I second the Eureka Springs idea in the fall...Lots to do and they have plenty of cabins that are pretty darn affordable! Look up the city and their calender of events and then try and find a time when the leaves are all changing and book a few days!
We spend as much time as possible in the Heber Springs / Greers Ferry area. Great lake sports, trout fishing, scenery and it's a short drive to Mountain View for great folk and bluegrass music.
I just signed up on here. I live in Holiday Island which is 5 miles north of Eureka Springs. This area had perfect for motorcycle riding and close to a lot of off road trails.
Newton county definitely has some of the most beautiful mountains around. Not to mention the Buffalo river, especially Boxley Valley and the elk. The landscape is awesome, the people friendly, not very crowded. The history is rich. Make a trip into Jasper for a lesson worth learning.