Hardy, AR, which grew from a railroad construction camp in 1884, has retained its quaint turn-of-the-century appearance along Main Street. In fact, Hardy's central downtown area is on the National Register of Historic Places and hasn't changed much since Model-T days. New growth and attractions have located at the edges of town, leaving a tiny mecca for craft and antique shopping in the heart of town. The little town of Hardy, AR boasts three museums, summer musical shows, bed and breakfast inns and several festivals each year. Cherokee Village, the state's first resort/retirement settlement, is just southwest of town, offering lake activities and two championship golf courses.
The Spring River, which is fed by Mammoth Spring and is ideal for trout fishing and reliable year-round floating, is also near Hardy, Arkansas.