More Reasons to VIsit Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Ann King lists many things to do and see in the Ozark mountain community of Eureka Springs, Arkansas in her article, "Why You Should Visit Eureka Springs", published on September 29, 2006 but there are many other reasons to come to Eureka.

Crowning the top of the one of the city's highest mountains is a historic hotel, The Crescent Hotel. Rumored to have be haunted, The Crescent has a rich history and is still operating as a hotel today. Guests enjoy state of the art, 21st century comforts in historic, Victorian era rooms and an atmosphere that feels just right for ghosts. Those who don't want to spend the night in what may well be a haunted hotel can opt for a meal in the hotel's fine dining room, noted for its' wonderful cuisine or take a ghost tour. Even those who don't want to pay for a tour can walk through the grand lobby, stroll through the outdoor gardens, and visit the observation deck on the top floor. Non-guests are not allowed to get off the specific routes for sightseeing but it's possible to visit without checking in for the night. There is a spa on site as well and it's worth the drive up to The Crescent just to see this Victorian lady. If the weather is fine, take time to sit in a rocker on the broad rear veranda and soak up the scenic views. Built in 1886, The Crescent has been a hotel, a hospital, and a boarding school for young ladies.

In historic downtown Eureka Springs, the lovely Basin Park Hotel dates to 1905 and is still open for lodging. Fine dining is also available at this beautiful yet cozy hotel.

While in the neigbhorhood, no visit to Eureka Springs is complete without a trip to St. Elizabeth's Catholic Church. Catholic visitors will want to visit this picturesque small church but all visitors are delighted to learn that this church was featured in the famed Ripley's Believe It Or Not series. According to Ripley, this is the only church in the world that is entered through the bell tower - believe it or not! To see just how this is possible, visitors can take a trip to the church which is located just behind The Crescent Hotel. In fact, fit visitors may wish to reach the church via a flight of stairs that leads from the hotel garden to St. Elizabeth's.

Another fun thing to do in Eureka is to ride the train - the Northwest Arkansas Railroad. Based in the historic train station and easily reached by one of the city's many trolley, this steam train is a delight for all ages. Tickets are less expensive than other vintage railroads in the Ozark region and the trip through the rugged Ozark mountains is breaktaking. Excursion trains run daily but on weekends, visitors can dine in a vintage dining car as they travel through the hills and rocks. At the turnaround point, train riders are invited to disembark and make a souvenir keepsake with a coin. The friendly conductor provides a narrative of both the area and railroad history.

Tour the Rosalie House, one of the city's most lovely Victorian homes and enjoy being hosted by what appears to be the original owner, Miss Savilatea Grace deCharm. She'll escort guests through the home in period costume and offers a history of the lovely home.

Other local or area attractions include a 12 mile cruise on nearby Beaver Lake aboard "The Belle of the Ozarks", a beautiful paddleboat style boat, foot stomping, toe tapping country music at the Pine Mountain Jamboree, a look at the wonders of mother earth at Cosmic Caverns, a cave reported to be the Ozarks' loveliest underground attraction, that includes two underground lakes and the New Orleans Hotel, also downtown.

At the Turpentine Wildlife Refuge, visitors can view more than one hundred large cats, lions, tigers, and much more in a rugged natural setting.

While viewing the Christ of the Ozarks statue up close and personal, be sure to take a look a the section of the Berlin Wall that is on display nearby. This actual segment of the famous wall that divided the city of Berlin after World War II is a historic artifiact not found anywhere else in the Ozarks.

Lodging in this Victorian mountain village ranges from the luxury of the Basin Park and Crescent Hotels to a wide variety of delightful bed and breakfast inns scattered through the small town to quality hotels and modern motels.

WIthin a few hours drive, visitors can visit three lakes, Beaver Lake, Lake Taneycomo, and Tablerock Lake. Eureka Springs location is just hours away from Branson, Missouri, one of America's premier vacation destinations with multiple amusemehnt parks, live theaters, the new Titanic museum, and the premier shopping district, Branson Landing on the shores of Lake Taneycomo. In Arkansas, nearby War Eagle Mill still grinds grain the old-fashioned way in a working grist mill on the picturesque banks of War Eagle Creek. The Pea Ridge National Battlefield and the cities of Rogers, Bentonville, Springdale, and Fayetteville are just a short distance. Bentonville is home to the giant discount chain, Wal-Mart, and a historical exhibit about the retailer can be found in the original Walton's Five and Dime on the Bentonville Square. The University of Arkansas at Fayetteville offers education, culture, and Razorback football as well.

A visit to Eureka Springs offers so much history, culture, fun, and more! It's well worth a visit to the remote and beautiful Ozark Mountains.