Although often overlooked by visitors to the US, Arkansas is very much a hidden gem just waiting to discovered. Appropriately nicknamed ‘The Natural State’, it boasts lots of absolutely stupendous scenery with charming little towns, cities, and historic sites being dotted here and there.
Lying between the Midwest and Deep South, its scenic confines are bordered by Texas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Louisiana. While the northwest is home to both the Ozark and Ouachita mountain ranges, the south and southeast are coated in the endless rice and cotton fields of the massive Mississippi Delta.
Due to its diverse geography, dense forests, and abundance of untouched nature spots, both locals and tourists enjoy all kinds of exciting outdoor activities amidst its pristine wilderness. Particularly popular places to head are the majestic Buffalo National River and enormous Ozark National Forest while Mount Magazine State Park’s phenomenal panoramas also attracts lots of visitors.
Tucked away amidst its mountains, forests, and farms are a number of very pleasant towns to stop by as you explore the state. These include not only the quiet resort towns of Hot Springs and Eureka Springs but the larger cities of Little Rock and Fayetteville too.
Now known for its attractive architecture and well-preserved Bathhouse Row, Hot Springs and its spa were once instead frequented by gamblers, bootleggers, and mobsters during the Prohibition Era. Likewise, Eureka Springs is famed for its healing waters and mess of winding cobbled lanes which are lined by lovely Victorian-style cottages and mansions.
Although quite small for a state capital, Little Rock is the largest city in Arkansas with its historic and happening downtown being packed with museums and art galleries, restaurants, and bars. In the northwest, the college town of Fayetteville is another lively place to hit up thanks to all its fantastic music, theater, and nightlife scenes.