4 Great Wedding Locations and Venues in Driving Distance of Springdale, AR

There is a common phrase that says "the joy is in the journey." That couldn't be more true for Northwest Arkansas. Here are three beautiful scenic mountain roads that you and your family will enjoy your next road trip in Northwest Arkansas. The Ozarks The Ozarks drive makes a counterclockwise loop from Eureka Springs to the Buffalo River. It goes through Jasper, then east to Mountain View, where it winds back to where you began. It is full of beautiful landscape, especially in the fall when the colors are changing. There are also many amazing sights to stop and see along the way. more Stop in Eureka Springs, a fun resort town whose unofficial motto is "where misfits fit." If you are there between May and October, you can enjoy the Great Passion Play. It takes place at the location of the 67-foot-tall Christ of the Ozarks statue. South of Eureka Springs, if you turn off Highway 23 at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, you can see lions, tigers, leopards, and cougars all roaming their spacious outdoor habitat. The refuge's mission is to provide lifetime refuge for abandoned, neglected and abused big cats. Don't miss out on Blanchard Springs Caverns near the end of your journey. You will want to follow Route 9 north out of Mountain View, then stay left onto Route 14. Blanchard Springs Caverns are located in the Ozark National Forest. The U.S. Forest Service can take you on science-based tours of the three caverns, each one varying in length. The Dripstone Trail is the shortest, and some say prettiest. Then is the Discovery Trail, and last is the Wild Cave Tour, where you will go through undeveloped sections and get a bit down and dirty. Boston Mountains Scenic Route Two unique and beautiful, roads, U.S. Highway 71 and Interstate 49 cross across the highest point of the Ozark Mountains and combine to make the Boston Mountains Scenic Route. U.S. 71 follows a former stagecoach route, while I-49 will take you across high-span bridges and the state's only highway tunnel. If you are looking for good hiking spots along the way, you will want to take U.S. 71. This route spans 42 miles, while the I-49 route spans 38 miles. Both of these roads run between Alma and Fayetteville in Northwest Arkansas. Scenic 7 Some say this is the most scenic drive in the state of Arkansas. Scenic 7 runs south to north through the state, spanning 290 miles, with many diverse landscapes and interesting stops along the way. If you begin on the south end, you will start near El Dorado in the West Gulf Coastal Plain. Near Arkadelphia, you will enter the Ouachita Mountains, which are famous for their quartz crystals, as well as Hot Springs National Park. Continue through the Ouachita Mountains, past Lake Nimrod, and into the Arkansas River Valley. From there you will enter the Ozark Mountains, pass through the mountain town of Jasper, and end in Harrison. Whether you are on your way out of town, or you like to explore out-of-the-way places, consider taking one of these scenic roads as part of your next journey. Photo by miketnorton | Licensed under cc BY 2.0

Here in Arkansas, we're surrounded by some of the best views and scenery the United States has on offer. And they're just down the road! Whether you need a break from the screens or you're just looking to fill a weekend with something different, getting in the car and checking out a local landscape can be just what the doctor ordered. Here are some of the best views just down the road from Springdale, AR. 1. Ozark-St. Francis National Forest This is, without a doubt, one of the most scenic views the United States has to offer, and it's just a stone's throw away from Springdale. Ozark-St. Francis National Forest is mostly situated in the Ozark Mountains and is abundant with dazzling landscapes and natural wonders to check out. There are also plenty of picnic spots, so make use of the Mitsubishi Outlander's 63 cubic feet of cargo room and pack yourself a serious lunch. 2. Fitzgerald Mountain Fans of biking won't want to miss Fitzgerald Mountain, where multiple trails are just waiting to be ridden on. Experienced riders will love making the climb up the mountain along rocky terrain, while there are plenty of gentler trails for those looking for something easier. There's even a skills course designed for kids! The best view is at the very top of the mountain on the Fitzgerald loop, where you can see all the way down into nearby Springdale. 3. Lake Atalanta The whole family can enjoy a flat, paved walk around Lake Atalanta, which is a dazzling sight to see as it shimmers under the Arkansas sun. If you're into fishing, this is a popular spot for trout, or you might come across walleye, catfish, crappie, or largemouth bass. The lake permits non-motorboats such as paddle boats, kayaks, and canoes. The Mitsubishi Outlander's impressive towing capacity of 2,000 pounds means you can bring your own boat. 4. Devil's Den State Park The iconic Devil's Den State Park, a state park since the 1930s, is home to some of the most interesting rock formations and caverns you'll find in Arkansas. The rock dam is quite a sight to behold, but hike one of the many trails to the mountain peaks for some unbeatable views. Soak up the history on a self-guided tour of the park and marvel at how well-preserved the natural landscape is even after so many years. It doesn't matter if you prefer hiking, fishing, or sitting and eating a sandwich - these lookout points have something for everyone. And a Mitsubishi is the car that can get you there. If you're looking to shop new and pre-owned models, or to get your current car serviced, our team is here to help. Come by Rath Mitsubishi in Springdale, AR, today.

Looking for fun spring activities around Springdale, AR? We've been here for years and know and love this area. Here are a few of our favorite ways to celebrate spring. more Visit the Springdale Farmers Market This market has been popping up at 922 E. Emma Ave every spring since 1997 and is a local favorite due to the easy access parking available, as well as the friendly locals who are more than happy to tell you about their farm. Whether you're looking for fruit, honey, or flowers, this market has what you're looking for. You can load up the entire cargo hold of your Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross SEL with the wide variety of farm-fresh fruit, vegetables, and handmade artisan goods available at our farmer's market. It opens in May and is around throughout the summer and into the fall. Catch a Baseball Game at Arvest Ballpark Spring means baseball, and you don't have to go far to see a great game since the ballpark is conveniently located at 3000 Gene George Blvd. Come see the Northwest Arkansas Naturals play throughout the spring, it's sure to make for a great day. The stadium hosts a number of theme nights throughout the season, including MArvel's Defenerrs of the Doamon Night, Fireworks Friday, Family Sunday, and buck-a-brat nights. Be sure to check their calendar to see what special activities are going on. Visit Me and the Flea Market Looking for a fun and unique shopping experience? Me and the Flea Market has a rotating selection of antiques and collectibles that you're not likely to find anywhere else. You'll want to stop by every week to see what new items they have available. Whether you're searching for used books and comics, collectible dolls, a new bag, or anything else you can imagine, you're likely to find it here at 4388 N. Thompson St. Stroll the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks Spring would be incomplete without a visit to the gorgeous botanical gardens at 4703 N. Crossover Rd. Located only a few miles outside of Springdale, it's worth the short drive for all there is to see here. There are a dozen themed gardens to walk through, as well as a native butterfly house that is a truly breathtaking experience. The botanical gardens also offer a number of educational programs throughout the spring and summer, so be sure to check out their website for full details and to schedule your trip. Their classes are open to people of all ages and gardening skill levels, so whether you want to attend a lecture on conservation or a workshop to learn how to plant your own garden, the botanical garden is a great place to spend a spring day. Which of these fun experiences are you going to do first? While you're exploring, make sure to spring into Rath Mitsubishi for your next vehicle and let us know where you're exploring.