Hotels in Heber Springs

Free cancellation options if plans change

Earn rewards on every night you stay

Save more with Member Prices

Check prices for these dates

Tonight
Aug 31 - Sep 1
Tomorrow
Sep 1 - Sep 2
This weekend
Sep 4 - Sep 6
Next weekend
Sep 11 - Sep 13

Top 5 hotels in Heber Springs at a glance

  1. Holiday Inn Express Heber Springs by IHG — 2.5-star hotel in Heber Springs. Guest rating: 9.4/10 — Exceptional.
  2. Lucky Trout Lodge — Located in Heber Springs. Guest rating: 9.2/10 — Wonderful.
  3. Quality Inn Heber Springs — 2.5-star hotel in Heber Springs. Guest rating: 8.4/10 — Very Good.
  4. The Abbé House Inn — 3.5-star hotel in Heber Springs. Guest rating: 9.8/10 — Exceptional.
  5. Budget Inn — 2.5-star hotel in Heber Springs. Guest rating: 6.2/10.

Where to stay in Heber Springs?

A Holiday Inn Express hotel with a stone facade, multiple windows, and a covered entrance.
A hotel room with a yellow armchair, a sofa, a small table, a TV mounted on a brick wall, and a desk with a lamp.
A fitness center with treadmills, elliptical machines, and weight machines.
A rectangular swimming pool with a metal handrail in the foreground, surrounded by a brick wall and a metal fence.

Holiday Inn Express Heber Springs by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Heber Springs by IHG
Heber Springs
$101
$114 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 27 - Sep 28
Holiday Inn Express Heber Springs by IHG
A room with a fireplace, wooden ceiling beams, a bed, and a dining table.
A wooden cabin interior with a kitchen, dining area, and a bed.
A wooden interior with a dining table, a red chair, a black refrigerator, a microwave, and a television.
A wooden cabin interior with a kitchen, dining area, and a ceiling fan.

Lucky Trout Lodge

Lucky Trout Lodge
Heber Springs
$126
$138 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 1 - Sep 2
Lucky Trout Lodge
A room with a desk, two armchairs, a coffee table, a lamp, a clock, and a window with curtains.
A reception area with a coffee machine, a clock, and shelves stocked with snacks and beverages.
A hotel reception area with a reception desk, a bulletin board with local information, and a kitchen area in the background.
A hotel room with a bed, a desk with a television, a chair, a lamp, and a door.

Quality Inn Heber Springs

Quality Inn Heber Springs
Heber Springs
$81
$91 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 20 - Sep 21
Quality Inn Heber Springs
An aerial view of a large house with a spacious lawn, a driveway, and a garage.
A living room with a fireplace, a dining area with a chandelier, and a kitchen visible through an archway.
A large, modern house with a symmetrical design, surrounded by a well-maintained lawn and trees.
A bedroom with a bed, a TV, and two windows with curtains.

The Abbé House Inn

The Abbé House Inn
Heber Springs
$110
$121 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 1 - Sep 2
The Abbé House Inn
A room with a brick wall, a wooden desk with a television, a microwave, and a bed with a floral bedspread.
A room with two beds, a brick wall, and two framed pictures.
A small, single-story building with a red roof and a brick facade. There is a window with a sign above it, and a small garden area with plants.
A bathroom with a toilet, sink, and bathtub.

Budget Inn

Budget Inn
Heber Springs
$85
$96 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 21 - Sep 22
Budget Inn
A wooden deck with a ceiling fan, overlooking a grassy area with red chairs and a fire pit.
A wooden cabin interior with a sofa, a table, a TV, and a ping pong table.
A wooden bridge over a calm river, surrounded by lush greenery and a modern house with a deck.

Family-friendly Riverfront Manor on the Little Red

Family-friendly Riverfront Manor on the Little Red
Heber Springs
$239
$735 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 1 - Sep 2
Family-friendly Riverfront Manor on the Little Red
A wooden interior with a reception desk, a flat-screen TV, and a sign reading "Welcome Classic Inn."
A bathroom with a shower, toilet, and a shelf with towels.
A motel with a two-story structure, a parking lot, and a grassy area with outdoor seating.
A hotel room with a bed, a TV, a vanity, and a painting on the wall.

The Klassic Inn

The Klassic Inn
Higden
$119
$135 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 1 - Sep 2
The Klassic Inn
A modern cafe with wooden tables and black chairs, a kitchen area in the background, and a TV mounted on the wall.
A multi-story hotel with a stone facade, multiple windows, and illuminated signage.
A modern lobby with a stone wall, a fireplace, leather sofas, and a glass coffee table.
A hotel reception desk with a hand sanitizer dispenser, a computer, and a phone.

Cobblestone Inn & Suites - Fairfield Bay

Cobblestone Inn & Suites - Fairfield Bay
Fairfield Bay
$142
$163 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 1 - Sep 2
Cobblestone Inn & Suites - Fairfield Bay
A fenced backyard with a swimming pool, lounge chairs, and a patio area.
A covered picnic area with tables and benches, a ceiling fan, and a Coca-Cola mural.
A bedroom with two beds, a dresser, a TV, and a sign on the wall.
A reception area with a wooden wall, a 'WELCOME' sign, a TV mounted on the wall, and a door to the right.

Sportsman's Lodge

Sportsman's Lodge
Higden
$85
$94 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 1 - Sep 2
Sportsman's Lodge
A restaurant with a green wall, a ceiling fan, and a clock.
A room with a television on a stand, a chair, a small table, and a blue door.
A reception desk with a green wall, a Dell computer, a monitor, a phone station, and a fire alarm.
A hotel room with a bed, two bedside lamps, a chair, a small table, a bathroom with a bathtub, and a picture on the wall.

The Magnolia Hotel Searcy

The Magnolia Hotel Searcy
Searcy
$61
$70 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 1 - Sep 2
The Magnolia Hotel Searcy
A spacious lobby with a modern reception desk, a seating area with a patterned sofa, and a large dark rug.
A hotel room with a bed, a desk, a sofa, and a TV.

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Searcy

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Searcy
Searcy
$90
$104 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 6 - Sep 7
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Searcy
A multi-story hotel with a central entrance, a small brick building, and a parking lot.
A lobby with four brown leather chairs, a yellow ottoman, a blue and white patterned rug, and a large arched window with a view of the outside.
A hotel room with two beds, a desk, a chair, a TV, and a window with curtains.
A reception desk with a blue wall and a wooden reception area.

Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Searcy

Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Searcy
Searcy
$59
$68 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 6 - Sep 7
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Searcy
A modern hotel room with a large window, a seating area with a purple ottoman, and a minibar.
An indoor swimming pool with clear blue water, surrounded by a tiled floor with a red border. There are ceiling fans and large windows allowing natural light.

Sleep Inn & Suites Searcy near University

Sleep Inn & Suites Searcy near University
Searcy
$99
$114 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 6 - Sep 7
Sleep Inn & Suites Searcy near University
A pool area with a blue tiled floor, a metal handrail, and a window with a view of the outside.
A hotel room with a large bed, two bedside lamps, a nightstand, a framed picture on the wall, and a telephone on the nightstand.

Quality Inn & Suites Searcy I-57

Quality Inn & Suites Searcy I-57
Searcy
$58
$66 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 6 - Sep 7
Quality Inn & Suites Searcy I-57
A modern living room with a sofa, armchairs, a coffee table, and a TV. There is a kitchen area with a blue backsplash and a dining table.
A hotel room with a bed, bedside tables, a chair, a small table, and a bathroom mirror.
A Best Western Plus hotel with a covered entrance, multiple floors, and a landscaped front yard.
A compact hotel room with a kitchenette, a desk with a chair, a small dining table, and a microwave.

Best Western Plus Searcy Inn

Best Western Plus Searcy Inn
Searcy
$99
$114 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 6 - Sep 7
Best Western Plus Searcy Inn
A hotel room with two beds, a small desk, and a wall-mounted light fixture.
A hotel room with two beds, each with a wooden headboard, a grey carpet, and a light blue wall.
A small bathroom with a toilet, a trash bin, a towel rack, and a bathtub.
A Regency Inn sign with a digital display advertising "LOWER RATES".

Regency Inn Bald Knob

Regency Inn Bald Knob
Bald Knob
$75
$84 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 1 - Sep 2
Regency Inn Bald Knob
A hotel lobby with seating areas, a bar, and a TV screen.
A modern hotel lobby with a dining area, comfortable seating, and a TV screen.
A spacious hotel lobby with multiple seating areas, a reception desk, and a television screen.
An outdoor patio with seating and umbrellas, a stone wall, and a building with multiple windows.

Hampton Inn Searcy

Hampton Inn Searcy
Searcy
$115
$132 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 27 - Sep 28
Hampton Inn Searcy
A bed with white bedding and a wooden headboard.
A hotel reception area with two reception desks, a modern wall design, and a sign for 'Huntingdon Express'.
A modern kitchen with wooden cabinets, a microwave, a coffee maker, and a dining area with a desk and office chair.
A buffet with various food items, including omelets and other dishes, served in metal containers.

Holiday Inn Express Inn & Suites Searcy by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Inn & Suites Searcy by IHG
Searcy
$113
$130 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 7 - Sep 8
Holiday Inn Express Inn & Suites Searcy by IHG
A person playing golf on a sunny day.
A hotel room with a bed, a desk with a computer, a chair, a television, and a wardrobe.
A stack of white towels and a bottle on a bed.
A reception area with a desk, computer, printer, and a chair. There is a window with a view of the outside, a clock on the wall, and framed pictures on the wall.

M star Hotel Searcy

M star Hotel Searcy
Searcy
$50
$58 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 1 - Sep 2
M star Hotel Searcy
A spacious living room with a stone fireplace, wooden beams, and a large window overlooking a dining area.
A wooden dining room with a large table, benches, and a cabinet with glass doors.
A spacious living area with a wooden dining table, a sofa, and a staircase leading to an upper level.
An attic room with wooden beams, a sloped ceiling, and a chandelier.

Tumbling Shoals Cabin < 1 Mi to Beaches & Boating!

Tumbling Shoals Cabin < 1 Mi to Beaches & Boating!
Tumbling Shoals
$230
$455 total
includes taxes & fees
Sep 1 - Sep 2
Tumbling Shoals Cabin < 1 Mi to Beaches & Boating!
View all properties

Get last-minute hotel deals in Heber Springs and save more

Sign in to unlock great savings.
A Holiday Inn Express hotel with a stone facade, multiple windows, and a covered entrance.
A hotel room with a yellow armchair, a sofa, a small table, a TV mounted on a brick wall, and a desk with a lamp.
A fitness center with treadmills, elliptical machines, and weight machines.
A rectangular swimming pool with a metal handrail in the foreground, surrounded by a brick wall and a metal fence.

Holiday Inn Express Heber Springs by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Heber Springs by IHG
Heber Springs
$169
per night
$191 total
includes taxes & fees
Holiday Inn Express Heber Springs by IHG
A room with a fireplace, wooden ceiling beams, a bed, and a dining table.
A wooden cabin interior with a kitchen, dining area, and a bed.
A wooden interior with a dining table, a red chair, a black refrigerator, a microwave, and a television.
A wooden cabin interior with a kitchen, dining area, and a ceiling fan.

Lucky Trout Lodge

Lucky Trout Lodge
Heber Springs
$14 off
$126
per night
$138 total
includes taxes & fees
Lucky Trout Lodge
A room with a desk, two armchairs, a coffee table, a lamp, a clock, and a window with curtains.
A reception area with a coffee machine, a clock, and shelves stocked with snacks and beverages.
A hotel reception area with a reception desk, a bulletin board with local information, and a kitchen area in the background.
A hotel room with a bed, a desk with a television, a chair, a lamp, and a door.

Quality Inn Heber Springs

Quality Inn Heber Springs
Heber Springs
$105
per night
$119 total
includes taxes & fees
Quality Inn Heber Springs
An aerial view of a large house with a spacious lawn, a driveway, and a garage.
A living room with a fireplace, a dining area with a chandelier, and a kitchen visible through an archway.
A large, modern house with a symmetrical design, surrounded by a well-maintained lawn and trees.
A bedroom with a bed, a TV, and two windows with curtains.

The Abbé House Inn

The Abbé House Inn
Heber Springs
$110
per night
$121 total
includes taxes & fees
The Abbé House Inn
A wooden deck with a ceiling fan, overlooking a grassy area with red chairs and a fire pit.
A wooden cabin interior with a sofa, a table, a TV, and a ping pong table.
A wooden bridge over a calm river, surrounded by lush greenery and a modern house with a deck.

Family-friendly Riverfront Manor on the Little Red

Family-friendly Riverfront Manor on the Little Red
Heber Springs
$239
per night
$735 total
includes taxes & fees
Family-friendly Riverfront Manor on the Little Red
A Holiday Inn Express hotel with a stone facade, multiple windows, and a covered entrance.
A hotel room with a yellow armchair, a sofa, a small table, a TV mounted on a brick wall, and a desk with a lamp.
A fitness center with treadmills, elliptical machines, and weight machines.
A rectangular swimming pool with a metal handrail in the foreground, surrounded by a brick wall and a metal fence.

Holiday Inn Express Heber Springs by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Heber Springs by IHG
Heber Springs
$114
per night
$258 total
includes taxes & fees
Holiday Inn Express Heber Springs by IHG
A room with a fireplace, wooden ceiling beams, a bed, and a dining table.
A wooden cabin interior with a kitchen, dining area, and a bed.
A wooden interior with a dining table, a red chair, a black refrigerator, a microwave, and a television.
A wooden cabin interior with a kitchen, dining area, and a ceiling fan.

Lucky Trout Lodge

Lucky Trout Lodge
Heber Springs
$150
per night
$331 total
includes taxes & fees
Sign in for extra savings
Lucky Trout Lodge
A room with a desk, two armchairs, a coffee table, a lamp, a clock, and a window with curtains.
A reception area with a coffee machine, a clock, and shelves stocked with snacks and beverages.
A hotel reception area with a reception desk, a bulletin board with local information, and a kitchen area in the background.
A hotel room with a bed, a desk with a television, a chair, a lamp, and a door.

Quality Inn Heber Springs

Quality Inn Heber Springs
Heber Springs
$90
per night
$204 total
includes taxes & fees
Quality Inn Heber Springs
An aerial view of a large house with a spacious lawn, a driveway, and a garage.
A living room with a fireplace, a dining area with a chandelier, and a kitchen visible through an archway.
A large, modern house with a symmetrical design, surrounded by a well-maintained lawn and trees.
A bedroom with a bed, a TV, and two windows with curtains.

The Abbé House Inn

The Abbé House Inn
Heber Springs
$115
per night
$253 total
includes taxes & fees
The Abbé House Inn
A log cabin with a green roof, surrounded by a grassy yard and trees. There is a fire pit and outdoor furniture.
A log cabin with a green roof, a porch with chairs, and a well-maintained lawn.
A compact living space with a dining table, sofa, kitchenette, and a decorative leaf wall piece.
A gravel path leading to a rustic cabin with a green roof, surrounded by dense trees and a clear sky.

Heavenly Heber Springs Hideaway: Fish & Hike!

Heavenly Heber Springs Hideaway: Fish & Hike!
Heber Springs
$138
per night
$365 total
includes taxes & fees
Heavenly Heber Springs Hideaway: Fish & Hike!
A modern kitchen with white cabinets, a marble countertop, stainless steel appliances, and wooden bar stools.
A modern building with a covered patio area, outdoor seating, and a grill.
A modern building with a covered patio area, a fenced baseball field, and a gravel driveway.
A spacious dining area with a wooden table and wicker chairs, a colorful painting on the wall, and a kitchen in the background.

Modern-style Home w/ Patio, Near Greers Ferry Lake

Modern-style Home w/ Patio, Near Greers Ferry Lake
Heber Springs
$230
per night
$709 total
includes taxes & fees
Modern-style Home w/ Patio, Near Greers Ferry Lake
A cabin with a wooden deck, a staircase, and a fenced porch.
A covered wooden deck with a table and chairs, overlooking a forested area and a red building.
A cozy room with a wooden ceiling, a ceiling fan, a sofa, two armchairs, a coffee table with a plant, and a framed picture on the wall.

Heber Springs Cabin w/ Deck: 3 Mi to Sugarloaf Mtn

Heber Springs Cabin w/ Deck: 3 Mi to Sugarloaf Mtn
Heber Springs
$157
per night
$514 total
includes taxes & fees
Heber Springs Cabin w/ Deck: 3 Mi to Sugarloaf Mtn
A modern kitchen with white cabinets, a stainless steel refrigerator, a wooden backsplash, and a central island with bar stools.
A dining area with a glass table, chairs, and a bowl. There are three windows with blinds, and a rug on the floor.
A modern living room with a sectional sofa, a coffee table, and a ceiling fan.
A pebbled beach with sparse vegetation and a clear blue sky.

Spacious Heber Springs Home - Easy Marina Access!

Spacious Heber Springs Home - Easy Marina Access!
Heber Springs
$334
per night
$984 total
includes taxes & fees
Spacious Heber Springs Home - Easy Marina Access!
A dining area with a round table, six chairs, and a chandelier. There are large windows and a door with an arched design.
A modern kitchen with wooden cabinets, a granite countertop, stainless steel appliances, and pendant lighting.
A wooden deck with metal railings overlooking a calm body of water, surrounded by lush greenery.
A large, two-story house with a covered front porch, a driveway, and a well-maintained lawn.

Riverfront Retreat w/ Fire Pit & Deck

Riverfront Retreat w/ Fire Pit & Deck
Heber Springs
$334
per night
$1,005 total
includes taxes & fees
Riverfront Retreat w/ Fire Pit & Deck
A wooden deck with outdoor seating and a view of a forested area.
A wooden cabin with a porch and steps leading to a deck, surrounded by trees and rocks.
A long dining table set for a meal in a spacious room with wooden floors and large windows.
A rustic cabin with a stone foundation, wooden exterior, and a gravel driveway leading to a wooden deck.

Heber Springs Family Lake House: Fire Pit & Decks

Heber Springs Family Lake House: Fire Pit & Decks
Heber Springs
$385
per night
$1,117 total
includes taxes & fees
Heber Springs Family Lake House: Fire Pit & Decks
A wooden deck with a ceiling fan, overlooking a grassy area with red chairs and a fire pit.
A wooden cabin interior with a sofa, a table, a TV, and a ping pong table.
A wooden bridge over a calm river, surrounded by lush greenery and a modern house with a deck.

Family-friendly Riverfront Manor on the Little Red

Family-friendly Riverfront Manor on the Little Red
Heber Springs
$343
per night
$1,226 total
includes taxes & fees
Family-friendly Riverfront Manor on the Little Red
A lakeside cabin with a dock, surrounded by trees and a rocky shoreline.
A modern house with a deck, large windows, and a stone staircase leading to the entrance.
A modern kitchen with a central island, built-in appliances, and large windows offering views of the outdoors.
A spacious living room with a stone fireplace, comfortable seating, and a modern chandelier.

Boat Dock & Slip: Riverfront Home in Heber Springs

Boat Dock & Slip: Riverfront Home in Heber Springs
Heber Springs
$1,068
per night
$2,790 total
includes taxes & fees
Boat Dock & Slip: Riverfront Home in Heber Springs
Our prices for hotels in Heber Springs are cheapest in January
Price trends for hotels in Heber Springs
Pricing is based on two traveler single night rates
View properties in August
Typical weather for Heber Springs
August
High 31°C / low 21°C. Sunny most days.
View properties in August
31°
21°
28°
18°
22°
12°
15°
6°
10°
2°
8°
0°
10°
1°
16°
6°
20°
10°
25°
16°
30°
20°
32°
22°
Monthly weather averages (˚C)

Top neighborhoods in Heber Springs

A sunset over a calm body of water with a boat in the distance and a forested hill in the background.

Eden Isle

The Eden Isle neighborhood has lots to see including Greers Ferry Lake and Eden Isle Marina.

A waterfall surrounded by autumn foliage.

Swinging Bridge Village

Heber Springs's Swinging Bridge Village neighborhood offers attractions including Little Red River.

Top landmarks in Heber Springs

Sandy Beach

8.4/10 (81 reviews)
Whether you want to collect beach glass or watch the sunset, Sandy Beach is a spot you might want to check out, located 1.5 mi (2.4 km) from central Heber Springs.
See properties

Dam Site Recreation Area

Dam Site Recreation Area is 2.8 mi (4.6 km) from central Heber Springs, why not stop by during your stay. Want to stretch your legs some more? Head to Old Highway 25 Recreation Areas and Eagle Bank Park, both nearby.
See properties

Heber Springs Community Center

8.8/10 (54 reviews)
Heber Springs Community Center is worth a visit, located 1.6 mi (2.6 km) from central Heber Springs.
See properties

Heber Springs Marina

Imagine strolling along Heber Springs Marina for some great waterfront pics. It's located 1.8 mi (2.9 km) from central Heber Springs. If you carry on walking you'll get to Sandy Beach for some more water views.
See properties

Spring Park

Spring Park is worth a visit when in central Heber Springs.
See properties

Cleburne County Library

Cleburne County Library is worth a visit, located 0.5 mi (0.9 km) from central Heber Springs.
See properties

Eden Isle Marina

Imagine strolling along Eden Isle Marina for some great waterfront pics. It's located 3.7 mi (5.9 km) from central Heber Springs.
See properties

Sugar Loaf Mountain

You might want to head out to Sugar Loaf Mountain for some fresh mountain air and a bird's-eye view of Heber Springs.
See properties

Learn more about Heber Springs

Greers Ferry Lake beckons with sandy beaches where families spread towels and coolers under the Arkansas sun. Rent a pontoon boat at Heber Springs Marina for a day of fishing or simply floating on the glassy water. Sugar Loaf Mountain offers hiking trails that reward with panoramic lake views - worth every drop of sweat. The healing mineral springs in Spring Park explain how this place got its name, though locals now prefer lake dips to 'taking the waters.' Little Red River provides world-class trout fishing that draws anglers from across the country. Eagle Bank Park offers perfect picnic spots where you can watch boats drift by. After sunset, small-town restaurants serve catfish so fresh it practically jumps onto your plate.

See all hotels in Heber Springs
A multi-tiered waterfall surrounded by rocks and greenery.
Photo by Heather Kersten

Check out reviews of Heber Springs hotels guests love

Holiday Inn Express Heber Springs by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Heber Springs by IHG

10/10 Excellent
"The room very clean with great pillows, mattress, breakfast was very good and well cooked and warm."
Christopher 1-night trip
Posted 5 days ago
Holiday Inn Express Heber Springs by IHG

Frequently asked questions

What accommodations do travelers like in Heber Springs?
Guests like Lucky Trout Lodge, Holiday Inn Express Heber Springs by IHG and Quality Inn Heber Springs.
Can I book refundable hotels in Heber Springs?
If you're looking for the flexibility to change your travel plans to Heber Springs, most hotels provide refundable* bookable rates. You can see these accommodations by searching our site and using the "fully refundable" filter to narrow the results down.
Where should I stay in Heber Springs if I'm looking for an affordable accommodation?
Holiday Inn Express Heber Springs by IHG and Quality Inn Heber Springs are two accommodations you might want to consider that'll save you money.
Where can I stay in Heber Springs if I want a vacation rental instead of a hotel?
If you want to find a good alternative to a hotel, look over our selection of 79 vacation homes. You can also consider one of the 10 apartments or 19 cottages.
What will the weather in Heber Springs be like during my trip?
July and August are typically the warmest months in Heber Springs when the average temp is 77°F. January and February are the coldest months when the average temperature is 43°F. April and May are the months with the most rain.
Why should I book my Heber Springs accommodation with Hotels.com?
There are lots of reasons to book your Heber Springs trip with us: our free cancellations on selected hotels gives you flexibility, and with One Key™, our rewards program, you will be able to earn and use OneKeyCash™* on all eligible bookings such as hotels, car rentals, flights, vacation rentals and more on Hotels.com, Expedia and Vrbo.

Keep exploring