'''Eureka Springs''' [http://www.eurekasprings.org/] is a quaint resort town in the Ozarks of Arkansas, with eclectic dining and shopping - art galleries, local crafts, etc. Beaver Lake, which is huge, is just outside of town. It is a Victorian village and has a European look and feel with Victorian cottages and homes on steep winding streets.
The entire city is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and with good reason. Not many towns sprang up overnight like Eureka Springs. On July 4, 1879, the town was founded and named. By the end of the year, approximately 10,000 were living there. The attraction was the area's numerous cold water springs, thought to have healing properties. Naturally, this claim was fairly short lived, and when the boom busted, a town full of Victorian homes balanced precariously on limestone bluffs was left in the Ozark wilderness without much of an economic base. As a result, few new buildings followed, and those that were there were rarely razed or renovated. Dozens, if not hundreds, of Victorian homes have remained-- ranging from tiny cottages to elaborate mansions.
Today, the city is passionate about preserving this treasure. In the Spring of 2001, Eureka Springs was named one of 12 Distinctive Destinations by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
You've never seen anything quite like it.
Get in
By car
'''Driving''' - Eureka Springs in remotely located in the Ozarks and the best way to get there is drive. You can travel south from Springfield, Mo or Branson, Mo. on US 65 to US 62 and then west. It is about 2-1/2 hours from Springfield and about 1 hour 45 minutes from Branson. Eureka Springs is at the crossroads of US 62 (east/west) and US 23 (north/south), both are two lane highways and have curves and hills.
By plane
'''Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport''' (XNA) 50 miles southwest (mountain miles - takes longer to drive in the Ozark hills)
'''Tulsa International Airport''' (TUL) 160 miles west
'''Springfield/Branson Regional Airport''' (SGF) 100 miles north
Get around
Because parking is limited, many tourists find it convenient to walk or take the trolley. [http://www.eurekatrolley.org]
Access to the downtown historic district is somewhat limited to individuals with disabilities. Sidewalks are rough native stone and often steep.
Streets in the historic area are very narrow and the operators of large vehicles like RV's and one ton pickups will find manuvering through town to be a real challenge.
See
'''The Great Passion Play'''[http://www.greatpassionplay.com/], Outdoor play of Christ's Passion in 4100 seat amphitheater. Performances from the last Friday in April to the last Saturday in October. Tickets $23.50 Adults, $10.00 Children 6-11, Under 6 Free.
'''Christ of the Ozarks''', Seven story statue of Christ with outstretched arms. On the grounds of The Great Passion Play, it can be seen from Historic District of Eureka Springs. Open 24 hours a day and free of charge to visit.
'''Historic District''', This is also referred to as the loop. It includes the downtown area on Spring Street. The architecture is Victorian, and you get the impression you are in an artisan village. There are galleries, restaurants, gardens, healers, craft shops, street musicians, spas and nightclubs.
'''Eureka Springs and North Arkansas Railway''', Heritage railway offering scenic train excursions.[http://www.esnarailway.com/] Be aware that the "excursion" trip is very short - no more than a couple of miles to a wye juncttion turn around and then back to the depot.
'''Thorncrown Chapel''', designed by notable architect E. Fay Jones, an apprentice of Frank Lloyd Wright.
'''Pivot Rock''', an unusual rock formation.
'''Car Shows, Festivals and Parades''', Eureka Springs is a popular weekend gathering spot for car and motorcycle enthusiasts, artists and musicians. Check the Eureka Springs Advertising & Promotions Commission's web page for a schedeule of events.[http://www.eurekasprings.org/]
The Rosalie Tour & Wedding Home. 82 Spring Street. 79-253-7377. ttp://www.TheRosalie.com. y Appointment. Built in 1889 by JW Hill, The Rosalie is "the prettiest and fanciest home on The Boulevard"! It is a magnificent example of Steamboat Gothic design and Eastlake architecture. Tours and weddings by previous appointment only.
Do
'''Onyx Cave''', 6 miles east of Eureka Springs, oldest tour cave in Arkansas. Tours given with short range FM receiver.
'''Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge''', 7 miles south of Eureka Springs on Highway 23. Phone: (479) 253-5841. [http://www.tigers.tc] 450 acre USDA licensed refuge for big cats. Open 9 AM till dusk every day except Christmas. On-site bed & breakfast.
'''Promised Land Zoo''', 10 miles North of Eureka Springs on Highway 23. Phone: (417) 271-3324. [http://www.plzoo.com] 120 acre USDA licensed 4 mile drive thru, walk thru, petting zoo and more. Over 500 animals from all over the world. Fun for all ages and open everyday all year round.
Buy
Eat
'''DeVito's''', 5 Center Street, ''+1 479'' 253-2525. Email: mailto:pasta@ipa.net [http://www.eureka-springs-usa.com/devitos] Serves Italian food.
'''New Delhi Cafe''', 123 1/2 Spring St., Features American and Indian food. Live music Friday and Saturday nights.
'''Mud Street Cafe''' 22 G South Main Street, ''+1 479'' 253-6732. Great underground ambiance.
'''Ermilio's Italian Home Cooking''', 26 White Street, '' +1 479'' 253-8806. [http://www.ermilios.com/] Wonderful Italian food located inside an old home on Eureka's Historic Loop. Excellent menu, wine list and wait staff.
The Grand Taverne Restaurant & Lounge. 7 North Main Street. 79-253-6756. Email: mailto:grandcentral37@sbcglobal.net Casual, fine dining located on the lobby level of The Grand Central Hotel. American cuisine with French influence.
Sleep
There are many places to stay here that will fit every budget and need, but it is advised to make reservations several weeks in advance because Eureka Spring is a very popular tourist location.
Rock Haus Lodge. il Springs Road. miles from the heart of downtown. 79.244.5440. ww.vrbo.com/131818. 99. - 249. 36 23.768. 93 45.229. Private CLEAN, well-maintained vacation home on 230 acres, but VERY close to town. Featured on p.57 and 56 of the 2009 Eureka Springs Visitors Guide. Black Bass Lake only 1/4 mile.
Budget
'''Alpen Dorf Motel''' 6554 Highway 62, ''+1 479'' 253-9475, Fax: ''+1 479'' 253-5192, Toll-Free: ''+1 800'' 771-9876. Email: mailto:alpdorf@cox-internet.com Rates: $28.00 - $125.00
'''Alpine Lodge''' 2038 East Van Buren, ''+1 479'' 253-7175, Fax: ''+1 479'' 253-5462. Email: mailto:alpine@ipa.net Rates: $42.00 - $120.00
'''East Mountain Lodge''' 3031 E. Van Buren, ''+1 479'' 253-9521, Fax: ''+1 479'' 253-9182, Toll-Free: ''+1 800'' 533-9521. Email: mailto:hthurman@nwaft.com Rates: $39.00 - $48.00
'''Edelweiss Inn''' 2066 E. Van Buren, ''+1 479'' 253-7316, Fax: ''+1 479'' 253-7316, Toll-Free: ''+1 800'' 870-2529. Email: mailto:edelweissinn@sbcglobal.net Rates: $39.00 - $79.00
'''Fisherman's Haven & Family Resort''', Rt. 1, Box 1050, Golden, MO 65658, ''+1 417'' 271-3599. [http://www.fishermanshaven.com] Email: mailto:fishermanhav@mo-net.com Rates: $53.00 - $80.00 RV Rates: $15.00 Rooms have fully equipped kitchenettes with 2 full size beds, swimming pool, playground, boat & swimming dock, also have fully equipped RV spots available.
'''Fly Rod Inn Motel''' 14582 Highway 62 West, ''+1 479'' 253-1056, Fax: ''+1 479'' 253-7989, Toll-Free: ''+1 866'' 368-7521. Email: mailto:info@flyrodinn.com Rates: $39.00 - $69.00
'''Sherwood German Clean Court''' 27 Glenn Avenue, ''+1 479'' 253-8920, Fax: ''+1 479'' 253-8920, Toll-Free: ''+1 800'' 268-6052. Email: mailto:stay@sherwoodcourt.com Rates: $39.00 - $149.00
'''Statue Road Inn''' 909 Passion Play Road, ''+1 479'' 253-9163, Fax: ''+1 479'' 253-6526, Toll-Free: ''+1 800'' 501-7666. Email: mailto:mikeandscarlett@mynewroads.com Rates: $39.00 - $99.00
'''Swiss Village Inn''' 183 E. Van Buren, ''+1 479'' 253-9541, Fax: ''+1 479'' 253 4011, Toll-Free: ''+1 800'' 447-6525. Rates: $39.00 - $109.00
'''Thurman's Lodge''', 163 East Van Buren, ''+1 479'' 253-8689, Toll-Free: ''+1 800'' 892-2427. Email: mailto:thurmanslodge@arkansas.net Rates: $38.00 - $125.00
'''Trails Inn''' 2060 E. Van Buren, ''+1 479'' 253-9390, Fax: ''+1 479'' 253-9185, Toll-Free: ''+1 800'' 962-4691. Email: mailto:trailsinn@sbcglobal.net Rates: $39.00 - $104.00
'''Wagner Inn''' 3064 E. Van Buren, Hwy 62 E, ''+1 479'' 253-9440, Toll-Free: ''+1 800'' 235-7639. Rates: $35.00 - $78.00
Mid-range
'''Bavarian Inn and Restaurant''' Highway 62 West, ''+1 479'' 253-8128, Fax: ''+1 479'' 253-2854. Email: mailto:bavarian@ipa.net Rates: $68.00 - $128.00
'''Brackenridge Lodge''' 352 W. Van Buren, ''+1 479'' 253-6803, Fax: ''+1 479'' 253-6986, Toll-Free: ''+1 800'' 324-2710. Email: mailto:bracken352@sbcglobal.net Rates: $49.00 - $149.00
'''Candlestick Cottage Inn B&B''', 6 Douglas St., ''+1 479'' 253-6813. E-mail: mailto:info@candlestickcottageinn.com. [http://www.candlestickcottageinn.com] Candlestick Cottage Inn B&B is located on a quiet wooded hollow, yet only a one-block walk to shops, galleries and restaurants. Private Jacuzzi suites with individual decks and porches. Full breakfast served each morning on treetop porch or continenal delivered to your suite. Small weddings performed. Rates $89.00 - $159.00 per night.
'''Country Music Inn''' 139 Huntsville Road, ''+1 479'' 253-7625. Email: susan@eurekacountrymusicinn.com Rates: $55.00 - $105.00
'''Land-O-Nod Victorian Inn''' 109 Huntsville Road, ''+1 479'' 253-6262, Fax: ''+1 479'' 253-9763, Toll-Free: ''+1 800'' 526-3263. Email land-o-nod@sbcglobal.net Rates: $59.00 - $125.00
'''New Orleans Hotel''' 63 Spring, ''+1 479'' 253-8630, Fax: ''+1 479'' 253-5949, Toll-Free: ''+1 800'' 243-8630. Email: mailto:info@neworleanshotelandspa.net Rates: $99.00 - $200.00
'''Oak Crest Cottages''' 526 West Van Buren, ''+1 479'' 253-9493, Toll-Free: ''+1 888'' 608-5998. Email: mailto:info@oakcrestcottages.com Rates: $39.00 - $169.00
'''Pine Top Lodge''' 2035 East Van Buren, ''+1 479'' 253-7331, Fax: ''+1 479'' 253-7331, Toll-Free: ''+1 877'' 705-0641. Email: mailto:pinetoplodge@sbcglobal.net Rates: $38.00 - $125.00
'''Pointe West Resort''' 11882 Hwy 187, ''+1 479'' 253-9050, Toll-Free: ''+1 800'' 352-6616. Rates: $55.00 - $95.00
'''Roadrunner Inn''' 3034 Mundell Road, ''+1 479'' 253 8166, Toll-Free: ''+1 888'' 253 8166. Email: mailto:roadrunner@beaverlakeview.com Rates: $59.00 - $80.00
Splurge
1884 Bridgeford House Bed and Breakfast. ridgeford House B & B. 63 Spring Street. ighway 62 or 23 to Main then Spring. 88-567-2422. ww.bridgefordhouse.com. p.m. +. 1 a.m.. 109-$169. 6.408881. 93.735489. B&B on the trolley car and the horse drawn carriage routes, listed on the National Register of Historic places. The _gSecret Garden_h has been honored with Eureka Springs Garden Club_fs Award for _gGarden of the Season._h
1882 Harvest House Bed and Breakfast. 04 Wall Street. 79-253-0007. ww.eurekalove.com. 95.00 to $175.00. nfo@eurekalove.com. 1882 Harvest House is a restored Victorian home; its land grant is signed by Abraham Lincoln. This home has reportedly been used for inn keeping since Eureka Springs' earliest days.
Enjoy full breakfast in our formal dining room or get comfy in the all seasons room gazebo, overlooking the expansive lawns, gardens and trees.
Located on a quiet residential street just two blocks east of Main Street and historic downtown, the trolley stop is a level walk four doors down to Highway 62/Van Buren. Heavy woods are behind the house; throughout the day deer and other fauna graze on the serene, spacious grounds. Private parking on premises adjoin the gardens under a very large oak tree, its age estimated between 125 to 200 years old. </sleep>
'''1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa''' 75 Prospect, ''+1 479'' 253-9766, Fax: ''+1 479'' 253-5296, Toll-Free: ''+1 800'' 342-9766. Email: mailto:reservations@crescent-hotel.com Rates: $119.00 - $279.00
'''1905 Basin Park Hotel''', 12 Spring Street, ''+1 479'' 253 7837, Fax: ''+1 479'' 253 6985, Toll-Free: ''+1 800'' 643 4972, Email: mailto:reservations@crescent-hotel.com, Rates: $89.00 - $199.00 One of the world's most unusual hotels; it is built against a hillside and each floor is a "ground" floor with a fire door leading onto the hillside.
'''All Seasons Inn''' 156 Spring Street, ''+1 479'' 253-2001. Toll-Free: ''+1 866'' 336-2001. Email: mailto:info@allseasonsinn.net Rates: $125.00 - $300.00
'''Arsenic & Old Lace Bed and Breakfast Inn,''' Bed and Breakfast in an old Queen Anne Victorian. (866) 350-5454. 60 Hillside Avenue. $140-200 [http://www.eurekaspringsromancebb.com/]
'''5 Ojo Inn Bed and Breakfast''' 5 Ojo Street, ''+1 479'' 253-6734, Toll-Free: ''+1 800'' 656-6734. Website: [http://www.5ojo.com] Email: mailto:innkeeper@5ojo.com. Two old historic homes and two cottages on historic loop only a short walk to downtown. Three-course plated gourmet breakfast. 9 rooms all with jacuzzis. Weddings performed onsite. Packages also available. Rates: $119 to $189.
'''Autumn Moon Cottage''', Lake Lucerne Resort, ''+1 479'' 253-6813. E-mail: mailto:stay@autumnmooncottage.com. [http://www.autumnmooncottage.com] Autumn Moon Cottage is a spacious two-story cottage located only two-miles from Historic Downtown Eureka Springs on the shore of a private lake resort. Fully equipped kitchen, fireplace and gas BBQ. Separate Jacuzzi room overlooking the lake. Rates: $129.00 - $149.00
'''Chantilly Lace Inn''', 257 Spring Street, Eureka Springs, AR, Toll Free: ''+1 888'' 231-9891. Email: info@chantillylaceinn.com [http://www.chantillylaceinn.com]. Located in the historic district of Eureka Springs. Victorian Inn. Jacuzzi tubs, kitchenettes, screened in back porches. Only an 8 minute walk into the heart of town. Shhh....this is Eureka's best kept secret. $119.00 - $165.00
'''Cliff Cottage Inn''', 42 Armstrong St., ''+1 479'' 253-7409. E-mail: cliffctg@aol.com. [http://www.cliffcottage.com] Cliff Cottage Inn is a bed and breakfast that specializes in romantic getaways and elopements. Six suites are located in restored Victorian houses directly off Armstrong Street. The cottage and the studio are set farther back for a more secluded atmosphere. All rooms have either a jacuzzi or a hot tub. Complimentary breakfasts delivered to all rooms (except the cottage) every morning. The inn is a short walk from downtown. Rates are roughly $200 per night, but vary by room.
'''Evening Shade Inn Bed and Breakfast''' 3079 E. Van Buren, ''+1 479'' 253-6264, Toll-Free: ''+1 888'' 992-1224. Website: [http://www.eveningshade.com] Email: eveningshadeinn@cox.net. Private luxury bed and breakfast suites and private cottages located on 10 wooded acres, in city limits and close to restaurants and attractions. Full breakfast delivered to your suite/cottage each morning. Desserts in your room each evening. Elopement weddings performed. Great for honeymoons, anniversaries, romantic getaways. Specials and Packages also available. Rates: $135 and up.
'''Eureka Matterhorn Towers''' 130 W. Van Buren, ''+1 479'' 253-9602, Fax: ''+1 479'' 253-2850, Toll-Free: ''+1 800'' 426-0838. Email: mailto:emtowers@aol.com Rates: $59.50 - $119.50
'''Grand Central Hotel & Spa''', 37 North Main, ''+1 479'' 253 6756, Toll-Free: ''+1 800'' 344 6050, Email: mail to: grandcentral37@sbcglobal.net All luxury suites with two person Jacuzzis, refrigerators, microwaves and coffee makers. On site parking, full service spa and salon. The Grand Taverne Restaurant on lobby level. Located in historic downtown. Rates: $125 and up.
'''Island Motel and Resort Rentals''' 5 Woodsdale Drive, Holiday Island, ''+1 479'' 253-9571, Toll-Free: ''+1 800'' 874-1331. Email: mailto:himotel@ipa.net Rates: $35.00 - $210.00
'''Palace Hotel & Bathhouse''' 135 Spring Street, ''+1 479'' 253-7474. Email: mailto:palacehotel@sbcglobal.net Rates: $140.00 - $158.00
'''Promise Mountain Group/Private Rentals''' 355 CR 3023, ''+1 479'' 253-7234. Email: mailto:promismt@arkansas.net Rates: $79.00 - $612.00
Near
These are properties are located on Beaver Lake near Eureka Springs.
'''Beaver Lakefront Cabins''', 1234 County Road 120 ''+1 479'' 253-9210, Toll Free: ''+1 888'' 253-9210, Fax: ''+1 479'' 253-8374. Email: mailto:info@beaverlakefrontcabins.com [http://www.beaverlakefrontcabins.com] On Beaver Lake about 8 miles from Eureka Springs. A private adult luxury cabin resort on Beaver Lake with jacuzzis, fireplaces, full kitchens, indoor fishing dock and Marina. $165.00 - $265.00
'''Sugar Ridge Resort''', 1216 Dam Site Road, ''+1 479'' 253-5548, Toll Free: ''+1 800'' 867-8439, Fax: ''+1 479'' 253-5548. Email: sugarridge@ipa.net [http://www.sugarridgeresort.com]. A couples/adults only resort on Beaver Lake about 12 miles from Eureka Springs. Private area with jacuzzis, fireplaces and full kitchens. Near the Beaver Dam Site Park. $135.00 - $225.00
Get out