Date: March 19, 2008 | Story: Laura Keech Allen |
Tucked away on the banks of the White River, Mountain View boasts an amazing combination of natural beauty and native Arkansas crafts and music. Though Stone County suffered damage in February’s tornado, Mountain View’s picturesque downtown remains a bustling center of commerce, with impromptu musical sessions popping up on Saturday nights. On the third weekend in April, the Ozark Folk Center hosts the Arkansas Folk Festival, with a parade, handmade crafts, frontier life demonstrations and more, all celebrating the opening of the spring season.
Shopping
Arkansas Craft Gallery
104 E. Main St., 870-369-3897, www.arcraftguild.org
The retail outlet of the Arkansas Craft Guild is dedicated to promoting its members’ handmade art and crafts. It’s an amazing place to discover a new artist and find a special piece of pottery, glassware or wood.
Aunt Minnie’s Little Yellow House
116 Howard Ave., 870-269-2726, www.auntminniesyellowhouse.com
Set aside plenty of time to browse the wonderful handmade pottery, wooden ornaments, jewelry and “splatter-ware” in every color. Aunt Minnie’s also offers Kathy Van Zealand handbags and purses.
The CornerStone Shoppe
101 N. Peabody St., 870-269-4800
With accessories by Brighton and Fossil and Yellow Box and Rocketdog shoes, The CornerStone Shoppe is full of stylish ladies’ wear items downstairs, with a home and kitchen department upstairs.
The Dulcimer Shop
1104 Sylamore Rd., 870-269-4313, www.mcspaddendulcimers.com
The finely crafted McSpadden dulcimers made in Mountain View are some of the best anywhere, and you can experience the crafting and playing of these traditional mountain instruments here.
Mountain View Music and Gifts
123 W. Washington, 870-269-9044, www.pickmountainviewmusic.com
New and vintage guitars, fiddles and banjos from names like Martin, Weber and Blue Ridge fill this staple on the square, where you can also pick up music books or take a lesson on your new instrument.
Olive Tree Gallery and Coffee Shop
116 W. Main St., 870-269-7717, www.theolivetreegallery.com
The work of Arkansas artists, from pottery, to bronze sculptures to painting, as well as handcrafted furniture, fills this gallery. Not only do they offer custom framing services, the coffee shop and Internet café mean you’ll want to settle in for a while.
The Ironworks
201 W. Main St., 870-269-3999, 800-380-4766, www.stoneiron.com
Hand-forged wrought-iron furnishings and accessories are the specialty at Stone County Ironworks’ Mountain View Showroom, from four-poster beds to lamps, door hardware and fireplace accessories.
A Timeless Touch
223 W. Main St., 870-269-4004
Stop in at A Timeless Touch, just west of the square, for seasonal decorations, antiques and many other gifts.
Town & Country Interiors
112 Howard Ave., 870-269-5505
Located on the square for 13 years, Town & Country is known for their amazing selection of antique furnishings, from wardrobes to complete dining room groups, as well as local crafts.
Zeke’s on the Square
101 E. Main St., 870-269-4746, www.zekesmusic.com
Visit Zeke’s for guitars, banjos and mandolins from Kentucky, Alvarex and Ome, as well as instructional books and materials.
Dining
Anglers White River Inn and Resort
Hwys. 5-9-14 N., 870-585-2226
On the banks of the White River, this picturesque restaurant and inn serves wonderful steaks, catfish, seafood and chicken, along with salads and all the extras. Stay the weekend in their rustic, yet luxurious loft studios, or book a trip with their knowledgeable guides for spin- or fly-fishing.
Joy’s Main Street Café
108 W. Main St., 870-269-7533, www.joysmainstreetcafe.com
This downtown delight is always hopping, thanks to a big menu of salads and sandwiches. Each night, they prepare a different supper special, and the desserts are always homemade.
Ozark Folk Center Skillet Restaurant
Hwy. 382, 870-269-3851, www.ozarkfolkcenter.com
Dine at the Ozark Folk Center to enjoy the Skillet Restaurant’ home-style Southern recipes, while overlooking the butterfly garden and wildlife feeding stations.
Tommy’s Famous…Pizza, BBQ and Ribs
205 Famous Pl., 870-269-3278. www.tommysfamous.com
Locally owned and operated since 1991, Tommy’s consistently wins awards for all their specialties. It’s a required stop on any trip to Mountain View!
Wood’s Pharmacy and Old Fashioned Soda Fountain
301 W. Main St., 870-269-3253
This community hub serves up all your favorite salads and sandwiches at their authentic soda fountain. But a visit wouldn’t be complete without sampling their ice cream specialties, from ice cream sodas to banana splits, or a made-to-order cherry phosphate.
To Do
Blanchard Springs Caverns
1001 E. Main St., 870-757-2211, 888-757-2246, www.blanchardcavetours.com
About 15 miles northwest of Mountain View, the Blanchard Springs Caverns are an awe-inspiring sight. Choose from guided tours in three different levels of difficulty, one of which is handicapped accessible, and see the amazing natural decorations of these living caverns, operated by the U.S. Forest Service.
Ozark Folk Center
Hwy. 382, 870-269-3851, www.ozarkfolkcenter.com
Open Wednesday through Saturday from April through September, the Ozark Folk Center is operated by Arkansas State Parks to preserve and interpret the crafts, music and folklore of the region. Along with a well-equipped lodge, cabins and conference facilities, they offer a Craft Village presenting more than 20 demonstrations of pioneer crafts, a daily living history demonstration, a nationally renowned heritage herb garden, hourly musical performances and a nightly music show.
