7 Of The Most Charming Small Towns To Visit In Arkansas
While some parts of Arkansas can seem plain, even uninspiring, others will make you imagine you are in another world. The northern parts are particularly spectacular. Rolling hills, hidden caves, sparkling streams, healing springs, and the first designated National river in the country — all combine to garnish this underrated corner and imbue it with a sumptuous, heart-ravishing appearance. The best way to explore the beauty of Arkansas is through the delightful array of towns that bejewel it like a necklace. From Eureka Springs to Wilson, discover below these seven most charming towns in Arkansas.
Eureka Springs
It is not whether you will love Eureka Springs. You will love it anyway. Rather, it is what you will love most about Eureka Springs. Eureka Springs is probably unlike any other place in Arkansas or any other town in the South. Some love its quirky little parades; others enjoy its walking ghost tours. And then there's The Crescent Hotel and its stories, the funky little shops, the authentic Italian food at Ermilios, the surreal atmosphere at the underground Mud St Cafe, the gorgeous Thorncrown Chapel (and its 425 windows). For outdoor enthusiasts, Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge is ideal, especially if one enjoys being up and close to wild animals. Here's what to do: Just rent a cabin and wake up to the electrifying sound of tigers roaring. For the artsy, however, The Art Colony will awaken every sense.
Jasper
Jasper is nestled in probably the prettiest area of Arkansas. The scenery here is dreamy and poetic. And what is true of views is just as true for adventure. Many regard The Buffalo National River in the Ozarks as the defining attraction in Arkansas. And that tells a lot, especially considering Arkansas's delightful array of attractions. Jasper is also known for the Buffalo River Elk Festival, which celebrates the successful reintroduction of elk to Newton County and the town's creative community. Plus, visiting Jasper is never complete without seeing the Arkansas version of the Grand Canyon. This place is nothing short of spectacular and pictures do not really do it justice. Finally, don't miss the courthouse. It features Art Deco styling and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Mountain View
Blanchard Springs Caverns, one of the most decorated show caves in the nation, is enough reason to visit Mountain View. Yet, tucked away in the middle of the Ozarks, Mountain View exudes rustic allure and is known to captivate first-time visitors. While gorgeous views envelop this town, music also plays a role in its fabled charm. The Arkansas Folk Festival was founded here in the 1960s, setting the stage for establishing the Ozark Folk Center State Park a few years later. From April to November, local musicians string tunes late into the night — and a fun, carnival atmosphere enlivens the town. Casual but classy restaurants line the town's streets, including the phenomenal (but diamond in the rough) Tommy's Famous A Pizzeria. To the seasoned anglers, the White River, known for top-notch fly fishing, will either meet or exceed expectations.
Hot Springs
Hot Springs has a lot of sizzling and fascinating history. To scratch the surface, the notorious gangster Al Capone was known for not booking a room — but renting an entire floor at Arlington. A first-time visitor can consider staying in the suite named after him, which was his favorite. The Hot Springs National Park Visitors Centre is the go-to spot, especially if one wants to relive the town's glory days when the well-heeled used to flock to the bathhouses in Hot Springs, sometimes for health and healing, other times for sheer pleasure. Behind the bathhouses, the springs still bubble to the surface, as they have done for millennia. Nearby, the half-mile brick Promenade is a must-do as it provides lovely views of downtown Hot Springs. Central Avenue is an excellent place to stroll because of its beautiful architecture. Several buildings here, now repurposed to art galleries and other things, were built when Hot Springs rivaled Vegas as a gambling Mecca. Remember that Lake Ouachita is one of the cleanest lakes in the state, while North Woods is often ranked among the best Mountain Bike Trail Systems in Arkansas.
Siloam Springs
Siloam Springs is tucked away in the far northwest corner of Arkansas. None other than Smithsonian Magazine named it one of America's best small cities. Siloam Springs features a quaint and picturesque downtown, with classy restaurants and other cute, family-owned enterprises. To kickstart your trip, perhaps with some rolled steak smothered in delicious white gravy — or a delectable burger — Cathy's Corner should be on your to-do list. After this, Siloam Springs City Lake Park, just to the north of town, is a lovely venue for outdoor enthusiasts and a popular mountain biking spot. On the opposite side of town, the Siloam Springs Kayak Park is on the Illinois River and is just as popular an outdoor venue.
Van Buren
Once called Phillips Landing, before being renamed for President Andrew Jackson's secretary of state who would later become the eighth president of the United States, Van Buren is as charming as it is historical. It was founded in 1842 and is one of Arkansas's oldest towns. A beautifully restored Victorian Main Street features six blocks of eclectic art galleries, inviting restaurants, lovely antique shops, and other interesting historical attractions. The Anheuser-Busch Brewing Company and the Crawford County Courthouse are among the town's most prominent buildings. The King Opera House, which once hosted famous artists such as Jenny Lind, holds events throughout the year. Nearby, the Drennen-Scott House Museum, linked to the Trail of Tears and the Underground Railroad, provides a glimpse into the area's history.
Wilson
Once an agricultural powerhouse before the Great Depression struck, leaving the once bustling town all but dead, Wilson seems determined to shed its reputation as a drab pit stop on U.S. Highway 61. Wilson's Town Square, which is charming in every respect, is defined by the grace and style of Tudor architecture. Wilson Café, a farm-to-table establishment in the heart of the town square, serves incredible delectable dishes. Besides, Hampson Archeological Museum houses interesting Native American artifacts, some of which date back to 1400 A.D. For the avid shopper, White's Mercantile offers unmatched retail therapy.
The Takeaway
From the Ouachita Mountains in the southwest to the impossibly surreal landscape of Northwest Arkansas, The Natural State will be quite a revelation to a first-time visitor. While you will enjoy its big cities, you will be blown away by its small towns. While Eureka Springs could be the most charming, Hot Springs, Jasper, and Mountain View are not far behind.
