Table of Contents

Route: St. Louis to Eureka Springs and Back

Highlights: Ozark National Scenic Riverways, Blanchard Springs Caverns, Eureka Springs

Theme: Ozark Adventures

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Introduction

The Ozark Mountains, often called the "Ozarks," offer a stunning combination of rolling hills, lush forests, crystal-clear rivers, and charming small towns. This "Ozark Adventures" road trip takes you from the bustling city of St. Louis through the heart of the Ozark Mountains, ending in the picturesque town of Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Along the way, you'll explore breathtaking natural landscapes, mysterious caverns, and vibrant communities that are rich in history and culture. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast or simply seeking a peaceful retreat into nature, this road trip provides the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.

Personal Insights from William Stanek:
"The Ozarks have a unique charm that is both rugged and serene, with landscapes that invite exploration and discovery. Hui Cha and I have found that every turn in these mountains reveals something new - whether it's a hidden waterfall, a historic town, or a panoramic vista that takes your breath away. This road trip is designed to showcase the best of the Ozarks, from its natural wonders to its cultural gems. We hope you enjoy the journey as much as we have."

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Day 1: St. Louis to Ozark National Scenic Riverways

Morning: Departure from St. Louis

• Overview: Begin your journey in St. Louis, Missouri, the Gateway to the West. After breakfast, head southwest toward the Ozarks, with your first destination being the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, about 2.5 hours away. This scenic route takes you through rolling farmland and into the heart of the Ozark Mountains.
• Recommended Stops:
  • Route 66 State Park: Located just outside St. Louis, this park offers a glimpse into the history of the iconic Route 66 and provides a pleasant spot to stretch your legs before continuing your journey.
  • Meramec Caverns: A popular tourist attraction offering guided tours of stunning underground formations. The caverns are a great place to stop and explore the mysterious beauty of the Ozarks.

Lunch Stop: Salem

• Lunch Recommendations:
  1. The Ozark cafe: A local favorite offering classic American dishes with a friendly, small-town atmosphere.
  2. Aranda's Mexican Restaurant: Known for its hearty portions and flavorful dishes, perfect for a satisfying meal before heading into the heart of the Ozarks.
  3. Annie's Grill: A cozy spot offering burgers, sandwiches, and comfort food in a casual setting.

Afternoon: Explore Ozark National Scenic Riverways

• Overview: After lunch, continue your journey to Ozark National Scenic Riverways, the first national park area to protect a river system. This park is home to the Current and Jacks Fork rivers, which are ideal for canoeing, fishing, and swimming. The park also features numerous hiking trails, caves, and historic sites.
• Recommended Scenic Stops:
  • Alley Spring & Mill: A picturesque spot with a historic red mill and a clear blue spring, perfect for photography and a short walk.
  • Round Spring: Another beautiful spring with a deep, blue pool surrounded by lush greenery.
  • Cave Tours: If time permits, consider taking a guided tour of Round Spring Cave or Devil's Well, a unique underground lake.
• Photography Tips: "The Ozark National Scenic Riverways offer countless opportunities for capturing the beauty of water in motion - whether it's the still, reflective pools of the springs or the rushing waters of the rivers. Early morning or late afternoon light will enhance the colors of the water and surrounding foliage."

Evening: Enjoy a peaceful evening in one of the park's nearby towns, such as Eminence or Van Buren, where you can relax and enjoy the tranquility of the Ozarks.

• Dining Recommendations:
  1. Dos Rios Mexican Grill (Eminence): Offering a casual atmosphere with a variety of Mexican dishes and a welcoming staff.
  2. The Dairy Shack (Van Buren): A local favorite for burgers, fries, and milkshakes, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
  3. Winona Riverways cafe (Winona): A cozy spot offering comfort food and a taste of local hospitality.
• Accommodation Options:
  1. Echo Bluff State Park Lodge: A modern lodge offering comfortable accommodations surrounded by nature, with easy access to hiking trails and the Current River.
  2. The Landing  -  Current River (Van Buren): A riverside resort offering cabins and suites with beautiful views and outdoor activities.
  3. Shady Lane Cabins & Motel (Eminence): A charming and rustic option with cabins and rooms nestled in the woods, perfect for a cozy night's stay.

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Day 2: Ozark National Scenic Riverways to Mountain View

Morning: Scenic Drive to Mountain View

• Overview: After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Mountain View, Arkansas, a town known as the "Folk Music Capital of the World." This 3-hour drive takes you through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the Ozarks, with opportunities to stop and enjoy the scenery along the way.
• Recommended Stops:
  • Greer Spring: A short hike leads to one of the largest springs in the Ozarks, known for its crystal-clear water and serene surroundings.
  • Eleven Point River: A scenic river that offers excellent opportunities for canoeing or simply enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.

Lunch Stop: Mountain View

• Lunch Recommendations:
  1. Angler's White River Resort: Offering fresh fish and local favorites, with stunning views of the White River.
  2. PJ's Rainbow cafe: A beloved local spot serving hearty breakfasts and lunches with a side of Southern hospitality.
  3. Tommy's Famous Pizza: Known for its delicious pizzas and laid-back vibe, perfect for a casual and satisfying meal.

Afternoon: Explore Blanchard Springs Caverns

• Overview: After lunch, visit Blanchard Springs Caverns, one of the most spectacular cave systems in the country. The caverns are known for their stunning underground formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstones. Guided tours are available, offering a chance to explore the different levels of the caverns and learn about their geological history.
• What to Expect:
  • Dripstone Trail: A short, easy tour that showcases some of the most beautiful formations in the caverns, including the Giant Flowstone and the Crystal Forest.
  • Discovery Trail: A longer and more challenging tour that takes you deeper into the caverns, with steep slopes and stairs, but rewarding views of some of the most impressive formations.
  • Blanchard Springs Recreation Area: After exploring the caverns, spend some time at the nearby recreation area, where you can enjoy a hike, picnic, or swim in the clear waters of Blanchard Springs.
• Photography Tips: "The caverns offer a unique challenge for photographers - use a tripod and long exposure to capture the intricate details of the formations, and experiment with different angles to showcase the scale and beauty of the underground world."

Evening: Spend the evening in Mountain View, where you can enjoy live folk music, explore local shops, and dine on traditional Southern cuisine.

• Dining Recommendations:
  1. JoJo's Catfish Wharf: A local institution offering fresh catfish and Southern sides, with a beautiful riverside setting.
  2. Mikey's Smoked Meats & Deli: Known for its delicious smoked meats, sandwiches, and friendly service, perfect for a laid-back dinner.
  3. The Skillet Restaurant: Located at the Ozark Folk Center, offering Southern favorites and seasonal dishes in a rustic setting.
• Accommodation Options:
  1. Ozark Folk Center Cabins: Cozy cabins located within the Ozark Folk Center State Park, offering a convenient and comfortable stay.
  2. Wildflower Bed and Breakfast: A charming B&B located in downtown Mountain View, known for its comfortable rooms and delicious breakfasts.
  3. Pinewood Cabins: Rustic cabins located near Blanchard Springs, offering a peaceful retreat in the heart of the Ozarks.

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Day 3: Mountain View to Eureka Springs

Morning: Drive to Eureka Springs

• Overview: After breakfast, set out on a scenic drive to Eureka Springs, Arkansas, a charming town known for its Victorian architecture, vibrant arts scene, and healing springs. The 2.5-hour drive offers beautiful views of the Ozark Mountains and takes you through quaint towns and lush forests.
• Recommended Stops:
  • Buffalo National River: Take a detour to enjoy the stunning scenery of the Buffalo National River, with opportunities for hiking, kayaking, and wildlife viewing.
  • Kings River Overlook: A short hike leads to a breathtaking view of the Kings River and surrounding mountains, perfect for a photo stop.

Lunch Stop: Eureka Springs

• Lunch Recommendations:
  1. Local Flavor cafe: A popular spot offering eclectic American cuisine with a focus on fresh, local ingredients, served in a cozy and colorful setting.
  2. Mud Street cafe: Known for its hearty breakfasts and lunches, including homemade soups, salads, and sandwiches, served in a historic underground space.
  3. Nibbles Eatery: A charming cafe offering creative and delicious dishes, with a focus on vegetarian and vegan options.

Afternoon: Explore Eureka Springs

• Overview: Spend the afternoon exploring Eureka Springs, a town that has retained much of its 19th-century charm. The entire downtown area is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, with winding streets, beautiful Victorian homes, and unique shops and galleries.
• Recommended Scenic Stops:
  • Thorncrown Chapel: A stunning glass chapel set in the woods, known for its beautiful architecture and peaceful atmosphere.
  • Basin Spring Park: Located in the heart of downtown, this park is a great place to relax and enjoy the local atmosphere.
  • Crescent Hotel: Known as one of the most haunted hotels in America, the Crescent Hotel offers ghost tours and stunning views of the town and surrounding mountains.
• Photography Tips: "Eureka Springs is a photographer's dream - capture the intricate details of the Victorian architecture, the vibrant colors of the local gardens, and the natural beauty of the surrounding hills. Thorncrown Chapel is particularly photogenic, with its striking lines and the way it blends into the forest setting."

Evening: Enjoy a delightful evening in Eureka Springs, with options for fine dining, live music, and perhaps even a ghost tour.

• Dining Recommendations:
  1. Ermilio's Italian Home Cooking: A local favorite offering classic Italian dishes in a cozy, old-world setting.
  2. Grotto Wood-Fired Grill and Wine Cave: Known for its wood-fired steaks, seafood, and an extensive wine list, served in a unique, cave-like setting.
  3. The Grand Taverne: Located in the Grand Central Hotel, offering upscale dining with a focus on local ingredients and seasonal dishes.
• Accommodation Options:
  1. 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa: A historic and luxurious hotel known for its ghostly legends, elegant rooms, and stunning views.
  2. Basin Park Hotel: Located in the heart of downtown, this historic hotel offers comfortable accommodations and easy access to local attractions.
  3. Arsenic and Old Lace Bed & Breakfast: A charming B&B offering elegant rooms, beautiful gardens, and a peaceful setting close to downtown Eureka Springs.

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Day 4: Explore Eureka Springs and Return to St. Louis

Morning: Continue Exploring Eureka Springs

• Overview: Spend your final morning in Eureka Springs, exploring any sites you may have missed or revisiting your favorite spots. Consider taking a scenic tram tour of the town, visiting local art galleries, or exploring the surrounding natural beauty.
• Optional Activities:
  • Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge: A sanctuary for big cats and other wildlife, offering guided tours and up-close encounters with these majestic animals.
  • Lake Leatherwood: A beautiful lake surrounded by hiking and biking trails, perfect for a peaceful morning in nature.
  • Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway: Enjoy a scenic train ride through the Ozarks, with historic commentary and stunning views.

Lunch Stop: Eureka Springs

• Lunch Recommendations:
  1. Sweet-n-Savory cafe: A local gem offering homemade breakfast and lunch dishes, known for its friendly service and cozy atmosphere.
  2. Aquarius Taqueria: A vibrant spot offering fresh and flavorful Mexican dishes, perfect for a quick and delicious lunch.
  3. B-Side cafe: Located inside the Brews coffee shop, offering creative sandwiches, salads, and baked goods, with a focus on local ingredients.

Afternoon: Scenic Drive Back to St. Louis

• Overview: After lunch, begin your journey back to St. Louis, a 4-hour drive through the beautiful Ozark Mountains. Enjoy the scenic views along the way, and consider stopping at some of the charming small towns or scenic overlooks you may have missed on the way down.
• Recommended Stops:
  • Elephant Rocks State Park: A unique geological site featuring giant granite boulders that are over a billion years old, offering a fun and fascinating stop on your return journey.
  • Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park: A popular spot for swimming and hiking, with natural rock formations creating beautiful cascades and pools in the Black River.

Evening: Arrive back in St. Louis, where you can enjoy a final dinner and reflect on your Ozark adventure.

• Dining Recommendations:
  1. Broadway Oyster Bar: A lively spot offering fresh seafood and Cajun dishes with live music, perfect for a celebratory final meal.
  2. Annie Gunn's: Known for its farm-to-table dishes and extensive wine list, offering a refined dining experience.
  3. Pappy's Smokehouse: A must-visit for barbecue lovers, offering some of the best ribs and pulled pork in the city.
• Accommodation Options:
  1. The Chase Park Plaza Royal Sonesta St. Louis: A luxurious hotel offering elegant rooms, a rooftop pool, and a historic setting in the Central West End.
  2. Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis: A five-star hotel offering stunning views of the Gateway Arch, luxurious amenities, and top-notch service.
  3. The Moonrise Hotel: A chic, boutique hotel located in the Delmar Loop, offering unique rooms and a rooftop bar with panoramic views of the city.

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Conclusion

Reflections from William Stanek:
"The Ozark Mountains are a place where nature and history converge to create a landscape that is both rugged and beautiful. From the crystal-clear rivers of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways to the charming streets of Eureka Springs, this road trip has taken us through some of the most scenic and culturally rich areas of the Midwest. Hui Cha and I have always been drawn to the quiet beauty of the Ozarks, and we hope this guide inspires you to explore its hidden gems, connect with its history, and experience the adventures that await around every bend. The Ozarks have a way of staying with you long after you've left, and we hope your journey here leaves you with memories that will last a lifetime."