Fall Foliage in the Ozarks

When I first moved to Oklahoma I had previously lived in states with much warmer climates and never had the experience of  four distinct seasons.   Growing up in Florida, Hawaii, Texas, California and the Philippines,  I enjoyed fall but I really didn't notice leaves changing colors.  Now getting to experience all the seasons and sometimes their fury,  it is a real treat watching the fall foliage deepen in color almost daily!   We have some great areas of color here in Oklahoma,  especially near the Arkansas border.  The Ozarks and Ouachita Mountains are just stunning in the fall.

We travelled northwest through Tulsa and then across the state line and up to Rogers, Arkansas.  We spent the night in  Bentonville (home of Wal-Mart) which is approximately a three and half hour drive from Oklahoma City. 

(Historical home near Fayetteville, AR)

Just north of Rogers is Beaver Lake and a  favorite stop at War Eagle Mills farm.  This historical farm is just beautiful and was a resting place for the troops in the Civil War.  The red grist mill looks like it should be included in a pictorial calendar.  

The old wooden bridge only allows one car to pass at a time.  The river below is calm, clear and
 full of wildlife.

In mid-October it is host to a wonderful arts and craft fair which I have attended in the past but I prefer to visit when it is quieter and more serene just to enjoy the scenery.   

Just outside Rogers on the road to Eureka Springs we came across a herd of buffalo.  It was dusk so the pictures are a little dark but I thought how beautiful are these amazing creatures.    I never considered buffalo being beautiful but truly they were as they were grazing in their green pasture.   They even noticed me taking their picture!  
    

The following morning we awakened to perfect sunshiny weather and were greeted outside our hotel by glorious red sugar maples!  Can anything be more beautiful? 

Even the fresh fallen leaves on the ground were gorgeous to me!  

We headed south down to Mena, Arkansas in order to travel the Talimena Scenic Byway which starts in Mena and ends in Talihina, Oklahoma.  This is a favorite scenic drive to many especially motorcycle enthusiasts.  We travel by car but I can see why this is such a big attraction for those Harley lovers! 

Krebs is tiny little town is just past the end of the scenic drive and is well known for it's wonderful Italian restaurants...there's not really even a main street but there are some wonderful eateries.  It was the perfect place to stop and we enjoyed a wonderful meal before heading home.

Hope you are enjoying the changing foliage in your neck of the woods.  I'll be linking with Susan's Outdoor Wednesdays this week. 

I'm also linking with The Tablescaper for
Seasonal Sunday! 

Happy Thanksgiving!