hlsam

I'll be flying into and out of Dallas with 10 days in between in early October. I hope to spend 3 nights in Dallas and end up in Little Rock (just one day to see Bill Clinton Library). The question is what to do in between? I'd love to spend a couple of days in a full service lodge in the woods (i.e., with restaurant) (Queen Wilhelmina is closed and Mt. Magazine is booked). Also interested in scenic drives, small towns to spend an evening in. I was thinking of heading from Dallas to Oklahoma City, to Little Rock, spend a day or two in Hot Springs then back to Dallas. Suggestions? Thanks!

spirobulldog

Hot Springs is one of my least favorite places(except on Arkansas Derby Day). Queen Wilhelmina is just ok, nothing that great. I do enjoy Mount Magazine(the lodge is nice and food is just ok).

I really like Mount Nebo and especially like Petit Jean. Petit Jean has a very good waterfall(it is dry at the moment though) in wet weather. Turtle Rocks hike there is another good one. The views at Mount Nebo, Mount Magazine, Petit Jean and even Wilhelmina would be good(probably peak colors about Oct 25ish). It has been very dry here, so not sure how that will effect things.

Now my very favorite place is the upper portion of The Buffalo National River. Fantastic Waterfalls there and a good river float(if the water is running and if the water is not running to fast). Good fall colors here too.
Best hikes-
Glory Hole Falls
Hemmed In Hollow (hike or float to it)
Lost Valley
Triple Falls (aka Double Falls)-is triple when running good
Pedestal Rocks (not far from Buffalo area)

check out www.buffaloriver.com for cabins (since you mentioned Clinton, he has stayed at the cabins a couple of times).
They also recently added a zipline course too.

I live in Oklahoma for 45 years (near Fort Smith, AR). Frankly, not much to do here.

Good places to eat in Little Rock
Dam Goode Pies
Brave New Restaurant
Whole Hog bbq

Best place to eat in OKC--See OKC Bombing Memorial
Big Truck Taco
Cattlemen's

Hot Springs-try McClards BBQ


For something really "off the beaten path" Stop in my hometown and see the Spiro Mounds (check to make sure open). It would be about an hour out of your way off I-40.

You might enjoy Wiedekher's Winery and a meal there(although the food is slipping--maybe just get fondue)

spirobulldog

My parents love to go to this. I think it is just ok.

http://www.wareaglemill.com/fair.html

spirobulldog

One more thing.

If you are inclined to drive a bit of Route 66, an interesting stop is Pops 66. Food is ok, Rt. Beer Bread Pudding is good. You will not find a larger selection of Soda anywhere on the planet. Buy a case of Rt Beer. They usually have over 100 varieties of rt. beer alone. Do your homework before you go, so you know what you would like. Go to a few websites that rank the top rt beers.

cd

We drive thru Hot Springs on our way to Texas and spend the night at The Arlington. It is an old hotel that for us has character: http://www.arlingtonhotel.com/ We have a massage and hot bath at The Buckstaff: http://www.buckstaffbaths.com/ and then take a walk behind it on the boardwalk in the National Park. For us a very relaxing day.