After our epic 256-mile bike ride, we left Cozy Corners in Clinton, Missouri, on Wednesday, November 19, 2025. We headed south to The Pines Campground, just downriver from Beaver Lake in Arkansas. We’ve stayed near here before and love being close to our son’s family and the shops and food of Eureka Springs.
The campground was quiet. Very few other campers. Fall leaves scattered across the ground like a natural carpet. We took site 29 and stayed five nights.
While here, we visited family, explored the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, and attended the Fayette 1st Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Crystal Bridges was beautiful. The grounds, the paths, the artwork on display. The Frank Lloyd Wright house reconstructed on the museum grounds was fascinating. Its street-facing side has no windows, and the entrance is turned 90 degrees from the street—a focus on privacy. Inside, the spaces felt small compared to modern homes. Walking down the hallway to the guest room, I had to turn slightly, like navigating a narrow corridor on a boat. The living room, though, had massive windows and flooded the space with natural light. The focus was clearly on shared spaces and bringing everyone together.
The outdoor exhibits were playful. Giant, brightly colored flowers added whimsy to an otherwise quiet walk.
On November 24, we moved to Hickory Creek State Park on the other side of the lake to be closer to family. The drive was just over an hour. Once settled, it was back to relaxing and enjoying time with the grandchildren.
| Nights | Total Nights | Miles | Total Miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 305 | 172 | 29195 |