Arkansas

9 Best Small Towns In Arkansas For A Crowd-Free Summer

Published

4 weeks ago

August 16, 2026

9 Best Small Towns In Arkansas For A Crowd-Free Summer

Arkansas is known for its Ozark hills and natural hot springs. Its small towns carry that same easygoing spirit, with riverside kayak parks and historic downtowns full of live music. Some fill the town square with musicians almost every night. Others stay quiet with scenic trails and slow summer afternoons. The following is a list of the eight best small towns in Arkansas for a crowd-free summer.

Heber Springs

Heber Springs, Arkansas. Editorial Photo Credit: Valis55, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons.

Heber Springs is a popular outdoor recreation hub in central Arkansas that enjoys a population of less than 10,000 residents. Its beaches and hidden adventures are well worth the drive and invite visitors to immerse themselves in the scenic stops in Heber Springs. Sandy Beach on Greers Ferry Lake is a city park with wide open water views. Its swim beach is perfect for building sandcastles or taking a long walk along the shoreline. The Dam Site Recreation Area would serve as the perfect midday stop to enjoy a picnic while enjoying the views of the Greers Ferry Dam. The Dam’s impressive stature is complemented by its surrounding lake and greenery, with additional cliff-diving destinations for the more daring visitor. Downtown Heber Springs has many great shops and eats, such as Angie’s Hideaway, which has a wide selection of comfort foods, such as fried green tomatoes and freshly brewed iced tea. Heber Springs is a premier destination for adventurous sightseers looking to explore daring water activities and the more relaxing beach visits alike.

Siloam Springs

Siloam Springs is a small town with an active community of fewer than 20,000 residents. Enjoy City Lake Park’s scenic walking trails or its popular fishing spots to reel in a record-breaking catch. The park also draws birdwatchers and cyclists to the trails that wind around the water. The City of Siloam Springs Kayak Park acts as a natural oasis that offers kayak-friendly rapids, swimming, picnic areas, and so much more. This local favorite encourages guests to sightsee from a new angle as they navigate the rapids in a solo adventure. Main Street Siloam Springs has many quirky shops to explore, such as 2 Gals Junk, which is a vintage store that houses antiques and collectibles, including fiestaware and other obscure trinkets that would make the perfect souvenir of the trip. Siloam Springs’ town of leisurely aquatic activities, perfect for escaping the summer heat, and eclectic window shopping invites visitors to indulge in its slower-paced lifestyle while immersing themselves in the rich greenery and riverside views that surround them.

Batesville

Batesville is widely known as the oldest existing city in Arkansas and draws racing fans as the hometown of NASCAR legend Mark Martin and the home of Batesville Motor Speedway. Batesville Motor Speedway is a dirt track that hosts weekly races through the warm season, and it is one of the Arkansas tracks where a young Mark Martin raced. Its fans enjoy the high-speed racing and electric atmosphere as onlookers root for their favorite drivers. The Batesville Historic District is a well-preserved 19th-century downtown that is home to one of the oldest Main Streets in Arkansas. Main Street is a unique shopping district that has historic homes, antique stores, clothing boutiques, such as Main Attire, and much more. Kennedy Park is noted as being a summer must with its picnic areas, playground under grove trees, and its clear sand bars perfect for sensory-seeking little ones. Batesville’s welcoming community invites visitors to explore its adrenaline-raising races and historical architecture while taking a stop in this lesser-known, yet wildly entertaining, small town.

Mountain View

Mountain View is noted as the “Folk Music Capital of the World” and has outstanding live performances in areas such as its Downtown Square. The Downtown Square has live bluegrass and folk music almost nightly. Its lively atmosphere makes for the perfect summer night of drinking and dancing. The Stone Drive-in Theatre is a family-friendly venue that offers affordable snacks and a retro-styled viewing experience. This lovingly preserved drive-in theatre exudes the homely values of Mountain View’s warm community. The Ozark Folk Center State Park is the art center of Mountain View with its local artisan demonstrations of sculpting, cultural exhibits, and many crafts. This unique artistic experience also has live music from local talented musicians and dining in the Skillet Restaurant. Whether you’re drawn in by its culture, live folk music, or the welcoming spirit of its community, Mountain View invites visitors to explore its truly unique charm and explore what makes it such a distinctly special small town.

Hot Springs

Hot Springs is known for the 47 hot springs protected within Hot Springs National Park. The Hot Springs National Park has vast nature trails shrouded in park trails with historic bathhouses to explore for a chance to let the worries of travel melt away. This relaxing natural experience encourages visitors to explore the natural water features that are truly unique to Hot Springs. Conversely, the thrill seekers in your group may enjoy the Magic Springs Theme & Water Park, where roller coasters meet water slides in an adrenaline-filled collision. Its affordable foods and constant entertainment make it the perfect stop for any family seeking to add some excitement to their itinerary. The Garvan Woodland Gardens center on the Anthony Chapel, a towering wood-and-glass structure, with natural waterfalls flowing under blooming trees and over moss-covered stones. Hot Springs’ soothing natural springs and exhilarating attractions offer something for every traveler to enjoy- experience the uniquely thrilling hidden side of Arkansas by planning a visit to this spirited small town.

Eureka Springs

Eureka Springs is known for its Historic Downtown and unique bohemian spirit. The Historic Downtown of Eureka Springs is composed of well-preserved Victorian streets, art galleries, and retail shops. The many art pieces scattered around the downtown create a unique treasure hunt that leads you further into its lively streets. The Thorncrown Chapel is a glass church set in the woods. This striking piece of architecture often serves as a wedding venue and is open for daily visitation. The Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway Depot features many historic railway exhibits along with scenic lunch and dinner trains that allow visitors to explore Eureka Springs in a stylish manner. Eureka Springs’ lovingly preserved historic streets and quiet chapel welcome visitors to wander, discover, and enjoy its unforgettable charm.

Russellville

Russellville is located in the Arkansas River Valley and is a hub for outdoor recreation. Lake Dardanelle State Park has a fishing pier, nature trails, and boating ramps to allow for a day in the water or to explore its natural wildlife of wood ducks and white-tailed deer. This park also has beautiful views of the Arkansas River, perfect for enjoying a summer sunset. Downtown Russellville acts as a cultural hub for the community with its local restaurants, such as The Old Bank, and murals that decorate this perfectly walkable historic district. The Old Bank’s brick oven pizzas make for a family-pleasing feast after a long day of sightseeing. The Museum of Geosciences at Arkansas Tech University has a wide variety of exhibits that include fossils, regional geology, and minerals to explore its local geological interests. Russellville’s scenic aquatic features and walkable downtown make it the perfect mix of outdoor and historical experiences for those wishing to delve into the lesser-known parts of the region.

Blytheville

Blytheville’s massive steel production and deep roots in blues music make it a unique cultural hub. The Delta Gateway Museum details the rich cotton and agricultural history of Blytheville with its many rotating exhibits. Its exhibits also cover the impact that the Air Force Base and steel industry had on the region, sharing some of Blytheville’s most impactful history. The Blytheville Air Force Base Heritage Museum continues this spread of historical knowledge with its many aviation exhibits and by being on Eaker Air Force Base, a former base in the town. For the ultimate wind-down game of golf, visitors are encouraged to visit the Thunder Bayou Golf Links, where leisure and great service reign supreme. The beautiful greens make for the perfect summer sunset while enjoying the company of your party. Blytheville’s aviation history, coupled with its focus on leisure, invites visitors to explore its charm as a small town with under 15,000 residents.

The True Charm of These Towns

Whether you’re drawn to scenic outdoor recreation or exploring local heritages, these small Arkansas towns offer distinct ways to experience a rich summer vacation. Eureka Springs’ quiet charm invites visitors to a welcoming downtown and outstanding architecture while enjoying a town of fewer than 5,000 residents. The simple pleasure of Mountain View’s Stone Drive-in Theatre and folk music creates long-lasting memories filled with rich stories set at a slow pace. The lasting allure of these small towns highlights the duality of Arkansas’ thrills and relaxation, offering truly special opportunities to step outside of one’s routine travel destinations to enjoy the season in a new way.

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Arkansas

Arkansas falls to No. 20 Utah in gruesome 43-10 loss

Published

4 hours ago

September 14, 2026

Press Room

Arkansas falls to No. 20 Utah in gruesome 43-10 loss

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Devon Dampier threw for two touchdowns and ran for two more, Wayshawn Parker added three scores and No. 20 Utah overpowered Arkansas 43-10 on Saturday night.

Utah’s first play from scrimmage showed how befuddling it can be to stop. Dampier took the snap and passed it backward to backup quarterback Byrd Ficklin, who then threw it across the field to Parker for a 36-yard gain.

“If you could describe this offense in one word it would be fun,” Dampier said with a smile. “It stresses the defense a lot just trying to guard all that we do.”

Parker rushed for two touchdowns and caught a pass for a third score in the first half to give Utah (2-0) a 29-3 lead at halftime. It was the seventh time in last eight games where the Utes scored at least 20 points before halftime.

“We try and be as efficient as possible. Creativity’s part of that,” Utah coach Morgan Scalley said. “If all of a sudden it doesn’t work, then it’s like, ‘Oh, you were too cute’. But it worked, so hooray for us!”

The Razorbacks (1-1) capped their first drive with Max Gilbert’s 29-yard field goal to take a brief lead but never advanced past Utah’s 30 again until the fourth quarter.

“One loss will not define us … but we were clearly not good enough tonight in all three phases,” Arkansas Coach Ryan Silverfield said. “Everybody is to blame as every person in this locker room didn’t do well enough.”

Dampier was 18 for 24 for 261 yards and Noah Bennee had four catches for a career-best 113 yards in the Utes’ second home game against an SEC team. Utah beat Florida 24-11 in 2023.

In the second quarter, Bennee’s brother, Jackson Bennee, intercepted an overthrown screen pass leading to Dampier’s 7-yard touchdown run. Mana Carvalho turned a surprise direct snap into a 2-point conversion and the Utes rolled from there, scoring touchdowns on four straight possessions.

Dampier eclipsed 6,000 yards passing for his career, including his two years at New Mexico.

The Razorbacks haven’t defeated an FBS opponent since they beat Texas Tech 39-26 in the Liberty Bowl on December 27, 2024.

Batting balls

Playing man-to-man coverage most of the game, Utah’s defense had 13 pass breakups. That’s the highest mark since 1998 for the Utes and pleased Scalley, a former safety at Utah. “We’re going to continue to be aggressive. The batting the ball down at the line of scrimmage is very deflating to a quarterback,” the coach said.

Brothers living the dream

Noah Bennee, a one-time walk-on at Utah, transferred back after playing for Weber State to join his brother. “We’re having so much fun. Honestly, it’s a it’s a dream come true being able to be back here playing,” Bennee said.

The takeaway

Arkansas: Silverfield’s second game at Arkansas showed how far the Razorbacks have to go to be competitive on the Power Four level. KJ Jackson completed 14 of 34 passes and had trouble moving the ball without the support of an effective run game (61 rushing yards). Though game was out of reach, AJ Hill showed some promise, converting two fourth downs on the way to the Razorbacks’ lone touchdown.

Utah: With misdirection and creative play calls on nearly every down, the Utes had the Razorbacks guessing all game long. At times, Arkansas players seemed to be in the right position but just couldn’t rein in Utah’s quick and shifty skill players. Utah improved to 3-0 in the Scalley era and none of them have been close (an average margin of victory of 35.7 points).

Up next

Arkansas: Hosts No. 2 Georgia next Saturday.

Utah: Hosts Utah State next Saturday in their 114th meeting.

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Arkansas

Arkansas Mother Navigates End of Her Postpartum WIC Benefits

Published

14 hours ago

September 13, 2026

Press Room

Arkansas Mother Navigates End of Her Postpartum WIC Benefits

LITTLE ROCK, (Ark.) KATV — For Arkansas mother Maddi Lewis, WIC has been an important part of making sure her family has enough nutritious food each month.

But now, six months after giving birth, Lewis is reaching the end of her postpartum eligibility for the program — and she’s worried about how her family will afford some of the food and formula WIC has helped cover.

“That cuts out stuff that my son eats and I eat, so it’s kind of like I have to prepare in the next two weeks on what groceries I’m going to be able to buy next month based off of what WIC’s helping me with,” Lewis said.

Lewis said she wishes the program could work more closely with families to account for the individual needs of growing children.

She said that has been especially challenging with formula for her 6-month-old son. Lewis said WIC recently reduced the amount of formula she receives from 10 cans to seven, even though her son continues to rely heavily on formula.

“It’s just with the formula, they expect your child to be, I guess, off that formula sooner,” Lewis said. “He’s eating a lot right now, and they lowered it to seven cans instead of 10.”

Lewis said formula can cost about $30 for a small can, adding another expense as she prepares to lose the assistance.

Lewis did not use WIC with her first child but said she has seen the benefits the program can provide for her family.

Still, she wishes assistance could cover some of the other expenses that come with raising young children.

Lewis currently has two children in diapers and said the cost can quickly add up.

“It’d be nice if they threw in like one medium box of diapers, one medium box of wipes a month,” she said. “That helps so much because diapers are the biggest box is about $60 to $70. That’s a lot, and I have two in diapers right now, so it’s extra a lot.”

While families like Lewis’ face the rising costs of caring for young children, WIC officials say some Arkansas families may not realize they qualify for the program.

Taylor Baughman, a WIC clinic service team lead, said the program’s income guidelines are set at 185% of the federal poverty level and are updated annually.

“If they’ve tried to qualify for the WIC program before and they didn’t, to not count themselves out,” Baughman said. “They may now qualify. We do want them to check back in with us since those guidelines are updated annually.”

Baughman said WIC food packages are designed to support children during critical stages of growth and development.

“So, infancy and childhood, they are critical times of growth and development, and we want to be able to offer, you know, nutritious things like iron-rich foods and healthy fats that play a role in brain development, and WIC can help with that,” Baughman said.

For Lewis, WIC has provided support during an important time for her family. But as her postpartum eligibility comes to an end, she is preparing for the additional cost of feeding and caring for her children without that assistance.

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Arkansas

Georgia Football vs. Arkansas: Game Time, TV Channel, How to Watch Online, Odds for Week 3 game (Sept. 19, 2026)

Published

1 day ago

September 13, 2026

Press Room

Georgia Football vs. Arkansas: Game Time, TV Channel, How to Watch Online, Odds for Week 3 game (Sept. 19, 2026)

The No. 2 Georgia Bulldogs football team takes on Arkansas in a Week 3 college football game. Below you can find information on the game time, TV channel, odds and how to watch the game online.

Georgia football beat Western Kentucky 70-20 in the final game for UGA before SEC play begins. Arkansas lost at No. 20 Utah 49-14. This is Georgia football’s first road game of the year.

“I’m worried about is how the hell are we going to play on the road next week,” Georgia Football coach Kirby Smart said of the Dawgs traveling to Fayetteville.

Georgia football-Arkansas: Game time for Week 3 game

The Georgia football-Arkansas game is set for a 12:00 p.m. ET start on Saturday.

Georgia football-Arkansas: TV Channel for Week 3 game

The Georgia football-Arkansas game will be broadcast on ABC.

Georgia football-Arkansas: How to watch online, stream for Week 3 game

The Georgia football-Arkansas game will be streamed using the WatchESPN app. Click here to watch the game.

Georgia football-Arkansas: Odds, point spread, over/under for Week 3 game

According to FanDuel, Georgia is a 24.5-point favorite against Arkansas. The over/under for the game is 53.5

The Dawgs are 2-0 against the spread this season.

Last time out: Georgia football-Western Kentucky

No. 2 Georgia football looked different Saturday afternoon Between the Hedges at Sanford Stadium, dressed in all white for the first time ever, but the result was like so many games that have preceded it. Behind another strong outing from quarterback Gunner Stockton and the Georgia defense, the Bulldogs drilled Western Kentucky, 70-20.

Stockton, who was 15 of 16 passing with three touchdowns in last week’s opener against Tennessee State, completed 13 of 16 attempts against the Hilltoppers. He threw for 234 yards and tied a program record with five passing touchdowns. As a team, the Dawgs (2-0) had 493 yards of offense while holding Western Kentucky (0-2) to 225.

Georgia Football coach Kirby Smart said of the game: “I was proud of the guys. Started fast and have to keep improving. That was the theme of the week. I did think that we got to improve in a lot of areas. Then we had some guys finish the game kind of sloppy that showed they weren’t quite ready.”

Odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

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