Tucked away in an especially beautiful part of northern Arkansas on the border of Missouri, the city of Bella Vista is found amongst lakes, rivers, streams, and forests. One noteworthy attraction in Bella Vista is the Tanyard Creek Nature Trail, where you and the kids can swim in the water and traverse a swinging bridge. Accordingly, the Back 40 is another prominent scenic biking trail. Golfers can play a few rounds at the Highlands Golf Course or the Bella Vista Country Club. Restaurants are plentiful and include the upscale Hive and Petit Bistro, while more casual eateries are Casey’s, as well as Bubba’s Barbecue. That said, find your ideal Bella Vista vacation rental, and book a stay today. Check out the most breathtaking places in and around Bella Vista.
1. Gravette
Visit the Historical Museum in this little town, and learn a little about the area’s history. Locals love the prime ribs at Fire Station 29, the coffee at Grumpy’s Peace, Love & Coffee, the onion rings at the Hard Luck Cafe, and the Mexican show at El Bohemio Mexican Restaurant.
2. Garfield
This city is a draw for military buffs of all ages and is the home of the Pea Ridge National Military Park. The cannons in its yard are placed at the positions they held during the Civil War, and the visitor center has exhibits that summarize the battle. Travel to a hilltop to get a better view of the battlefield. As a reward for all those history lessons, treat yourself and the kids to ice cream at The Short Stop before retreating to your vacation rental for the evening.
3. Sulphur Springs
The Old Spanish Treasure Cave is the place to visit in this town. It gets its name because legend has it that some Spanish conquistadors buried their loot somewhere in the cave before they tried to go back to Spain. The treasure’s never been found, but you and your tour guide can look. Since the cave is 56 degrees year round, you might want to bring jackets. Afterward, relax at the Sulphur Springs City Park.
4. Bentonville
Bentonville is a large town that has lots of vacation rentals, including mansions with indoor pools and bedroom suites, homes within walking distance of shopping centers, or cozy cottages. After you’ve stowed your suitcases, check out at least one or two of the town’s museums. These include the Walmart Museum, the Museum of Native American History, and the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. The Amazeum is a cool children’s science museum, and 21c is an art museum.
5. Little Flock
Not Little Rock, Little Flock is a mid-sized town that’s the home of The Lost Springs Golf Course, so the golfers in your family might want to give it a try. Just outside the city limits, you’ll find the Rogers Municipal Airport. Consider townhouses or modest private homes for vacation rentals.
6. Rogers
Rogers is also the site of a system of caves, including the War Eagle Cavern. Nearby is the War Eagle Mill, where you can have a hearty, southern lunch and buy some gifts. The kids will love the Rogers Aquatic Center, and you can go hiking at the dog-friendly Hobbs State Park Conservation Area.
7. Centerton
Very close to Bentonville, Centerton is famous for its restaurants, including the French and fusion menu at Crepes Palette, the Mexican and Spanish fare at El Farolito, and the good, filling diner food at Jim’s Centerton Cafe. Vacation rentals include houses and chalets with their own docks on Beaver Lake.
8. Pea Ridge
If you love golf, you’ll love Pea Ridge’s Big Sugar Golf Club. The course is famous not only for the views you’ll have from the greens but from the way they’re laid out. At several elevations, they’re fairly challenging. After an afternoon of play, head for the clubhouse for their barbecue or go into town for Jims Razorback Pizza.
9. Osage Mills
Osage Mills is a little community that has a surprising number of listed historical places. They include the eponymous Osage Mills, which you’ll find on the Little Osage Creek and two farmsteads, both on Osage Mills Road. The Piercy Farmstead still has its farmhouse and outbuildings from 1909. The Rife Farmstead is unusual because the farmhouse is a bungalow, making it different from the other farmhouses in the area.
10. Cave Springs
Another northwest Arkansas golf course is the Creeks Golf in Cave Springs. Look out for specials that are offered in the spring. The kids will absolutely love touring the Asylum Haunted House and run around the playground at the Cave Springs City Park.
11. Springdale
Springdale is part of Arkansas’ burgeoning wine country, and you should take a trip to the Tontitown Winery or the Sassafras Springs Vineyard to sample the wines. Take the kids to the Arkansas & Missouri Railroad Museum and to the Shiloh Museum of Ozark History to learn about the Ozarks and the battles of the Civil war fought there. Attend the Rodeo of the Ozarks at Parsons Stadium. For grub, go to one or more of Springdale’s many restaurants, including Theo’s, which serves American fare. Head to Sassy’s Red House or Penguin Ed’s for barbecue.
12. Fayetteville
This big city has no shortage of vacation rentals, and you can choose from condos on quiet streets to Victorian mansions set among old trees, to townhouses and apartments. Kayak and canoe on Lake Fayetteville, visit the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks or shop or sightsee in the bustling downtown area. Go see the Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Stadium or Baum Stadium.