route 7 from Hot Springs Arkansas

Agree that you're probably ahead of the changing of the leaves, but this year has been so weird, who knows. Mountain Home is a charming, quaint town with antiquing and shopping. White River area with canoeing or rafting. Fishing is great. We recently made the trek from here in West TN to Durango, CO and didn't see a lot between western AR and OKC that would make us want to leave AR again. Before I'd head any further west, you might want to think Branson, MO...not terribly far. NW AR has several wine trails, if you're into that....which we are. At Alma, just off I-40 there are 5 within about 15 min of each other and all very nice. Eureka Springs area has another trail, which we have not taken, but the area is very scenic and very popular = reservations for sure. The original Bass Pro Shop is in Springfield and is an attraction in itself. You've got some great options in a relatively small area. I vote for AR and maybe into MO. BTW, if you're ex-military, Ft. Leonardwood is at Rolla, just slightly NE on I-44.