A hidden gem in Arkansas is its quaint little villages, which radiate a distinct character and provide a tranquil haven from the bustle of the big city. The state is frequently disregarded by travelers.
A taste of the real spirit of Arkansas can be found in these pristine locations, rich in natural beauty and history. Discover these undiscovered gems and the friendliness and warmth of the South by traveling with us.
Fairfield Bay: Nestled under the shade of the Ozark Mountains and bordering Greers Ferry Lake is Fairfield Bay, a quaint little town that was first developed as a resort area.
You can take a public ferry from Fairfield Marina to Sugar Loaf Mountain Island, or you can bring your own boat or kayak. Once there, two hiking trails wind along the bluffs to the summit, where you may take in breathtaking views.
Return to Fairfield and explore the Indian Rock Cave and Trail, Arkansas’s biggest bluff shelter, or travel to the stunning Indian Falls cascade in the Wild Horse Canyon for more breathtaking views.
Dardanelle: At the entrance of three breathtaking nature sites, Mount Nebo State Park, Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge, and Lake Dardanelle State Park, is Dardanelle, nestled between the Ouachita Mountain range and the Arkansas River.
With strong populations of bald and golden eagles as well as migrating songbirds, all of them provide breathtaking views, scenic hiking routes, and camping areas, but the Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge is the clear favorite for birdwatchers.
Of all the towns in Arkansas, Dardanelle was founded in 1855. Join the Yell County Historical Society’s True Grit Trail to learn more about the region’s past and pay tribute to writer Charles Portis, who based his 1968 novel True Grit there.
Tontitown: It is a small town with a large heart, calls itself “one of Arkansas’ best kept secrets.” The town, which was founded in the late 1800s by a group of Italian farming families, still celebrates its strong agricultural heritage.
The original family celebrated a long winter’s day with a Grape Festival in 1899. If you visit Tontitown during the summer, you may partake in this centuries-old custom, which today includes live music, spaghetti dinners, and grape stomping.
Relax if you are unable to attend the festival. At the family-owned Tontitown Winery, which is located in a stunning 1917 lodge and has been there since 1923, you may still sample Tontitown grapes.
Calico Rock: The community of Calico Rock gets its name from the breathtaking multihued bluffs that surround it. For breathtaking views and picturesque pathways, take a hike on the bluffs or explore the nearby Ozark National Forest.
In the 1800s, a small steamer made landfall on the White River, giving rise to Calico Rock, which is located in the northern section of the state. The 19th and early 20th century architecture of the historic downtown still bears witness to its past, making a leisurely afternoon stroll through the area highly recommended.
For additional details on the prehistoric origins of the town and its colonization, head to the Calico Rock Heritage Museum located in the old Bank Building on Main Street.
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Altus: Situated in the heart of the Arkansas River Valley, also known as wine-making region, Altus is a small town that was founded by Swiss and German immigrants.
Over the years, this rich soil has produced an abundance of delectable grapes, which you may taste at one of the town’s five wineries. Tours and tasting rooms are free of charge.
Coal was Altus’ other well-known export. Over the years, the town’s fortunes have been shaped by the coal miners whose memorials are located in the municipal park.
Mount Magazine is the tallest peak in Arkansas and it overlooks Altus. Mount Magazine State Park has hiking paths, beautiful vistas, hang glider operators, a restaurant, a cabin, and a tourist center.
Final Words: Arkansas has a lot of hidden jewels that are just waiting to be found, yet it is frequently missed by tourists. These small towns offer a distinctive and remarkable experience, from the cultural richness of Tontitown and Altus to the historic attractiveness of Fairfield Bay and Dardanelle.
Discover the stunning scenery, savor regional fare, and become fully engrossed in the rich history and culture of Arkansas’s undiscovered gems.
By: worldatlas.com
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