Page Updated: August 29, 2023
Heber Springs
Heber Springs AR
Located in north-central Arkansas and nestled in a nook of Greers Ferry Lake and the Little Red River, Heber Springs is best known for amazing fishing and fun water recreation. Originally founded as a health resort in the mid 1900’s, Heber Springs now boasts multiple lodges and resorts that are perfect for those looking for mountain biking, cycling, backpacking, hiking, hunting & fishing, golf, and all things watersport.
We visited historic downtown Heber Springs on a gorgeous autumn Saturday. The historic area of town is a super cute and bustled with activity as shops opened their doors and a couple dozen local artists set up tables under tents on the side lawn of the local court house. A Maker’s Market event occurs here the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month from May through September to garner support for local artisans and farmers. Since it was November, and the world had been in COVID lockdown for the previous year, locals worked hard to bring in some holiday spirit.
Even though the holidays were just around the corner, the city didn’t ignore Veteran’s Day. American Flags were neatly arranged throughout the courthouse lawn. The vision of flags waiving in the wind accented the War Memorial resting in the shadow of the trees.
We topped for lunch at the Food Plot. Our #1 rule for BBQ is if we smell it, we must try it - and smell it we did. The set up is a modest food truck and a picnic table, but the food is excellent. Their Brisket Pie is a compilation of Fritos, beans, onions, brisket, bbq sauce, & slaw. My favorite was the brisket stew.
Historic Heber Springs ticks off all the items you’ve come to expect in a historic location. Handful of foody spots. Antique and Second Hand shops. And cool signage.
Popping from shop to shop, we found that some proprietors offered cookies and refreshments to patrons while chatting excitedly about how busy they were…a weird dichotomy in COVID times. But, maybe signs that things could be getting back to normal.
We stopped at Jitterbug Coffee House for a pick-me-up. The spot is locally owned, and also offers variety of food options. Bagels, soups, sandwiches, ice-cream, etc. are all on the menu if you’re feeling peckish.
We sipped our coffee alfresco and watched Santa stroll the side walk offering cart rides to excited children. And we were all tickled by Santa’s Elf help the people cross the road safely.
A quick 5 mile drive led us to the John F. Kennedy Memorial Overlook. The site looks over the Greers Ferry Dam. The dam was completed in 1962-3 and dedicated in person by President John F Kennedy on Oct 3, 1963. He was assassinated 7wks later.
A bust of John F. Kennedy sits in tribute on the grounds. The site has remarkable views of the Dam, Greers Ferry Lake, and the Little Red River.
The Dam Site Recreation Area and dinner at Angie’s Angie’s Hideaway on Bobbie Jean Lane filled the rest of our day. The views in the rec area are pretty and meal was satisfying. They were a great cap to a beautiful autumn day.
-b&b
Big Creek Natural Area Overlook
Sugarloaf Mountain Summit Trail
