At times, life can become so hectic, and you don’t always have time to escape to a place far away from home. So, it’s nice to have small towns in Arkansas, where you can pause and enjoy life at a slower pace. A destination where you can indulge in delicious food, bask in scenic vistas, have great shopping options, and more. A town that is a perfect day trip destination in rural Arkansas, where you can do a little bit of everything.

The best part about a day trip is that you get to have a mini vacation and be home in time for bed. And that is exactly what you’ll experience when you visit a tiny rural town in Arkansas known as Mount Judea.

Located about 10 miles outside of Jasper off Highway 74, the unincorporated community of Mount Judea, Arkansas, population is just over 100 residents. So, it’s the perfect off-the-beaten-path destination, where you can escape from it all.

The scenic town in the Ozarks has a lot to offer, like incredible views, great restaurants, and specialty stores, just to name a few.

One thing to know about Mount Judea is that the people are friendly, and the town has a big heart. And when you’re visiting, the locals will treat you like family, so get ready to feel right at home.

When you arrive in town, you’ll want to stop in at the Kent General Store.

This family-owned, old-fashioned country store is a great place to grab some coffee and a bite to eat. The store is open early and serves delicious breakfast items.

The fluffy pancakes will be the best way to kick off your morning or you can also have a breakfast sandwich on a yummy homemade buttermilk biscuit.

Once you’re nice and full it’s time to explore the town, and the first place to start is at the Mt. Judea Mercantile store.

This charming time capsule is a gem of the community. It’s situated in a building that was constructed in the 1920s, and it has stood the test of time.

Over the years, it operated as a post office, floral shop as well as a store that sold unique handmade goods.

If you would like to purchase some locally made treasures and learn about the history of the town, do stop in and prepare to be amazed.

And of course, you can also eat some of the most delicious handmade fried pies this side of Arkansas.

As promised, this town is filled with scenic vistas, so for outdoor enthusiasts, you can hike or climb your way up to Sam’s Throne.

This rocky overlook is a paradise for rock climbers because of the magnificent bluffs, and it’s also a haven for photographers.

Of course, the views are breathtaking, and you’ll want to bring your camera along to take pictures of the Big Creek Valley below.

For more outdoor fun, you’ll have access to Big Creek and the Buffalo National River. After all that physical activity, you’ll want to head back to town to grab a bite to eat.

Please note: SmackDab Cafe is a seasonal restaurant and isn't open year-round. Visit the Facebook page for opening dates and special events.

And SmackDab Cafe has really delicious food. Opened on the weekends only, this eatery serves the best food in town.

You can enjoy a wide variety of soups, salads, sandwiches, desserts, and more. The chicken pot pie is delicious and will remind you of home.

Or perhaps try one of the mouthwatering specials that they have on the menu board. Whatever you eat you will not be disappointed.

And be sure to save room for a big slice of cake. After you’re nice and full it’s time to drive home and reminisce about the day that you spent in the charming rural town of Mount Judea. You’ll agree that it’s the perfect day trip destination in Arkansas.

Have you ever spent the day in Mount Judea? If so, what did you like most about this town in rural Arkansas? Tell us all about it in the comments. You can also read about more rural places in Arkansas.

And for more small-town fun, check out our previous article about Mena. It’s another great place in Arkansas to escape from it all.

Taking a road trip around Arkansas soon? Make sure you check out our Ultimate Road Trip Packing List for everything you'll need in the car!