The Ozark Mountains—an isolated area of the mid-South—comprises the northern territory of Arkansas, the southern region of Missouri, and just a smidgeon of southern Illinois, Oklahoma, and southeastern Kansas. It hasn’t always been at the top of many travel lists, but often the stepchild of its larger, more sophisticated surrounding cities. The land has long been a destination for those seeking outdoor adventures among its rugged woodlands, limestone bluffs, and pristine waters, and travelers are finally catching on to its beauty. Big businesses have peaked, ushering in a demand for boutique accommodations, high-end shopping, fine art, and upscale dining.

Here, a guide to the heavenly hamlet we call the Ozarks:

Hotel Vandivort Photo: Courtesy of Starboard & Port Creative

Springfield’s Downtown DarlingsBegin your trip in Springfield, Missouri: an ever-growing city that’s nestled in the Southwest corner of the state. There are plenty of charming bed and breakfasts to choose from—like the Walnut Street Inn, which just begs for porch-sitting. Alternatively, the newly opened Hotel Vandivort offers a more sophisticated stay. The boutique property sits squarely in the downtown center and is abuzz with iPhone-toting locals come cocktail hour; the hotel’s unisex bathroom—known to offer exemplary lighting—has become a hotbed for the perfect selfie.