It's hard to choose a "best season" out of the year for the Natural State, but autumn in Arkansas is truly special. There's so much going on around the entire state, and these towns in particular have attractions during the fall season that bring in locals and out-of-towners to see what's going on. Enjoy the changing of the colors, the festivals, the fair food - enjoy fall!

10. Mount Ida

Mount Ida takes time out of the season to celebrate not only the arrival of autumn but the large amount of quartz available in the area! For nearly 30 years the town has held the World Championship Quartz Crystal Dig competition (this year's will take place on October 9th and 10th), and the Quartz, Quiltz, and Craftz festival (October 9th-11th) has been held annually by the town for just as long.

9. Texarkana

The border between Texas and Arkansas is a good place to be when the seasons change! Take a trip into Texarkana this fall and while you're on your way to Dallas (maybe to watch the Cowboys play the Eagles if you're an NFL aficianado), stop off at the Four States Fair and Rodeo that's being held from September 11-20 at the Four States Fair Entertainment Center & Fairgrounds in Texarkana.

8. Sheridan

Every part of Arkansas has a reason to celebrate, and Sheridan has Timberfest - an event held the first October of every year that celebrates Sheridan and Grant County’s long involvement with the timber industry. Timberfest offers a wide variety of activities for all ages, with the biggest draw being the Arkansas State Lumberjack Championship. Timberfest also includes various arts and crafts and many activities great for family participation.

7. Springdale

Among the beautiful northwest Arkansas autumn scenery is Springdale, where not only can residents enjoy the changing colors of the season but also have fun at the Rodeo of the Ozarks Fall Carnival, to be held this year from September 30th to October 4th. Springdale will also host the first annual Arts and Crafts Fair at Parson's Stadium from October 15th through 17th.

6. Hot Springs

The Spa City is a wonderful place to be during the summertime, but the fun doesn't stop when fall arrives. The walking paths of Hot Springs National Park are full of visitors during the autumn season, and the trails allow hikers excellent opportunities to capture the loveliness of the season on film. For those who prefer to be festive indoors, the town will host the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival (now in its 24th year) from October 9th to October 18th.

5. Eureka Springs

There are few better places to be in Arkansas than Eureka Springs when the leaves change. The northern section of the state especially shows its beauty during autumn, and the quaint shops around the small tourist town make the most of the season, decorating storefronts with autumn themes. Shoppers can even spot a lovely Christmas window display as early as late October.

4. Fayetteville

Fayetteville is an awesome place in the fall. The trip to the town from anywhere is absolutely gorgeous when the leaves are changing, and the town itself seems to take on a new quality when the seasons change and students are back in classes at the University of Arkansas. One big fall event to look forward to is the Washington County Fall Festival, to be held from October 15-17 at the Washington County Fairgrounds.

3. Helena

People from everywhere have already made plans to attend Helena's biggest attraction, the King Biscuit Blues Festival. The event will be held from October 7th to 12th and is one of the nation's largest and long-running blues festivals, having been an annual event since 1986.

2. Bentonville

Autumn in Bentonville means a chance to pick up fresh finds at the Bentonville Farmer's Market, held in the downtown Bentonville Square on Wednesdays and Saturdays until November. The Square will be full of vendors with food and crafts, so come ready to shop for some amazing items!

1. Little Rock

We're only a few weeks away! You know it's autumn in Arkansas when the State Fair arrives. The fairgrounds in downtown Little Rock have been the hot spot for this annual event for ages, and this year's festivities will take place from October 9th to 18th. Be sure to check out the second annual Little Rock Bacon Fest at the fairgrounds on September 19th - autumn is a great time to celebrate food here in the Natural State!

Have fun out there wherever you go in the Natural State this fall! This is the perfect time of year to take a drive around Arkansas in all its seasonal glory, so don't miss out on the scenic opportunities and good times!