The nice people at Arkansas.com were kind enough to put together an official Arkansas Pie Trail for us. Today I’ve turned the idea of a pie adventure into a road trip fashioned from some of the stops on the official trail with a few special additions. Every one of these stops serves up delicious pie in small hometown settings. These eight places, plus the bonus there at the end, are necessities for Arkansas foodies. Actually, they’re necessities for everyone, because who doesn’t love pie?

The total time you’ll need for the driving portion of this road trip is about six and a half hours. You’ll find your itinerary here.

1. Ms. Lena’s Pie Shop (De Valls Bluff)

We’re starting out our pie adventure at a shop dedicated to pie, and we’re starting here because the pies at this little place are good enough to make it to the pages of the Southern Living. You’ll want to start your journey on a Saturday, because Saturdays are when Ms. Lena’s is open. You’re going to find pies you can buy whole or by the slice, made fresh from family recipes. They always have Coconut Crème, Chocolate, Apple, and 1/2 Chocolate 1/2 Coconut Crème on hand during business hours, but if you want something else, just call ahead and they’ll bake it up for you. Ms. Lena’s is located at 2885 Highway 33 South in De Valls Bluff.

2. Charlotte’s Eats & Sweets (Keo)

Charlotte’s is another place that’s been featured in Southern Living. You’ll drive 48 minutes from De Valls Bluff to Keo, and every minute is worth it. Charlotte’s is located inside a historic pharmacy, and in addition to homemade pies, you’ll find delicious sandwiches and an old fashioned soda fountain. Charlotte’s would be a delicious place to have lunch and, of course, a slice of pie after. Charlotte’s Eats & Sweets is located at 290 Main Street in Keo.

3. Cotham’s Mercantile (Scott)

Cotham’s is most famous for its burgers, but that doesn’t mean you can’t expect delicious pie from them too. Cotham’s is "where the elite meet to eat," and you’ll definitely feel elite when you dig into their Mississippi Mud Pie. Cotham’s Mercantile is located at 5301 AR-161 in Scott, which is about a ten minute drive from Charlotte’s Eats and Sweets.

4. Café 1217 (Hot Springs)

You’ll be driving about an hour to our next destination. Café 1217 is located in Hot Springs, Arkansas’s spa city. This café has been around since 1997, and serving some of the best gourmet dishes in the area. All the desserts there are made from scratch, and you’ll definitely taste the difference. Above you’ll see a picture of their butterscotch chocolate chip pecan pie, and if that sounds too delicious for words, imagine what else you’ll find on the menu. Café 1217 is located at 1217 Malvern Avenue in Hot Springs.

5. Patty’s Down the Road (Royal)

Patty’s Down the Road is only about twenty minutes from Hot Springs. At this little diner you’ll find food made from scratch using fresh ingredients. That includes their delicious fried and baked pies. The only day of the week that Patty’s isn’t open is Tuesday, so don’t go on a Tuesday. They’re located at 6920 Albert Pike Road in Royal.

6. Julie’s Sweet Shoppe (Conway)

For the sixth spot on our road trip, we’re headed in the other direction, north and east from Royal about an hour and a half. We’re headed to a bakery in Conway that serves pastries from carefully honed recipes that have been around for generations. The pies there are gorgeous and full of tradition. Julie’s Sweet Shoppe is located at 201 Skyline Drive Suite 39 in Conway.

7. Stoby’s (Russellville)

Further on up the road, we’re getting to the last leg of our journey. Stoby’s in Russellville serves some of the best possum pie in the Natural State, and possum pie is a necessity for any Arkansas pie trip. So go there, have either breakfast or lunch, and eat all the possum pie you can handle. Stoby’s is located at 405 West Parkway Drive in Russellville.

8. The Cake House Bakery (Clarksville)

The Cake House specializes in cakes, but you definitely shouldn’t underestimate their pies. This house of cakes and pies is an adorable little bakery that can deliver to locals, or serve up your order with a smile. The Cake House Bakery is located at 316 South Rogers Street in Clarksville.

Bonus: Cliff House Inn (Jasper)

The Cliff House Inn is a bonus only because they don’t open for the season until mid-March. Really, though, this place is an absolute necessity for Natural State pie lovers. The reason it belongs on this pie trail is because it’s home to an iconic Arkansas pie, the Company’s Comin’ Pie. Of course, that breathtaking view isn’t too shabby either. Cliff House Inn is 6 Miles South of Jasper on Hwy 7.

For the ultimate road trip for Arkansas foodies, click here. If you're interested in adding barbecue to your bucket list, you need to try this one.