WINTER IN THE OZARKS:

Enjoy the off-season rates in January and February. Admittedly, there are some nasty days in January and February. Good weather for hiking in January and February just comes and goes. If it does snow, continue your hiking. There's nothing like the Ozark Mountains on a winter day with fresh snow on the ground. Quiet and beautiful.

In Jasper, Emma's Museum of Junk contains an odd assortment of stuff. Its also pleasant to explore the antique stores in the surrounding area. There is an abundance of quality items to be found in Kingston and Eureka Springs.

Less than 30 minutes away on nearby highway 7 north of Jasper is Mystic Caverns. A breathtaking tour is offered in this commercial cave

SPRING IN THE OZARKS:

The spring months provide ample rain water for floating the Buffalo River. The upper Buffalo National River is floatable only in the spring. In early spring you can canoe the white water rapids. When it runs, it runs, and it has plenty of roller-coaster rapids to enliven the scenery. Late spring you can spend the day floating lazily past towering limestone bluffs.

Steel Creek Landing, a put-in point for canoeists is short drive west of the cabin. Kyles Landing, a takeout point for canoeists, is just a short drive east of the cabin. Outfitters are close by to supply you with canoes and shuttle you to the river and back.

Bring your Arkansas fishing license, purchase online, or get your license at the Ponca Elk Education Center when you get here. The Buffalo National River is famous for small mouth bass, but also offers catfish, red ear and large mouth bass.

Spring brings pleasant temperatures for hiking through the forest.

Lost Valley trail: This easy, scenic trail is suitable for people of all ages. There's Eden Falls at the far end - - - one of the most scenic waterfalls in Arkansas. If you want some adventure, there's Eden Falls Cave at the very end of the trail. Take along your flashlight and you will be able to explore this wild cave with its 30 foot waterfall inside.

Hawksbill Crag is the most photographed site in Arkansas. Hike out to the famous rock cropping and have your own photograph taken.

Waterfalls run some degree much of the time in a normal year during the wet season which is late November to early summer.

Early Spring seems to be the prime waterfall viewing season. Triple falls (Twin Falls) is right down the road at Camp Orr.  This is one of the most scenic waterfalls to get to.  Even kids can walk right up to the edge of the creek for a perfect view.

Hemmed In Hollow boasts the tallest waterfall between the Smokies and the Rockies.  A five star waterfall. The tallest waterfall between the Appalachians and the Rockies.  It's one of the most popular destinations in the Ozarks. (A difficult hike)

SUMMER IN THE OZARKS:

In the early morning watch the sun come up over the mountaintops on your hike to Hawksbill Crag or go to Rimrock Cove Ranch where you can take a horseback ride down quiet wooded trails flanked by large boulders.  You'll cross a meandering stream and venture into an open meadow where you'll be treated to beautiful views of the mountains beyond.

Summer is also a good time to go Jasper Exploring. Jasper is a unique, rural village in the valley. It provides five quaint diners/restaurants and little shops where you can find the work of local artists.

In Ponca you can get  birds eye view of the forest as you glide through the trees on the only zipline in Arkansas. Reservations only  (800) 221-5514 Tell them Frannie sent you.

Afterwards go for a dip in one of the many ice-cold swimming holes scattered along the Buffalo River.  The closest one to the cabin is at Steel Creek landing, a fabulous place to take a dip while enjoying the towering limestone bluffs overhead;

or cool off at Eden Falls cave at Lost Valley where it's a comfortable 58° inside.  Tour  Mystic Caverns.  It will also cool your jets. 

Then there are the traditional summer pleasures for children of all ages:  running through the water sprinklers, eating watermelon, sipping lemonade, listening to the cicadas, and watching fireflies dance across the meadow.

Make a day trip to Eureka Springs to discover the lovely Victorian architecture.   Stroll through streets lined with some of Arkansas' best restaurants, artist galleries and boutiques.  Each evening during the summer the Great Passion Play is enacted in Eureka Springs.

 

FALL IN THE OZARKS:

Come for your leaf peeping getaway in mid October and November.  Fall weather begs you to be outdoors, filling your lungs with crisp autumn air. There is a distinct nip in the air.   Sometimes we have enough rain water to float the Buffalo River.
View the pleasant countryside with its richly hued dogwood, maple, black gum and hickory trees from the back of a horse, or take strolls among the trees decked out in full autumn color.

 

The curvy mountain roads are popular with sport cars enthusiasts and there are many scenic Ozark driving tours. Take a tour through historic Boxley Valley.  You might even catch a glimpse of the trumpeter swans or some elk.  View the historic mill, farms and church.  All are listed on the National Historic Register.

 

Continue your driving tour to Kingston.  Kingston is a charming little country town and it is relaxing to walk around the square, go into Grandpa's Place to see his antiques and then stop for hamburgers and homemade pie at the Valley Cafe. 

What could be better than putting together smore's around an evening campfire, stargazing and watching the fireflies dance across the meadow?

 

Each fall the Ozark hills come alive with the sights, sounds and aroma of the  The War Eagle Mill Craft Fair which is held the third weekend in October each year. This is the granddaddy of all Arkansas craft fairs.  It always starts the 2nd Thursday in October and runs for 4 days.  Professional craftsmen offer original, handmade work. These juried participants come from across the United States.  The experience makes for a day that's not so run-of-the-mill.

Fall is a good time to go to Branson.  Take the kids to Silver Dollar City for the day.  Branson is also known for its shopping, with several outlet malls and now the new Branson Landing with upscale shopping and a Bass Pro Shop.

Come to find joy in the little things.  Dash outdoors to count the season's first snow flakes. Sip cocoa by the blazing fire.

Could anything be cozier than yuletide in a country cabin?  Bake cookies in the kitchen. Breathe in the aromas of oranges and cloves and evergreen boughs. And surround yourself with seasonal decorations to put yourself in the holiday spirit.  This is December at its best.

 

Frannie’s Cabins are the perfect base camps from which to discover all the Ozarks has to offer. I can help you plan your Ozark adventure, whether you want to go canoeing, swimming, see the elk or hike the trail. I will go out of my way to help you plan a wonderful experience, providing information, maps and advice on special things to see and do.