See Arkansas First: Romantic Weekend in the Ozarks
Chateau Aux Arc, Altus
When couples need some time alone, many escape to the Ozark Mountains in northwest Arkansas. The year-round scenic beauty, breathtaking drives and variety of things to do in the Ozarks make it the perfect location to enjoy each other’s company on romantic getaways in the South.
On the way:
Heading west from Mountain Home, stop at Raimondo Family Winery. The small farm winery operates a tasting room at Blue Lady Resort daily at 3 p.m. It also offers 100 percent virgin olive oil and barrel-aged balsamic vinegar. Coming from the south on I-40, many couples enjoy a stop in Arkansas Wine Country. As the oldest wine-producing state in the South, fourth and fifth generations of the Post and Wiederkehr families, plus others, create Arkansas Wine Country near Altus. They offer tours and tastings daily.
Where to stay:
In Fayetteville, enjoy the unique Inn at Carnall Hall, located on the campus of the University of Arkansas. The completely restored 1906 building is now a first-class inn featuring 50 guest rooms and is the perfect retreat for romantic getaways in the South. Ella’s Restaurant in the Inn uses locally grown produce and fish flown in daily. During summer 2011, Ella’s launched its signature series of wines produced by Raimondo Family Winery.
If you prefer to get back to nature and enjoy some sightseeing in Arkansas, just north of Rogers, enjoy Beaver Lake cabins or camping. In spring, visitors can enjoy a pleasant drive along hillsides quilted with beautiful redbud, serviceberry and dogwood blossoms. Then between the sheer enjoyment of summer and the peaceful solitude of winter, visitors can hike along several nature trails and watch the autumn foliage ignite into fiery displays.
Things to do in the Ozarks:
Dickson Street, Fayetteville, AR
The Dickson Street Entertainment District in Fayetteville is an eclectic area located near the University of Arkansas campus. This colorful, entertaining street is filled with bistros, restaurants, clubs, galleries and stores. Weekends often include street entertainment or festivals.
The Walton Arts Center is known as Arkansas's premier venue for the performing arts and entertainment, featuring a full season of week-long Broadway shows, a jazz series, kids and family programming, dance, music and theatrical performances.
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville combines the power of art with the beauty of nature. Founded in 2005 by the Walton Family Foundation, Crystal Bridges has a growing collection of art comprised of American paintings and sculptures from the Colonial period through the modern era.
Thorncrown Chapel in Eureka Springs was designed by Arkansas native E. Fay Jones, a nationally honored and recognized architect. The chapel soars skyward from an Ozark woodland. Extensive use of glass and wood beams makes nature an integral part of the structure. Non-denominational services are offered.
