7 Most Laid-Back Small Towns in Arkansas
The Natural State of Arkansas is a natural choice of destination when you want to feel the laidback ambiance of the outdoors. And this is especially true for the most laidback small towns in Arkansas. Batesville and Mountain View, for example, are magnificent resort towns that offer visitors unparalleled access to the best sceneries and sites in the Ozark Mountains. On the other hand, destinations like Eureka Springs and Heber Springs have rejuvenating qualities that will remedy your anxieties with their relaxing amenities. For those of you who are eager for a serene and peaceful atmosphere, then seek out the most laidback small towns in Arkansas.
Bella Vista
Bella Vista (Spanish for “beautiful views) promotes some of the most beautiful sights and spectacles 1,033 feet up on the Ozark Mountains. Being so close to the state border of Missouri, people from two or more different states can enjoy leisurely strolls and bicycle rides through Bluebird Trail and Tanyard Creek Trail. On the waters of Lake Windsor and Lake Ann, you can experience profound swimming and kayaking high in the mountains.
At the Veterans Wall of Honor, learn about the many US soldiers who gave their lives to America’s defense, or you can appreciate more about Arkansas’ Indigenous cultures at the Museum of Native American History (in nearby Bentonville). When it comes to arts and culture, the Cooper Memorial Chapel is a monument to Bella Vista’s beautiful views. Only about 15 minutes away from Bentonville, you will not shy away once you settle down in fine lodgings like the Inn at Bella Vista.
Batesville
Around 90 miles away from the city of Little Rock lies the seat of Independence County, Batesville. The town is located on former Osage territory, which was ceded to the United States government in an 1808 treaty. During the American Civil War, Batesville was headquartered by General Sterling Price, the same man who repelled Price’s Raid. Over the decades, this small town on the White River and near the foothills of the Ozark Mountains has become a magnet attracting visitors near and far to the Polk (or Poke) Bayou Park and “The Rocks,” the latter being excellent swimming locations for you to try out.
The vintage Art Deco structure of the Melba Theater continues to provide innumerable movies for you to watch. At the same time, the Mark Martin NASCAR Museum offers insights into NASCAR racing star Mark Martin. Even more historic markers can be found along the Arkansas Heritage Trails System. So, if you are curious to see more of Batesville, you ought to book rooms at either the Royal on Main or Hampton Inn Batesville.
El Dorado
Most know that El Dorado refers to the mystical City of Gold that many sailors from Europe sought in America. But in Arkansas, there is another kind of El Dorado, a small town that shares the mystical name and is also hailed as “Arkansas’s Original Boomtown” because of its significance to the oil boom of the 1920s. In 1902, El Dorado became famous for an infamous shootout between the Tucker and Parnell families.
Today, you can watch the “Showdown at Sunset” every Saturday evening in the summer to see how that shootout was concluded. El Dorado’s history of black gold can best be reviewed at either the John Newton House or the Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources. On the other hand, the South Arkansas Museum of African-American History gives deep insight into African-American history in Arkansas. No need to worry about accommodations, not when you are staying at the Haywood El Dorado Tapestry, El Dorado Inn, or Candlewood Suites El Dorado.
Mountain View
Dive into the many traditional folk music and dances of the Ozark Mountains from Mountain View. From the months of March and November, attend the whimsical wonders of the Mountain View Bluegrass Festival at the Ozark Folk Center State Park, or wait on October for the Beanfest & Championship Outhouse Races.
Last but not least, you can savor the sublime landmarks and landscapes of the Ozarks at the Blanchard Springs Caverns, the Ozark National Forest, and the Hell Creek Natural Area. Once all the exploration gets you tired, consider recharging at the Knotty Squirrel, the Dogwood Motel, or the Bunk House at the Broom Factory.
Heber Springs
Heber Springs, once known as Sugar Loaf because of its location in Sugarloaf Mountain, is a lush 50-minute-away neighbor of Mountain View and a grand resort town in Sugarloaf Mountain. From picnic destinations in Eagle Bank Park and Spring Park to vibrant recreational opportunities at Greers Ferry Lake and the Little Red River, Heber Springs offers innumerable activities for you to cherish.
Whether you are wading about in Sandy Beach or soaking in the soft sprays of Bridal Feil Falls, you can always dry yourself afterward in resplendent establishments such as the Heber Springs Resort. However, if you want to enjoy your time in the Sugarloaf Mountains and in Heber Springs specifically, never forget to keep things laid back in this laidback town in Arkansas.
Magnolia
Magnolia, deriving its name from a native tree species in Arkansas, is home to the Southern Arkansas University. With its location between El Dorado and Texarkana, within the West Gulf Coastal Plain, Magnolia’s Agricultural and Horticultural Farm is not only bountiful with produce that has fed many individuals in Arkansas but also hosts numerous events for everyone. Among these events is the Magnolia Blossom Festival in the month of May, when competitors try to win the World’s Largest Charcoal Grill and the World’s Championship Steak Cook-Off.
For cooler attractions, head over to Lake Columbia, one of the largest Arkansas Game and Fish Commission impoundments, or to Logoly State Park. Should you be in need of a respite from all the exciting experiences, then look no further than Coachman’s Inn and other of Magnolia’s fine hostels.
Eureka Springs
There is a Native American legend proclaiming that the waters in the town of Eureka Springs have healing properties that soothe one’s weary disposition. If you are curious to figure out if that is true, then start booking a room in the Osage Creek Lodge, the 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa, the Basin Park Hotel, or any other hostel in Eureka Springs and go scout the town’s many riveting attractions. From Beaver Lake’s pristine waters to the Christ of the Ozarks Statue on the Ozarks’ slopes, you will find all manner of weird and wonderful amenities in Eureka Springs.
Be wary when going about in the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge lest you encounter bears, lions, tigers, and cougars. Finally, mind where you are delving into the “living” caverns of the Onyx Cave Park. Let Eureka Springs revitalize your adventurous spirit on your journey through Arkansas.
The Quapaw Native Americans, also known as the Arkansaw, referred to the windy area of Arkansas as “south wind” from an Algonquin term. From such a southerly wind, you can almost hear the bluegrass music and banjos coming from mountainous towns like Mountain View or scent the healing waters of Eureka Springs or the golden black oils from El Dorado. The most laidback small towns in Arkansas each have their wonders and their majesties from a state where Walmart was first created. So this year, let nature guide you to a laidback course in the Natural State of Arkansas.
