Eureaka Springs?

Sorry for the misspelling: EUREKA

Possibly, but I was hoping more for a cozy cabin in the woods with some nice hikes and great views. DH is not one for historic homes.

Eureka Springs is a delightful town in the Ozarks where there are plenty of hiking opportunities: http://www.eurekasprings.org

HTtY

PS I would make another suggestion, but I don't want to read an explanation of why it doesn't suit you or your annoying travel companion.

Ms. Walton is putting her fortune to good use. http://www.crystalbridges.org/about
If the curmudgeon doesn't like the artwork on the inside there is 120 acres to walk outside.

Here is a link to a book that may give you some ideas: http://www.amazon.com/Arkansas-Off-Beaten-Path-9th/dp/0762748567

I just picked up a copy at the Seattle Public Library.

HTtY

How about a pick your own farm?

http://www.pickyourown.org/AR.htm

It's ok with me if you explain why that idea doesn't suit. More information the better in my view. I have family members who don't like to travel, but I guess on a travel message board that is just tooooooo annoying. Actually, I wouldn't want to travel with that person! (A little too much me,me,me I'd be worried about.) I'd tell them "happy trails!" and go cow spotting with your curmudgeon DH.

Wow- thanks for the kind reply, biztravfod. I was shocked by the snarkiness of happytrailstoyou. I have used Fodor's forums for years and have always appreciated the kindness of strangers. Perhaps just a bad day for happytrails...

I love the idea of the pick your own and will explore it more. I was a bit negative on Eureka Springs since it was further away than I wanted to travel. I have been to Bentonville and agree with tomfuller that Crystal Bridges is amazing and should be on everyone's must see list.

I was hoping that someone out there could give me ideas near Batesville. I am not familiar with that part of Arkansas. Any insight on Heber Springs/Greer's Ferry? Or the Ozark Folk Center? I promise not to whine if the suggestions don't suit me.

My pleasure! I don't think it's only HappyTrails who is having a bad hair week. I started posting here, and I got jumped all over for just reporting the news in some threads.

Maybe some more pick your own addresses here:

http://www.americantowns.com/ar/locustgrove/news/arts-and-entertainment

I don't have time to see how far this is from where you will be, but we went years ago (and it's not like it could have changed much!) and it was really cool:

http://www.blanchardsprings.org/

I wrote what I was thinking, and I apologize. I wish I had restrained myself.

HTtY

You might check into the area of Mountain View, Arkansas, which is very close to Batesville and the location of the Ozark Folk Center. The scenery is really pretty and hikes cabins are plentiful.

Hikes and cabins, that is.

As far as I remember, Batesville and the immediate area doesn't have a ton of things to do unless your husband likes to fish (I'm not a fisherwoman, but I've heard the White River is good for that - or maybe it's just the best option around!). Heber Springs is nice; we used to go for day trips when I was in college nearby, and I have a friend with a family lake house there. For hiking, you might try Petit Jean State Park or Pinnacle Mountain, both nearer Little Rock than Batesville.

jayne and I were typing at the same time - perhaps I'm wrong about Batesville! My college roommate is from there and my memories of the town itself were nothing exciting.

Haha jent-- I don't think "exciting" was ever mentioned! "Cozy cabin" and "nice hikes" was what I read. I think that area might fit the bill in that case.

Blanchard Springs Caverns are pretty, but if you have seen a lot of caverns it might seem like just one more to add to the list.

Thank you everyone for your replies. I appreciate your thoughtful suggestions. Mountain Home and Heber Springs certainly sound like good options. DH does like to fish but would that be pleasant in November? Not sure what jayne and jent were bantering about - perhaps I need to research Batesville a bit more. Still hoping for a cozy cabin...

rancherswife, I was just talking about how little is in Batesville itself. It sounds like there are a few low-key things around it, though, and several options around the state that might suit you.

I'm afraid I can't help on the fishing much. In November you might get chilly weather, or it might be 65 and sunny. Hard to say! It's likely to be somewhere around the 50s or low 60s.

cozy cabin?

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g31660-d75030-r1506497-Lindsey_s_Rainbow_Resort-Heber_Springs_Arkansas.html