Date:  June 24, 2009  |  

Conveniently located near the center of the state, Greers Ferry Lake has long been a favorite destination for Arkansans interested in fishing, boating and other water sports.  In combination with the Little Red River, the area offers unparalleled fishing for both bass and trout, and the lake is known for its sparkling clear water. With the charming city of Heber Springs nearby, vacationers can enjoy both the great outdoors and some small town fun. We contacted some local experts—a storeowner, a 30-year resident and a builder working in the area—for a few tips on where to stay, shop or eat. Our insiders included:

Bonnie Kay Buerkle, artist and owner of Blue Too Guest Cottage on Eden Isle
Michael Denny, owner of The Pickett Fence in Heber Springs
Page Wilson of Paul Page Dwellings, with a residence in Primrose Creek

Where to Stay

Lindsey’s Resort on the Little Red River
350 Rainbow Loop, Heber Springs
800-305-8790
www.lindseysresort.com
“They have everything you want, with cabins, a restaurant, and even guided fishing trips,” says Denny.
   
Lobo Landing Resort
3525 Libby Rd., Heber Springs
(501) 362-5802
www.lobolandingresort.com
“Nice, new cabins, right on the river, plus a pool and a restaurant that even serves breakfast. The best part–lots of deep river nearby to fish,” says Wilson.

Red Apple Inn & Country Club
1000 Country Club Dr., Heber Springs
(800) 733-2775
www.redappleinn.com
“This is a great place to stay on Eden Isle, and they also have a restaurant that’s open for breakfast, lunch and dinner,” says Buerkle.

Swinging Bridge Resort
100 Swinging Bridge Dr., Heber Springs
(501) 362-3327
www.swingingbridgeresort.com
“It’s an ideal place for wade-in fly fishing,” says Wilson.

Tannenbaum Resort & Properties
1329 Tannenbaum Rd., Drasco
800-535-3075
www.tannenbaum.com
Buerkle notes that it’s known for lakeside lodgings and a variety of types of places to stay.

Where to Eat

Brothers BBQ
301 Southridge Blvd., Heber Springs
(501) 362-5712
Wilson says this is a must for summer lunches, with especially friendly service.

Café Klaser
1414 Wilburn Rd., Heber Springs
(501) 206-0688 (206?)
www.cafeklaser.com
“It’s on the Little Red River and has outdoor dining, which I personally love,” says Buerkle.

El Rey Mexican Restaurant
523 Highway 110 E., Heber Springs
(501) 362-7960
“This is a favorite for their wonderful salsas and guacamole,” says Denny.

Janssen’s Lakefront Restaurant
9999 Edgemont Rd., Edgemont
(501) 723-4480
www.janssenslakefront.com
“They have a great Sunday brunch, and a dock on the lake,” says Denny. “They can be reached by boat, and the food is exceptional,” adds Buerkle.

Jitterbug Coffeehouse
109 W. Main St., Heber Springs
(501) 206-2233  (870)
www.jitterbugcoffeehouse.org
“Nice ambiance,” says Denny, “with made-to-order coffee, tea and milkshakes, plus sandwiches and soup for lunch.”

King Mansion Bed & Breakfast & Café
110 W. Spring St., Heber Springs
(501) 362-7724
www.kingmansion1892.com
“It’s on the National Register of Historic Places, and it’s a favorite spot for lunch, plus they have a bakery,” says Buerkle.

Larry’s Famous Hamburgers
1289 Heber Springs Rd. S., Heber Springs
(501) 362-8376
“Hands-down, this is the best burger in town,” says Wilson. “It’s a family-run business and you can order ahead and take your food on to your cabin, boat or campground.”

Twentyfive10
1520 Bypass Rd., Heber Springs
(501) 887-9500
www.twentyfive10.com
“This is a nice, quiet place for lunch or dinner, and everything is freshly made by a great chef,” says Buerkle.

Where to Shop

Ozark Country Market
999 Heber Springs Rd. S., Heber Springs
(501) 206-0127
www.ozarkcountrymarket.com
“They’re known for their plants, dried herbs, dried fruits, chocolates and jams, many of which are locally made,” says Denny.

Panache
3421 Highway 25B, Heber Springs
(501) 362-7919
www.aromatique.com
“This is the Aromatique store, an Arkansas classic, and they have other unique items from around the state as well,” says Buerkle.

The Browsing Post
1103 S. 7th St., Heber Springs
(501) 362-5560
www.thebrowsingpost.com
Recommended for their gift registry, home décor and antiques.

The Pickett Fence
104 S. 2nd St., Heber Springs
(501) 206-0705
www.pickettfence.net
Owned by Michael Denny and his wife, Karen, the downtown shop carries furniture, gifts and collectibles. “It’s a fun store that always has something I want,” says Buerkle, “and their prices are fabulous.”

The Vintage Rose
6060 Heber Springs Rd. W., Quitman
501-589-3092
Suggested as a favorite spot for cottage-style furnishings and accessories.

Other Favorites

The Gem Movie Theater
117 W. Main St., Heber Springs
(501) 362-2884
“This is a town favorite,” says Denny.  “They have daily shows of first run movies and they recently refurbished the interior.”

Little Red Fly Shop
35 Swinging Bridge Dr., Heber Springs
(501) 887-9988
www.littleredflyshop.com
“They have everything you need for fly fishing, from guides to gear they do it all,” says Denny.