Hidden In Arkansas' Ozarks Is The World's 'Folk Music Capital' Boasting Mountain Charm And Cozy Cabins

Mountain View, Arkansas, may not sound too familiar to the average person, but to lovers of folk music, this town carries a lot of significance. Because of the typically hot weather of the region, a popular pastime for locals has been to sit out on their porches and jam together with their acoustic instruments. This tradition only grew over the years and decades to the point that music has become an important part of Mountain View's culture. But in addition to its musicality, the town has quite a bit else to offer, such as opportunities to explore the majestic mountains that surround it and comfy cabins that make for the perfect weekend vacation.

Unless you plan on joining in on the muggy night music sessions with the locals, it's recommended that you visit Mountain View in spring or fall when the weather is milder. Then again, there's no better way to absorb the regional atmosphere than sweating it up on a stranger's porch to a rustic rendition of "This Land is Your Land," right? The nearest airport is Boone County Regional Airport (HRO), which is about a two-hour drive away. It may be a bit of a trek, but the Ozarks are a scenic region that makes for a beautiful fall vacation, so you might as well make a full trip of it.

Recognized as the world's "folk music capital," this legacy has been largely kept alive by the Music Roots program and Mountain View Bluegrass Association, which host music education courses in several elementary schools throughout the region. There's also live music happening pretty much all the time, whether it's at the Annual Arkansas Folk Festival, weekly shows at Jimmy Driftwood Music Barn, or a large-scale concert at the Ozark Highlands Theater.

There's a reason why this city is called "Mountain View." There's no shortage of mountainous fun to be had just outside of town, such as spending the day at Sylamore Creek. Here, visitors can go canoeing, fishing, and swimming in the creek with the magnificent Ozark National Forest as their backdrop. Go for a relaxing float on the glassy waters with a tube or work up a sweat on a trail hike through the woods. Or, do all of these during an extended stay as the park has cabins, RV sites, and camping sites to rent.

For a more curated mountain experience, book a stay at Jack's Fishing Resort. As you can guess from the name, fishing is the main activity to enjoy here, with the abundance of trout waiting to be caught in the nearby White River. However, because this is a resort, there's so much more to do, like kayaking, boating, relaxing in one of their cottages, and grabbing a bite to eat at JoJo's Catfish Wharf.

Hiking is also quite popular around Mountain View, offering a variety of trails for hikers of all skill levels. For those looking for an easier trek, the Mirror Lake Trail at the Blanchard Springs Recreation Area is for you, as it's just under a mile long, is fairly quiet, and gives guests a stunning view of the lake. The more adventurous types can try the Steele Falls Trail at the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest. While longer and slightly more rugged, hikers will be treated to a striking waterfall at the end of the trail. And if you want even more hiking in the area, then check out Sugar Loaf Mountain Island –– one of Arkansas' only destinations for island hiking and a secret paradise of panoramic views.

If you're looking for a charmingly rustic way to spend your next vacation, Mountain View has a cabin for you. Fireside Retreats has cabins of all shapes and sizes for groups, couples, and single travelers. Whether you want something modern, provincial, set along a creek, or even something inside of a bus (yes, seriously), Fireside Retreats has the perfect way for you to unplug and unwind. For a more back-country experience, try a stay at the Dog Trot Cabin at Two Horse. This large log cabin is comprised of two separate units, and despite the old-fashioned furnishings and forested environment, there are enough creature comforts to keep things from getting too outdated, such as full kitchens and WiFi.

You'd be hard-pressed to find a more romantic vacation than a stay in one of the four cozy cottages at the Bunk House. Each of these adorably furnished units features a wide array of amenities — like a fully equipped kitchen, a smart TV, cookware, and large mattresses — and the whole property is located within a mile of parks, shops, and restaurants. And if you want something simple yet welcoming, then the Cedar Street Lodge is for you. It's got plenty of accommodations for a comfortable vacation, and the perfect porch to do some serious sittin', as per local tradition. But Mountain View isn't the only city in the state that makes for a surprisingly satisfying sojourn — El Dorado is an under-the-radar city full of arts, entertainment, and shops.