Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Bentonville, AR to Alpena, AR

Have you recently been feeling the urge to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and embark on a road trip? If yes, then a drive from Bentonville, Arkansas, to Alpena, Arkansas, may be the perfect escape for you. This drive allows you to experience the beauty of nature while having access to quaint and charming towns. The drive covers a distance of approximately 80 miles and takes about an hour and a half. Here are five unexpected places you should stop at on this drive:

Halfway Point: Eureka Springs, AR

Before diving into the five unexpected locations, we must mention the halfway point of this trip, the charming town of Eureka Springs, Arkansas. This town is located in a valley with many preserved Victorian buildings that house eccentric shops, spas, and restaurants. Aside from this, Eureka Springs is also home to stunning gardens and parks, natural springs, like Basin Spring Park, and cultural attractions, such as the 1885 Crescent Hotel. Shopaholics and history buffs alike will have a great time exploring this location.

1. Opera in the Ozarks at Inspiration Point

Gift yourself the unique experience of watching talented opera singers perform in an idyllic setting surrounded by nature. Opera in the Ozarks has a young artist program that trains budding singers and provides them with opportunities to perform just like any other professional opera singer. This program takes place from June to July every year, and Inspirational Point is a must-visit during that time. Indulge in the splendid view while listening to fantastic opera performances. Our favorite food item to try here would be the barbecue chicken pizza.

2. War Eagle Cavern

Take a break from the fresh air outside, and venture into War Eagle Caverns for an extraordinary underground experience. The caverns are well-lit and offer various activities such as boat tours and gemstone mining. Guests can explore the underground caverns with a guided tour and get to know the stories behind the formation of the caves. After the tour, grab a bite to eat at the cozy War Eagle Cavern Grill and enjoy a tasty cheeseburger.

3. Cosmic Cavern

If you're fascinated with all things under the earth's surface, the Cosmic Cavern should be your next stop. Here, you can walk through the underground cave system, which features crystal-clear lakes, rock formations, and passageways that are incredibly intricate. The cave system also features fossils and an 'underground stage,' which hosts musical performances that are kept an intimate affair to let the beauty of the place speak for itself. One must try food item in this location is the hot fudge sundae at the Cosmic Caverns Cafe!

4. Wild Wilderness Drive-Through Safari

Feel like you are one with nature while driving through the Wild Wilderness Drive-Through Safari. This safari is home to an array of wild animals and exotic creatures. Some of the animals you can expect to see include zebras, camels, lions, and tigers. Guests can choose to drive through the safari in their own vehicle and feed some of the animals or take a guided tour in a shuttle bus. After the tour, head over to relax & walk around the beautiful lakeside park. Try the delicious blueberry pancakes at the restaurant.

5. Alpena Cheese Haus

Lastly, after all the scenic views and unique experiences on the trip, one cannot ignore the Alpena Cheese Haus, especially if they are a cheese lover! This store has a vast variety of cheese that ranges from smoked cheese to cheese curds. The staff is friendly, and one can sample the cheese here before purchasing. It's a perfect place to pick up some snacks or ingredients to take back home and try different cheese dishes to savor the memories of your trip.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the drive from Bentonville, Arkansas, to Alpena, Arkansas, is a perfect getaway for anyone who loves an adventure. The scenery on the drive is breathtaking, and the towns on the way are charming. Overall, the five unexpected locations mentioned above are excellent additions to anyone's travel itinerary, as they offer an experience one might not expect while touring through Arkansas. Trust us; you do not want to miss the thrilling, unique encounters that these spots provide!