7 Towns in The Ozarks With Thriving Local Businesses

As massive mid-southern US highlands, the Ozarks are known more for their rugged nature than for nurturing businesses. Yet all Ozarkians, whether temporary or permanent, need places to unwind after mastering the mountains. Small towns have them covered with everything from soul food restaurants to musical cafés to winsome wineries to cliffside inns to candy shops to a wide variety of stores. Stop at these seven welcoming communities in the thankless Ozarks.

Mountain View, Arkansas

Mountain View may as well be called Mountain Taste for its authentic Ozark cuisine. At several hundred feet in the Arkansas Ozarks, one can sample hushpuppies, pinto beans, and farm-raised catfish from JoJo's Catfish Wharf; southern BBQ and baby back ribs from Tommy's Famous A Pizzeria; and native-plant-infused gourmet meals from the Skillet Restaurant at the Ozark Folk Center State Park.

Another alternate name for Mountain View is Mountain Sound since this tiny city is often referred to as the "Folk Music Capital of the World." Eclectic tunes emanate from instrument stores like Mountain View Music and the Dulcimer Shoppe, as well as annual events like the Arkansas Folk Festival and the Spring/Fall Bluegrass Festival. Even the historic courthouse transforms into a concert venue for Pickin’ On The Courthouse Square from April to September. Feasts and festivities are easy pickings in Mountain View.

Camdenton, Missouri

Camdenton is the first of multiple communities we have picked from the Lake of the Ozarks, which is one of the largest water bodies in Missouri. Naturally, it is a hub for adventure and commerce: people swim, boat, paddle, tube, and fish in the lake and then relax and refuel in Camdenton's low-key local businesses. These include Scoops Ice Cream, a family-owned and operated cold treat confectionery; The Funky Buffalo Coffee House and Trading Company, which is a quirky coffee shop/boutique; and Pepperoni Bill's Pizzeria, whose hand-tossed pies are some of the best in the region.

After enjoying the lake, visitors can unwind at H. Toad's Bar & Grill, a local favorite known for its delicious food, live music, and stunning views of the lake. This vibrant spot offers a taste of the local dining scene with dishes ranging from casual fare to more sophisticated options, all while enjoying the energetic atmosphere.

Jasper, Arkansas

Jasper is classified as a city despite having only about 550 residents. But do not let its population deter you. As a Buffalo River retreat, Jasper attracts tons of outdoor enthusiasts and then turns them into indoor enthusiasts with its charming businesses. Chief among them are Peggy Sue’s Coffee, Bubba's Buffalo River Store, the Jasper Pizza Company, and the Low Gap Cafe. Jasper's best biz, however, is the Ozark Cafe, which has been crowding Court Street for over a century. In addition to its age and media attention (it has been profiled by New York Magazine and Man v. Food, among many others), the Ozark Cafe gained fame for its nearly 30-foot-long bar, impaled Excaliburgers, and live music.

While the Ozark Cafe is a must-see eatery, the Arkansas Grand Canyon is a must-see scenery. Some of its top views are just south of town at the Cliff House Inn, where you can also dine, sleep, and buy souvenirs.

St. James, Missouri

Dubbed the "Forest City of the Ozarks," St. James is flanked by nature preserves, including Maramec Spring Park, the Woodson K. Woods Memorial Conservation Area, and the Mark Twain National Forest. St. James' selection of parks is matched only by its selection of eateries and drinkeries. After roughing it in the woods, sit down for coffee at the JB Coffee House, shaved ice at Summertime Snow Shaved Ice, and a burger at Country Bob’s Café. If those seem a little too rustic, elevate your senses at a winery. Yes, St. James is an Ozark winemaker. Its St. James Winery is recognized as one of the most awarded wineries in Missouri. It offers tastings and tours and many divine bottles to take home.

Tahlequah, Oklahoma

Although it is easy to forget, the Ozarks reach as far west as northeastern Oklahoma. Arguably, the most significant community in the Oklahoma Ozarks is Tahlequah, which has about 16,000 residents, the 17,000-acre J.T. Nickel Family Nature & Wildlife Preserve, and dozens of booming businesses. Sam & Ella's Chicken Palace is a bit of a misnomer since it serves hand-tossed pizza in a chicken-decorated building, but customers are not complaining (unless they are chicken). You can be too fond of Too Fond Of Books, especially if you are a literary Tahlequahian or tourist who loves independent bookstores. Linney Breaux's Cajun Eatery offers a taste of the Deep South in the Mid-South via Louisiana-style cuisine. Menu items include gumbo and crawfish étouffée.

Lake Ozark, Missouri

This Lake of the Ozarks community is aptly called Lake Ozark. Far more colorful than Camdenton, Lake Ozark has not just restaurants, cafes, and shops but entertainment complexes like the Malted Monkey, which pairs food and milkshakes with a 60-foot-tall rope course. Other eccentric businesses in Lake Ozark are Grandma’s Candy Kitchen, the Rusty Rooster Cafe, and Marty Byrde's Gastropub.

For a more upscale dining (and perhaps sleeping) experience, head next door to Osage Beach, another vibrant lakeside community. It hosts the 1932 Reserve, which is an upscale restaurant and hotel in an "architectural marvel" from 1932.

Eureka Springs, Arkansas

It should come as no surprise to any avid World Atlas reader that Eureka Springs topped (or bottomed?) this list. ES is fully local because, as a progressive Ozark city artistically, culturally, architecturally, and spiritually cut off from greater Arkansas, nothing else can touch it—except for residents and offbeat tourists. They eat and drink at the Grotto Wood Fired Grill & Wine Cave, peruse aMUSEd Fine Art & Extraordinary Books, dance at Eureka Live, and watch The Great Passion Play, which is a bodacious biblical reenactment called "America's #1 Attended Outdoor Drama."

After such an eclectic tour, they can rest at the 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa. Their rest might get interrupted, though, when they learn that this Victorian-era retreat is considered the most haunted hotel in America.

Finding Comfort in the Ozarks

Even Ozarkians need comfort. Thankfully, the folk music in Mountain View, shaved ice in Camdenton, Excaliburgers in Jasper, wineries in St. James, gumbo in Tahlequah, milkshakes in Lake Ozark, and extraordinary books in Eureka Springs can soothe occupants of this rugged region, whether they be lifers or weekenders. We do not care how long you stay in the Ozarks as long as you have time to sample their mid-southern comforts.