There are plenty of routes that provide breathtaking rides in the Ozark Mountains. For years, Ride Texas readers have returned to cruise Arkansas Highway 23. Just make your way to the town of Ozark and head due north to Eureka Springs. Hopefully, you’ll back off the throttle and enjoy every inch of this road as it constantly twists and turns through the national forest. There are numerous historic buildings around the courthouse square in Ozark, as well as a lovely bridge across the Arkansas River. The Pig Trail National Scenic Byway makes up the first part of AR 23. By doing some web searching, you might opt to reserve a remote cabin to be your base camp, as every road splitting off in any direction is just as beautiful. Eureka Springs is the quintessential Victorian town in Arkansas. You’ll find numerous shops, accommodation options, and restaurants that serve everything from modern Southern cuisine to casual lake-fresh fish to inventive fine-dining dishes.
ALONG THE WAY
ALTUS
POST FAMILIE VINEYARDS
1700 St. Mary’s Mountain Rd.
800-275-8423
postfamilie.com
EUREKA SPRINGS
BASIN PARK HOTEL
Balcony Restaurant
and Bar
12 Spring St.
877-456-9679
basinpark.com
MYRTIE MAE’S RESTAURANT
207 W. Van Buren
479-253-9768
myrtiemaes.com
VISITOR INFORMATION
eurekaspringschamber.com
eurekasprings.com
OZARK
COURTHOUSE SQUARE
Several National Registry buildings
RIVERTOWNE BBQ
205 S. 3rd St.
479-667-1808
rivertownebbq.com
TOURISM INFORMATION CENTER
300 W. Commercial St.
ST. PAUL
BACKWOOD BBQ
4848 AR 16
479-325-1658
On The Road
Pit Stops
1. ALTUS HANDY MART
229 W. Park St., Altus
Grab a Bite
1. DEVITO’S RESTAURANT
5 Center St., Eureka Springs
479-253-0572
devitosrestaurant.com
2. GRANNY’S KITCHEN
215 N. Parrott Dr., Huntsville
479-738-2838
Stay the Night
1. CRESCENT HOTEL
Crystal Dining Room
75 Prospect Ave., Eureka Springs
855-725-5720
crescent-hotel.com
2. PALACE HOTEL
135 Spring St., Eureka Springs
866-946-0572
palacehotelbathhouse.com
Daytrip Diversions
1. ST. MARY’S CATHOLIC CHURCH
5118 St. Mary’s Ln., Altus
Only in Arkansas
1. ARKANSAS RIVER BRIDGE
S. on 7th St., Ozark
Beautifully designed 1931 bridge;
lighted at night
