This Arkansas Town Has The Most Walkable Downtown
Heber Springs, Arkansas, known widely for its healing and history, was originally settled as a health resort in the mid-19th century. Today, it is recognized for elite fishing and outdoor recreation. Greers Ferry Lake, the 31,500-acre manmade lake, is so impressive that upon its completion in 1963, John F. Kennedy visited the town for its dedication. Come see for yourself what makes it so great, and make sure to check out the beauty and charm of the small town. A traditional downtown, Heber Springs features a museum, antique shops, a restored theater, and, possibly most appealing of all, Spring Park, which holds mineral springs that attracted the first settlers.
Outdoor Escapades
Settled in at the foothills of the Ozarks, Greers Ferry Lake is one of the state's largest lakes and provides its visitors with top-tier fishing, water recreation, boating, and camping. The 31,500-acre lake was created by the U.S. Corps of Engineers and served as a model for environmental cleanliness. With 18 parks and 272 miles of shoreline around the lake, there is plenty of space for guests to enjoy their individual activities and still get the feeling of solitude and tranquility. One of the major focal points of the lake is the large mountain found in the middle of it. Yes, the mountain in the lake! Sugar Loaf Mountain Island stands 1,000 feet tall and can be ascended by way of Arkansas's first designated National Scenic Trail. Take in the panoramic views of the lake, dam, and island from the peak, after navigating through natural stone and bluff formations and photogenic spots carved out along the way. The island can be accessed from the Sugar Loaf Shuttle, or thrill seekers can boat, canoe, or kayak to their destination.
Another monumental landmark that is intertwined with Greers Ferry Lake is the Little Red River. Sprouting out from the lake’s dam, the river provides world-class trout fishing, making it one of the most popular activities in the area. Different types of trout can be caught in the river, including the World Record Brown Trout, caught in 1992, and keeping the title until 2009. Over 29 miles of river offer ideal trout habitat with possibilities of catching 20-to-30-pound fish! For those looking to take a break from fishing, enjoy the riverbanks by searching for the abundant wildlife that flock near the river or venture out on one of the hiking trails that overlook the river, trout hatchery, and small resort villages surrounding the lake.
Small Town Charm
Just minutes away from the thrill of outdoor adventure, the whimsical town of Heber Springs offers shopping, dining, history, and even more nature. Start your trip downtown at the Ozark Country Market and pick up some unique foods, local artisan commodities, native plants, and so much more. For a delicacy, sample some of their fresh breads made with wheat that was stone ground at Arkansas’s Old Mill, and smother it with local raw honey or Amish butter for a taste of all things handcrafted. A quick trip to the market on the mountain is sure to fill your shopping bags and bellies. Be sure to visit another local shopping point of interest at Aromatique. For over 40 years, this cozy shop has been providing visitors with hand-made scents in the form of candles, wax melts, potpourri, sprays, diffusers, soaps, and more! What originally started as an entrepreneur trying to capture the smell of Christmas by mixing native botanicals, bark, and nuts has blossomed into a familiar, quaint, friendly scent shop.
Rewind after a whirlwind afternoon, then plan a relaxing dinner at Zeke & Lizzy's Seafood and Steakhouse. Named for the owner’s dogs, the restaurant brings the flavors and dishes of Louisiana to the Ozarks. From fried green tomatoes to gumbo to shrimp and grits, Zeke and Lizzy’s serves its guests traditional Southern soul food. After taking in the smells and flavors of downtown Heber Springs, embark on some of the history. The Cleburne County Historical Society can be found in the old Post Office building, built in 1937, and provides a museum that has a collection of historical photos and artifacts, as well as other county records.
Stay A While
For ultimate comfort and convenience, stay the weekend at The Lofts. Located in a historical building across from the town square, this quaint boutique hotel is just minutes away from all the amenities you could need. Located on the second floor of the first brick building in Heber Springs, the building also houses the longest-running business in town, the barbershop on the first floor. The bricks that created this distinguished landmark were all fired from clay that came from the Sulphur Creek, which is just a short walk from the lofts.
Nearby Towns
Take a short trip out of town and head to Mountain View for some music and mayhem. The Jimmy Driftwood Music Barn was established in the 1960s by Jimmy Driftwood after leaving the Grand Ole Opry. Every Friday and Sunday night, local and visiting musicians are invited to showcase their folk and mountain music. Jimmy was also instrumental in establishing Mountain View as the Folk Music Capital of the World. Sing from the rafters at the music barn, then swing from them on the Sylamore Swinging Bridge. Just outside of town, the bridge spans a 200-foot section of Sylamore Creek while hanging from giant cables. Walk or drive across the historic bridge dating back to the early 1900s when the first road was built through the Ozark National Forest.
Travel back in time in the town of Conway with their nostalgic and niche past attractions. Settled along the Arkansas River, the 150-acre Cadron Settlement Park. Originally inhabited by Native Americans, the replicated structure on the grounds represents the building that was used as a residence, trading post, and public gathering spot. Almost 100 Native American burial sites are present on the land, where those who perished on the journey west are buried. The fort was a significant structure during the Civil War as well, used by both Confederate and Union soldiers. For a more historical attraction that’s more of a fun throwback, the Flashback Pinball Arcade features the largest and most astonishing pinball arcade in the state. Over 50 vintage pinball machines featuring the likes of KISS, Dolly Parton, Pac-Man, Space Invaders, and more, ranging from the 1970s to early 2000s, are all open and free to play for visitors. Let the nostalgia wash over you while reliving your favorite childhood arcade game.
Further into the foothills of the Ozarks, the town of Batesville offers sandstone climbing spots, craggy hiking trails, and primitive camping for the adventure seekers. All those activities can be accessed at Jamestown Crag. For true fans of mountain climbing and hiking, the crag provides over 140 climbing routes that vary by difficulty and height, some up to 90 feet tall. Test your skills, or stick to the stable ground with a hike. Get a more in-depth account of the town with a stroll through the Old Independence Regional Museum. The museum strives to bring the past to life through programs, tours, records, archives, and genealogy.
Known widely for its renowned fishing and natural landmarks like Sugarloaf Mountain and Bridal Veil Falls, Heber Springs provides more than just outdoor excitement, but also an appealing downtown district just steps away. Visitors can go from hiking in the mountains to dining al fresco in a matter of steps. Take in some live folk music, slumber in the oldest brick building in town, or enjoy some Louisiana soul food in this Arkansas town that has the most walkable downtown.
