Eureka Springs Getaway
COFFEE IN THE OZARKS.
I always feel like I am traveling back in time when I visit Eureka Springs, Arkansas. This gem of a town is tucked away in The Ozark Mountains and it's such a fun getaway for a romantic weekend or a girls trip. It's only about a 2.5 to 3 hour drive from Tulsa, so Lin and I tend to go quite a bit to escape for a long weekend. It's a great ride on the motorcycle too and we live for traveling on the bike in good riding weather. It's one of my favorite trips to make in the fall when all the leaves are changing colors and the air is crisp and layers are a must. Winter is beautiful too. The Ozark's are gorgeous covered in snow. All though we take the car and have had to extend our stay. When those hills are covered in ice, you are not going anywhere! These are also weekends I enjoy sleeping in with coffee in bed and completely unplugging. (Hence no photos) I am super stoked to take my daughter to "Little Switzerland' next week before she starts her sophomore year in High School. We need a little quick getaway with spa services, shopping, and exploring with cameras so that we both can document the lovely Eureka Springs. It's Zoe's first time and I am thrilled to share it with her.
But in the meantime do not miss my Eureka faves:
EAT/DRINK:
OASIS: This is my absolute fave place to go every time I am in Eureka. It's the coziest little nook serving the most fabulous fresh Ark-Mex. The enchiladas are divine and usually just go with any special they have on the board. The beans are side salad are perfection. And I love the eclectic decor. Views of Bob Dylan photos while I indulge are a major plus.
LOCAL FLAVOR: I love this gem for brunch or a late lunch. The outdoor patio is the place to be. It's the perfect spot to see everyone walking along the main drag as it's right in the heart of downtown historic Eureka Springs. Do enjoy a glass of wine or a cocktail. Everything on the menu is delicious and they do have many gluten free options. The mexican sram is my fave.
AQUARIUS TAQUERIA: Sister restaurant to Local Flavor, this place is never going to disappoint. The menu is inspired by the street food in Mexico and I love the Horchata and the street tacos. They do Salsa Nights too if you want to do a little dancing!
ERMILIO'S : Such a romantic spot for dinner in the coziest little house. You will want a reservation. I love the game room upstairs where you can play games awaiting your table. And the food is magnificent. The homemade meatballs are amazing!
MUD ST. CAFE: I have a major sweet tooth and this is a gem of a place for desert and coffee. Lin loves eating breakfast here too. It's incredibly cozy and definitely a must.
THE STONE HOUSE: This is the perfect place to sit outside and enjoy people watching with wine. We love it for live music in the evenings too.
SLEEP
THE ORIGINAL TREEHOUSE COTTAGES: We love these for a romantic stay. They are not on the main drag but just minutes away from historic downtown. These are not your typical "rustic" tree-houses you knew as a kid. Luxurious decor and skillful craftsmanship come together to create the ideal Eureka Springs getaway or vacation. A heart shaped jacuzzi surrounded by glass for an amazing forest view, romantic music, cozy fireplace (in season), high vaulted ceiling with a huge picture window, luxury bed and linens, fine antiques and tiffany chandeliers, full kitchenettes with snacks and their own homemade pumpkin bread, await you. There are only a few and they stay pretty booked so you will want to do some early planning for these.
BASIN PARK HOTEL: This hotel is right in the heart of historic downtown and has lots of charm and character. Set in the quaint shopping district of a spa town, this 1905 boutique hotel's rugged limestone building is next to the historic Basin Spring. Rooms have Mission-style decor and private bathrooms; suites add whirlpool tubs and/or mini-fridges and microwaves.A casual American restaurant has balcony views, and the top floor features a billiards bar. There's also a day spa, sundeck and hot tub, plus a ballroom. A resort fee covers parking (free shuttle to hotel lot), WiFi and history tours.
THE CRESCENT HOTEL: This historic Victorian hotel built of native limestone is set on 15 mountaintop acres 1 mile from Downtown shopping and dining. Rooms have Victorian-style decor and coffeemakers; suites add fridges and microwaves, some have fireplaces, verandas or whirlpool tubs. Multi-bedroom cottages are also available.Dining options include a steakhouse and penthouse pizza bar, plus a weekend champagne brunch. There's also a day spa, outdoor pool and a hot tub. A resort fee covers cultural activities, WiFi access and a Downtown shuttle. Do take the ghost tour here. It's worth every penny. You will end up in the old morgue!
THE BELLADONNA COTTAGE: The most incredible quaint, cozy cottage. I love the garden. It's only a 20 minute walk to the main downtown area too. Patti is a wonderful source of information.
Do go see The Thorncrown Chapel. It's beautiful. Nestled in a woodland setting, Thorncrown Chapel rises forty-eight feet into the Ozark sky. This magnificent wooden structure contains 425 windows and over 6,000 square feet of glass. It sits atop over 100 tons of native stone and colored flagstone, making it blend perfectly with its setting. The chapel's simple design and majestic beauty combine to make it what critics have called "one of the finest religious spaces of modern times." Since the chapel opened in 1980, over six million people have visited this woodland sanctuary. Designed by renowned architect E. Fay Jones, Thorncrown has won numerous architectural awards such as the American Institute of Architects’ Design of the Year Award for 1981 and AIA’s prestigious 25 Year Award. Recently, members of the American Institute of Architects placed Thorncrown Chapel fourth on its list of the top buildings of the twentieth century. Thorncrown Chapel is located on Highway 62 West just outside of Eureka Springs, Arkansas. There is no admission fee, but donations are accepted.
So looking forward to adding to my list next week as me and my best girl and fox really do some exploring!
If you have some faves, send them my way!
TBC
XO