Arkansas Couple Turns Farm and Bakery into a Destination Stop

Their operation has grown into a featured stop on the state’s farm trail.

SHIRLEY, ARKANSAS (RFD NEWS) — Wade and Marlene Lucas have turned their farm into a featured stop on this year’s Arkansas Farm Trail, offering everything from fresh strawberries to homemade pies.

The couple moved from Florida and spent years building their operation into a place that now draws visitors from across the area.

Marlene says it is the people who keep them going: “Community is so important to me. It’s so good to get to see people. You become family with people, you get to know them, you get to know their children.”

Over the past 25 years, they’ve expanded the farm to 12 acres, turning it into a scenic spot for lunches, desserts, and fresh-picked produce.

The Arkansas Farm Trail Passport now features more than 35 stops across the state, highlighting agriculture, food, and local experiences.

Related Stories
Despite calm, sunny conditions to start the morning, the veteran duo quickly deciphered the bite – then shifted gears perfectly when the fish changed.
Rising demand for Comfort Colors t-shirts reinforces the pull for U.S.-grown cotton, linking rural fiber production to a fast-growing mainstream apparel brand.
As we continue our Countdown to Convention sponsored by Culver’s, we see how FFA helps students and alums like Kat Walker build skills for life through ag education.
Jacob Wheeler and Dustin Connell of Team O’Reilly Auto Parts took an early lead and never let go, finishing atop SCORETRACKER® with 64 pounds, 8 ounces on 42 scorable bass.
Team O’Reilly Auto Parts’ Dustin Connell and Jacob Wheeler caught 42 scorable bass weighing 64 pounds, 8 ounces—by far the day’s best total—advancing directly to the Knockouts.

Knoxville native Neal Burnette-Irwin is a graduate from MTSU where he majored in Journalism and Entertainment Studies. He works as a digital content producer with RFD News and is represented by multiple talent agencies in Nashville and Chicago.


LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Researchers say stronger rootstocks are helping growers fight citrus greening.
Culver’s is holding its annual “Scoops of Thanks Day” event, offering a scoop of frozen custard in exchange for a $1 donation supporting agricultural education.
Industry leaders say overseas markets remain critical as USDA pushes for broader export opportunities.
The Natchitoches facility is raising endangered species while supporting conservation efforts across the region.
The new initiative is helping agricultural leaders strengthen their advocacy and leadership skills.
The Overstreet family’s cattle operation combines conservation practices with decades of resilience.
Rural Lifestyle & Entertainment Shows
Twisted Skillet brings a straightforward, hands-on approach to kitchen television, rooted in food and fire. Hosted by Texas chef Sean Koehler, the series explores open-fire outdoor cooking techniques, regional ingredients, and the people who raise, prepare, and inspire the food found across America.
Enjoy traditional country music from modern-day troubadours The Malpass Brothers. Each episode stars the brother duo of Chris & Taylor Malpass along with a featured celebrity guest– and loads of clever humor.
Brought to you by Gus Arrendale & Springer Mountain Farms, join dynamic bluegrass duo Dailey & Vincent as they welcome scores of fabulous bluegrass, country, and gospel music acts as special guests. Loads of laughs, your favorite guests galore, and lots of good times are guaranteed. Don’t miss all the fun!
Join popular polka performer Mollie Busta as she hosts the weekly “Mollie B Polka Party” on RFD Network! The one-hour program features the nation’s top polka bands and a wide variety of ethnic styles, recorded on location at music festivals across the country.
Celebrating 16 Consecutive Seasons on RFD Network! “The Penny Gilley Show,” starring “The Sweetheart of Country Music” herself, Penny Gilley.