Taking time off from work to create memories with those you love is important, but not always easy. From planning to packing to hitting the road, getting away can feel like a daunting task.

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Jerry

wants to help you escape for the weekend—that’s why we’ve created this list of weekend getaways in Arkansas.

From canoe rides down the Mississippi River to reliving history with the Arkansas Civil Rights Tour, these are the best weekend getaways in the charming state of Arkansas.

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The best weekend getaways for couples in Arkansas

Eureka Springs

Stay at:

Livingston Junction Caboose

(rooms from $107/night)

Or:

Arsenic and Old Lace

(rooms from $215/night)

Eureka Springs is a small town nestled in Northwest Arkansas. Couples looking to unwind and relax should visit the spa at the

Crescent Hotel

. The Victorian resort is also notoriously famous for being one of the most haunted places in the country (book a ghost tour for extra spooks!).

Not into ghosts but still looking for a one-of-a-kind experience with your partner? Check out

Judge Roy Bean’s Old Time Photos

where you can dress in period costumes. From there, grab a pick-me-up at

Eureka Springs Coffee House

as you make your way toward lunch at one of Eureka Springs's many eateries, like

Cafe Amore

Walk off your Italian feast by exploring the local downtown shops or visit Thorncrown Chapel for the perfect scenic view. If you’re looking for a more outdoorsy experience, try flying through the lush greenery at

Ozark Mountain Ziplines

After a day of fun, celebrate with a happy hour drink at

The Rockin’ Pig Saloon

before grabbing a romantic dinner at Le Stick Nouveau. In the mood for something a little more hearty? Try

Gaskins Steakhouse

—the joint is a local favorite. Finish your romantic weekend getaway with a visit to

The Great Passion Play

, voted “America’s #1 Attended Outdoor Drama.”

Prim

Stay at:

Longbow Resort

(from $175/night)

Or:

Wildfire Bed & Breakfast On the Square

(from $109/night, located nearby in Mountain View)

Prim is for those couples looking to immerse themselves in nature and enjoy a weekend of seclusion. A small community in Cleburne County, Prim is a destination spot.

Longbow Resort is known as Arkansas’ “Garden of Eden” and was described as an “enchanted paradise” by Southern Living. The remote cabin getaway is situated between Greers Ferry Lake and Mountain View, so you can hop in your car and drive to town quickly.

When you and your partner are ready to leave your nook, check out

The Ozark Folk Center

. The state park is geared toward those interested in learning about the rich cultural history of the region. You’ll meet basket weavers, blacksmiths, knife makers, and potters when you explore the craft village.

Be sure to grab some delectable Southern food at Smoke House or

Skillet Restaurant

. And before you head back to the woods, soothe your ears with some local music at the Ozark Folk Center auditorium.

Pro tip Book your weekend getaway in advance—Longbow Resort cabins are known for filling up fast!

The best weekend getaways for families in Arkansas

Hot Springs

Stay at:

Long Island Lake Resort

(rooms from $129/night)

Or:

The Arlington Hotel Resort & Spa

(rooms from $179/night)

One of Arkansas’ go-to getaway destinations,

Hot Springs

is the perfect place to explore with the family. Take a hike through Hot Springs National Park (one of the nation’s smallest national parks) or enjoy an afternoon of water sports at Lake Ouachita State Park.

Wanting to keep things simple?

Magic Springs Theme and Water Park

has everything in one place. Whether your kids love roller coasters or water slides, the theme park is a must.

Feeding multiple mouths in Hot Springs is no problem. Grab BBQ at

McClard’s

, or dip your way into

Bubba’s Catfish and Seafood

for a mouthwatering experience, or visit

The Purple Cow

for burgers and hand-dipped purple vanilla milkshakes. Before calling it a night, treat yourself and your family to some candy at the local candy shop, Rocket Fizz, or see a live show at

The Pocket Community Theatre

Parents, in need of some relaxation? Soak in a warm bath or splurge on a spa treatment at

Buckstaff Bathhouse Company

Paris

Stay at:

The Lodge at Mount Magazine

(rooms from $170/night)

Or:

The Farmstead Bed & Breakfast

(contact for accommodation)

Can’t afford a family trip to France? Rest assured, Paris, Arkansas has its very own Eiffel Tower! This quaint town is located at the base of Mount Magazine, which means there are loads of opportunities to spend quality time with the kids outdoors.

Visit the Cove Lake Recreation Area to cool off in the waters of Cove Lake or take a stroll through the past at the Paris-Logan Coal Miner’s Memorial. In need of more nature? Mount Magazine State Park is home to the tallest mountain in Arkansas! The scenic views are not to miss.

Be sure to plan around the Saturday morning farmer’s market for local treats, or one of the town’s special events, like the

Springtime in Paris Festival

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The best weekend getaway for music lovers in Arkansas

Helena

Stay at:

Edwardian Inn

(rooms from $124/night)

Or:

Best Western Inn

(rooms from $90/night)

Home to blues radio show King Biscuit Time, Helena is a paradise for blue enthusiasts. King Biscuit Time has been on the air since 1941, and the

King Biscuit Blues Festival

(held annually every October) is worth planning your weekend getaway around. Set aside time to stop in at Bubba's Blues Corner. The music shop is owned by local legend Bubba, who is known for sharing blue stories with music fanatics.

The Delta Cultural Center is also a great way to learn about music history. “Delta Sounds Exhibit” is a permanent exhibit at the center, which frequently hosts musicians in its Radio Studio. After the blues get you, have the best fried chicken in town at August Moon.

When you visit, make sure to venture down the

Mississippi River on a canoe

! You won’t regret wading in the water in a handmade Quapaw canoe.

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The best weekend getaway for foodies in Arkansas

Jasper

Stay at:

Ozarks Bluff Dwellers Cabins

(rooms from $175/night)

Or:

Beckham Creek Cave Lodge

(contact for accommodation, ideal for big groups and those who love to splurge)

A weekend getaway in Jasper is sure to satisfy all your cravings. Located near the Buffalo National River, Jasper caters to foodies who love to take a break from eating by hitting the water.

Start your day at Sharon K’s Cafe for a filling breakfast. Take a stroll through the town’s center for local oddities and antiques before heading to

Ozark Cafe

(we recommend trying the chocolate gravy!) or Low Gap Cafe for lunch. After you enjoy a burger and milkshake, head to the river to rent a boat and ease into the late afternoon.

Finish off your night with dinner and postcard views at Cliff House Inn. A warm, home-cooked meal is a nice treat at the end of a foodie-filled weekend.

For the foodies willing to go the extra mile: We suggest marking off an afternoon for James Beard Award winner

Jones Bar-B-Q Diner

. Located in Mariana, Arkansas, Jones Bar-B-Q Diner is about a four-hour drive from Jasper or a two-hour drive from Little Rock.

The best outdoor weekend getaways in Arkansas

Buffalo National River

Stay at:

Victory Ranch Cabin

(cabins from $120/night )

Or:

Starlight Cabin in the Ozark Mountains

(cabins from $110/night)

The Buffalo River is made for outdoor enthusiasts who desire 151 ways (miles!) to have fun. Buffalo River Outfitters can suggest river trips or

multi-day float trips

if you’re struggling to decide on an activity. They also offer canoe rentals, should you need to leave yours at home.

Not interested in getting wet? Take a hike along Lost Valley Trail, which ends at

Eden Falls Cave

. (Spoiler alert: a waterfall awaits your arrival!) Guided tours are also offered by the National Park Service.

If you’re interested in exploring all parts of the Buffalo River (Upper Buffalo, Middle Buffalo, and Lower Buffalo), be sure not to miss the elk roaming in Boxley Valley or

mountain biking

the Buffalo River Trails.

The Ouachita Mountains

Stay at:

Sassafras Inn

(rooms from at $150/night)

Or:

Mena Mountaintop Cabins

(cabins from at $145/night)

Running east to west, rather than north to south like most mountain ranges, the Ouachita Mountains are an outdoor (scenic) haven. The Ouachita National Forest spans 1.8 million acres, providing nature lovers with a plentitude of options.

Whether you want to fish in the Ouachita and Little Missouri River, boat in Lake Greeson or Lake DeGray, camp in the Ouachita National Forest, or mountain bike the Iron Mountain trail system, the choices are endless.

Those interested in truly experiencing the Ouachita Mountains should hike the 223-mile Ouachita National Recreation Trail. If 223 miles is too much, we suggest the

Lake Ouachita Vista Trail (LOViT)

or Eagle Rock Loop.

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The best weekend getaways for history buffs in Arkansas

Little Rock

Stay at:

The Empress of Little Rock

(rooms from $194/night)

Or:

The Burgundy Hotel

(rooms from $146/night)

Sitting on the banks of the Arkansas River,

Little Rock

is the state’s largest city and a hub for cultural enthusiasts and history buffs.

Interested in reliving history? Book a spot on the Arkansas Civil Rights History Tour, where you’ll have the opportunity to visit more than 35 sites that educate you on the struggle for ethnic and racial equality in Arkansas. Black history is further explored at the

Mosaic Templars Cultural Center

and

EMOBA

History buffs should also visit the Clinton Presidential Center, which is home to the Presidential Library and Museum;

Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site

Historic Arkansas Museum

Old State House Museum

Mount Holly Cemetery

, and MacArthur Museum of Military History.

Arkansas culture is best experienced at the

Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts

and the

ESSE Purse Museum

. Be sure to set aside time to visit Little Rock Visitor's Center at

Curran Hall

, where you can learn more about Little Rock

Bentonville

Stay at:

21C Museum Hotel

(rooms from $310/night)

Or:

The Victoria Bed & Breakfast

(rooms from $199/night)

Resting at the foot of the Ozark Mountains,

Bentonville

is the perfect weekend destination for history fanatics who love art.

When in Bentonville, check out

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

, which the Walton Family Foundation founded in 2005. The permanent collection features five centuries of American masterworks that include pieces from the Colonial era to the present day. Eyes watering for more art? Visit the contemporary art museum and cultural civic center

21c Museum and Hotel

Other must-sees include the

Walmart Museum

and the

Museum of Native American History

, which is home to one of the most extensive artifact collections in the south.

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The best cheap weekend getaways in Arkansas

Van Buren

Stay at:

Hampton Inn

(rooms from $94/night)

Or:

Best Western Van Buren Inn

(rooms from $86/night)

Hugging the Oklahoma border,

Van Buren

is one of the best Arkansas towns to visit if you’re looking to save money.

Indulge in a day of free outdoor activities at the Van Buren Municipal Park. The park features running trails and opportunities to monkey around on two different playgrounds. Take the kids to the indoor amusement center Wheels in Motion for an afternoon of roller skating or sit back and relax at Malco Cinema.

Grab some southern eats at Smoky B’s BBQ before catching a show at the King Opera House or visiting the historic house museum, Drennen-Scott House.

Fayetteville

Stay at:

Super 8 by Wyndham Fayetteville

(rooms from $66/night)

Or:

Days Inn by Wyndham Fayetteville

(rooms from $84/night)

Hailed as the entertainment capital of Northwest, Arkansas,

Fayetteville

provides all the fun without breaking the bank.

Take a trip to the famed Dickinson Street, where there is a plethora of local and regional entertainment. We suggest visiting the oldest and longest-running live-music venue in Arkansas,

George’s Majestic Lounge

. Grab a burger and beer at Smitty’s Garage, or visit Nomad’s, which boasts having over 5000 mimosa flavors every year.

Nature connoisseurs will love Fayetteville’s trail system, which includes 100 miles of cheap fun. Check out the

40-mile Northwest Arkansas Razorback Regional Greenway

too, or visit Devil’s Den State Park, Kessler Mountain Regional Park, Millsaps Mountain, and Sequoyah Mountain for hiking or mountain biking.

Pro Tip Download the free
Fayetteville Visitor's Guide
to get the scoop on local events and happenings.

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Why you need good car insurance

Whether it’s your first weekend getaway or your tenth, insurance super app

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Arkansas

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The best part? Jerry users save an average of $887 a year on car insurance. With savings like that, a weekend getaway in Arkansas just got a lot more affordable!

“When using
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