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.

This 240-mile day trip will take under 5 hours, but do factor in time to enjoy each stop. Your quintessential road trip starts in the heart of the Ozark Mountains in the beautiful town of Eureka Springs.

If you would like to add or remove stops, click here.

1. Quigley Castle - Eureka Springs

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.

2. Square Gardens - Fayetteville

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.

3. Margaret’s - Fayetteville

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.

4. Popeye Gardens - Alma

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.

5. Wegner Quartz Crystal Mines - Mt. Ida

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.

6. SQZBX Brewery & Pizza Joint - Hot Springs

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.

Bonus Stop: Quapaw Bathhouse - Hot Springs

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.