Company’s Coming!
Three Arkansas getaways worth sharing when family and friends are home for the holidays.
When family and friends come home for the holidays, the question eventually comes up: What should we do today? Good news—you don’t have to go far to give out-of-town guests a visit worth remembering. From world-class art and great food to thermal waters, twinkling lights and storybook streets, some of Arkansas’ best places to explore are just a road trip away.
BENTONVILLE
Art, Eats & Plenty to Explore
Bentonville packs a surprising amount into a holiday-season getaway. Downtown becomes a hub of activity as the square lights up for the season, while art, shopping, dining and miles of trails offer plenty to do. Even those who have visited before have something new to see: Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art expanded its galleries this summer and reinstalled the museum’s collection, creating a fresh experience for returning visitors. General admission to the permanent collection remains free.
DON’T MISS: Start at Crystal Bridges, where the architecture and Ozark setting are as much a part of the experience as the art. At The Momentary, The Beginning of Convenience by artist Lucy Sparrow transforms a supermarket into an unexpected world made entirely of felt. Then make your way downtown to eat, shop and explore the square.
WHILE YOU’RE THERE: Bentonville’s local flavor extends well beyond the galleries. Dine inside a piece of city history at The Preacher’s Son, housed in a 1906 church, or Bentonville Taco & Tamale, located in the former People’s Bank building. For something especially Bentonville, rent a bike and take the trail from downtown straight to Crystal Bridges. Cooler temperatures and fewer crowds make late fall a great time to explore, and the city offers more than 80 miles of singletrack within city limits.
MAKE IT SEASONAL: Lighting of the Square kicks off Nov. 21, along with the opening of the outdoor ice rink at Lawrence Plaza. The Bentonville Christmas Parade follows Dec. 12.
GOOD TO KNOW: Great for art lovers, foodies and active families. Make it a day trip or stay overnight and give yourself time to explore.
HOT SPRINGS
Soak, Stroll & Stay Awhile
Hot Springs practically invites visitors to slow down, especially when cooler temperatures arrive. Late fall is ideal for exploring Hot Springs National Park, hiking or biking before warming up along historic Bathhouse Row. Add local restaurants, makers and holiday lights, and it becomes an easy getaway with enough variety to please just about everyone.
DON’T MISS: Begin with Bathhouse Row, the historic heart of Hot Springs National Park. At Garvan Woodland Gardens explore the three-story treehouse and striking Anthony Chapel, then head to Mid-America Science Museum for its giant indoor Tesla coil and digital dome theater—especially fun if younger visitors are along for the trip.
WHILE YOU’RE THERE: Take a detour around Whittington Park for three wonderfully offbeat stops: Tiny Town, the Arkansas Alligator Farm & Petting Zoo and Dryden Pottery. For a taste of the local food scene, seek out Secret Handshake below Splash Wine Bar. Shopping local is easy, too, with Arkansas-made finds from places such as Bathhouse Soapery, Ouachita Wax & Naturals and Red Light Roastery. And because this is Hot Springs, there’s even a brewery on Bathhouse Row—Superior Bathhouse Brewery.
MAKE IT SEASONAL: Holiday lights transform Garvan Woodland Gardens and historic downtown, and Oaklawn opens its racing season the day after Thanksgiving—perfect timing for visiting family looking for one more outing.
GOOD TO KNOW: A natural choice for multigenerational groups, couples and anyone who appreciates a getaway with a little bit of everything. Give it a full day—or stay overnight and slow the pace.
EUREKA SPRINGS
Wander, Shop & Discover
Few Arkansas towns lean into the holidays quite like Eureka Springs. Victorian architecture, winding streets and independent shops already give the town storybook appeal; add Christmas lights throughout the community and it becomes magical. Holiday shopping is an experience in itself, with special events adding even more reasons to wander downtown.
DON’T MISS: Thorncrown Chapel is an essential stop any time of year. During the holidays, the Crescent Hotel goes all out with lights and Christmas décor, while Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge offers a completely different Eureka Springs experience just outside town.
WHILE YOU’RE THERE: Park the car and take the trolley. Browse downtown shops, then settle in for a little local flavor. Wine lovers can visit the Lovell Estate, while Gotahold Brewing and Eureka Springs Brewing Company offer local brews. For an evening out, check the schedule at Melonlight Theater or Intrigue Theater.
MAKE IT SEASONAL: December brings one celebration after another. The Christmas Parade of Lights rolls through town Dec. 4, followed by the Christmas Tour of Homes and Eureka Christmas Express on Dec. 5. The Hot Cocoa & Cookie Crawl arrives Dec. 11, with Christmas at the Inns and Living Windows on Dec. 12. Return later in the month and you may even catch Christmas caroling in Basin Park or the Jinglin’ Jeep Parade.
GOOD TO KNOW: Perfect for shoppers, couples, families and anyone who enjoys exploring without much of an agenda. Stay overnight if you can—Eureka Springs is one place where wandering is half the fun.
Holiday Fun Close to Home
FORT SMITH: Ride the Creekmore Holiday Express, then catch Kyle Speegle’s 40,000-pixel Extreme Light Shows, Thanksgiving night–New Year’s Day (story page 42).
VAN BUREN: Enjoy Christmas at the Parks, downtown shopping and seasonal favorites including Holiday in Whoville and the Christmas Parade.
ALMA: Take an evening drive through Christmas Lights in the Park, a longtime local tradition.
GREENWOOD: Celebrate with holiday shopping, Christmas on the Square and seasonal performances at Greenwood Community Theatre.
PARIS: See downtown sparkle with more than 100,000 lights and decorated trees around the historic square.
FAYETTEVILLE: Stroll beneath more than 500,000 lights during Lights of the Ozarks on the Historic Downtown Square, Nov. 20–Jan. 1.
