Sometimes the best trips are the ones closest to home. We travel all over Arkansas, and one of the things we love most about this state is how much there is to discover. We have compiled a list of some of our favorite weekend getaways in Arkansas to help you plan your next adventure.

Whether you are in the mood for a float trip, a stroll through a charming downtown, a scenic drive or simply somewhere new to explore with the people you love, there is something here for every kind of traveler.

Best Weekend Getaways in Arkansas

These Arkansas getaways include outdoor adventures, museums, mountain towns, lakeside escapes and plenty of places to eat, explore and relax. Scroll through and see which one calls to you!

Looking for a road trip beyond the state line? See our favorite weekend getaways from Arkansas to nearby states.

Arkansas Weekend Getaways at a Glance

Destination	Best for	Best time	Drive from Little Rock
Hot Springs	History, spas, dining and lakes	Year-round	About 1 hour
Eureka Springs	Couples, art, shopping and quirky small-town charm	Spring and fall	About 3 hours
Jasper and the Upper Buffalo National River	Hiking, floating, scenery, and wildlife	Spring, summer, and fall	About 2½ hours
Bentonville	Art, food and mountain biking	Year-round	About 3 hours
Petite Jean State Park	Hiking, waterfalls and a peaceful mountain escape	Year-round	About 1 hour 15 minutes
Little Rock	Museums, history, food and an urban staycation	Year-round	In Little Rock
Wilson and the Upper Delta	History, food and a small-town escape	Year-round or during events	About 2 hours 15 minutes
Mountain View	Folk music, Ozark culture, caves and fishing	Spring through fall	About 2 hours
Mena and the Talimena Scenic Drive	Scenic drives, mountain views and ATV adventures	Spring and fall	About 2½ hours
Mountain Home and the White River	Trout fishing, boating and lake recreation	Year-round	About 3 hours
Mount Magazine and Arkansas Wine Country	Mountain views, hiking, wineries and couples’ trips	Year-round	About 2 hours

Hot Springs

Hot Springs may be Arkansas’s most versatile getaway. You can soak in thermal water, explore a historic downtown, hike in the Ouachita Mountains, enjoy an excellent meal and spend time on the lake…all during the same trip.

Begin your weekend downtown, where Bathhouse Row stretches along Central Avenue within Hot Springs National Park. Tour the Fordyce Bathhouse, which serves as the visitor center for the park, to learn about the city’s history as a health and wellness destination. Don’t forget to reserve a soak at the Buckstaff Bathhouse or the Quapaw Baths & Spa.

There is plenty to do beyond the bathhouses. Walk the Grand Promenade, take in the views from the Hot Springs Mountain Tower, or stop for a beer made with thermal spring water at Superior Bathhouse Brewery.

Garvan Woodland Gardens and the area lakes offer an entirely different side of Hot Springs, particularly during the warmer months. Lake Hamilton is convenient to town and known for its waterfront homes and restaurants, while Lake Ouachita is our favorite place to spend a summer day on the water.

Where to eat: Hot Springs has an excellent dining scene. See our guide to the best restaurants in Hot Springs for our personal favorites.

Where to stay: Choose downtown for history, restaurants and walkability. Stay near Lake Hamilton for water views and a quieter getaway. There are plenty of nearby campgrounds and you can even find a luxurious stay in the woods only a couple of miles from town.

Good to know: Some people are surprised to learn that there are no outdoor pools where you can soak in the thermal waters. You will need to go to one of the bathhouses. Reserve baths and spa treatments in advance, especially for weekend visits.

Best for: Couples, families, history lovers and first-time Arkansas visitors.
Best time to visit: Year-round; spring and fall are especially pleasant for hiking, while summer is ideal for enjoying the lakes
Drive from Little Rock: About one hour

Planning a Hot Springs getaway? Our complete guide to Hot Springs will help you decide what to see, where to stay, and what to eat.

Eureka Springs

Eureka Springs is one of those places that feels like a getaway from the moment you arrive. Set in the Ozark Mountains, this quirky and artsy little town is filled with winding streets, historic architecture, art galleries and a ton of personality.

You will definitely want to spend part of your time here wandering through the historic downtown. Some of the best discoveries are tucked along the side streets, stairways and paths that climb the hills around town. Stop in the shops and galleries, walk through Basin Spring Park and take time to admire the beautiful old buildings.

Eureka Springs also has plenty to explore beyond downtown. Thorncrown Chapel, designed by Arkansas architect E. Fay Jones, is one of the most beautiful buildings in the state.

You can take a ghost tour at the historic Crescent Hotel, visit the grounds of the Great Passion Play or spend a few hours hiking, biking or paddling at Lake Leatherwood City Park.

Eureka Springs is also near the beautiful Beaver Lake where you can water ski, swim, or paddleboard. One of our favorite places on the lake is Hogscald Hollow which is a pretty cove with a waterfall.

Where to eat: Eureka Springs has an impressive variety of restaurants for a small town, from casual cafés to restaurants that are perfect for a special dinner. See our guide to the best restaurants in Eureka Springs for our personal favorites.

Where to stay: If you are interested in history and ghosts you might want to stay at the haunted Crescent Hotel. Stay downtown if you want to walk to restaurants, shops and nightlife. Choose one of the cabins, cottages or treehouses outside the historic district for a quieter getaway surrounded by the Ozarks. We have a list of some of our favorite stays in Eureka Springs.

Good to know: Eureka Springs is extremely hilly. Exploring downtown often involves steep streets, stairs and uneven sidewalks. Wear comfortable shoes, and consider parking once and using the trolley. However, I do suggest checking the trolley operating days and hours before your trip, especially during the winter.

Best for: Romantic getaways, trips with friends, art lovers, shoppers and anyone who appreciates a quirky small town
Best time to visit: Spring and fall are especially beautiful, although the Christmas season is also a fun time to visit
Drive from Little Rock: About three hours

Planning a Eureka Springs getaway? We have a list of some of the best things to do in Eureka Springs.

Jasper and the Upper Buffalo National River

Jasper and the Upper Buffalo National River region offer some of the most beautiful scenery in Arkansas. This is the place to come for towering bluffs, waterfalls, the Buffalo River, winding mountain roads, hiking, and the chance to see elk grazing in the valleys.

The small town of Jasper makes a convenient home base for exploring the area. From here, you can follow winding roads to overlooks, trailheads, river access points and some of the most photographed landscapes in the state.

The Buffalo National River is the centerpiece of the region. Floating is one of the best ways to experience this gorgeous river. However, do be aware that the river is not always floatable. It can be too high and dangerous after heavy rains or too low for floating during drier seasons, especially in the summer.

You do not have to be on the river to appreciate the area. You can hike the Lost Valley Trail, cool off in a swimming hole, or take a road trip like the Jasper Disaster.

Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to look for elk in Boxley Valley. Keep your distance, pull completely off the road and bring binoculars if you have them. The animals are wild, and watching them against the backdrop of the Ozark hills is one of the most memorable experiences in this part of Arkansas.

Where to eat: Stop at the Ozark Cafe in downtown Jasper for classic comfort food, or plan a meal at the Cliff House Inn for its sweeping view across the Arkansas Grand Canyon. Check current days and hours before making either one part of your plans.

Where to stay: Choose a cabin near Jasper, Ponca or the Buffalo River if you want to be close to the trails and scenery. There are also campgrounds and rustic lodging options throughout the region, but popular properties can fill quickly during spring and fall.

Good to know: Cell service can be limited. Roads are winding and it can take more time to get to your destination than you might anticipate. Some restaurants keep shorter or seasonal hours. The upper Buffalo River is not always floatable so always check the river levels before planning a float trip. Some of the trailheads in the area, including Triple Falls, may require driving on rough roads that are not suitable for every vehicle or weather condition.

Best for: Outdoor lovers, couples, families, hikers and scenic-road-trip fans
Best time to visit: Spring for floating and waterfalls, fall for foliage and cooler hiking weather
Drive from Little Rock: About two and a half hours to Jasper

Planning a trip to this part of Arkansas? Start with our complete Jasper guide, get some more information about the Buffalo National River, then explore our posts about elk watching, Lost Valley, Triple Falls, and other nearby adventures.

Bentonville

Bentonville has become one of Arkansas’s most exciting getaway destinations. This lively Northwest Arkansas city combines incredible art, a walkable downtown, miles of biking trails, excellent restaurants and plenty of coffee shops. There always seems to be something new to discover in Bentonville.

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is the centerpiece of a Bentonville getaway. Give yourself plenty of time to explore the galleries, but don’t miss the architecture, sculpture gardens and trails surrounding the museum. Even visitors who do not consider themselves serious art lovers tend to be impressed by the entire setting.

After visiting the museum, spend some time around the downtown square. You will find locally owned shops, restaurants, coffeehouses and public art, all within a relatively compact area.

To learn more about Walmart and the role it played in Bentonville’s growth, visit the Walmart Museum on the downtown square.

You can even walk between downtown and Crystal Bridges using the trails through Compton Gardens.

For more art, visit the Momentary, a former cheese factory that has been transformed into a contemporary art and entertainment space. Exhibits and events change regularly, so check the calendar before your visit to see whether there is a concert, performance or special program happening during your stay.

Bentonville is a major destination for mountain biking. Slaughter Pen trails begin close to downtown, while Coler Mountain Bike Preserve offers trails for a range of abilities.

Where to eat: Bentonville has an impressive and growing dining scene. You’ll find options ranging from barbecue and casual cafés to creative restaurants that are perfect for a special evening. Wright’s Barbecue is always a favorite, and The Preacher’s Son is unique because it is located in a former church.

Where to stay: Stay near the downtown square if you want to walk to restaurants, shops and some of the city’s main attractions. You can even stay in one of the houses that were featured on the HGTV show Fixer to Fabulous. Travelers coming primarily to bike may prefer a hotel or vacation rental with easy trail access and bike-friendly amenities.

Good to know: General admission to the permanent collection at Crystal Bridges is free, although some temporary exhibitions require paid tickets.

Best for: Art lovers, food lovers, coffee enthusiasts, cyclists, couples and families
Best time to visit: Year-round for the museums and dining; spring and fall are especially pleasant for biking and exploring outdoors
Drive from Little Rock: About three hours

Planning a Bentonville getaway? Our complete Bentonville guide will help you decide what to see, where to eat and where to stay.

Petit Jean State Park

Petit Jean is one of the premier state parks in Arkansas and is an excellent getaway destination. This park combines historic lodging, waterfalls, scenic overlooks, great hiking, Native American pictographs, fishing, and much more – all within a relatively compact area.

Arkansas’s first state park is the kind of place where you can park the car, settle in and simply relax. If you are staying at Mather Lodge, you will be stunned by the back terrace overlooking Cedar Creek Canyon. This is one of our favorite spots in Arkansas to watch the sunset.

Cedar Falls is the park’s signature attraction. The trail to the base is beautiful but more challenging than its two-mile length might suggest. Those who do not want to make the hike can still see the waterfall from the Cedar Falls Overlook.

There are plenty of other trails to explore as well. Seven Hollows Trail is one of our favorite trails in the state. This longer hike passes rock shelters, a natural bridge and a secluded grotto.

I suggest that you also visit Rock House Cave to see ancient pictographs. It is just a short hike from the trailhead and is so impressive to see.

Of course, you can also just find a rocking chair, rest, and enjoy the quiet.

Where to eat: The restaurant at Mather Lodge is the most convenient place to eat without leaving the park, and the large windows overlooking Cedar Creek Canyon make the setting part of the experience. Dining options on the mountain are limited, so bring snacks and check restaurant hours before your trip. If you are staying in one of the cabins on the mountain you can bring groceries and prepare some of your own meals.

Where to stay: Stay at Mather Lodge for history, convenience and beautiful views, the rooms are nice but very small. You might also want to reserve one of the park’s cabins for a little more privacy. I’m not a camper, but I’ve been told that the camping at Petit Jean is excellent. Some of the sites have incredible views. Do note that the campsites must be booked in advance as they fill up quickly especially on the weekends. We also have a list of some nice Airbnbs on the mountain and we usually stay in one of these.

Good to know: The Cedar Falls Trail is only about two miles round trip, but the steep descent and climb back out of the canyon make it a moderately strenuous hike. Wear sturdy shoes and carry water. The barrier-free Cedar Falls Overlook is a good alternative for anyone who cannot make the hike.

Best for: Couples, families, hikers, nature lovers and anyone looking for a quiet escape
Best time to visit: Spring for waterfalls, fall for foliage and winter for leaf-off views, fewer crowds, and cool hiking weather
Drive from Little Rock: About one hour and 15 minutes

Planning a Petit Jean getaway? Our complete guide to Petit Jean State Park will help you decide what to see, where to stay and which trails to explore.

Little Rock

Little Rock may not be the first place Arkansans think of for a getaway. But give yourself a full weekend here, and you will find excellent museums, important historic sites, interesting neighborhoods, a thriving restaurant scene and plenty of ways to spend time outdoors.

Little Rock has enough museums and cultural attractions to fill an entire weekend. Visit the Clinton Presidential Center, explore the galleries at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts or learn more about one of the most significant events of the Civil Rights Movement at Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site.

Spend some time exploring the city’s neighborhoods, too. Walk along the Arkansas River in the River Market District, browse the shops and restaurants in SoMa or cross the river to explore Argenta in North Little Rock.

Depending on the weekend, you might also catch a concert, touring Broadway production, baseball game or one of the city’s many festivals.

One of the best things about Little Rock is how quickly you can move from the city into nature. Hike to the top of Pinnacle Mountain, walk or bike at Two Rivers Park or follow part of the Arkansas River Trail before returning to town for dinner. We have an entire list of the best outdoor activities and parks in Little Rock.

Where to eat: Okay, I’ve traveled extensively, not just in Arkansas, but around the United States – and I’m telling you that Little Rock is one of the best underrated foodie towns! Downtown has excellent dining, as do SoMa, Hillcrest, and the Heights. Honestly you can find a great restaurant in almost any neighborhood in town. Don’t dismiss our great food trucks and hole-in-the-wall places, either. If you are craving a hamburger check out our list of the 10 best burgers in Little Rock.

Where to stay: Stay downtown if you want to be close to the riverfront, museums and entertainment. For something quieter and more residential, look for a cottage or small inn near SoMa. See our guide to the best hotels in Little Rock for more ideas.

Good to know: Little Rock’s attractions are spread across several neighborhoods, so you will probably want a car. Downtown and SoMa are both walkable once you arrive, but you will need to drive between many of the city’s major sights.

Best for: Museum lovers, history buffs, food lovers, families and anyone looking for an easy urban getaway
Best time to visit: Year-round; spring and fall are especially pleasant for exploring the parks and neighborhoods
Drive from Little Rock: You’re already there, making this an easy staycation for Central Arkansas residents

Planning a Little Rock getaway? Start with our complete guide to things to do in Little Rock.

Wilson and the Upper Delta

The charming town of Wilson is one of the most unexpected getaways in Arkansas. Although it is set among the cotton fields of the Delta, Wilson has a distinctive Tudor-style square, an excellent museum, a memorable restaurant and a fascinating agricultural history.

Begin your visit with a walk around the town square, where the architecture looks unlike anything else you will find in Arkansas. Take time to browse the shops and visit Hampson Archeological Museum State Park. The museum contains an impressive collection of artifacts from the Nodena people, who lived in a large farming community near the Mississippi River hundreds of years ago.

Wilson also makes a convenient base for exploring more of the Upper Delta. Drive to nearby Dyess to tour the Johnny Cash Boyhood Home and learn about the New Deal-era agricultural colony where his family lived. The flat farmland and wide-open landscape are an important part of the story of this region.

And y’all, just a personal aside: when you are in the Delta, I suggest taking a minute to simply feel this landscape. There is something about it that I’ve never found anywhere else, the quality of the light, the crops stretching for miles and the crop dusters appearing out of nowhere like giant dragonflies. There is a quiet fullness to the land that feels old and patient and beautiful. Does anyone else feel that way?

But back to Wilson. Because the town is less than an hour from Memphis, it can also be a peaceful place to stay if you are attending a play, game, concert or other event across the river.

Wilson hosts a variety of events of its own as well. We have personally attended concerts and wine tastings here, so be sure to check the town’s event calendar when planning your visit.

Where to eat: The Wilson Cafe is the natural choice for a meal in town and is part of the Wilson experience. Check the current menu, hours and reservation information before your visit.

Where to stay: The Louis Hotel offers luxury boutique accommodations directly on the square. Staying overnight allows you to enjoy the town at a slower pace and makes it easier to combine Wilson with Dyess and other Upper Delta stops.

Good to know: Wilson is a very small town, and museum, restaurant and shop hours may be limited. Check schedules before leaving home and consider planning your trip around one of the town’s events. The Louis Hotel is an amazing place to stay, but it is expensive. More affordable chain hotels are available nearby in Osceola and other nearby Delta towns.

Best for: Couples, history lovers, food lovers and travelers who enjoy unusual small towns
Best time to visit: Year-round, or whenever a festival, dinner or special event catches your interest
Drive from Little Rock: About two hours and 15 minutes

Planning a Wilson getaway? Read our complete guide to Wilson for more ideas about what to see and do.

Mountain View

In our opinion, Mountain View has everything you want in an Ozark Mountain town. This beautiful and laid-back place is where traditional music, handmade crafts and outdoor adventure all come together.

It is an especially appealing getaway for travelers who enjoy small towns, mountain music, local culture and evenings that move at a slower pace.

Mountain View is known as the Folk Music Capital of the World, and music remains at the heart of the town. During the warmer months, musicians often gather around the courthouse square to play fiddles, banjos, guitars and other traditional instruments.

Bring a lawn chair, wander around the square and stop to listen whenever you hear a group playing.

Ozark Folk Center State Park is another essential stop. The Craft Village gives visitors a chance to watch artisans demonstrate traditional skills such as blacksmithing, pottery, weaving, broom making and woodcarving. Live music and special events are even more reason to check the park’s calendar before your trip.

Mountain View makes an excellent base for exploring Blanchard Springs. Reserve a tour of Blanchard Springs Caverns, then visit the recreation area to see the spring and walk around Mirror Lake.

You may also want to drive across the historic Swinging Bridge over Sylamore Creek. This single-lane suspension bridge is a historic and unusual local landmark.

Anglers will love this getaway, too. You can fish for trout on the nearby White River or at Mirror Lake, while Sylamore Creek is known for smallmouth and rock bass.

Where to eat: You will not go hungry in Mountain View. There are a couple of riverside restaurants that we like. JoJo’s Catfish Wharf is a particular favorite because I adore the hushpuppies, and Anglers is also excellent. If you want to stay in town, try PJ’s Rainbow Cafe, we especially like it for breakfast. Tommy’s Famous is another good option for pizza.

Where to stay: The Ozark Folk Center is one of the Arkansas state parks with lodging. The Cabins at Dry Creek are very clean and comfortable. There are also some fish camps with lodging on the river. You will also find bed-and-breakfast inns in town and plenty of cabins throughout the surrounding area.

Good to know: Mountain View is at its liveliest from spring through fall. The Ozark Folk Center operates seasonally, cave tours have a limited schedule and music around the square can depend on the weather and day of the week. Check schedules and reserve your cavern tour before your trip.

Best for: Music lovers, couples, families, outdoor enthusiasts and travelers interested in Ozark culture
Best time to visit: Spring through fall for music, crafts and outdoor activities
Drive from Little Rock: About two hours

Mena and the Talimena Scenic Drive

Mena, Arkansas, is the gateway to one of the most beautiful stretches of the Ouachita Mountains. This small town makes an excellent base for a getaway filled with scenic drives, mountain views, hiking and plenty of time to slow down and enjoy the landscape.

The Talimena National Scenic Byway begins just outside Mena and follows the crest of Rich Mountain and Winding Stair Mountain into Oklahoma. The curving road stretches for more than 50 miles, with overlooks offering layer after layer of mountain views.

The drive is especially famous during fall, but it is beautiful year-round.

Queen Wilhelmina State Park is one of the highlights of the drive. The lodge sits high on Rich Mountain and has some of the most expansive views in Arkansas. You can spend the night at the lodge or simply sit outside and watch the weather move across the mountains.

You will also want to spend some time in the town of Mena. This is an interesting place with a growing art scene, antique stores, ice cream shops and restaurants. Walk around downtown, browse the shops and stop for coffee or a meal before heading back into the mountains.

This part of the Ouachitas is also a major destination for off-road adventures. At Wolf Pen Gap, you can rent an ATV, or bring your own, and explore miles of forest trails. Some routes lead to swimming holes, waterfalls and beautiful overlooks.

We also have a scenic road trip through this area that you can do in a regular car. It will take you along some dirt roads, but you do not need an ATV to experience the backwoods scenery.

Where to eat: Mena’s restaurant scene is not huge, but we do have a couple of favorites. The venerable Skyline Cafe is a local institution, and we also really like the sandwiches at American Artisans.

Where to stay: Queen Wilhelmina Lodge is a great choice for mountaintop views and direct access to the park. We also love the cabins at Bethesda Lake Resort, which are modern, comfortable and especially good for larger groups. Our very favorite place to stay near Mena is A Quiet Place Mountain Resort. The A-frames are cozy, comfortable and, yes, quiet. If you are visiting primarily for ATV adventures, we recommend The Lodge at Cedar Creek Crossing, located just across from Wolf Pen Gap.

Good to know: The Talimena Scenic Drive is winding and has numerous overlooks, so allow more time than the mileage might suggest. Fill your gas tank in Mena before climbing the mountain. If you are staying in a cabin, consider bringing groceries because dining choices are somewhat limited. Wolf Pen Gap is closed seasonally, but may also close because of wet conditions, so check the trail status before your trip.

Best for: Couples, hikers, off-road adventurers, scenic-road-trip lovers and anyone who wants a peaceful mountain escape
Best time to visit: Fall for foliage and spring for waterfalls and fresh green mountain views
Drive from Little Rock: About two and a half hours to Mena

Planning a Mena getaway? Our guide to Mena, Arkansas will help you plan what to see, where to stop and where to stay.

Mountain Home and the White River

The Mountain Home region is one of Arkansas’s best destinations for anyone who loves being on the water. With the White River, Bull Shoals Lake and Norfork Lake all nearby, you can build an entire getaway around fishing, boating, swimming and relaxing beside the water.

The White River is the star of this part of the state. We love its cold, clear water, misty mornings and beautiful Ozark scenery. The river below Bull Shoals Dam is especially famous for trout fishing, and even visitors who do not fish can simply spend some time watching the water flow past.

The small town of Cotter is an important part of the White River experience. Stop at Big Spring Park, see the historic Cotter Bridge or book a fishing trip with one of the area’s experienced guides.

Bull Shoals–White River State Park is another essential stop. The park stretches along both the lake and the river, and the James A. Gaston Visitor Center above Bull Shoals Dam has one of the best views in the region.

Bull Shoals Lake and Norfork Lake offer boating, swimming, paddling, water skiing and warm-water fishing. Spend a day on one of the lakes, even if your trip is primarily centered around the White River.

You will also enjoy spending some time in Mountain Home itself. The downtown square and up-and-coming Baker District are filled with locally owned shops, restaurants, bakeries and coffee shops. You may also find live music or an event happening during your visit.

Where to eat: Mountain Home has a growing selection of locally owned restaurants, breweries and casual places to eat. In town, we love Cove Coffee for coffee and smoothies, Petite Patisserie for baked goods and Rapp’s Barren Brewing Company for food and brews. Farther outside town, Gaston’s White River Resort has a nice restaurant with wonderful river views.

Where to stay: We loved our recent stay at the Historic Chevy rental right downtown. Gaston’s White River Resort is also a longtime favorite of ours. We usually go there at least once a year to do some trout fishing. You will also find plenty of rental cabins throughout the area, both along the river and beside the lakes. Our friends who camp say that the campground at the Bull Shoals-White River State Park is their favorite in the state.

Good to know: The Mountain Home area is spread out, so expect to do some driving between the town, rivers and lakes. Water levels and release schedules can affect conditions on the White River, and fishing regulations can change. Check current conditions and rules before your trip.

Best for: Anglers, boaters, couples, families and anyone who loves a peaceful waterside getaway
Best time to visit: Year-round for trout fishing; late spring through summer for boating, swimming and lake activities
Drive from Little Rock: About three hours

Mount Magazine and Arkansas Wine Country

Mount Magazine is one of the most relaxing getaways on this list. Here you will find beautiful scenery, comfortable lodging and just enough outdoor adventure. Add in a side trip to the wineries around Altus and Wiederkehr Village, and you have the makings of a relaxing, and even romantic, weekend.

At 2,753 feet, Mount Magazine is the highest point in Arkansas. During the summer there is usually a nice breeze and the temperatures are typically a few degrees cooler than the valley below.

The official highest point is found by taking the Signal Hill Trail. A large stone map marks the summit. But do be aware that there are not views from this spot.

While on the mountain one of our favorite things to do is simply settle into a chair on the terrace at The Lodge at Mount Magazine. The views here are stunning and, in our opinion, some of the best in the state. You can see the birds soaring right in front of you and watch the clouds and fog moving through the valley below.

Some of the most dramatic views on the mountain are found along the Mount Magazine Scenic Byway. This is the route that crosses the mountain and runs between the towns of Paris and Havana. That’s Paris and Havana, Arkansas, y’all.

Speaking of Paris, Arkansas, this small town has a pretty little town square with a gorgeous old courthouse and its very own Eiffel Tower and locks of love spot. It is definitely worth a quick stop when you are in the area.

One of the things that makes this getaway especially fun is its proximity to Arkansas Wine Country. The Altus and Wiederkehr Village area has a long winemaking history and several wineries and tasting rooms. Choose one or two to visit, browse the gift shops and enjoy the vineyard scenery before returning to the mountain.

Where to eat: Skycrest Restaurant inside The Lodge at Mount Magazine is the easiest place to eat on the mountain, and the large windows make the view part of the experience. During your wine-country outing, I suggest trying the Weinkeller Restaurant at Wiederkehr Wine Cellars. Closer to Paris we like El Parian for really good Mexican food.

Where to stay: The Lodge at Mount Magazine is the obvious choice for comfortable rooms, beautiful common areas and easy access to the park. We have also stayed at the park’s cabins and think that these are a great option! We stayed here during the winter and the fireplace and hot tub overlooking the valley made this a really special stay. I’ve also heard that the camping is very nice here.

Good to know: Winery tasting-room schedules vary, so check current hours before your trip and plan for a designated driver.

Best for: Couples, hikers, wine lovers, photographers and anyone looking for a peaceful mountain escape
Best time to visit: Year-round; spring and fall are especially beautiful, while winter offers quieter trails and expansive leaf-off views
Drive from Little Rock: About two hours

Planning a Mount Magazine getaway? Our complete guide to Mount Magazine State Park will help you decide what to see, where to hike and where to stay.