Harrison (Arkansas)

Harrison is in the Ozarks region of Arkansas. It has the unfortunate distinction of being labeled as the most racist town in the United States.

Harrison has an active, living downtown square anchored by the county courthouse and surrounded by local businesses. Old men meet on the park benches to woodcarve and shoot the breeze; young people flock to My Best Friends Closet to look for hip secondhand clothing. And, for whatever reason, far-right hate groups come out of the closet unashamedly.

But that notwithstanding, you can have a fancy dinner at Bottini's, buy your medicine at the Alexander's drugstore (they live just above it!), and shop for anything from furniture to antiques to health food.

• 🌍 Lyric Theatre. The 1929 Lyric Movie Theater on the downtown square was purchased in 1999 and renovated into a performance venue by the Ozarks Arts Council. You can regularly catch classic movies, musical acts, musical theatre, and college activities and classes being held there. You can rent it for your own special events as well (phenomenally cheaply). (updated Feb 2021)
• Mystic Caverns. Tucked away in the rolling hills just north of the Buffalo River (and Pruitt, AR), these are two caves (about 150 feet under the ground). 
• Twin Falls (Triple Falls) (Camp Orr Boy Scout Camp). A lovely twin waterfall that in high water turns into a triple falls. (updated Feb 2020)

Many visitors and residents enjoy the Ozark Mountains and the Buffalo National River nearby. Hiking trails, canoe rentals, camping and RV areas, and the like are all located within just a few miles.

For hiking information, check out Tim and Pam Ernst's hiking guides.

Branson, Missouri, is a half hour to the north of Harrison. Whether you want to see a show, go outlet shopping, visit a theme park, or eat at a great restaurant, there are many options there.

• Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites, 117 Hwy 43e, ☏ +1 870 741-3636.