins, Arkansas, this place is a must.  The pecan farm has over 6000 pecan trees and a home resembling the mansion in Gone With The Wind. It took a bit to get to the farm as you travel over a dirt road for about two miles.  We were greeted by the owner, Billy, as we entered the gate.  He directed us to our site for the night and said he would officially welcome us after spraying the trees. He made sure to encourage us to make ourselves at home.  Meet our host, Billy.

When we settled in, we took a walk around the massive farm.  The quietness initially captured our attention.  Then the meticulous row after row of pecan trees made us think of the work involved to bring the pecans to market.  We decided to try out those inviting rocking chairs sitting on the porch between the enormous Doric columns.   Billy and his wife, Charlotte, invited us into their 13,000 sq ft home.  Upon entering, my jaw dropped when I saw the curving staircase leading to the upstairs. They began to show us the gift shop with handmade quilts, pecan oil, various variations of pecans and fudge. The next room was the quilt room.  Each shelf had an abundance of vibrant fabrics, and during our visit, they were hosting a quilting session. Next was the area where they held events such as weddings, baby and bridal showers.  I was so envious when Charlotte led us into the kitchen.  Her kitchen was spectacular.  On one countertop, different kinds of delicious fudge were ready to be consumed.  The upstairs housed five bedrooms with five bathrooms and a living room designed for the bed & breakfast they ran. 

Billy and Charlotte made us feel like family as they answered our questions regarding the farm.  Before they had the pecan farm, they were chicken farmers selling to Tyson Foods.  Their son encouraged them to sell the farm and start the pecan farm even though they had no previous experience.  They bought the land close to the Arkansas River, and as Charlotte explained it, “It was a junkyard, but Billy bought it anyway.” A year later, the son bowed out, and they decided to continue the farm on their own.  It takes six years before a tree can produce pecans. It has been sixteen years since they started the pecan farm.  The conversation was so interesting, but we were more in awe of how humble and down-to-earth they are.  They manage the farm by themselves and run at least six side businesses.  It amazed us as to how two people could sustain this establishment. They never rushed us.  At one point in the conversation, he asked if I was Italian and cooked Italian food.  Mitch quickly answered, “Yes, and a real good cook.”  Billy’s eyes lit up, and before we left, I promised them an Italian meal with one caveat.  I had to cook it in their kitchen.

We spent the next few hours on the rocking chairs enjoying wine, cheese, and conversation with a few other Harvest Host couples there for the night.  As we strolled down to our RV, we said we would have to make a future visit.  At some point, I have to keep my promise, and maybe we will stay in the B&B.

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