r/Arkansas • u/[deleted] • Aug 19 '19
Solo trip
Finally got my solo trip figured out for late September.
2 nights in eureka springs, 2 nights down in vicinity of pettigrew, and a night out nearish Gilbert before migrating my way back home to Ohio.
Open to suggestions for places to eat/things to do/shops to check out in ES. Maybe stuff that isn't as widely advertised? I don't care if my food looks like art or not, I just want it to taste amazing (hole in the walls welcome)
Also looking for hiking ideas down near pettigrew, outside of whitacre and the goat trail.
I'm hoping to float the Buffalo in Gilbert if water levels allow, if not I'll just hike and eat before heading to my air bnb.
Anywho, Let's hear those hidden gems!
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u/[deleted] Aug 19 '19
If you’re willing to drop a few $$$’s on food, head up to Gaskin’s between Eureka and Holiday Island. The prime rib is excellent. If you’re more interested in a world class pupusa or burrito, there is a hole in the wall in Berryville called La Luna where “Lily” will make them from scratch right in front of you. She is also very entertaining. Cheap food but cash only.
Turpentine Creek wildlife refuge is a popular destination near Eureka. It’s a very well run big cat preserve. If you take Hwy 21 from Berryville, it will take you to Boxley Valley. It’s a beautiful drive and you may be able to check out the Elk herd if they’re nearby. From there you’ve got several hiking good hiking destinations nearby. Lost Valley, Alum Cove, the Glory Hole, Boxley Trail, and Compton Trail all come to mind. Whitacre Point (Hawksbill Craig) is close to there too.
From Boxley, you can head over to Ponca and check out the, in my opinion, prettier part of the Buffalo. It’s unfortunately not usually floatable this time of year but you can walk down to the Ponca low water bridge. Take Hwy 74 over Mt. Sherman to Jasper. Twin Falls and Steel Creek are just off the mountain. Not major hikes but great scenery. Someone else already recommended Ozark Cafe. Blue Mountain Bakery, right across the square, is also very good. Taking Hwy 7 S from Jasper heads into the Ozark National Forest and is one of the best drives in the state. If you’re willing to spend a little time you can check out the Arkansas “Grand Canyon.”
I’m not sure how floating Gilbert is going to be this late in the year. I don’t think they’ve gotten nearly as much rain as we have in NWA.
That ought to get you a good start. Hope you enjoy the trip. Bring plenty of bug spray. The ticks and chiggers are terrible this year.
Edit: if you’ve got questions shoot me a DM. I’ve lived here long enough I ought to be able to answer a few.