Next on our small-town exploration of the South is ‘The Natural State’ — Arkansas! These five small towns in Arkansas are brimming with jaw-dropping natural views, local flavors, lively culture, and colorful American history. Add these to your must-visit list, and get ready to fall in love with Arkansas.
BENTONVILLE
WHY WE LOVE IT
Bentonville oozes with small-town charm and tops every Arkansas bucket list for myriad reasons. Initially settled by Native American tribes and European immigrants, Bentonville’s economy was driven by agriculture, especially apples, by the late 19th century. The town’s most significant historical punctuation mark occurred when Sam Walton opened the first Walmart store in 1962 and made Bentonville Walmart Inc’s global headquarters. Today, the thriving small city boasts a mix of history, culture, and nature.
WHILE YOU’RE THERE
Start the day at Pressroom for coffee and breakfast bites in downtown Bentonville before enjoying The Walmart Museum and walking the charming main square. Then head to some of the country’s most unique museums: Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art (and its cool modern sister, The Momentary.) Repped artists range from O’Keeffe to Rockwell to Warhol, and the Moshe Safdie-designed architecture is an exhibit in and of itself. Grab a coffee or snack at the on-site restaurant after you’ve taken in the striking structures and unexpected outdoor sculptures that pepper the 120 lush acres. More time? The Museum Of Native American History and the connected Compton Gardens and Peel Museum are three other worthwhile sites. Overnight, book a room at the 21c or one of the area’s fantastic Airbnbs.
EUREKA SPRINGS
WHY WE LOVE IT
Eureka Springs is a delightful Victorian-era town known for its historic architecture, artsy community, and natural springs. It was established in the 1870s after discovering the natural springs and their healing properties. It quickly became a popular wellness destination, and as a result of this boom, the town proliferated with many ornate Victorian-style buildings and homes built, earning the nickname “The City of Victorian Charm.” Today, Eureka Springs retains its historic charm and nurtures an artsy community within a picturesque Ozark Mountain setting.
WHILE YOU’RE THERE
To see the most of Eureka Springs, book a tour! There is a popular tram tour, a walking tour, a Historic Hotel Tour, and a spookier ghost tour. One of the town’s crown jewels is Thorncrown Chapel, designed by renowned architect E. Fay Jones. The modern wonder sits atop 100 tons of native stone and colored flagstone, melding with its lush natural surroundings. Wildlife lovers will also delight in Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, a rescue facility for big cats like lions, tigers, and cougars. When appetites rise, this town has so much to choose from. Nibbles Eatery is the local spot for breakfast or lunch. For wine and sharable plates, head to Grotto, and for prix-fix fine dining, “Le Stick” Noveau is a must. You can even dine in the vintage rail cars of the Eureka Springs & North Arkansan Railway!
JASPER
WHY WE LOVE IT
In this small town, the nation’s first national river, the Buffalo, begins to flow, and a herd of more than 400 elk roam the Buffalo River corridor. Since over a third of the surrounding county’s land is owned and protected by some government entity, the area is rich with outdoor adventures like hiking, canoeing, caving, rock climbing, fishing, hunting, and horseback riding. Verdant valleys and dense forest made Jasper a mining and timber hub, but much unspoiled and picturesque landscape is still waiting to be explored.
WHILE YOU’RE THERE
Fuel up at the famous Ozark Cafe before a day spent floating The Buffalo. To spot grazing wild elk, drive through the Boxley Valley. Light hikers can hit the accessible Lost Valley Trail toward spectacular waterfalls and caves. For a more challenging option, Hemmed-in-Hollow Falls is the tallest waterfall between the Appalachian and Rocky Mountains. For a more inclusive stay, book Horseshoe Canyon Ranch, a famous dude ranch with unbridled outdoor fun (think zip lines, horses, hot tubs) and homestyle cooking. A room or a meal at Cliff House Inn & Restaurant comes with the best views of the valley, locally deemed “Arkansas Grand Canyon.” And for a truly mind-blowing private retreat, check out Beckham Creek Cave Lodge, a Native American cliff dwelling converted into a luxury cave property.
HOT SPRINGS
WHY WE LOVE IT
The allure of natural beauty is a common refrain in Arkansas, and Hot Springs opened the world to even more magic under the ground. Quapaw and Caddo tribes were drawn to the natural hot springs for their purported healing properties. Spanish and French explorers followed suit in the early 18th century, and by the 19th century, Hot Springs had solidified itself as a wellness destination. As popularity grew, so did the town surrounding the springs. Luxurious bathhouses, a vibrant downtown, and grand hotels continue to draw tourists, locals, and celebrities.
WHILE YOU’RE THERE
After coffee and breakfast at The Pancake Shop, kick off your Hot Springs jaunt at Hot Springs National Park and the famous Bathhouse Row, comprised of eight beautifully preserved 19th and 20th-century buildings that depict much of the area’s history. There is much to explore at Garvan Woodland Gardens, and the Hot Springs Water Tower has the best view. Don’t miss the fun-for-all-ages Mid-America Science Museum with hundreds of fascinating hands-on exhibits — inside and out. Stay the night at The Reserve at Hot Springs, an awarded luxury boutique hotel and former private mansion.
HARDY
WHY WE LOVE IT
Hardy is a charming riverside town in north-central Arkansas. Since the early 1800s, its location along the Spring River provided transportation for trade. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, the Spring River was used for floating logs, and the town became a hub for the timber industry before the railroad era facilitated the transportation of other minerals and farmed produce, too. By the early 20th century, Hardy had become a popular destination for tourists flocking to the emerald green waters, scenic beauty, and limitless recreation of the Spring River. Summer homes and cabins popped up along the riverbanks, while the town’s historic 1800s buildings remain intact.
WHILE YOU’RE THERE
Hardy welcomes you with Wes Anderson-esque retro gas stations and a charming downtown filled with antique shops, boutiques, art galleries, and cafes. Start your day at Corner Booth, an old-school breakfast and lunch diner dripping in funky curios. Next, canoe or kayak on the famous Spring River and explore Morgan’s Mill, a Civil War site just outside the city commemorating the 1864 Battles of Martin Creek. Book a room at the rustic Spring River Stonehouse Inn, and top off the night with a hearty meal at Biggers Bar & Grill.
Don’t sleep on Arkansas, y’all! Stay tuned for our deeper exploration of the Northwest Arkansas region. And, be sure to revisit our articles about small towns in:
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