North Central

John F. Kennedy Overlook & Memorial in Heber Springs, Arkansas

A Day In Heber Springs: 5+ Land Activities Itinerary

July 24, 2024

Located along Greers Ferry Lake, Heber Springs, Arkansas is a small lake town with a lot of personality. They have fun festivals throughout the year and offer unique living experiences. You can probably drive the whole town in 5-10 minutes and see nothing, but there is certainly plenty of things to do, see, shop, and eat! Follow this itinerary for a day trip to Heber Springs if you want to enjoy its land activities.

While there are multiple ways to get to Heber Springs, this itinerary is made with its starting point coming south on Arkansas 25. This will start your day entering Heber Springs by crossing over the dam/bridge. Of course, if you are coming in by vehicle from any other direction, just do this itinerary in reverse order.

Stop 1: Enjoy the views at John F. Kennedy Overlook & Memorial

During the summer, the overlook is a busy place with cars coming in and out of the parking lot. The overlook provides a good place to enjoy a light breeze and view both the top and bottom of the Greers Ferry Dam.

Summer months are also busy on the water. Standing at the overlook and facing right, you will be able to the Dam Site Recreation Area. This is a family friendly area that provides campsites, picnicking, playgrounds, and more for visitors. There is also a little beach area where you can see people lounging around and playing in the water. Almost year-round, there will be boats driving around on the water.

Facing to the left, you will see the bottom of the Greers Ferry Dam and Little Red River. And the bridge, of course, is the top of the dam.

While you are driving across the bridge, you will not be able to see Greers Ferry Lake, so be sure to enjoy the view from the overlook!

Stop 2: Visit the William Carl Garner Visitor Center

While you are enjoying the overlook and memorial, you might as well stop in the Visitor Center across the bridge, as you make your way into Heber Springs. Inside the Visitor Center, you will find history, animals, photo opportunities, and memorabilia of John F. Kennedy’s visit to the area.

There is also a nice walking trail off to the side of the Visitor Center to enjoy. If you follow the road around the front and off to the side, you will find yourself driving downhill to the bottom of the dam. There is a parking lot at the bottom and a walking trail to Greers Ferry Lake.

Stop 3: Go shopping at the best places

If you enjoy sifting through used attire, then Court Square Consignments is the stop to make. It is a nice consignment store with loads of clothing. I love how they keep all seasons and occasions stalked all year long. They also have a little home décor section and $1 clothing section. The aisles are narrow, but you will enjoy the selection of nice attire.

For odds and ends, cool knickknacks, and whatever else, A Modern Twist is the place. They carry new and vintage items, so you will definitely find something you want. Jewelry, home décor, kitchen, toys… their product list goes on. While you are on Main Street, be sure to take a short walk up and down the street to pop in other downtown stores.

Next up is Bookish Emporium of Arkansas – “where the love of books meets the love of expression.” They are an all-inclusive bookstore that carries more than just books. So, if you are looking for gifts, consider a book! Or you can just hang out on their courtyard patio basking in the sun and enjoying the beautiful flowers.

If you want a keepsake t-shirt or tank top, make a pit stop at Walmart. They are stocked with Greers Ferry attire.

Stop 4: Eat lunch at El Rey Mexican Restaurant

So, I know Mexican restaurants are a bit in abundance in Arkansas. But this particular one has a massive menu full of delicious food! They even have an actual vegetarian menu with more than just a burrito or quesadilla on it. Since I am a vegetarian, I do judge restaurants based on how many things I can eat. You know it is good when I mention I actually have choices. To make it even better, happy hour is every hour.

Besides the menu selection, we love how everything we have tried has been really good. The service is always good (probably better if we drank). The inside of the restaurant is fully decorated with color, craftsmanship, and murals. It is like stepping into a different world. Also, we really enjoy how two people can eat from one dish because their portions are that big!

Oh, and do not forget to grab you one (or two) cinnamon sugar chips on the way out the door!

Stop 5: Hike to Bridal Veil Falls and Cornelius Falls

This one may be an unspoken given, but no trip to Heber Springs is complete without visiting Bridal Veil. Fortunately, there are two falls in the same area, so it is a two-for-one kind of deal. But you are going to want to visit during the rainy season or after a really good, hard rainfall.

There is a short and rocky walk to the Bridal Veil Falls overlook. Much of nature has grown up and you cannot see the falls as well, but it is still visible. There is a really rocky side path that leads further back along the top of the falls that you can walk around and take some pictures. Just be very careful because water makes things slippery and lead to dangerous situations.

At the trailhead of Bridal Veil Falls is another trailhead that leads to Cornelius Falls. Do not worry, there are signs posted on the trees that are clearly visible in the parking lot. However, the trek to Cornelius Falls is more of a hike. The trail takes you through unique rock formations and plenty of forest. If you are like me and want to avoid the spider webs, follow behind someone or go when there are several other people there.

At some point there is a trail that veers off down the side of a steep hillside. This particular trail will take you down to the bottom of Bridal Veil Falls and its little swimming hole. If you choose this option, please be extra careful on your climb back up to the trail is even more steep and slippery when you are wet.

Stop 6: Bonus Destination – RoZark Hills Coffee Roasterie

On your way out of town, stop at RoZark Hills Coffee Roasterie in Rose Bud and grab a cool little gadget you did not know you needed and a bag of specialty coffee or tea. The owner travels the world in search of teas and coffees and their blends certainly taste like it!

Have you completed this itinerary? Tell us about it in the comments!

Ultimate Guide to Shopping in Batesville

July 3, 2024

As the oldest city in the state of Arkansas, Batesville has a population of over 11,000 people. With this kind of population, you would except a large city with a lot of shopping, dining, and things to do. So where is the best place to spend money at in Batesville?

Grocery Stores

The best grocery store in Batesville is Aldi. They recently opened and are still new to the city but are a lot of people’s first choice for groceries. The store is really clean, has spacious aisles, delicious food that tastes superior to name brand products, and their prices are cheaper than Kroger’s sales and coupons, making them cheaper than anywhere else in the city.

Aldi is a brand that is known for offering cleaner products. Their product line contains less harmful chemicals, preservatives, dyes, and artificial colors and flavors than food found in other stores. Looking at the products, you will quickly notice that most are products of German and Swiss companies. Although, most of the products are manufactured in the United States. Unfortunately, Aldi is a small store and only carries a limited supply of food and other miscellaneous household items. If Aldi was as big as Walmart, I am sure that they would easily put Walmart out of business.

Other grocery stores:

Dollar General

Dollar Tree

Family Dollar

Walgreens

Bill’s Cash Saver

Kroger

Walmart

Harps (Southside)

Entertainment

The entertainment industry is huge, especially if you have kids or are dating. However, Batesville is extremely lacking in this area. I only have two places of entertainment –

Hollywood Bowl is our only bowling alley and hosts tournaments almost every night of the week. They also have a small arcade section, offer parties through a host party planner, and host to a scary haunted house during Halloween. When they are caught up on business tasks, they operate an escape room at the back of the arcade.

Next Level Playground has also made an appearance in Batesville. Catering to little kids, they offer a play pit, arcade games, and a trampoline. They also rent out their facilities for parties. Be sure to watch their hours because they are open seasonally.

Batesville has two movie theaters, in which both run first time movies. There is an updated, modern theater in the middle of town and a restored, historic theater at the end of Main Street. The Melba Theater offers free movies seasonally and supposedly has the best popcorn.

Clothing

A lot of Batesville residents complain about the lack of clothing stores, but I have found that they are certainly not lacking in clothing stores. However, our most notable one is actually in Southside and is a consignment store – Secondhand Swank.

Secondhand Swank is a clean and very nice clothing consignment store. Both their prices and sales are really good deals. Their entire back room is full of prom and formal dresses, so it is the best place to find a good price on formal wear. Consignments include women’s, men’s, formals, babies, and children’s clothing.

Other clothing stores:

Barbara’s Fashions

Cato Fashions

Maurices

The Twisted Spoke

Factory Connection

TJ Maxx

Bellabird

Simple By Design

Main Attire

Clara Jane & Jax Children’s Boutique

Viv & Rose Bridal and Formal

Siloe

Lainey Mae

Little Luxe

Thrift Stores

Batesville has quite a bit of thrift stores, but I think most people shop at Goodwill. Considering Goodwill is a large store and a known brand, it would make sense to start your thrifting journey at Goodwill.

Other thrift stores:

Fresh Start Resale Shop

Fleaman Barkus

Almost New Store

Weeping Willow

Flea Markets

Within Batesville city limits, there is only Olde Towne Mall, Etta’s Attic, and The Rusty Trunk. Both Olde Towne and Etta’s are located on Main Street and offer an entirely different product selection. The Rusty Trunk is a newcomer to Batesville and has more of a rustic design.

Just outside Batesville is The Birdcage Vintage Market (north side of Batesville) and Southern Traditions (Southside). Both are owned by the same family and the buildings were new buildings. More flea markets are located farther away, so plan out your trip if you are visiting just for antiquing.

Restaurants

Batesville is known for having fast food row. You can find all kinds of fast-food places on St. Louis Street. There is quite a bit of family owned and chain restaurants, though. Depending on what you want to eat, here is a list of the best restaurants.

BBQ – Both Cowboy’s Barbecue and Fox Creek BBQ are worth a visit, but Fox Creek offers a bar.

Burgers – Big’s of Batesville has an extensive menu of sandwiches and burgers. If you are interested in eating at a food truck, Meme’s Burgery is the best place to get burgers. They are often located beside The Tea Crate.

Breakfast – The Triangle Café in Southside gets a lot of customers. They offer breakfast and lunch only and a great breakfast selection if you are okay with eating in a small space with a lot of older people.

Chinese – Tailee Chinese Restaurant serves a buffet and menu with quality Chinese food.

Japanese – Sakura Japanese Steakhouse and Dora Express offer an entirely different atmosphere and are both worth a visit.

Italian – Tavolo Italian Ristorante is the only Italian restaurant in Batesville. It is owned by an Italian family and offers a bar.

Fast food – Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers is the closest thing to real food that the current fast-food line up offers in Batesville.

The best overall restaurant is a tie between H&H Café (Moorefield) and Whistle Stop Cafe. Both places have great service, good homecooked food, quiet atmosphere, and good prices.

Gifts

If you are looking to buy general merchandise or gifts, Five Below (opening soon) and TJ Maxx is the best place to shop. Five Below carries a lot of products that are perfect for Christmas and birthday gifts, especially for children. TJ Maxx carries more household products and a good selection of dog products.

Pet Products

Batesville has a Petsense that offers everything you need for your pets. There is also Tractor Supply if you need pet food or have chickens or horses. However, TJ Maxx is a great place to buy dog toys and miscellaneous dog and cat products that you cannot find elsewhere.

This list of places to spend your money in Batesville is certainly not comprehensive. Businesses are always coming and going and expanding. Before you head to Batesville to shop or dine, please check the business hours to make sure they will be open. Like most places in Arkansas, a lot of businesses are closed on Mondays and open late in the morning.

Where is your go-to place to spend money when you visit Batesville?

Mirror Lake at Blanchard Springs Cavern Recreational Area in Mountain View, Arkansas

5 Family Friendly Things To Do In Mountain View

June 24, 2024

For the past two years, I have been going to an acupuncturist on a regular basis. My mom and I get up early one morning every week to make the trip to Mountain View. We were familiar with the area, what there was to do, and where to shop based on past experiences in the area and driving through it on our other travels. But being in Mountain View every week has made diligently seek out things to do and experience the town in a whole new way.

So far, we have explored a waterfall, state park, national park, folk village, festivals, crossed a swinging bridge, unique shops, shopped at the farmers market, and eaten at various restaurants around town. Even after two years of learning about the town, there is always something new to learn, a place to experience, a shop to visit, and/or a place to eat. We love that Mountain View has so much to offer and have enjoyed getting to know so many locals. We are always asking them questions about the area, learning about their holiday season, and more just so we can learn more about this uniquely charming folkway town.

Mountain View

Established in the 1870s, Mountain View is known as being the “Folk Music Capital of the World.” This small town embodies a unity of fellowship, support, and charm. Located in the Ozarks, this town focuses on tourism and offers a vast array of unique festivals, shops, amazing food, and hospitality at its best.

Mountain View’s Chamber of Commerce describes the town as being an immersive experience. With attractions like zip lining, a state park, hiking, waterfall, cave, swinging bridge, and more, I would agree that Mountain View is more than just a small town nestled in the Ozarks. Afterall, the area offers a plethora of Bed and Breakfasts, cabins, and other rentals for a reason.

This town is full of traditional trades, such as dulcimer creators, blacksmiths, and more. Featured on the Arkansas PBS show Urban Forge: Ozark Artistry are Mountain View locals who are keeping the skill of metalsmithing alive in their normal lives. While in town, tourists can visit the blacksmith shop and dulcimer shop to see these artists at work and purchase their own treasures.

Attractions in Mountain View

When you visit Mountain View, you are definitely going to want to experience hospitality at its finest by staying in one of their Bed and Breakfast’s! Located around the town square, you will have plenty of shopping and eateries within a short walking distance. Mountain View is centered and focused around its town square, so you will be right in the middle of everything while feeling like you have escaped to a different time.

Ozark Folk Center State Park

So, this state park is probably the most unique in the state. One of Arkansas’s five lodge parks, they are dedicated to preserving the crafts and culture of the Ozarks. The park has hiking trails, a craft village on site, a restaurant on site, concerts in the Craft Village, and shares the parking lot with a ziplining business. The Ozark Highlands Radio is a syndicated program on the stories and music of the Ozarks that is recorded at the park.

If you have an Arkansas State Park passport, do not forget to get a stamp while visiting!

Stone Drive-In Theater

If you like to watch movies on the big screen, then you will love the Stone Drive-In Theater! They are licensed to play big titles and they do it in the biggest way. All you need is a vehicle, radio to play the movie’s audio, and your sweetheart. Just drive on in, settle down, and snuggle up to popcorn in the middle of a field. Now, if that is not old-fashioned romance, I am not sure what is!

Stone County Museum

As a lover of museums, I always like to promote them to everyone I can. I find museums very intriguing, educational, and entertaining. At one museum, I got to fly a simulation airplane!

The Stone County Arkansas Historical Society manages the museum in an effort to preserve the history of its county. They are one of many museums across the state that have a barn quilt on display. So, if you are driving the Quilt Trail, be sure to stop by Stone County Museum for your next quilt block.

Housed in a 1928 school building, the museum’s building is listed on the Arkansas Register of Historic Places. Renovations are being made in hopes of being listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

If you want to visit the museum, be sure to call before you go. They are typically open April through October, when Mountain View is at its best. Sometimes during their open season, their volunteers may be unable to open the museum. So, just give them a call ahead of time. Make sure to allow time to explore the museum, as you can expect to spend at least an hour browsing their exhibits.

Peace Pole

The Peace Pole is a memorial located in an often not-so-easy-to-find place. Just off Main Street going west, AmVets Post #7 hosts the pole. It was designed and created to reflect the Ozark region. You will find the phrase “May Peace Prevail on Earth” inscribed on the stone pole in several languages. The North is in Cherokee, West is in Wolof, South is in modern English, and East is the Irish-Gaelic tongue. This phrase was meant to reflect the early inhabitants of Stone County and the Ozark region.

City Park

So, the first time I visited Mountain View’s city park, I just needed a place to stop with my dog. I was very impressed and have since gone back. They have a nice ADA walking trail, disc golf course, sports courts, and other things to do at this park. Definitely not the kind of park that I am used to! The city park is even in walking distance of the square and local Bed and Breakfasts. It is the perfect place to take a walk, get some fresh air, and enjoy time with the family.

Mountain View is the perfect place to vacation or retreat to for relaxation and adventure. The town is quiet and quaint. Bed and Breakfasts are bountiful and provide true Southern hospitality. You will not run out of things to do during your stay. And if you do happen to get bored, visit one of the area attractions – Turkey Creek Schoolhouse, Swinging Bridge, Syllamo Mountain Bike Trail, Blanchard Springs Cavern.

In The Area Attractions

Turkey Creek Schoolhouse

Located about 12 miles south of Mountain View is Turkey Creek Schoolhouse. Unfortunately, this is strictly a roadside attraction, as it resides on private property.

Swinging Bridge

About 6 miles north of Mountain View is a town called Allison. Located at Angler’s Resort is a historical swinging bridge that you walk or drive across.

Mountain Biking

If you are really adventurous, you might enjoy one of Mountain View’s mountain bike trails. There are three of different lengths – White River Bluff is 1.3 miles, Scrappy Mountain is 3.8 miles, and Bad Branch is 5.6 miles.

Blanchard Springs Cavern

A little over 12 miles north of Mountain View is Blanchard Springs Cavern and Recreation Area. During the open season, you can enjoy a pleasantly cool tour through the cave. Located at the Recreation Area is Old Mill and Mirror Lake, which provides fishing and a year-round waterfall over the dam.

What is your favorite thing to do in Mountain View?

Spring River Dam at Mammoth Spring State Park in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas

5+ Family Friendly Things To Do In Mammoth Spring

June 14, 2024

My parents got a divorce when I was a little girl. While it was a good thing for my parents, it was not something that was easy to handle – even in adulthood. My brother and I might have gotten two Christmas’s, but the “fun” of being a part of two households ended there and I dreaded Christmas time.

My dad’s entire life has been spent in Mammoth Spring. So, after the divorce, he stayed in the area and my mom moved away. Mammoth Spring has always been what I consider to be a small town with its own culture. Everyone knows each other because no one moved off after high school graduation, so gossip runs rampant (among the locals and only about the locals). Main Street was a traditional dying downtown that was in desperate need of restoration. And the worst part of my childhood in Mammoth was spending every single weekend on the Spring River. I literally hated the river, being in my swimsuit, and forced to “swim” or “play” in the river. All my childhood memories of the place were painted grey because of the divorce situation.

As an adult, though, things are very different. I only got to experience the environment that my dad created, which was not the best. So, I saw all the rough spots of the area and barely any of its good, attractive qualities. One of the only good spots we got to enjoy as kids was Mammoth Spring State Park, which was a gold mine for us kids! Now, I love going back to Mammoth just to enjoy how wonderful of a place it is to visit!

The Town of Mammoth Spring

Located on the border of Thayer, Missouri, Mammoth Spring is a very unique town. It offers an abundance of shopping, dining, and recreational activities for everyone in the family. Named after one of the world’s largest springs, Mammoth Spring (the spring) is known for its trout fishing.

Founded in 1883, a strategy to grow the town was created. So, the town was promoted to Memphis investors as a site for manufacturing operations, which would create industry, money, and new residents. During this time, Napoleon Hill, a Memphis millionaire, built an upscale resort hotel in Mammoth Spring. His hotel, The Nettleton, is said to have rivaled any hotel in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. It operated from 1899 to 1932, when the hotel was sadly destroyed by a fire and never rebuilt.

Since the town borders Missouri, they get a lot of traffic from travelers. While it is hard to miss the Arkansas Welcome Center and Mammoth Spring State Park, it is easy to miss the great things to do in town if you do not plan a day or weekend trip to stay and play. Listed below are some of Mammoth Spring’s most notable and family friendly reactional activities that are worth experiencing. While visiting these places and exploring Mammoth Spring, do not forget to go into town and enjoy their local dining options, shop the antique stores and boutiques, and take amazing family pictures (or selfies) in this nature-filled town.

Arkansas Welcome Center

Located at Mammoth Spring State Park, the Welcome Center is a great place to stop for brochures and information on places all over the state of Arkansas! They have a little gift shop inside if you need to pick something up on your visit. If you have your Arkansas Historic Preservation Program passport, you can get it stamped at the Welcome Center.

After browsing the Welcome Center, do not forget to take your journey outside to Mammoth Spring State Park.

Mammoth Spring State Park

Mammoth Spring is a National Natural Landmark, as it is the world’s 10th largest spring. The spring has nine million gallons of water that flow every hour. Mammoth Spring State Park consists of a 10-acre lake, remnants of a mill and hydroelectric plant, 1886 Frisco train depot and museum, walking trail, playground, picnic area, baseball field, Civil War cannon, Arkansas Welcome Center, and gift shop.

The 1886 Frisco Depot Museum is the oldest railroad station in the state and open to the public. Inside the museum, you’ll be transported back to the early 1900s, where custom-sculpted lifelike figures portray train passengers, crew, and depot crew. Located next to the museum is a Frisco caboose that is also open for tours.

Both the Mammoth Spring Dam and Lake and the Kansas City, Fort Scott, and Memphis Railroad Depot is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Not only can you get a stamp for your State Park passport but also your Arkansas Historic Preservation Program passport at the Welcome Center.

Mammoth Spring National Fish Hatchery

Established in 1903, Mammoth Spring NFS is one of the oldest National Fish Hatcheries in the country. They raise aquatic species for both conservation and recreation purposes. The Mammoth Spring National Fish Hatchery was built in this location due to the availability of the cool flowing water from Mammoth Spring. The hatchery offers an Aquatic Conservation Center and Aquarium for visitors to enjoy. Regular outreach events are offered for educational purposes.

The Spring River

If you are an outdoorsy person, then you will love Spring River! Since the river is fed by Mammoth Spring, it is a popular destination year-round due to its dependability. You can float, canoe, and/or kayak on the cold river that attracts people every year to camp, fish, swim, and play. There are several campgrounds and outfitters on the river that provide put-in/out service and transportation back to your vehicle. Stay the weekend and camp on the campgrounds, make new friends, party or keep your trip family friendly. In the right places, the river can offer swimming. But get proper guidance and information before getting out on the water, because Spring River has strong currents and can cause serious accidents if not careful.

Walnut Valley Farms

Walnut Valley Farms provides a unique farm experience to everyone who visits. They are a small family farm that specializes in pastured lamb. The family revitalized a 100-year-old farm that now hosts Spring Lamb Days and Christmas on the Farm, where you can hold baby lambs, get your picture taken with them, and shop local vendors. The farm is also available as a venue for events. Be sure to contact them if you want to learn more about sheep farming!

Jim Hinkle/Spring River State Fish Hatchery

The Jim Hinkle State Fish Hatchery produces more than 1 million rainbow trout every year. The trout are distributed in the Spring River, Blanchard Spring, Bull Shoals and Greers Ferry tailwaters, South Arkansas trout waters, and the Family and Community Fishing Program’s seasonal trout ponds. They are open for tours and host a kids fishing derby every year.

Have you ever visited Mammoth Spring or camped on the Spring River? Tell us about your trip!

Exploring Cave City As A Family

June 7, 2024

World famous for their watermelons, Cave City is a very unique town filled with friendly people and lots of fun. The town is located along Hwy 167 and gets a lot of traffic coming and going from Missouri. Despite being on a main highway that runs through the state, Cave City retains its small town charm. People who are constantly on the move will easily miss the charming aspects if they do not slow down and take the time to enjoy themselves.

History of Cave City

Cave City was established around 1890 when brothers John William Laman and James Andrew Laman moved to the area. Upon moving to the area, both were determined to create a new town. After building their homes and a few businesses, they encouraged other merchants to relocate to their town. The brothers began platting the land and donated parcels of land for churches and a school. Many families moved to the area in 1891 when their first school opened. In 1892, the nearest post office was physically moved to the town. Since then, the city has grown into one of the most famous small towns in Arkansas.

Known for having the sweetest melons in the state (although everyone says the “world”), Cave City is a town of less than 2,000 people. It was named after a large cave underneath part of the town. Before the township of Cave City, the cave was owned by the Horn family and known as Horn’s Cave. It was later purchased by Dr. G.T. Laman. In the 1930s, Hubert Carpenter purchased the cave and worked with C.P. Matlock to develop the grounds above it and add cabins, creating Cave Courts. Carpenter created a museum with the Indian relics he retrieved from the cave, which is maintained in the entrance hall. Cave Courts (aka Crystal River Cave Camp) is known as the oldest motor court in Arkansas.

The cave was not the only thing that attracted people to visit the town. Cave City has a long history of hosting revivals. These events were known as “meetings.” Whether it was a union meeting, tent meeting, or other meeting, it was where at least two churches would come together to have a revival at the same time and place. One of the town’s most notable revival was the holiness camp meeting that was held by the Nazarene Church every year.

This little town now offers a locally owned grocery store, shopping, dining, and attractions. What more could people need? How about a cave, the world’s sweetest watermelons, and a local ministerial alliance that hosts a revival every year?

Hometown Cooking

Cave City does not disappoint in having little restaurants that offer home cooked meals. Buttercup’s Kitchen makes every customer feel like they are walking into their family dinner. Bailey’s Family Restaurant relocated from Melbourne and offers a more modern dining option for the family without sacrificing a friendly welcome and warm atmosphere. Also, no trip to or through the town is complete without stopping by The Ozark Kitchen for homemade fried pies by the sweetest Mennonite twins!

Recreation

Cave City’s charm is not limited by the amount of recreational activities. Their city park offers a fishing pond, amphitheater for both small and large events, playgrounds, basketball and tennis court, horseshoe pit, walking trail, pavilions, and plenty of land to run and play! In town, there is a 90,000 gallon pool and splash pad that the town has offered since 1972. Just in front of their Welcome sign is the newest addition – a Veteran Memorial Park.

The city is currently working on a pocket park and green acres area, which will give the family more places to play, picnic, and host events.

Crystal River Cave

Crystal River Cave is named after Crystal River, the underground river that is located in the multi-room cave of which the beginning and ending has never been determined. During Cave City’s beginnings, the school’s drinking water was supplied by the cave. Many families even used it as a “town refrigerator,” storing their dairy and produce in the cave to keep them from spoiling.

Only open during the non-rainy season (~ fall months), Crystal River Cave offers limited tours due to it being managed only by the family. An older couple own the cave and require assistance during peak season. When they have enough assistance, the cave is open for special events like the Watermelon Festival. Keep a watch on their Facebook for tour information and be sure to call them for tour dates.

Antique Shopping

Whether you’re passing through or visiting for a while, don’t forget to stop by Red Door Antiques. This little store is located in an old garden nursery and is host to a cat that likes to lounge on a blanket on the couch after greeting you at the door. You’ll find antiques, new items, handmade items, clothes, and more inside this flea market.

Cave City Watermelon Festival

Every year, the town of Cave City celebrates their watermelon growers by having a Watermelon Festival. This three-day event is held at the end of watermelon season in July. No matter how hot it is outside or if it’s raining, people from all over the country come to town to enjoy the festivities and load their vehicle down with the world’s sweetest melons. This free festival hosts watermelon games, watermelon tasting, vendors, food trucks, concerts and more. You can find all the information on their website.

Even in its beginnings, Cave City has been known for their summer event. The earliest reference to their Fourth of July Picnic is in a Sharp County Record newspaper article that dates the picnic tradition starting in 1893. While the picnic brought large crowds from all over the country, it was not until 1980 that the tradition changed to the annual Watermelon Festival. Every year, the festival grows, adding more vendors, events, and attractions. People from all over the world are said to enjoy the festival. Since 1938, a Melon Grower’s Association has been organized for Independence and Sharp counties. So, watermelons have been a part of Cave City almost since the town’s establishment!

If you find yourself passing through Cave City, do not forget to stop to enjoy some of these charming aspects. You just might find yourself in the same position as people from other states – fall in love and move!

Our goal is to be the best version of Cave City that we can be, and everything we do is focused on that.

– Jonas Anderson, Mayor

What do you love most about this charming town?

Fitzhugh Park and Fitzhugh Cemetery in Batesville, Arkansas

7+ Historic Places To Visit In Batesville

May 30, 2024

Batesville is the second oldest municipality in Arkansas. The city’s recorded history can be traced back to 1804, but its history is probably much older. Due to Batesville’s unique location next to the White River and Polk Bayou, the area was an important port on the river. The port resulted in the area playing a role in settling the Ozark Mountain region.

A settlement around the port was quickly established by James Woodson Bates, and businesses were built to supply the needs of the people traveling by water. As the settlement grew, a post office was established in 1820. The land around the port was surveyed and named Batesville, after Mr. Bates who was also Arkansas’s first territorial delegate to the Congress of the United States.

By 1821, the city was partially laid out. A bill of assurance was recorded the next year along with laying out the town’s plat. Batesville soon became the county seat and the location of the county court. It did not take long for thousands of pioneers to make the trek across the state on the Southwest Trail, a major emigration route during this time, and settle in the city, causing it to grow even more. So, in 1836, Governor Conway incorporated the state’s first academy – Batesville Academy.

Even though Batesville was growing and seemingly thriving, the 1830s saw very sad days in Arkansas. In the early 1830s, the area experienced the Choctaw removal along the Trail of Tears. Both the Southwest Trail and Trail of Tears are a part of Batesville’s history. Their historical significance is so great that they are a part of the Arkansas Heritage Trails System.

Years later, the Civil War began, and Batesville became a strategic location for troops due to its river port. The city served as the headquarters for both the Confederacy and the Union. When the troops moved through the area during the second phase of the Pea Ridge Campaign, the city experienced no damage. Other areas experienced destruction from the troops and war, so Batesville was extremely lucky. As a result, Batesville’s residential architecture provides examples from every decade since the 1840s. In addition, the Victorian era brought many new styles of homes to the area. The remaining Victorian homes form Batesville’s historic downtown district, with the Maxfield-Garrott House being the oldest. Many buildings and homes in the historic district are on the National Register of Historic Places. Some owners have even rennovated to create an Airbnb in a portion of their historic home.

For more than 70 years, river transportation was a vital part of the region. In the early 1900s, the federal government began erecting lock-and-dams along the river. However, the railroad era was in full swing, and the completion of the railroad ended the steamboat era. By the time the railroad had been constructed through Batesville, only 3 of the planned 10 lock-and-dams had been constructed. The most prominent of the three is Lock and Dam No. 1, which resides along Riverside Park and The River restaurant.

Rich in history, much of the city’s history still stands. A lot of Batesville’s original residential and commercial properties have been restored, which make up the downtown area. Below is a list to get you started on a tour downtown, but is certainly not comprehensive, as Batesville’s history is so vast. For example, did you know that Batesville had its own minor league baseball team from 1940 to 1941?

Charles L. Thompson’s architecture

Charles Louis Thompson (1868-1959) was one of the most known architects in Arkansas. His firm designed thousands of buildings, of which many are still standing today. His company’s work was very versatile, encompassing a wide range of structure types from small and functional to grand and luxurious. Batesville contains four of his buildings that are on the National Register of Historic Places – Adler house (1915), St. Paul’s Parish Church (1916), Mitchell house (1917), and the Dowdy Building (1918).

Historic District

East Main Street and East College Street are lined with original Victorian homes that are on the National Register of Historic Places. Historical markers can be found on East College Street that give information dating back to the Civil War. Downtown Main Street is the Commercial District, which contains original businesses that have been restored or are still being restored. One business, Landers Theater (1906, Gem Opera House), has since been converted to a church.

Batesville Confederate Monument

Located on Main Street, this limestone monument stands 20 feet tall. In 1907, the monument was placed on the Courthouse lawn by the United Daughters of the Confederacy.

Independence County Courthouse

Located on the same plot as Batesville’s Confederate Monument is the Independence County Courthouse. It has previously been the site of three county courthouses. The first was built in 1857, but was destroyed by a fire in the 1880s. A Gothic style structure replaced the burned courthouse. In 1940, an Art Deco style building was constructed with a marble exterior. The last construction remains as a grand building on Main Street.

Old Independence Regional Museum

The National Guard Armory was built in 1936 with Gothic Revival and Art Deco architectural features. After the National Guard vacated the facility in 1976, it sat vacant until 1998 when it was donated and turned into the Old Independence Regional Museum. They are open to the public Tuesday-Saturday 9am-5pm. The museum has a unique gift shop, offers a lot of events, and is the place to go if you want to know any kind of local and/or statewide history, as they preserve every bit of history as possible.

First Presbyterian Church

Completed in 1849, this structure is known as the original Arkansas College. Although, history goes back a little farther because it was initially constructed as an academy for children in 1853 by the Presbyterian Church. In 1871, a high school was added, and a college was added the next year. In 1954, Arkansas College moved to a new location and later changed its name to Lyon College. First Presbyterian Church still owns the property and remains an active church and congregation.

Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church

Not only is Bethel AME the oldest church in Batesville, but it is also the home of the first black congregation in the city. The church and its congregation are still active.

In the past decade, Bethel loaned their church kitchen to Batesville’s soup kitchen, Our Father’s Table, when they were first being formed. Our Father’s Table’s kitchen ministry began out of Bethel’s kitchen and they have since grown into a different facility and their own office space.

Which of these places is your favorite architecture or history?