Before the day spa and plastic surgery, before facials and girlfriend getaways, there was Eureka Springs, Arkansas. The Ozarks town was known for being a resort with healing springs to cure all manners of ailments. Hotels and other businesses cropped around the waters of the springs, which were found in locations around town.
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I’d been told about Eureka Springs by a PR rep at a conference I went to and knew I wanted to make time to see it while I was out that way road tripping to Oklahoma with my dad. When I arrived, it was a rainy, muggy afternoon. I parked at the visitor’s center and walked into town rather than try to park my grandfather’s truck on the narrow streets. Shuttles run all day, but I was in desperate for some exercise.
I spent hours wandering the streets, despite the fact that many of the shops were closed. You can still see the old ads painted onto the brick walls for undertakers, home goods, Coca-Cola and hotel rooms.
The Victorian buildings wind their way around the mountain town and are still evident today in the architecture at The 1886 Crescent Hotel and Spa and other spots around town. You can also see the old depot where the trains on the former Missouri and North Arkansas Railroad.
I stepped into Local Flavor Café for a heaping sandwich and to get out of the rain. There were a number of good looking restaurants, including a few Mexican spots, Italian, Thai and American. I also drove out to Thorncrown Chapel, a beautiful church tucked into the woods. My friend informed me that one of the Duggars got engaged there, if you’re into that.
Eureka Springs reminded me a lot of Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge with its kitschy activities. It wasn’t yet high season, so much wasn’t yet open, but the town offers lots of performances like The Great Passion Play.
Nothing like some good, wholesome Americana. Eureka Springs looks well worth a stopover. Thanks!