Sandwiched Between Tulsa And Springfield Is Arkansas' Perfect Day-Trip Stop For Sweet Treats And Family Fun

As far as Midwestern states go, Arkansas is often one of the most overlooked. However, while the Natural State may not have big cities and world-famous attractions, it's full of charming towns that are perfect for a quiet, family-friendly getaway. If you find yourself in the northwestern corner of the state, one of the best options for a day or weekend adventure is the small city of Gravette. To pinpoint this town on the map, it's close to both Bentonville, the world's "mountain biking capital" in the foothills of the Ozarks, and Rogers, one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States. This makes it a convenient stop on a multi-day itinerary across the state's best hidden gems.

A big reason why Gravette is an excellent destination for all ages is that it's practically designed to cater to families. From superb parks and play areas to some of the coolest retro-style shops (complete with sweet treats galore), Gravette lets you have the perfect getaway while still feeling close to home. So if you're looking for small-town charm with family-friendly vibes, there are several reasons Gravette should be next on your travel bucket list.

When traveling with young children, one of the best things to do is enjoy some sweet treats. In Gravette, the best place to find a wide selection of candy and soda (including retro brands and flavors) is at Can Do! Hardware Store. In addition to being a standard small-town hardware store, Can Do! makes the shopping experience more memorable with themed sections, old-fashioned treats, and all kinds of hidden treasures you can't find anywhere else. If you prefer baked goods, Granny's Simple Blessings is a fabulous hometown bakery. The next best family-friendly shopping destination in Gravette is Pet Pop. Like Can Do!, it's a functional storefront (selling pet supplies), but it offers themed sections and a wide variety of unique treats and sodas for visitors and their furry friends.

Finally, Gravette has some incredible parks and outdoor spaces for little ones to run around and burn off some steam. You can head to Centennial Park, which features a caboose and rotating food trucks. Then, check out Pop Allum Park, which has a playground, sports fields, and a dog park. For a more exciting adventure, you can head north to the Old Spanish Treasure Cave. This attraction is decked out in Spanish pirate decor, as legend has it that conquistadors hid gold and other jewels deep within the cave to keep it safe. Finally, if you want more water sports and lakeside activities, Beaver Lake is just about an hour away by car.

One of the main downsides of Arkansas not having too many big cities is that it can be tricky to know how to get to small towns like Gravette. Although there are multiple regional airports in the area, the closest major travel hub is also one of the airports across America following the wholesome trend of therapy animals: Tulsa International Airport. From there, it's less than a two-hour drive east to Gravette.

Another side effect of Gravette's relatively remote locale is that it doesn't have any chain hotels or accommodations. There are a couple of vacation rentals nearby, but if you want to stay in a hotel, the closest option would be Bentonville, just a 20-minute drive away. There, you'll find a range of places to stay, from the stylish 21c Museum Hotel with its in-house contemporary art exhibits to the more budget-friendly yet relaxing Comfort Inn Bentonville for extended stays.

The time of year can also make a difference when planning your trip to Gravette. The city hosts four major events throughout the year that can enhance your vacation. First, there's the annual Independence Day Celebration at the end of June or early July. You can also visit during Gravette Day, which celebrates the town's founding in early August. Finally, you can experience Trick-or-Treat Main Street for Halloween or the Christmas parade in December. All of these make the charming Gravette a wonderful year-round destination.