The Top 5 Reasons to Visit Eureka Springs, Arkansas Now
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Traveling to Eureka Springs, Arkansas offers a delightful experience, as the city is known for its charming Victorian architecture, scenic beauty, and vibrant arts scene. Discover the city's natural springs, which played a significant role in its early history and continue to be a point of interest for visitors. Visit the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, which provides a home to rescued big cats and other exotic animals. It's a great opportunity to learn about wildlife conservation. Discover the city's ghostly legends and haunted locations with a guided ghost tour, which adds a unique and spooky dimension to your visit.
Enjoy outdoor activities at Beaver Lake, a beautiful reservoir known for its fishing, boating, swimming, and hiking opportunities. Take a nostalgic ride on the Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway, which offers scenic tours through the Ozark Mountains, providing a glimpse into the region's railway history. Eureka Springs is a destination that offers a blend of history, art, nature, and outdoor activities, making it a delightful and memorable place to explore. Whether you're interested in architecture, outdoor adventures, or arts and culture, Eureka Springs has something to offer for every type of traveler. These are the top five reasons why Eureka Springs, Arkansas should be on your bucket list.
1. A Foodie’s Paradise: The Cuisine + Cocktails
The Spring on Main offers casually elevated dining featuring craft cocktails, New American fare and unique charcuterie options. or your artisanal cocktail fix, we recommend trying their signature cocktails, Eureka Sunrise—concocted with vodka or gin, cherry liqueur, Génépy and fresh-squeezed lime or Dr. Baker’s Eye Water with tequila or mezcal, orange liqueur, fresh-squeezed lime and bitters.
Led by Executive Chef Mateo Vannucci, the seasonal menu at The Spring on Main features New American fare and unique charcuterie options. Favorite dishes include Miso Charred Salmon with aqua-cultured Norwegian salmon, marinated in a white miso and honey tamari soy sauce, blanched baby bok choy, shiitake mushrooms, tamari lemon beurre blanc, Japanese 7 spice, and petite herb salad, Hummus & Crudités with roasted garlic hummus centerpiece, with fresh raw vegetables, grilled pita bread, buttermilk and fresh herb dip, Castelvetrano olives, and cornichon pickles, as well as Heirloom Tomato and Charred Corn Salad with sliced heirloom tomato, charred fresh corn, mixed green lettuces, cracked black pepper, buttermilk and fresh herb dressing, and petite herbs.
Don’t second guess dessert at The Spring on Main. Enjoy one of many decadent sweets such as Dark Chocolate Budino with fair trade dark chocolate and fresh cream—finished with Maldon sea salt and extra virgin olive oil.
2. Artistic Enchantment: Eureka Springs School of the Arts and Galleries
Eureka Springs, Arkansas has a long history as an art colony and attracts artists from various disciplines. With a thriving arts community, the city is home to numerous art galleries featuring a diverse range of artworks, including paintings, sculptures, pottery, jewelry, and more. Stroll through the historic downtown area to discover various galleries that display both traditional and contemporary art. Keep an eye out for public art installations and murals throughout the city. These art pieces add vibrancy and creativity to Eureka Springs' streets and public spaces.
Source: Visit Eureka Springs
Throughout the year, Eureka Springs hosts several art festivals and events that celebrate the creative spirit of the community. The May Festival of the Arts, in particular, is a month-long celebration featuring art exhibits, music performances, workshops, and gallery strolls. Eureka Springs' vibrant arts scene, combined with its historic charm and scenic beauty, creates a unique and inspiring environment for art enthusiasts and visitors alike. Whether you're an art lover or simply curious about the local creative talent, exploring the art in Eureka Springs can be a rewarding experience.
3. Luxury Shopping: Historic Downtown and Boutique Stores
Eureka Springs, Arkansas offers a delightful shopping experience with a variety of unique and eclectic shops. The city's historic downtown is known for its artsy and bohemian atmosphere, making it a great place to find one-of-a-kind treasures. Explore the charming streets of downtown Eureka Springs, where you'll find a mix of boutique shops, clothing boutiques, art galleries, souvenir stores, gourmet food stores, metaphysical shops, and home decor boutiques. The shops are housed in historic buildings, adding to the city's unique charm.
Eureka Springs is known for its vibrant arts community. Look for art galleries and studios that showcase the works of local artists, including paintings, sculptures, pottery, jewelry, and other handcrafted items. Visit Basin Spring Park, a historic park located in the heart of downtown, where local artisans and vendors often set up stalls to sell their creations. From artsy boutiques to antique treasures, shopping in Eureka Springs offers a diverse and enjoyable experience. Whether you're looking for unique souvenirs or seeking one-of-a-kind gifts, you'll find plenty of options to satisfy your shopping interests in this quaint and artsy city.
4. Natural Springs: Healing Waters and Quaint Pools
Eureka Springs, Arkansas is home to several natural springs, which have played a significant role in the city's history and appeal. Located in the heart of downtown Eureka Springs, Basin Spring is the spring that gave the city its name. It was the first spring to be discovered by settlers in the area and played a vital role in the early development of the town. Today, it is a historic landmark and a centerpiece of Basin Spring Park. Magnetic Spring is situated on Magnetic Street and was once believed to have healing powers due to its supposed magnetic properties. Today, visitors can see the spring and learn about its history.
Source: Visit Eureka Springs
Grotto Spring is situated on Spring Street and has a beautiful natural setting with a rocky grotto surrounding it. The spring can be viewed from the street level. Sweet Spring is located near Sweet Spring Park and is surrounded by a stone wall and steps, making it a picturesque spot to visit. Please note that while some springs are easily accessible and part of public parks, others may be on private property or located in restricted areas. Always respect any posted signage and property boundaries while exploring the natural springs in Eureka Springs.
5. Architectural Marvels: Victorian Homes and Thorncrown Chapel
Eureka Springs, Arkansas is known for its unique and historic architecture, which reflects the city's rich history and artistic flair. Eureka Springs is renowned for its well-preserved Victorian architecture, particularly in the downtown area. Many of the buildings date back to the late 1800s and early 1900s and showcase various Victorian styles, including Queen Anne, Gothic Revival, and Italianate. These buildings often have intricate details, decorative trim, and vibrant paint colors. During the late 1800s and early 1900s, Eureka Springs experienced a boom as a popular resort destination. This Gilded Age influence is evident in the architecture of the era, characterized by grand facades, imposing entrances, and ornate details. The city has several historic hotels and resorts that boast unique architectural designs. For example, the Crescent Hotel & Spa, built in 1886, is a well-known example of grand Victorian architecture and is sometimes referred to as the “Castle in the Ozarks.”
Eureka Springs is famous for its use of native stone in construction, which adds a distinctive character to many of its buildings. Native limestone and sandstone can be found in various structures. The entire city of Eureka Springs is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and its historic district includes over 100 historic structures, preserving the architectural heritage of the area. The blend of Victorian elegance, creative expressions, and native stone construction gives Eureka Springs its distinctive architectural identity. Visitors can take leisurely strolls through the historic downtown area to admire the beautifully preserved buildings and immerse themselves in the city's captivating architectural charm.
WHERE TO STAY IN EUREKA SPRINGS, ARKANSAS
The multi award-winning 5 Ojo Inn features nine guest rooms between two authentic Victorian homes and two cottages. This Eureka Springs, Arkansas Bed & Breakfast is situated on the highest peak in the city limits on Eureka Springs’ historic loop and is located less than a quarter mile walk to downtown shops, restaurants, and galleries. The large wooded lot is complete with gardens, trails and wildlife. Professionally owned and managed by staff with many years of 4 and five-star global boutique hotel experience, the inn has been updated to provide the ultimate in guest comfort.
Two-person jetted tubs, fireplaces, complimentary drinks and snacks, cable TV, WiFi, in-room refrigerators and Keurig coffee makers await your visit. The 5 Ojo Inn boasts an authentic Victorian parlor as well as a year-round outdoor hot tub on the deck. Here you can soothe both muscles and spirit while enjoying the warmth of the water and nature around you. Wander the gardens, sit on the porches, or catch the trolley into town—the luxurious inn is also conveniently located on the City Trolley System. Book below to reserve your room at the lowest price, guaranteed.
Note: This information was accurate when this article was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
