Courtesy Ark. Dept. of Tourism
History and art
Historic buildings, along with the shops, galleries and restaurants that inhabit them, make up much of the appeal of downtown Eureka springs.
“Our entire downtown ZIP code is on the National Register of Historic Places,” Pryor said. “We don’t have any malls or boxy discount stores, but we have about 100 retail shops in the downtown area: clothing, home decor and art galleries. We have a trolley service that stops in almost every lodging property, and takes people downtown.”
The downtown area boasts several historic hotels, including the Crescent Hotel, an 1886 property built on a bluff overlooking much of Eureka Springs. At the time, locals dubbed the hotel “The Grand Old Lady of the Ozarks,” and it quickly lived up to its nickname. The area’s thermal springs brought wealthy tourists who would stay at the hotel for weeks at a time, soaking up the bubbling waters for healing and relaxation. The demands of the wealthy clientele led the hotel to become one of the most luxurious properties in the area.
Today, after brief stints as a girls school and a hospital, the Crescent Hotel is once again open as a luxury hotel. New owners restored the building to its original splendor, complete with refurbished period guest rooms and the New Moon Spa. Groups that don’t want to spring for an overnight stay in the hotel can come for a meal in the elegant Crystal Dining Room or stroll through the 15 acres of gardens and trails for a breath of Ozark air and a beautiful view of the town below.
Experiencing the Ozarks
In addition to its history, art and faith community, Eureka Springs has the Ozark Mountains themselves to thank for much of its popularity. The scenic beauty of the area is enticing at any time of year, but the hills come alive with the most brilliant color during the fall.
The Belle of the Ozarks’ eagle watch cruise offers one of the best ways for groups to see the area’s autumn color, as well as some of the native wildlife.
“It’s a cruise around the Beaver Lake area,” Pryor said. “This part of the state is a huge habitat for bald eagles, and they return in the fall and winter. The cruise starts in October, and it includes the history of Beaver Lake and a fall foliage tour.”
For a bit of autumn adventure, local cabin and cottage resorts offer horseback excursions into remote wooded areas around Eureka Springs, or groups can arrange to take a canoeing trip on the lake. A historic tram tour through downtown, as well as other driving and walking tours in the area, allow groups to go leaf-peeping at a more leisurely pace.
However you choose to explore Eureka Springs’ outdoors, you’re sure to find some of the beauty and inspiration that has attracted artists, travelers and people of faith to this corner of the Ozarks for more than 100 years.
Eureka Springs
Convention &
Visitors Bureau
479-253-7333
www.eurekasprings.org
