8 Darling Small Towns in Arkansas
Often referred to as "The Natural State," Arkansas is a state with beautiful landscapes, including the Ozark Mountains and many rivers and lakes. Many small towns reflect another face of this rich heritage. Although most people visit to enjoy their favorite outdoor pastime, these small towns debunk the notion that Arkansas is only about the great outdoors by showcasing a harmonious blend of historic architecture and dynamic art scenes, with a whole lot of state hospitality. Each with its own allure, these are eight of the most darling towns in Arkansas.
Eureka Springs
Eureka Springs is a town that seems to be leaping back in time, with its entire downtown area listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Winding streets present Victorian-style constructions in a veil: the historic Basin Park Hotel and the 1886 Crescent Hotel are two that boast unique architecture and a storied past. A visit to the Eureka Springs Historical Museum takes you back through the town's days as a healing spa destination to today's personality as an artsy, eclectic community. Art galleries, boutiques, and the low-key famous Thorncrown Chapel—a gorgeous glass structure in the woods just outside town—fill this Main Street entrance to the town's historic district.
Siloam Springs
Siloam Springs is a beautiful town with a gorgeous downtown area and numerous natural springs that attracted the original visitors to these springs in search of healing. The downtown area is filled with historic buildings--brick buildings that house a variety of local businesses, boutiques, and cafes. In the Siloam Springs Museum, guests will learn even more details about the town's history from its days as a resort town. Bob Henry Park, downtown, provides a peaceful place to walk, plus a view of Sager Creek. This serene and natural beauty is the perfect way to end a trip to this unique small town.
Mountain View
Also known as the "Folk Music Capital of the World," Mountain View is one of the prettiest Ozark towns to visit and comes alive with the Arkansas music legacy. The downtown square has grown up a lot, with numerous musicians playing conventional folk and bluegrass music during the warmer months. Right outside of downtown, visitors can find the Ozark Folk Center State Park, which is dedicated to preserving the region's crafts and music traditions. It features live performances and workshops. The Stone County Courthouse was built in 1922 and is one of the more prominent buildings in downtown Mountain View, providing the town with so much of its historic character. Eating at places like Tommy's Famous gives a taste of Southern comfort food that completes this small-town charm.
Hot Springs
Hot Springs is a historic town, centered around the famous Bathhouse Row in its downtown area. It is comprised of eight historic bathhouses dating back to the turn of the 20th century. The Fordyce Bathhouse now serves as a museum, giving a glimpse of what the town was all about when it was a favorite for spa treatments. Hiking and exploring at the nearby Hot Springs National Park provides many ways to experience the natural hot springs, which health seekers have enjoyed for hundreds of years. Back in town, restaurants such as The Ohio Club, the oldest bar in Arkansas, are the icing on the cake downtown Hot Springs provides in terms of the delight of one's senses. Presiding over the town's historic atmosphere is the historic Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa itself, with its imposingly grand architecture.
Batesville
Batesville is among the oldest towns in Arkansas, founded as early as the beginning of the 19th century. The downtown area is really charming, with older buildings mixed in with some modern amenities. One of the largest focal points of downtown Batesville is the Independence County Courthouse, reconstructed after an 1880 fire. The Old Independence Regional Museum portrays the area's history through exhibits, which include a part of the Civil War and the region's development. On Main Street Batesville, find a plethora of shops and restaurants that include the local favorite of Big's of Batesville, specializing in Southern cuisine. The White River only enhances the scenic beauty of Batesville, which can be seen on a stroll through Riverside Park.
Van Buren
Van Buren is one of the oldest-founded small towns to visit in Arkansas, and it has managed to keep much of its historical and visual allure. The Van Buren Historic District boasts a refurbished Main Street and several historic builidngs lining the streets. Built in 1891, one of the historic centres of downtown Van Buren is the Kings Opera House. Live productions continue to be performed here. Learning of the town remains on the grounds of the Drennen-Scott House, the former home of one of Van Buren's frontier families. For dining, the most comfortable eats around can be found at the ever-popular Frank's Italian Restaurant, in the heart of downtown Van Buren.
Heber Springs
Heber Springs is another precious small town and is most well known for all its natural beauty and its cute downtown area. While the town serves as a shoreline for boating, fishing, and other activities on Greers Ferry Lake, there is plenty in its downtown area to keep one entertained. The majestic Cleburne County Courthouse, a downtown historic centerpiece, does much for this town's appeal. Home to a good deal of the hubbub regarding cultural goings-on, the Heber Springs Community Center houses local events and many performances. For a bite, head over to Jitterbug Coffeehouse, adding to the town's darling downtown feel of Heber Springs. Not to mention that the town is also delineated by the Ozark National Forest, making it truly a haven for those who love the outdoors.
El Dorado
El Dorado, aka the "Queen City of South Arkansas," has a downtown area that fully pays homage to its golden days of oil booms. The Murphy Arts District now transforms downtown into a capital of live music, events, festivals, and art exhibits. All this complements the mixture of history and modern entertainment. The 1928 Union County Courthouse is one of the downtown El Dorado architectural highlights, complementing the historic appeal. Visitors to the town can find some respite just the smallest distance from the city center in the South Arkansas Arboretum. Again, downtown try the Loredo Grill Restaurant serves Mexican cuisine—the way it should be done.
Arkansas has an amazing offering to those who visit these small towns. It has the perfect mix of history, culture, and natural landscapes, making each community darling in its own right. From Victorian charm in Eureka Springs to the musical heritage of Mountain View, these towns show off diversity and rich history. It is the historic buildings, the local cuisines, the views, and many more that make it an example of what Arkansas represents—genuine and remarkable experiences.
