Can Do Hardware and Gravette, Arkansas

We spent a few days before Christmas in Bentonville. During our getaway, we got to head to nearby Gravette, Arkansas, to check out Can Do Hardware. My dad and stepmom had mentioned this fun store on previous visits, but we hadn’t made it until now. And, since northwest Arkansas is a popular destination – but I rarely, if ever, hear anything about Gravette, I wanted to share some reasons to visit! Gravette is located about 25 minutes west and slightly north of Bentonville.

Can Do Hardware

This is not your typical hardware store. Although they certainly have your classic hardware store offerings, those are located behind the front area – which is chock full of specialty candies, soda and games. Basically, a kid’s paradise! Plus, if you veer off to the left of the front entrance, you’ll find the toy area, which reminds one of Diagon Alley.

But the candy section is magical in itself. I bought several flavors of saltwater taffy I’d never tried before. They also have an impressive array of gummy foods, international chocolate bars, freeze dried candy, etc.

Behind the candy room is another large space, where you’ll find more gift and toy items in addition to traditional hardware store stuff. Think novelty socks, Bigfoot merch, classic toys, etc.

You can easily spend a lot of money here, as novelty candy can add up quickly. But it’s a lot of fun to visit. Joss had a $20 spending limit and got a couple of toys, gummy sushi and a specialty Pepsi. (He may have gone slightly over the limit.) And do use your Google Maps when looking for the store, as you probably won’t see it off a main road.

Pet Pop

I’m 95% sure this is a sister store to Can Do, as they both had a sandwich board out front advertising the other store. But it’s worth visiting both if you’re in town. Pet Pop is…as it sounds like…a combination of pet supplies and pop culture toys. Well, it could also sound like pet supplies and novelty sodas. But while they did have some unique drinks, like canned boba, etc., that wasn’t the main focus of the store.

We walked in to a display of Pokémon items so, of course, were instantly right at home. But back behind the front area is a large room that’s half pet supplies, half LEGO sets and other pop culture items. They’ve got a great selection of LEGOs, covering several aisles. Behind that is a third room with some arcade games and more horror-themed merchandise.

Pet Pop is located right on Gravette’s charming Main Street. On this block you’ll also find the public library, a cafe, pet groomer and gift shops.

Grumpy’s Peace, Love, & Coffee

Down the block and around the corner from Pet Pop is the very eye-catching Grumpy’s coffee shop. The bright yellow building is covered with a mural inspired by ’60s pop culture and history. And a wizard and some fantasy elements on the other side, if I remember correctly.

While there is a drive-through, we ended up going inside. The indoor was small, but they do have some seating options, and the walls are covered in newspapers and memorabilia from the era. It was a very fun atmosphere. And the coffee drinks all had fun names. I got a toffee mocha (aka “Mr. Bojangles”), which was a little too sweet, but…I think that’s on me for ordering a drink with two flavorings 🙂

Other Places to Eat and Things to Do

This is the extent of what we did and saw in Gravette. However, a quick Google search revealed that there are other highly rated eateries in the area: 59 Diner, Granny’s Simple Blessings (bakery and lunch), El Bohemio Mexican Restaurant, and Smith and Betts Barbecue. We did pop into A Lil Bit of Sugar, which looked nice, but left when we realized they didn’t have espresso drinks.

As far as things to do, this blog post has some good suggestions: onlyinark.com/places-and-travel/hidden-gem-a-perfect-day-trip-to-gravette

Some suggestions, like the Old Spanish Treasure Cave in Sulpher Springs, may take you slightly out of Gravette. But in-Gravette activities include the Old Town Park, Gravette Historical Museum and a Wildlife Observation Trail.

Have you been to Gravette? What do you recommend doing?