9 Of The Most Adorable Small Towns In Arkansas

Arkansas is aptly called “the Natural State.” The lay of the land is epic, especially in Northwest Arkansas, where nature is unapologetically showy and dramatic. You will find sun-dappled ridges, leaping cascades, and lush, pine-speckled forest with quiet, woodsy trails. Arkansas is also dotted with small, charming towns, many of which provide access to some of the state’s highly sought-after attractions amid old, brick buildings, spell-binding Victorian architecture, and storefronts with eye-catching murals. Keep reading to discover 9 of the most adorable towns in Arkansas.

Eureka Springs

Eureka Springs is defined by historic buildings, uniquely winding streets with spiraling stairways, and a stunning natural setting. It is always a delight to pop inside the unique shops, cafes, and art galleries. Crystal Waters, for instance, right on Spring Street, keeps a gorgeous selection of rings and all things crystals, whether fluorite, natural quartz, or moonstone. They have a beautiful layout and an unmissable front with rainbow steps.

Take a self-guided tour of the downtown and admire the red-brick buildings and the beautiful Victorian architecture. Eureka Springs has one of the remaining Carnegie libraries still being used as such. Don't forget to visit the 1886 Crescent Hotel, billed as America's most haunted. The historic resort includes a spa and a range of dining options with sweeping views. Back in town, Local Flavor Cafe serves fresh and creative dishes, like decadent crab cakes, in a rustic setting with an outdoor patio.

Mountain View

Surprisingly, Mountain View is not particularly known for the outdoors. The real draw here is the music. You will find lively tunes in the town square, where free concerts frequently light up the atmosphere, or at Ozark Folk Center State Park, open mid-April to late-October. You can mingle with artisans at the on-site Craft Village, where more than 20 working artisans demonstrate, create, and sell handmade items Tuesday through Saturday in season.

P J's Rainbow Cafe on Main Street is known for inexpensive home-style meals and fantastic pies, and you can also spend some time at City Park Stone Amphitheater, a cool, peaceful place to reflect and take pictures. If you love movies and theatres, The Stone Drive-In is one of only a few drive-ins still operating in Arkansas. It opened in 1965.

Jasper

The valley that runs along Jasper’s southeastern border is spectacular and a huge draw with tourists. Touted as the “Arkansas Grand Canyon,” this geographic marvel is carved by the meeting of seven different Boston Mountain peaks and features one of the finest loops in the entire state. Jasper itself is as adorable as a small, unpretentious town can be.

Get to Sharon K's Cafe early if you want one of their fresh, homemade pies, or you can enjoy a meal on the deck outside as you take in the views and people-watch. The Little Buffalo River is frothing nearby, and you can spend some time by its rustic shores. There is alsoBubba's Buffalo River Store for souvenirs and collectibles, and Scenic Highway 7 Byway runs through Jasper, often rated as one of the most scenic drives in America.

Ponca

Ponca is just 15 miles east of Jasper, meaning you can easily combine the two towns if you want to maximize your experience in the area. It is a tiny town surrounded by natural beauty, where visitors come to mingle and lock eyes with herds of graceful Rocky Mountain elk. Boxley Valley Historic District is a wonderful place to slow down, take a hike, float, paddle, or picnic along the Buffalo National River.

Walk over the Ponca low-water bridge to the Beaver Jim Villines Homestead, an interesting slice of Arkansas history. There is also the Lost Valley Trail, the most popular hike at Buffalo National River. The trek covers about a mile and leads you past the Natural Bridge to stunning Eden Falls. Meanwhile, Balanced Rock Falls Trailhead is a shorter hike that takes you through a mesmerizing landscape, culminating at a peaceful waterfall with a colossal stone delicately perched as if by magic.

Marshall

Marshall is beautifully positioned along U.S. Highway 65 in the heart of the Arkansas Ozarks. It was named for John Marshall, a Founding Father who served as the fourth chief justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. The town is an outdoor playground, especially as it also provides access to the Buffalo River, America's first National River, and the exquisite Buffalo River Trail, one of the finest backpacking adventures in mid-America.

Kenda Drive-In Theater is a local favourite and one of the other drive-ins left in Arkansas. It opened its doors in April 1966 and offers a fun, nostalgic experience with delicious concessions. History buffs will want to pass by the Buffalo River Historic Jail & Museum, a jewel just off the square that serves as an amazing source of Arkansas history. The jail was built in 1902 and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Also, the South Mountain Scenic Overlook, conveniently set along the highway, is a top spot for spectacular views of the surrounding scenery.

Hot Springs

Hot Springs is a special place, and you will not take long to appreciate its uniqueness. At the corner of Central Avenue and Reserve Street, you will find the Jug Fountain, a public tap used by residents and visitors alike to fill up on the free-flowing elixir for which the town is named and known. Want to enjoy a soak or have a drink? Hot Springs National Park is right in the middle of town and offers scenic hikes, beautiful bathhouses with ancient thermal springs, and historic architecture.

Pass by the Ohio Club, whose front area features a statue of the notorious Al Capone, once one of Hot Springs’ most famous visitors. After a meal at Arkansas’s oldest bar, work your way to the Gangster Museum of America, which tells eye-popping stories about some of the most notorious gangsters in the nation's history.

Bella Vista

This Arkansas jewel steals the show when it comes to biking or hiking. You will find a natural setting that blows your mind and warms your heart, and miles of high-quality mountain biking trails. There is the Back 40 system, which features lake views, bluffs, and beautiful bridges. Whether you have a thing for playful rollers or tight switchbacks, these trails fit the bill. Meanwhile, Blowing Springs, just a blink away, offers hiking and bike trails that lead to a waterfall, caves, springs, and an overlook, as well as a campground. Yet, Bella Vista is more than a bunch of trails. A handful of golf courses dot its peaceful precincts, including the well-groomed Bella Vista Country Club Golf Course and Clubhouse, beloved for its smooth greens and delicious food.

Heber Springs

It may be laid-back and small, but don't let its size fool you. Heber Springs has a relaxed, picturesque downtown and a prominent courthouse square that anchors the town's commercial historic district. The Cleburne County Courthouse was constructed in 1914 and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. Cafe Klaser is a local culinary icon known for freshness and authenticity, and a bite here should pave the way for an afternoon of outdoor adventure, the kind that suits all types of adrenaline junkies.

You can reel in a yummy catch at the Little Red River, home of world-class trout fishing. This is where Howard "Rip" Collins caught a 40-pound, four-ounce world-record brown trout in 1992. There is also Greers Ferry, which has the twin distinction of being among the five largest lakes in Arkansas and one of the cleanest in the United States. Also, Bridal Veil Falls is a gem to explore. The water here falls in tiers over a smooth rock, creating a misty appearance and a stunning backdrop for photos.

Mountain Home

With Norfork and Bull Shoals lakes in the backyard, the environment around Mountain Home is as rustic and pristine as you might expect in the Natural State. The White and North Fork Rivers also offer several outdoor recreational opportunities. Bull Shoals - White River State Park is a short drive away and offers more world-class trout fishing, a marina with boat rentals, and more than 100 campsites, not to mention hiking trails and ample opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife spotting. After a full day of Mountain Home adventures, refuel with melt-in-the-mouth alligator bites at Cooyons, a local favorite serving home-fresh cooking with Cajun, Creole, and Southern flair.

So, while you will find verdant valleys and a nature-themed realm of pines and parks, Arkansas is also home to several small, slow-paced towns, many of which are incredibly charming and adorable. Although you may want to view them as jumping-off points for exploring the nearby attractions, these towns are fulfilling destinations by themselves. You will enjoy chatting with artists in local galleries, admiring old, historic buildings, and savoring home-style dishes in inviting, family-owned restaurants.