Offbeat Guide to the Ozarks

If you've been anywhere near Pinterest in the last few years, you've no doubt stumbled on pictures of Arkansas' Thorncrown Chapel in Eureka Springs; it is, admittedly, utterly breathtaking (we've written about it before), but it's not the only glass chapel hidden in the forests of Arkansas; in fact, it's only one of three! All were designed by famed architect E. Fay Jones, a native of Arkansas.

It should come as no surprise that Jones was an apprentice to Frank Lloyd Wright-- they both employ a style that not only draws inspiration from nature, but blends seamlessly into natural surroundings. But while the two were close friends, Jones preferred the quiet comfort of the Ozark forests to traveling around the country. It makes sense, then, that his most famous buildings were inspired by and were built within those forests that he loved so much. Thorncrown was the first of the three-- it was commissioned by a retired schoolteacher and was built in 1980. The wooden chapel looks like it's open-air, but it's actually made of glass. In fact, nothing on the chapel was bigger than anything that could be carried by two men; this cut down on transportation costs and allowed it to be built in a more secluded area. The reaction to Thorncrown Chapel was immediate: people were enchanted by the serene space. In fact, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2000--- a rare occurrence, since almost everything added to the list is over 50 years old.

For a real thrill, hike out to Whitaker Point and take in the mindblowing view-- there's a good reason this craggy rock is one of the most photographed places in Arkansas-- and it's also one of the best places in the state to share a smooch. Make the hike out to the rock in the spring (for waterfalls and wildflowers) or fall (imagine the woodland along the trail and below the cliff lit up in its autumn colors). Plus, it's only about 3 miles round trip... totally doable for even the most casual outdoorsperson.

The state is also home to a unique waterfall known as the Glory Hole, which features water from Dismal Creek that trickles into a cave through a hole in the roof. It's best viewed after a rainstorm, but even if it's just a trickle when you visit, it's still a neat natural feature. You can even visit in winter to see the waterfall as an icicle!

Not too far from Falling Water Falls is the slightly larger Twin Falls. It's not too hard of a hike, but since cell reception across the Ozarks is hit or miss, you should bring along a paper map... just in case!

If spending that much time underground sounds a little too dark and creepy for you, consider renting a cabin perilously perched on the very edge of cliff! The Cliff House Inn also has a restaurant, with sweeping views of the Ozarks. If you stay the night, make sure to wake up extra early to watch the sun rise over the landscape.