7 Slow-Paced Towns to Visit in Arkansas
Sometimes, you just need a slower change of pace. Escape the bustle of the bigger cities like Little Rock or Fayetteville and blend in with the locals in one of these slow-paced towns in Arkansas. Whether you want to get lost in the mountains, walk historic streets, or melt away in a hot spring, these charming cities have it all. From the World's Largest Charcoal Grill to America’s most haunted hotel, each town is worth discovering! So, pack your bags, leave your worries behind, and find out why Arkansas is known as the Land of Opportunity.
Mountain View
Mountain View, aka the “Folk Music Capital of the World,” has a deep connection to preserving bluegrass, traditional folk, and country music. The Pickin’ On The Courthouse Square hosts live music on the weekends, and many musicians meet up throughout the week for impromptu jam sessions. If you miss a live music performance or jam session, plan your visit during one of their fun town events, like the Arkansas Folk Festival or Bean Fest, for great food and fun!
But there are more ways to enjoy live music and breathtaking mountain views outside of the Old Courthouse Square! The Ozark Folk Center State Park offers live music at the Ozark Folk Center Auditorium. Craft Village is a fantastic spot to take the family to watch demonstrations for various crafts like pottery, woodcarving, and quilting. Or, take a stroll through the picturesque Heritage Herb Garden.
Batesville
As the oldest inhabited area in the state of Arkansas, Batesville is a charming city steeped in history. Its location along the beautiful White River not only adds to the scenery, but it’s a great spot for fishing and boating. The best place to enjoy the view is at Riverside Park with its picnic spots, playgrounds, and relaxing hiking trails. The river is also the spot of the annual White River Water Carnival, which has been held in town for over 75 years! Be sure to catch a show at the iconic Melba Theater or take a self-guided tour through the Old Independence Regional Museum to learn more about this historic locale.
Batesville is also known as the Christmas Capital of Arkansas, thanks to its festive White River Wonderland display. Every holiday season, the area comes alive with a spectacular display of twinkling Christmas lights along the River. The event draws families from all over the state, and offers fun activities like ice skating, train rides, live music, and over 1 million lights!
Winslow
There’s no better place to reconnect with a slower pace of life than Winslow. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Ozarks and a population under 1,000, Winslow is a quiet town with an enormous heart. Located in the Boston Mountains, there is no shortage of scenic views and trails to discover. The Winslow Farmer’s Market (located in the Winslow Depot) is a great place to stock up on produce and get acquainted with the friendly locals.
A short drive outside of Winslows is the stunning Devil’s Den State Park, beloved by locals and visitors alike. Hike the Devil’s Den Trail, which leads you near the famous Devil’s Den Cave. While you can’t explore Devil's Den Cave (to protect the bat populations), you can explore the nearby Ice Box Cave which is famous for its cool temperatures year-round! With the majestic Mountains of the Ozarks in the background, Winslow is a perfect spot to check out in the fall as the leaves start to change.
Heber Springs
If you want to kick back and relax, there is no better place than Herber Springs. The area is named after the doctor (Heber Jones) who discovered the mineral springs in 1815. The most popular attraction in the area with the locals as well as visitors is Spring Park. Take a dip in one of the many hot mineral springs peppered throughout the area. After a quick dip, you can host a picnic, or just walk the healing grounds.
For more scenic views, Mossy Bluff National Nature Trail is another popular attraction. The park offers lovely views of Greers Ferry Lake and scenic hiking trails that are great for the whole family. The Dam Site Recreation Area is another ideal location to swim, hike, or relax along the beaches on a lazy afternoon. And If you love fishing, there is no better spot than Little Red River, which is famous for its brown trout!
Eureka Springs
Eureka Springs is a small, cozy village with historic architecture, healing springs, quirky shops, ghost tours, and amazing mountain views. It has a little something for everyone! The most infamous attraction is the Crescent Hotel, which is considered the most haunted hotel in the United States. Even if you don’t believe in ghosts, the Crescent Hotel is a stunning sight to behold!
After a bone-chilling tour, relax at one of the many natural springs. The Basin Spring (located in Basin Spring Park) is the most popular mineral spring in town. While it’s a great spot to soak, the park also has hiking trails and live music on the weekends. Other popular springs in the area are the Califf, Crescent, Grotto, and Harding Springs. For more outdoor adventure, Eureka Springs is a short drive to the Ozark National Forest.
Magnolia
Magnolia is the ideal blend of friendly locals, beautiful scenery, and quirky attractions worth investigating. Its biggest draw is the World's Largest Charcoal Grill. While checking out the grill is great for a photo, the BBQ in Magnolia is well worth the trip! Stop by Backyard Barbeque Co. or Wild Hog Patio Bar and Grill for some of the best BBQs in the South. The charming downtown district is a great place to shop and explore, with popular spots like the Columbia County Courthouse or the South Arkansas Heritage Museum.
As the name of the town suggests, Magnolia hosts magnificent gardens and green spaces in the heart of the village. Recharge your batteries at the idyllic Magnolia Community Garden maintained by the locals via the Magnolia Garden Club.
Van Buren
Van Buren is a lovely town with a rich history that is almost perfectly preserved. Walk the charming streets and admire the old-world architecture, or stop in a few quaint shops like Main Street Mercantile or grab a cup of coffee at Chapters on Main Bookstore and Coffeeshop. It is home to magnificent 19th-century structures like the Crawford County Courthouse, Van Buren Historic Train Depot, and the King Opera House. To learn more about the history of Van Buren, swing by the Van Buren Heritage Center!
You can spend the day admiring the view of the Ozark Mountains in town at the Van Buren City Park, which provides playgrounds and picnic areas for locals and visitors. Or, take a short drive north to the Lake Fort Smith State Park to hike, fish, or camp. It’s an amazing location with plenty to do and see for the whole family.
Slow Down and Unwind in Arkansas
If life seems like it is moving a little too fast, these slow-paced Arkansas towns are just what you need! From friendly locals to amazing southern cuisine, and breathtaking views, you will never want to leave. Explore the wonders of the Ozark Mountains, or plan a holiday retreat in Batesville, the Christmas Capitol of Arkansas. Melt your worries away in the healing natural waters in Eureka Springs, or cool off this summer in Ice Box Cave in Winslow. Escape the traffic and noise of your everyday life and recharge your batteries in these towns where time moves just a bit slower.
