DISCOVER

MAKE YOURSELF AT HOME

Life

Images courtesy of Explore Branson and Eureka Springs Advertising & Promotions | Illustration by Will Echols

Discover Branson & The Ozarks From Eureka Springs and Harrison to Branson, Missouri, the Ozarks offer some of the best sights, tastes, and experiences of the region

A Special At Home in Arkansas Promotion

Visitors explore shops and galleries in downtown Eureka Springs.

Sugar Leaf Treats Need to refill your tank during a full day of exploring Branson? Duck into this quaint café in the Grand Village Shops for a meal or snack. From soups and salads to cobbler and muffins, the menu has something to satisfy every craving. sugarleaftreats.com

The Butterfly Palace & Rainforest Adventure Nature lovers of all ages will enjoy this Branson destination that offers the opportunity to see hundreds of butterflies—and other rainforest critters, like lizards and turtles—up close. Be sure to start your visit early in the day, as the insects tend to turn in for bed around 4 p.m. thebutterflypalace.com

Central Ozarks Farmers & Artisans Market This Harrison farmers market makes its return to the downtown square on April 18, where you’ll find local vendors’ fresh produce, honey, nuts, eggs, and other handmade goodies on Wednesday and Saturday mornings throughout the summer. facebook.com/COFAMHarrisonAR

Crescent Hotel No trip to Eureka Springs is complete without a visit to its historic haunted hotel. Even those who are not overnight guests are invited to take part in the landmark’s ghost tours, book spa services, or dine in one of its two restaurants: The Crystal Dining Room and SkyBar Gourmet Pizza. crescent-hotel.com

Ermilio’s Italian Restaurant From authentic Italian dishes (including homemade meatballs and chicken Parmesan) to decadent desserts and a charming atmosphere, this cozy Eureka Springs restaurant is perfect for date nights and intimate special occasions. ermilios.com

Keels Creek Winery For a boutique winery experience, visit Keels Creek in Eureka Springs, which produces red and white wines from grapes harvested on its own eight acres as well as other local vineyards. The tasting room is open daily. keelscreek.com

Neighbor’s Mill Bakery & Café Since opening 20 years ago, this familyowned bakery has become a staple in Harrison for its fresh-baked breads, sandwiches, and soups. While there are now franchise locations in Rogers and Springfield, Missouri, the flagship location is worth a visit to see the centuryold gristmill that serves as home to the restaurant. neighborsmill.com

The Titanic Museum With an exterior constructed as a smallscale replica of the famed ship, the Titanic Museum offers visitors a look into the life and history behind the voyage and the ship’s crew and passengers. Plan ahead to book a murder mystery for a group of 25 or more, or take your little ones on a nighttime flashlight tour during select dates during July. titanicbranson.com

Thorncrown Chapel Designed by renowned Arkansas architect E. Fay Jones, this chapel in Eureka Springs won the American Institute of Architects’ Design of the Year Award in 1981. One visit to the gorgeous structure, which features 425 windows, and you’ll see why. thorncrown.com

Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge Park While the Eureka Springs park serves primarily as a refuge for abandoned or abused big cats, it’s open daily to the public for tours and educational resources about the animals. The park’s annual fundraiser, Cats at the Castle, is April 18 at Castle Rogue’s Manor. turpentinecreek.org

EXPLORE THE STATE

THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHTTIME March 27-April 19 // Little Rock Arkansas Repertory Theatre presents this Tony Awardwinning play based on the novel by the same name. therep.org

ARKANSAS DERBY April 11 // Hot Springs The racing season at Oaklawn Park culminates with the Arkansas Derby. The first race starts at 12:30 p.m. oaklawn.com

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF April 14-19 // Fayetteville Walton Arts Center presents this beloved musical known for favorite tunes like “Tradition” and “Matchmaker, Matchmaker.” waltonartscenter.org

SIX BRIDGES BOOK FESTIVAL April 23-26 // Little Rock Previously called the Arkansas Literary Festival, this four-day event features award-winning authors, comedians, chefs, poets, and more. cals.org/six-bridgesbook-festival

THE GALLERY ON GARRISON April 25 // Fort Smith Celebrate opening night of a new gallery downtown with the owner’s exhibition, “Lipstick and Grit.” thegalleryongarrison.com

BENTONVILLE FILM FESTIVAL April 29-May 2 // Bentonville Co-founded by actress Geena Davis and Inclusion Companies CEO Trevor Drinkwater, this film festival focuses on representing diverse voices in entertainment and media. bentonvillefilm.org