Nestled Between Tulsa And Branson Is Arkansas' Charming City With Lake Fun, Shops, And A Nearby State Park

The Ozark Mountains sweep across northern Arkansas, parts of neighboring Missouri and Oklahoma, a smidgen of Kansas, and, depending on who you ask, a sliver of Illinois. The region is rough around the edges in all the best ways, with rolling hills, thick oak-hickory woods, limestone bluffs, and winding rivers stretching across the rural countryside. Other towns may have already laid claim to the title of "Gateway to the Ozarks," but Gentry, up in the northwest corner of Arkansas, also sits right on the cusp of all the wilds, with a lake and a state park within easy reach.

At the time of writing, this little Benton County community is home to only about 4,000 residents. That charming, small-town character is part of its appeal. One local described it as "a very small town [that has] a very country yet family-friendly atmosphere, especially down Main Street." Yet Gentry isn't particularly isolated: it straddles the junction of State Highways 59 and 12, putting it just a short drive from many larger cities and popular Ozark destinations. The town lies halfway between Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Branson, Missouri, each about 100 miles away. If you'd rather fly in, the Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA) is only about 15 minutes away.

Gentry is great for a quick day trip. But if you want to stay a few nights, there is a charming bed and breakfast called Apple Crest Inn right on the edge of town. The Victorian-style abode features six uniquely decorated rooms and serves up homemade breakfast staples each morning. On Tripadvisor, one guest said the manor was "like a gorgeous dollhouse," adding that it made for a "very romantic" stay. From perusing the local shops and boutiques to enjoying outdoor adventures, there's plenty to do in this scenic nook of Arkansas.

A slew of quaint old-fashioned red brick buildings stand throughout Gentry's charming and historic downtown area, similar to some of the prettiest small towns in the Ozarks. Some of the structures date back to the town's early days, among them the Bank of Gentry building, built in 1904, and the Carpenter Building, around since the late 1920s. Admire some of the old architecture as you stroll down Main Street, which is lined with a good selection of bespoke retailers.

The Cornerstone Boutique Market has a collection of local vendors to shop, which sell everything from apparel and house plants to cooking products and greeting cards. The Chicken Coop is steps away and has great Google reviews, with one shopper writing that it's one of their "absolute favorite places to look for gifts and home decor." Head across the street to snag some scrumptious treats at the Little Debbie Bakery Store, one of Gentry's most popular attractions and one of only five of the company's bakeshops in America. 

If you're craving something a little more filling, venture beyond downtown to The Wooden Spoon for savory, made-from-scratch country fare. If the reviews are anything to go by, this place could give some of the best local eats in Arkansas' trendiest neighborhoods a run for their money. The eatery is the top-rated restaurant in town on Tripadvisor, where customers have raved about the "charming setting," "warm and friendly" service, and all-around "great home cooking."

If you'd rather enjoy a meal in the great outdoors, visit the Flint Creek Nature Area on the south end of town. The green space has lots of scenic spots to plop down for a picnic, along with plenty of room to stretch your legs. "There are long and short paths, depending on what you would like, and a ton of area to explore," shared a previous visitor. "The water is beautiful, and the nature is abundant." Keep an eye out for native critters such as turtles and deer, along with birds like dark-eyed juncos, northern cardinals, and blue-winged teals.

Lake Flint Creek, also called SWEPCO Lake, sits right on the outskirts of Gentry. The reservoir was built back in the 1970s as a cooling basin for the Flint Creek Power Plant situated right along its banks. You can find a public boat ramp on the southwest shore off Cripps Road. Take your vessel out for a spin or do a bit of paddling along the waters. Just be sure to check for any current advisories before you head over, as the lake has previously experienced harmful algae blooms.

More water fun awaits at Oklahoma's underrated Natural Falls State Park, which is only about a 20-minute drive away, near Colcord, Oklahoma. The place may be known as a filming location for the 1974 film adaptation of "Where the Red Fern Grows," but its real pride and joy is its plunging waterfall, which cascades down 77 feet through dramatic rock formations. Get a great view of the falls from above or below via the observation platforms. The state park is also popular for its glamping yurt rentals, which you can book online.