The Ozark Mountains, with their beautiful forested hills and winding rivers, create a charming setting for some of the region’s most darling small towns. Eureka Springs’ artsy, colorful downtown and historic Basin Park Hotel give it a whimsical atmosphere that feels unlike anywhere else in the Ozarks. Hermann, set along the Missouri River Valley, is home to historic wineries like Hermannhof Winery, which highlights the town’s long German winemaking heritage. And Mountain View, with its live folk music and traditional crafts at the Ozark Folk Center State Park, is another star destination.
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Historic downtown of Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Image credit Rachael Martin via Shutterstock
Eureka Springs, a charming gem in the Ozarks, warmly welcomes visitors with its whimsical charm. This vibrant Arkansas town is a hub of artistic expression and community spirit, nestled among breathtaking mountains. It’s easy to see why—packed with outdoor adventures and beautiful viewpoints along Lake Leatherwood City Park, this city offers a ‘eureka!’ moment at every turn! The historic Basin Park Hotel, loved since 1905, features a delightful mix of shops and galleries that showcase local artists. Plus, the stunning Thorncrown Chapel is a true masterpiece of architecture, reflecting Eureka Springs’ innovative spirit. With its perfect blend of natural beauty and creative energy, Eureka Springs invites everyone to discover its wonderful surprises and inspiring atmosphere.
Hermann, Missouri
A winery in Hermann, Missouri. Image credit: Ted Engler via Flickr.com.
Located in the beautiful rolling hills of the Missouri River Valley, Hermann, Missouri, is a charming spot surrounded by lush vineyards and breathtaking views that have welcomed visitors for centuries. This historic village, with its deep German roots, is lovingly nicknamed the “Napa Valley of the Midwest” thanks to its famous wineries and wine-making tradition dating all the way back to the 1800s. One lovely example among over 100 wineries is Hermannhof Winery, which has been honing its craft since 1852, offering welcoming tastings and guided tours that share the region’s rich winemaking story. The Deutschheim State Historic Site, home to two beautifully restored houses that showcase 19th-century life’s simplicity, offers even more glimpses into Hermann’s German heritage. Life in Hermann moves at a gentle pace, and the welcoming, old-world spirit of hospitality makes this quaint town a truly special place — a charming destination that continues to delight visitors to this small Ozark community.
Mountain View, Arkansas
Folk Music Capital of the World, Mountain View, Arkansas. Editorial credit: Travel Bug / Shutterstock.com
In Mountain View, the luxurious Ozark landscape surrounds a town that embraces its heritage warmly. The nearby Blanchard Springs Caverns, a captivating natural wonder, invite explorers to discover its expansive underground chambers, which feature towering stalactites and stalagmites, delicate flowstones, and sparkling streams that shimmer in gentle light. As visitors wander through the caverns’ winding passages, they may encounter hidden pools, ancient formations, and even rare underground plants. Skilled artisans and folk musicians can be found crafting traditional goods and performing heritage music amidst the peaceful beauty of the Ozark Folk Center State Park. Tourists can also gain deeper insights into Mountain View’s history at the Stone County Courthouse, built in 1922, which serves as a center for community events and local government. Visitors to Mountain View will experience the pure beauty of the Ozarks within the spirit of a tight-knit community.
Branson, Missouri
The Branson Scenic Railway train in Branson, Missouri. Image credit Rosemarie Mosteller via Shutterstock
Where the Ozark Mountains meet the sky, a shimmering hidden gem named Branson, Missouri stands out as a treasured destination for those seeking an authentic American experience. Branson is home to several landmarks, quite literally the biggest being Table Rock Lake, a massive reservoir hailed as a beloved spot for aquatic adventures, its shining waters inviting all to revel in its loveliness. At Table Rock Lake, vacationers can enjoy boating, swimming, and fishing. Another popular family attraction in Branson is Silver Dollar City, a renowned theme park where large numbers of travelers are whisked away on a journey through Ozark-themed attractions, plenty of live entertainment, and artisanal demonstrations. For a glimpse into the past, The Titanic Museum stands as a poignant tribute, with its half-scale replica of the iconic ship offering an immersive encounter equal parts educational and captivating. A charming community full of activity amidst the breathtaking scenery and miles of trails and waterways, Branson is the perfect base camp for an unforgettable adventure.
Camden, Arkansas
Camden, Arkansas, the Historic Ouachita County Courthouse. Image credit Roberto Galan via Shutterstock
With the Ouachita Mountains providing a dramatic backdrop for outdoor enjoyment, Camden, Arkansas, and its surrounding area contains a lush ecosystem surrounded by a fascinating past evidenced by the many well-preserved homes and museums the town has on display. The White Oak Lake State Park, which includes many areas along the Ouachita Mountains, remains a haven for nature enthusiasts, inviting exploration of its diverse landscapes with plenty of opportunities for fishing, birdwatching, and hiking. Stepping into the historic McCollum-Chidester House, visitors enjoy the grandeur of an antiquated era, gaining insight into the lives of a prominent 19th-century family. A reminder of the South’s complex past, Fort Southerland Park displays interpretive exhibits and guided tours that bring the Civil War era to life. As a result, Camden offers an enriching adventure, a distinctive pristine ambiance shaped by the town’s welcoming nature and the enduring legacy of its storied past.
Hardy, Arkansas
A tree swing over a river in Hardy, Arkansas.
The Spring River flows through the town of Hardy, Arkansas, nourishing its creative spirit and infusing its surroundings with a sense of both serene reverence and excitement for adventure. This 57-mile-long river flows through the states of Arkansas and Missouri, with the South Fork of the Spring River making its way through the area. As the river winds its way through the green landscape, it invites those to discover its allure, from canoeing and kayaking to trout fishing and beyond. Hardy’s artistic heart beats strong on Main Street, where local crafts, antiques, and gifts reflect the city’s artistic community throughout its variety of boutique shops. Nearby, the Old Hardy Town Jail, dating back to the early 1900s, serves as a small but significant piece of its past, its weathered walls echoing stories long past. Adventurers can also explore the Hardy History Museum, browse the shelves at the quaint Library Park Bookstore, or take in a show at the historic Ritz Theater. A true treasure of the Ozarks, Hardy combines artistic flair, thriving beauty, and historic significance all waiting to be discovered.
Russellville, Arkansas
CaptioThe scenic Davies Bridge in Petit Jean State Park near Russellville, Arkansas.
The majestic Lake Dardanelle reservoir reigns supreme in Russellville, Arkansas, its waters teeming with glittering fish. Russellville’s blue skies are likewise speckled with birds, and the town offers endless exploration opportunities for nature lovers and travelers seeking a relaxing retreat. With the Arkansas River winding its way gently through the landscape, it sets the stage for a charming district that seamlessly blends lasting legacy with reverence for the elegant nature that abounds in this beloved region. Downtown Russellville pulsates with warm energy, its local shops, mouthwatering restaurants, and historic Missouri-Pacific Railroad Depot—now a thriving community center—showcasing the town’s renowned hospitality. The Old Post Road Recreation Area stands as a poignant reminder of the area’s significant past, its roots in the Trail of Tears route inviting contemplation, reflection, and respect for the lives lost during this tragic event. In Russellville, visitors discover a home away from home, where a welcoming spirit is always abundant.
The Ozarks leave a lasting impression, with their warmth and heritage lingering long after you leave. Eureka Springs, famous for its historic Basin Park Hotel, and Hermann, known for its centuries-old winemaking traditions, showcase this region’s respect for its natural and historical legacy while embracing the future. Like a skilled storyteller, each place weaves a story that strikes a chord—filled with scenic beauty, cultural richness, and entrepreneurial spirit. The region’s timeless charm is enhanced by the unique character of each small town—a mix of history and modern life that makes these destinations both familiar and pleasantly surprising.
New Arkansas gymnastics coach Chris Brooks announced Monday the hiring of Zan Jones to complete his first staff, as well as the promotion of assistants Kyla Ross and Catelyn Branson.
Brooks succeeded his wife, Jordyn Wieber, on April 28 after Wieber stepped down.
Jones joins the Razorback after two seasons as an assistant coach at Texas Woman’s University in Denton, Texas. The Pioneers won back-to-back Women’s Collegiate Gymnastics National Invitational Championship titles in 2025 and 2026 with Jones on staff. He has been named a Women’s Collegiate Gymnastics Association Division II assistant coach of the year three times, including this spring.
Jones also earned Midwest Independent Conference assistant coach of the year in both of his seasons at Texas Woman’s.
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Jones served as the Pioneers’ primary vault and uneven bars coach, and the team set a program record of 49.35 on the bars in March.
An Alabama alumnus, Jones served as a student manager for the Crimson Tide gymnastics team. He served a year at Talladega (Ala.) College in its inaugural season of gymnastics and spent time as a recreational and team coach at Trussville (Ala.) Academy of Gymnastics.
Brooks also promoted both Ross and Branson to the title of associate head coach. Ross, a former UCLA gymnast and Olympic gold medalist as part of Team USA in 2012, started at Arkansas as a volunteer assistant in 2022. Ross helped Arkansas produce program records on the balance beam in back-to-back years before taking over the vault squad, which set a program high 49.675 in 2026.
The Razorbacks ranked as high as No. 2 on the vault last season and were never lower than No. 7. Senior transfer Morgan Price landed the first 10 in school history on the vault in February.
Branson returned to the Arkansas staff ahead of the 2025 season, helping lead the floor squad. In that time, Branson has led the Gymbacks to two of their top five best floor scores ever and Arkansas has been ranked as high as No. 2 in the country on floor in the last two seasons. In 2026, over 60% of the team’s scores on floor were 9.85 or better.
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Branson served as Lindenwood’s head coach from 2022-24, where she was named 2024 Women’s Collegiate Gymnastics Association South Central Region Coach of the Year and the Midwest Independent Conference Coach of the Year. She led the Lions to their second consecutive and fifth overall USAG national championship and seventh MIC title in 2024.
Branson had a prior stint at Arkansas from 2020 to 2022, in which time the Gymbacks ranked as high as third on beam and second on floor.
Tom Murphy
tmurphy@wholehogsports.com
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Tom Murphy is a sports reporter for WholeHogSports. A graduate of Louisiana Tech University, he is a member of the Football Writers Association of America and voter for the Heisman Trophy and AP Top 25 football poll. He was voted the 2017 Arkansas Sportswriter of the Year.
LITTLE ROCK, AR (KATV) — Faces of Arkansas, an ongoing series that highlights Arkansans each month, has selected Harold Jones, a 4th generation owner of Jones Bar-B-Q Diner in Marianna.
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced the series’ newest feature Monday, June 1.
Each featured Arkansan receives a written profile, portrait photograph, and a short video as part of the installment.
Just before you approach the historical establishment, you will see a white sign with nostalgic black lettering that reads: “Jones’ Bar-B-Q Diner — Jones’ Family Business Since 1910.”
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The sign is a longtime landmark, that introduces you to where many consider the best barbeque destination in the South.
Good food, coupled with familiar faces has stood the test time at the widely acclaimed diner.
The current diner location first opened in 1964 on Louisiana Street. However, traces of its existence stretch back earlier than 1910.
Despite operating in the segregated South under Jim Crow, the establishment remained upbeat. Harold makes preparations to serve the community on a consistent, timely basis.
“12. I get up at 12,” said Harold. “Come down here and set everything up. Put the meat in the warmer there. Then come 7:00, open the doors up. Do that every day.”
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Nationally, the diner has gained widespread acclaim. But here in the Natural State, it garners praise from customers of all backgrounds.
“I just try to take care of whoever come in that door,” he said. “You think about what you do for folks. You think about what folks do for you. So, you know, it’s a whole lot.” That may be the real secret behind Jones’ lasting more than a century. Not the smoker. Not the sauce. Not even the recipe. It’s the feeling people leave with after walking through those doors — the feeling that, for a little while, they belonged there.
Jones Bar-B-Q Diner was recognized as the first food destination in the state to receive the James Beard Award, followed by the foundation’s America’s Classics Award in 2012.
LAWRENCE, Kan. – No. 14 Arkansas (41-22) defeated Northeastern (39-22) 10-9 to escape the losers bracket and advance to the NCAA Lawrence Regional final, but ultimately saw its season end against No. 13 Kansas (45-16), the No. 15 national seed and regional host, with a 13-10 loss Sunday evening at Hoglund Ballpark.
The Hogs conclude the 2026 campaign with a 41-22 overall record, their SEC-best ninth consecutive 40-win season. Arkansas is one of two teams nationally (Southern Miss – 10) to accomplish the feat in nine or more consecutive years.
Despite the offense scoring 20 runs over two games on the day, the Razorback pitching staff struggled to post zeroes. Arkansas survived a late surge by Northeastern to pull out a win in Sunday’s elimination game and punch its ticket to the regional final, where it jumped out to a five-run lead over Kansas before allowing eight unanswered runs in its loss.
Between the two games, Arkansas belted eight home runs, including a pair of long balls by Reese Robinett in the win against Northeastern as well as a pair of homers by Ryder Helfrick in the finale against Kansas. Zack Stewart belted his 14th home run of the season against the Huskies before connecting on his 15th against the Jayhawks later in the day.
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With his 15th homer of the year, Stewart became the fourth Razorback player with 15 or more home runs this season, joining Camden Kozeal (20), Helfrick (18) and TJ Pompey (15). Before 2026, Arkansas had never accomplished the feat.
Nolan Souza and Maika Niu also homered Sunday. Souza matched his career high with five RBI, including a two-run blast, against Northeastern, while Niu had career high-matching four hits, including a solo shot, and four RBI against Kansas. As a team, the Razorbacks finished the campaign with 105 home runs, good for fifth most in a season in program history.
Five Razorbacks – Helfrick, Robinett, Souza, Niu and Hunter Dietz, who struck out a career-high 14 batters in Saturday’s loss against Kansas – were named to the Lawrence Regional All-Tournament Team. Arkansas lost a road regional for the first time since 2014 at Virginia after winning its previous two road regionals at Oklahoma State in 2015 and 2022.
For complete coverage of Arkansas baseball, follow the Hogs on Twitter (@RazorbackBSB), Instagram (@RazorbackBSB) and Facebook (Arkansas Razorback Baseball).
