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Arkansas has many towns where the main thoroughfares are focal points for events and activities. From Eureka Springs to Ozark to Batesville, these downtown areas around the Natural State offer the ideal atmosphere to eat, drink, shop, and explore. Whether you want to wine and dine at well-known local restaurants, stroll through fascinating galleries, visit historical museums, browse eclectic boutiques, or attend a farmers market, art walk, or food festival right in the middle of it all, travel to these towns, which have some of the most impressive downtowns in the state.

Eureka Springs

Nestled in northwest Arkansas in the Ozark Mountains, Eureka Springs has one of the most charming downtown districts in the state. Its fame isn't just about the well-preserved Victorian structures, such as the Palace Bath House, Basin Park Hotel, and Crescent Hotel, all built around the city's natural springs. It's also about the rich history that these structures represent. To discover more, consider a narrated trolley tour around town, a self-guided walking tour, or a visit to the Eureka Springs Historical Museum.

Many restaurants are in the heart of Eureka Springs' bustling downtown area, such as The Spring on Main, a laid-back restaurant serving American cuisine and handcrafted drinks. Classic, vintage eateries that evoke a hometown diner atmosphere can also be found, such as Main Street Cafe and Mud Street Cafe. Eureka Live, renowned for its vibrant drag acts and spacious dance floor, is one of the fantastic entertainment destinations in Eureka Springs. Missy's White Rabbit Lounge and Jack Rabbett's Whisky Bar are two more entertaining spots nearby. There is always something going on downtown, as Basin Spring Park is a hub for film festivals, art walks, and music festivals.

Magnolia

Magnolia in southwest Arkansas is steeped in history and offers a rich tapestry of experiences in its downtown district. The Columbia County Courthouse in Court Square is a journey back in time, where colorful murals vividly depict the town's rich heritage. The downtown area is a treasure trove waiting to be explored, whether picking up pastries from Magnolia Bake Shop, strolling through the scenic gardens at Cecil Traylor Wilson Garden, or learning more about the town at the South Arkansas Heritage Museum.

Magnolia is home to many large-scale events, including the Magnolia Blossom Festival, which occurs annually in May. Although the festival's biggest event is a competitive steak cook-off, it is also packed with plenty of entertainment: an art show, a car show, a 5k race and 1-mile fun run, a treasure hunt, a pageant, a fishing tournament, and shopping vendors.

El Dorado

El Dorado is another fabulous Arkansas destination with an incredible downtown area. Main Street's popular eateries include House of Wylie Coffee Bar & Cafe, Barefoot Bistro, Laredo Grill, and The Black Cat Cafe. Nearby, La Piazza Italian Restaurant, Fayrays, Hella Fresh Kitchen, and Johnny B's offer diverse culinary experiences. After choosing the perfect dining option, explore the variety of boutiques, antique stores, and specialty stores along Main Street.

For entertainment, the Murphy Arts District is a great live music venue where you can see everything from country acts to rock groups gracing the stage. It also hosts other events occasionally and has a restaurant and bar inside. The downtown area also has a seasonal farmers market, a children's playground, a splash pad, a pool hall, full-service bars, and a park dedicated to the city's rich oil boom history.

Ozark

Along the Arkansas River, on the southern flank of the Ozark Mountains, is the charming town of Ozark. There is plenty of outdoor recreation, such as boating, fishing, camping, hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing at various parks along the shoreline, particularly at the Aux Arc Recreation Area within the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest. While these thrilling adventures are what Ozark is known for, there is much more to discover.

Ozark's illustrious past is highlighted by its historic downtown, adorned with notable buildings such as the Franklin County Courthouse, the Bristow Hotel, and the First United Methodist Church. For further exploration, the Ozark Area Depot Museum details the town's railroad history. After exploring the museum, enjoy a picnic and the scenic gardens, or head to local eateries such as Roma Italian Restaurant or Thai Steak House. The streets of downtown Ozark come alive with events like the Main Street Annual Ozark Square Gathering, which attracts more than 3,000 people annually. The one-day event, usually held on the second Saturday in October, brings the community together with arts and crafts, live music, food, games, contests, and entertainment.

Blytheville

Blytheville has one of the best downtown areas, filled with restaurants, boutiques, shops, and other establishments. To make the most of the area, journey to McAdoo's Steak & Lounge, a casual spot where you can enjoy steaks and burgers and have a good time with games and pool tables inside. Yank's Famous Barbeque, another favorite downtown, offers barbecue favorites and Southern dishes. For those looking to shop, visit Me & My Sister for stylish clothing, First and Main Gift Shop for one-of-a-kind souvenirs, or Blytheville Book Company for the latest novels.

Apart from dining and shopping, visit the Delta Gateway Museum, which has interactive displays and historical artifacts that tell Blytheville's story. Main Street is the place to be during the holiday season, as the Historic Main Street Blytheville Parlor Tour is one of the town's most festive events. Every December, the event features historic homes decorated with lights, carriage rides, and cheerful music.

Siloam Springs

Benton County's Siloam Springs, situated by Sager Creek, is a unique community with one of the nicest downtowns in Arkansas. In the heart of downtown, choose from mouthwatering burgers at Barnett's Dairyette, panini sandwiches at the Caf茅 on Broadway, or wood-fired pizza at Fratelli's. There are many shops and boutiques in the area for shopping, including Magnolia Trading Post, Southern Grace Shoppe, and Steampunk Alley.

Visit the Siloam Springs Museum to learn about the town's rich history, which includes pioneer life and Native American culture, after dining and shopping. Another must-see is the Crown Hotel, a well-known landmark constructed in 1881. The Siloam Springs Kayak Park is a short distance from the town and a popular spot for swimming, paddling, and kayaking along the Illinois River. Memorial Park, another place to enjoy the outdoors, features a gazebo, a water feature, and the Chautauqua Amphitheater. Festivals such as the Dogwood Festival and Homegrown Festival are significant downtown events.

Batesville

A few historic downtown districts in Batesville, Arkansas's oldest city, are listed on the National Register of Historic Districts. Stay in the heart of it all at The Royal on Main, a charming boutique hotel with historic features and contemporary amenities. Also on Main Street is the Batesville Area Arts Council, an art space with a gallery, classes, and workshops. A few steps down from there is the Melba Theater, a mercantile store that reopened as one of Arkansas's first cinemascope theaters in 1940. Today, it is an ideal location to see first-run films and concerts.

Additionally, visitors can enjoy the Citizens Bank Pocket Park downtown, which features activities, outdoor seating, and special events like an annual winter stroll, a fall festival, and a farmers market. Another public area nearby is Maxfield Park, which has a playground, picnic tables, and a fountain. Located a few blocks from the park, the Old Independence Regional Museum is a great site to learn about the area's history, Independence County, and the town through various exhibits and activities.

Paris

Discover the charm of downtown Paris and a little piece of France. A historic square serves as the focal point of downtown. One of its main attractions is Eiffel Tower Park, located on the town square's west side. With a 25-foot-tall replica of the Eiffel Tower, a stage, a water fountain, and walking paths, the park offers a refreshing experience. Even more intriguing is the park's love-lock fence, where couples can attach padlocks to signify their love.

In addition, downtown Paris is the best place to get fashionable shoes at Warren's Shoes, bath necessities at Stirling Soap Co., and apparel at JA Outfitters. There are also a variety of eateries here, such as El Parian and Tiger of Thailand. Events-wise, its main streets are often bustling with activity. Plan on going to a fair in the spring, a farmers market in the summer, a harvest festival in the fall, or a holiday lights event in the winter.

Explore These Lively Main Streets In Arkansas

These best downtown areas in Arkansas, from Eureka Springs and Ozark to Batesville, receive the most attention because they feature historical, commercial, and natural attractions that offer something for everyone. From trendy boutiques and must-visit museums to charming hotels and breathtaking parks, all located within steps of each other, these towns throughout the Natural State offer it all along their main streets.