Nestled deep in the Ozark Mountains in Northwest Arkansas, just 50 scenic miles from Branson, is a hidden gem known as Eureka Springs. Home to only about 2,300 locals, this historic Victorian village makes the ideal location to relax your body and energize your spirit.
Named one of 12 distinct destinations by the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 2001, Eureka Springs begins to come out of its winter slumber around the end of March. By April and May, the warm weather settles in, the dogwoods bloom, and street musicians can be found lingering in the city park strumming on their acoustic guitars.
Eureka Springs - A Top 25 Arts Destination
While a myriad of souvenir shops set their sights on the more than 750,000 tourists expected to visit Eureka Springs in a year, you can still find plenty of little shops where local potters, jewelers, and other artists display their crafts.
As a matter of fact, according to the statistics provided by the Eureka Springs Chamber of Commerce, there are more than 200 working artists, and 20 local art galleries for you to peruse during your visit here.
Eureka Springs is no lightweight in the world of arts. In fact, for the past six years, the city has held a position in AmericanStyle Magazine's "Top 25 Arts Destinations" in the small cities category, courtesy of their annual reader's poll.
And, if art is your thing, then you'll enjoy Eureka Springs' annual May Festival of the Arts. This is a month-long event that celebrates creativity of all types, including the culinary arts, music, painting, writing and reading. Workshops to whet your creative appetite are offered throughout the month.
Biker Heaven Right Here on Earth
Really, this whole area is a biker's paradise. Miles of asphalt twist and turn and flow enticing riders to explore the beautiful scenery preferably on the back of a throaty Harley Davidson. Don't have a Harley? Not to worry, other bikes are more than welcome also.
When road weary riders are ready to stop for rest and relaxation, there are a number of local taverns in which to imbibe. Dozens of "Biker Friendly" signs dot the landscape welcoming bikers to hotels and bars. However, there's one motel, called the Rider's Rest Motel, that insist their clientele be bikers only. Where else but in Eureka Springs would you find that?
As if the miles of curvaceous roads weren't enough to convince bikers to visit, there are numerous biker events and rallies held each year for those desiring some leather clad fellowship. One of the biggest biker draws, while not an official rally, is the annual Eureka Springs Blues Weekend. It's always held the first weekend after Memorial Day. You'll find some of the top blues talent in the world playing there.
Festivals to Celebrate Nearly Everything
From the Chocolate Lover's Festival held each February, to the Season of the Opera that begins at the end of June; and from the Annual Eureka Springs Antique Automobile and Jazz Eureka festivals held in the Fall, to the three Pridefest Diversity Weekends held throughout the year in the Spring, Summer, and Fall, it would seem as though Eureka Springs does, indeed, celebrate everything.
Romance is Always in the Air in Eureka Springs
The streets of Eureka Springs are filled with couples walking hand-in-hand. Indeed, the quaint charm of the city lends itself to romantic weddings and weekends. The streets of the historic district are lined with cozy bed and breakfast inns. For seasoned couples, a stay at Eureka Springs can often reignite that old flame.
As you might expect from Eureka Springs, they have something for every taste and budget. Spend a night in a cozy caboose, perched high up in a theme-decorated treehouse, or in one of many secluded cabins in the area.
If you're wanting something a little more spirited, you can spend a night at the Crescent or Basin Hotel. Both are rumored to be haunted and each offers tours to those people, guests or not, hoping to catch a glimpse of a ghostly apparition.
Family Fun Abounds
While lovers strolling arm in arm, and bikers throttling through the streets are what generally comes to mind when one thinks of Eureka Springs, you might be surprised to know that there are a number of activities for the entire family.
Animal lovers will enjoy the up close and personal tour at Turpentine Creek, for instance. The folks at this 459-acre wildlife refuge work hard to provide habitat for big cats and several other animals, and they are more than happy to share the stories of how each and every animal came to be there. The refuge rescues these animals from neglect, abandonment and abuse.
View the scenery via an 1800s vintage railcar on the Eureka Springs & Northern Arkansas Railway. The train ride is a short, but educational 4 1/2 miles. You can just take a ride, or choose to enjoy a lunch or dinner excursion.
If nature is calling you, you won't have far to go. Indeed, thanks to nearby Beaver and Leatherwood Lakes and the White River, there are numerous opportunities to hike, bike and fish all within a short driving distance from Eureka Springs.
Easy to Get To
Eureka Springs makes a great weekend getaway. It's an easy 2 to 3 hour drive from Tulsa, OK; 2 hours from Springfield, MO; 3 to 4 hours from Little Rock, AR; 4 hours from Kansas City, MO; and just about an hour from Branson.
It truly is a hidden gem.
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