Eureka Springs in May

April through June gives you the sweet spot - wildflowers blooming, perfect temperatures, and fewer crowds than fall. The dogwoods put on a show in April that draws photographers from across the region. May hits that perfect 75-degree mark where you can walk all day without breaking a sweat. Fall brings the leaf peepers, and for good reason. September and October turn the Ozark hills into a postcard, but hotel prices double and parking becomes a blood sport. If you come in fall, book months ahead and arrive early in the day. Summer gets hot and humid, but the evening ghost tours become magical when the heat breaks after sunset. Plus, you'll have the swimming holes to yourself while everyone else hides in air conditioning. Winter? Only if you love having the place to yourself. Half the restaurants close, but the Christmas decorations turn the Victorian houses into something from a Hallmark movie. Just bundle up - those mountain winds bite.