This was our second day of our “Wild, Wacky Adventure” in Arkansas and Oklahoma. I knew that travel from point A to point B would be easy if I followed the interstate, but that would be too easy. Instead, we opted go the long way from Petit Jean State Park in Morrilton to Fayetteville, AR via Scenic Byway 7 through Jasper and head through Eureka Springs, make a quick detour in Missouri, and then head south to Fayetteville.

Scenic Highway 7

When we left Petit Jean, we went out the back way through Dardanelle and Russellville to get to Hwy 7. This north-south highway was first state designated scenic highway and I could see why. First it twists and turns and goes up and down a lot. We stopped at one of the first rest stops in Arkansas. The wives of Rotary Club members, fondly called Rotary Anns, got the restroom built in the 1930’s.  It’s not a typical rest stop, but a stone structure and picnic tables, which was kept very nice. Yes – there were restrooms too and our first view of the Boston mountains. Signs detailed the history of the road, the rest stop and the mountains.

Arkansas Grand Canyon

Before we got to Jasper, we stopped at the famous Cliff House Inn & Restaurant. Nestled in the side of the mountain, we had a view of the Arkansas Little Grand Canyon. Not a canyon in the sense of rocks, but more of a canyon of green trees. An outdoor deck with hanging baskets of flowers offered more views.

Buffalo River

Setting out, we drove to Pruitt’s Landing along the Buffalo River. Now, the best way to see the Buffalo is on it – via a float trip. We investigated it, but didn’t have the 4-6 hours due to our itinerary. We also looked into horseback riding, but again ditched the idea due to scheduling. As we crossed the Buffalo, it looked neat but I couldn’t get a good picture. We drove back over and lo and behold there was the landing tucked behind trees, complete with parking lot, restrooms, etc. We got out and took a few pictures. Similar to being at the base of Cedar Falls at Petit Jean State Park, the canyon walls made me feel so small. The water was a turquoise blue. I wanted to hang here for a while, but we had places to go.

The drive to Harrison wasn’t as fun because there was a slow pickup truck in front of us. He didn’t care that there were 7 cars stacked behind him, he wasn’t going to pull over for anything or anybody. As we got to Harrison the traffic increased and Siri was telling me to change lanes quite frequently. Now were at the northern end of the state – heading due west to Eureka Springs.

Eureka Springs

Eureka Springs – Well. How to describe it? For me, the fun was the journey there. I had gotten spoiled with less traffic and nature where this was more man-made beauty. We drove to the Passion Play – very man-made. Then back to the tourist center. They gave us a map where we could drive around. For whatever reason, I felt claustrophobic here. It’s similar to Hot Springs, AR and Gatlinburg, TN where the town is nestled into the mountains.

After parking downtown, which resembled a western town from the 1880’s, we looked for several of the springs. It was easy to get lost and there are  60 springs in the town. We got a bit lost and kept passing by motorcycle riders who smoked  – a lot. My daughter freaked out – mainly because these motorcycle people had lots of tattoos and bandannas. Just picture a town of a hundred Axl Rose look-a likes – not freaky for this child of the 1980’s with big hair heavy metal bands, but a little disconcerting for her.

We drove to the edge of downtown where the Victorian style bed and breakfast places popped up. We stopped at two different grottos and could appreciate the springs.

I told my daughter, I’m sorry this isn’t such a great place for you.” She said, “You shouldn’t be sorry. The town should be sorry for itself.” She couldn’t get over how there was scenery and well-tended parks and yet everybody outside was smoking. Shouldn’t these people be healthier?

We also drove up to the Crescent Hotel. Built in 1886, the hotel has an interesting past. At one time, it was the Crescent College and later the Baker Hospital, which had a nefarious past. The lovely grounds host weddings, 72 renovated hotel rooms and a spa.

I originally had plans to do some sort of sightseeing tour and maybe having dinner in Eureka Springs, but after our circle tour, we were ready to get out of Dodge. As we continued west, we took a 3-mile side trip on Hwy 37 to the Missouri state line near Seligman. Why? I had taken my other daughter to St. Louis and this one wanted to say she had been to Missouri too.

Back on the highway, the view was still very scenic, but we were getting tired. Soon, we hit Rogers, the airport and real civilization. That night, we had reservations in Springdale, AR at the Inn at the Mill by Ascend Collection. Where the previous night had been rustic, this was plush with a king size bed, large bathroom and sitting area. We were just in time for the happy hour and hors d’oeuvres which gave us a second wind to drive the 6 or so miles to check out the University of Arkansas.

Click to read about Day 1 in Petit Jean State Park and Day 3 in Bentonville.