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Eureka Springs: Main Attractions
By E. E. Kane
Eureka Springs, Arkansas, a Victorian village nestled in the
northwest Ozark hills, sprung up overnight after word spread that local natural
springs had medicinal properties. In 1879, on July 4, the town was named, and
by the 1880’s Eureka Springs was a popular health and tourist destination, as
well as a retirement place, for the wealthy. After the turn of the century and
new faith in modern medicine, the town’s popularity decreased. However, the
town’s historic value has been preserved, and today Eureka Springs is listed as
one of the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s “Dozen Distinctive
Destinations.”
Lodgings
Accommodations in Eureka Springs can be as enjoyable as the
city itself. Many of the Victorian-era homes have been converted to bed and
breakfasts, allowing the visitor abundant options for a unique, luxurious, yet
homey getaway. Cabins both rustic and elegant, most equipped with jacuzzis or
fireplaces, are also plentiful in the area surrounding Eureka Springs.
Economical motor motels, such as the vintage 1920’s Joy Motel, offer great
service at a rate any budget can handle. Even the traditional chain lodging
establishments look better nestled in the hills; you’ll never see a prettier
Motel 6.
The 1886 Crescent Hotel and Spa is arguably the most
striking accommodation and attraction in Eureka Springs. The five-story
Victorian era hotel boasts manicured gardens and an enviable position on
Crescent Mountain overlooking the town and the surrounding area. It has also
served as a women’s college and a hospital. But you don’t have to be an
overnight guest of the castle-like hotel to enjoy what this historic site has
to offer. Dine in the opulent Crystal Dining Room, stroll the fifteen acres of
formal gardens, or pamper yourself at the New Moon Spa and Salon. And if your
tastes bend toward the paranormal, Ghost Tours are conducted nightly, since the
1886 Crescent Hotel is reputedly haunted.
The 1905 Basin Park Hotel, sister to the 1886 Crescent
Hotel, is positioned downtown Eureka Springs, with close proximity to downtown
shopping and the entertainment district.
Shopping
To truly experience Eureka Springs, shopping is a must.
Wandering around the downtown historic district, one can find unique shops for
gifts, crafts, clothing, jewelry, and art. Step into a candy shop for fresh
fudge or saltwater taffy, or into a café for a taste of the old or the new.
The shopping experience is made even more enjoyable by the friendliness of the
shopkeepers, who are equally happy to answer questions about their merchandise,
or to give a recommendation for a good place to eat.
Goin’ to the Chapel
Getting married? Eureka Springs, with its charming
Victorian dwellings nestled among 20 hills and bluffs, is a storybook location
for weddings and honeymoons. Thorncrown Chapel, with over 6,000 square feet of
glass, has won many architectural awards, and is without a doubt the most
stunning chapel in the area. Churches and wedding chapels abound throughout
the Eureka Springs area, and some resorts even offer wedding packages which
handle both the ceremony and the honeymoon.
The natural beauty of the wooded Ozark hills afford many
natural outdoor locations for unique ceremonies, such as the Blue Springs
Heritage Center with its 33 acres of lush gardens. Or, for those who love big
cats, the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge is an ideal location for an outdoor
ceremony, where couples have often requested spots in strategic locations to
catch white tigers or black leopards in their wedding photos.
Local establishments, such as The Gazebo Restaurant, the
1886 Crescent Hotel, the 1905 Basin Park Hotel, and others, can handle a
reception with a guest list of up to around 250.
Eureka Springs is ready to handle any wedding or reception
detail. Florists, ministers, bakers, and photographers can all be hired
locally, as well as wedding planners. One-horse carriages are available to
carry the bride and groom off for a fairytale post-nuptial ride through town.
Entertainment and the Arts
Eureka Springs is a natural space for artists, writers, and
performers to hone their skills and present their work. The result is a broad
spectrum of culture, both folk and fine art, for visitors to enjoy.
Whether one’s taste is for country, bluegrass, or opera,
Eureka Springs spans the gamut with variety shows, festivals, and concerts in
both indoor and outdoor venues.
The Passion Play lures thousands of visitors every year to
witness an outdoor reenactment of the 7 days leading up to the death of Jesus
Christ.
Casual concerts by local musicians can often be heard in
downtown’s Basin Spring Park Bandshell, or in some of the more lively
nightclubs and cafes.
Writers can drop in at the Writer’s Colony at Dairy Hollow every
third Thursday of the month for “Poetluck.” At this literary potluck occasion
any emerging or experienced writer is welcome to attend, and can even read up
to four minutes of his or her own work.
For something fun, quirky, and family-friendly, try the
Lucky 13 Starlight Cinema. This isn’t any ordinary cinema; the Lucky 13 is a
bring-your-own-seating outdoor parking lot venue. From June to September,
every Sunday night at One North Main Street, guests can watch a movie projected
against the outer wall of the Basin Spring Bath House building. Guests are
invited to dress in costume, or even pajamas, and to participate in weekly
themed contests, depending on the featured movie.
Main Attraction
The town’s founding feature, that of fifteen recognized natural
springs, are all located within the city limits. Each spring is accessible and
free to the public, many of them adorned with surrounding gardens. A trolley
passes by these and the town’s other main attractions throughout the day.
Just south of the Missouri border, Eureka Springs combines
the best of Northwest Arkansas. A beautiful Ozark location, this quaint city
provides activities for those who love refined culture or the great outdoors,
in a setting that takes one back in time, yet allows a taste of modern
culture. With old-fashioned candy shops, tattoo parlors, and internet cafes,
Eureka Springs is an American slice of life.
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