7 of the Most Hospitable Small Towns in Arkansas
There is something special about the charm of southern states like Arkansas. From the food to the culture, no two towns are the exact same, and they all roll out a friendly welcome. Camden and Texarkana draw inspiration from European towns in terms of design. Searcy’s Main Street attracts almost every visitor that comes through. The combination of indoor and outdoor activities, like the Searcy Bike Trail and Little Red River, are second to none in Arkansas. Having access to easy ways to recharge is one of the main reasons these Arkansas towns are the most hospitable.
Camden
Camden offers many different attractions that make it among the most hospitable in Arkansas. The McCollum-Chidester House was built in 1847 and now serves as a museum for history buffs. Inside, visitors can expect to see furniture from what life was like back in the 1800s. Anyone who prefers the outdoors should check out White Oak Lake State Park near Camden. There are plenty of picnic areas, hiking trails, and places to look at the animals. Camden is a hospitable place to spend time thanks to establishments popular with locals like Postmasters Grill and Woods Place.
Texarkana
Parts of Texarkana’s architecture remind visitors of what they’d see in small, European gothic towns. Enjoy to beautiful greenery that surrounds the area with a visit to the Red River, which snakes around the town, or the nearby Millwood Lake. There is easy access to boating, kayaking, and enjoying all nature has to offer. April 5 to 8, 2024, Texarkana is celebrating the Solar Eclipse with a special event named the Solarbration. Make sure to visit so you can experience one with no light pollution.
Searcy
If you are in search of a town that has a southern charm unlike any other, Searcy is the place for you. Here, Main Street is filled with dozens of shops and restaurants like Greek House Grill and the Art Alley that have the same mystique as those in Hollywood shows. Riverside Park is one of the most ideal places to set up shop for the day and hang out. The rushing sounds of the river will bring anyone peace and tranquility. The Searcy Bike Trail is another great place to meet other people who have the same desire for adventure. The warm welcome you get wherever you go in Searcy makes it one of the most hospitable towns to visit.
Heber Springs
Anyone who’s on the lookout for a hospitable adventure would miss out by not visiting Heber Springs. The town is right next to the Ozark Mountains, which offer some of the best hiking, biking, and adventure around. Those who prefer the slower pace of casting a fishing rod out there should go to Little Red River and set up shop. There are plenty of trout, bass, and other fish swimming around. It’s also a great place for families to sit back and listen to the water run. The Fireworks Extravaganza will take place on July 6, 2024 in Herber Springs. There are fewer places more hospitable than Heber Springs, thanks to the Ruland Junction Toy Train Museum, which is a local favorite.
Eureka Springs
Another Arkansas town where the architecture is inspired by European towns is Eureka Springs. Here, the gothic look of the town transports visitors across the pond. The businesses that find themselves in these downtown areas are markets, restaurants, and even a winery. Locals frequent the Keels Creek Winery, Gotahold Brewery, and Eureka West Antiques Market. The people of Eureka Springs take the hospitality side of life seriously. The Thorncrown Chapel is one of the most hospitable places in the United States, thanks to how cozy it makes people feel. Its unique architecture blends perfectly with the forest right behind it.
Russellville
Finding a town with more outdoor activities than Russellville is hard to do. The town is right next to the Arkansas River, one of the largest rivers in the United States. The fishing, biking, hiking, and bird-watching visitors can do here is second to none. The Russellville Train Depot building from the 1800s is a hospitable place to bring family and friends who want a taste of what life was like back in the day. On March 18, 2024, get ready for a Tree Maze at Lake Dardanelle State Park. Russellville is known for being a hospitable place, thanks to local restaurants like Cagle's Mill and Brown's Catfish. The service here is considered great by locals who frequent the establishments.
Van Buren
Van Buren combines the pros of the gothic-style buildings and the great outdoors, making it a hospitable place to satisfy all family members. The Wilhauf House and Bryan House are two of these buildings where people can feel like they are transported back to the 1800s. Aside from that, the town is right next to the Ozark Mountains and Arkansas River, providing easy access to water sports and picnic areas. The downtown area of Van Buren is always lively, with shops and restaurants just waiting to serve you, like Frank's Italian Restaurant and the King Opera House. Both establishments are places locals like to go to feel like a tourists because of how kind and nice everyone is.
Arkansas is full of small towns that provide the best care and hospitality. Van Buren and Russellville combine the great outdoors with memories that last a lifetime. Herber Springs has tons of activities that make everyone feel like they are at home. The Ozark Mountains come calling in most Arkansas small towns. Make sure to add these to your list when considering hospitable towns to visit.
