Posted in Arkansas
May 19, 2022
This Arkansas Road Trip Takes You From The Ozark Plateaus To The Heart Of The Ouachita Region
Arkansas is filled with many hidden treasures, and it is worth the occasional road trip to witness some of them. Road trips should be interesting and fun at the same time. So, how about taking a themed road trip through Arkansas visiting places that have the letter “q” in the names. “Q” is such an unusual letter, which makes it an interesting choice for this road trip. But enough said, let’s start the journey.
If you would like to add or remove stops, click here.
Quigley Castle Road, Quigley Castle Rd, Arkansas 72632, USA
This castle, dubbed as the Ozarks’ strangest dwelling, was designed by Elise Quigley, and built in 1943. This quaint castle is filled with rock walls made from beautiful stones and quartz crystals, and the butterfly wall will leave you breathless. Quigley’s love for nature is evident by the stunning plants and trees as well as antique collectibles throughout the property.
Square Gardens, 1 W Center St, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
For your next stop, take the scenic byway of Highway 23 to the charming city of Fayetteville to see the best Farmer’s Market this side of the Mississippi - Square Gardens. Grab something to eat or buy some fresh produce while you are there.
Saint Margarets Place, St Margarets Pl, Cape Fear, NC 28312, USA
Margaret’s is a great food truck serving up locally sourced food at the Farmer’s Market in Square Gardens.
Try the savory braised pork tacos or one of the finger licking breakfast burritos - add queso to take them to the next level. This ain’t your mama’s food, but it is delicious, and you will want more.
Road trips are all about detours, so let’s take a quick detour from the letter "q" and stop in Alma to take a picture next to this Popeye the Sailor Man historical landmark. It will remind you to eat your spinach.
Now let's get back on target and drive down to the heart of the Ouachita region.
Wegner Quartz Crystal Mines, 82 Wegner Crystal Ranch Rd, Mt Ida, AR 71957, USA
What better way to spend a couple of hours than to mine your own quartz crystals at the Wegner Quartz Crystal Mines located in Mt. Ida.
For a fee, you can enter the site and dig for these precious treasures, and you are guaranteed to find some. Wow, check out the size of that crystal.
SQZBX Brewery & Pizza, 236 Ouachita Ave, Hot Springs, AR 71901, USA
For the last stop on this road trip, drive over to Hot Springs and grab some tap brewed beer and pizza from SQZBX Brewery & Pizza Joint.
This eatery has a cool vibe, and it is a crowd favorite in Hot Springs. Try one of the mouthwatering specialty pizzas or build your own Big Squeeze. And if beer is not your thing, have some vino instead.
Quapaw Baths & Spa, 413 Central Ave, Hot Springs National Park, AR 71901, USA
If you’re up for a bonus stop, take the half mile walk over to bathhouse row to see the Quapaw Bathhouse and the magnificent architecture of the Spanish Colonial style building.
So, how cool was it to take a themed road trip from the Ozark plateaus to the Ouachita region of Arkansas? Let us know in the comment which stop was your favorite.
There is so much more to see in Arkansas, so plan a family road trip with these magical locations in mind.
Address: Quigley Castle Road, Quigley Castle Rd, Arkansas 72632, USA
Address: Square Gardens, 1 W Center St, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA
Address: Saint Margarets Place, St Margarets Pl, Cape Fear, NC 28312, USA
Address: Wegner Quartz Crystal Mines, 82 Wegner Crystal Ranch Rd, Mt Ida, AR 71957, USA
Address: SQZBX Brewery & Pizza, 236 Ouachita Ave, Hot Springs, AR 71901, USA
Address: Quapaw Baths & Spa, 413 Central Ave, Hot Springs National Park, AR 71901, USA