Eureka Springs Trip

[blake5676]

Searched for a thread and didn't see one although I'd guess this has been asked before. Wife and I are headed to Eureka Springs for a short weekend trip in a couple weeks. Never been but always heard good things about the town.

For those of you with knowledge/experience, what are the must do's while there? We're staying at the Crescent Hotel, which is apparently haunted and I think we're doing some sort of ghost tour. Other than that, pretty sure our itinerary is open. I've always heard there is good hiking trails in the area but haven't done much research yet. Have one recommendation to eat at Ermilio's for italian food as well so far. What am I missing?

[stumppy]

Find a bar and drink.

[ThrobProng]

Just remember that ghosts aren't real, and there's no such thing as "haunted". Enjoy!

[ptlyon]

Get naked

[Balto]

Been a couple times 10-15+ years back with the wife and she really enjoyed walking on the main drag to all the unique shops. I bought her an anniversary ring at one of them. We also stayed at the Crescent and loved it!

If your a religious guy or just like live plays, You could get tickets to The Passion play.

Wanna say I remember something about a big glass church in the woods? We didn't go check it out but probably wouldn't take long.

[Renegade]

Ermilio's is really good, but the wait can be long.

Downtown is unique. I don't know how they built so many buildings into the mountain side.

The town is very "artsy". Depending on the weekend you are there, a LGTB parade may be going on. Eureka Springs is very progressive.

Follow Stumpy's advice-Find a bar with outside seating, and drink and watch people.

[tyton75]

ghost tour is kinda fun. I stayed at the Enchanted Treehouses; little pricey but would definitely recommend.

[ptlyon]

Thank God there ain't any Q's

[blake5676]

Originally Posted by stumppy

Find a bar and drink.

Neither of us struggle to find enjoyment in drinking. And we're going to be sans kids for 3 straight days. Advice considered but not really needed on that front

Looking more for a few activities to do before or even along with said drinking.

[Tylerthigpen!1!]

Originally Posted by Balto

Been a couple times 10-15+ years back with the wife and she really enjoyed walking on the main drag to all the unique shops. I bought her an anniversary ring at one of them. We also stayed at the Crescent and loved it!

If your a religious guy or just like live plays, You could get tickets to The Passion play.

Wanna say I remember something about a big glass church in the woods? We didn't go check it out but probably wouldn't take long.

Ya Eureka has strong church vibes but they dont call it "the hole in the bible belt" for nothin'.

Thorncrown chapel is the big glass church Balto mentioned.

Lake Leatherwood is beautiful and has a good loop trail. Hobbs State park is close by and has a lot of well managed hiking trails. Karst loop is a beaut. Ticks and chiggers are starting to come out so bring your bug spray.

The passion play property has world class downhill mountain bike trails if you feel like breaking your collar bone . The trails at hobbs are much more tame.

The rest of NWA is just a short drive away. Bentonville has crystal bridges and the best restaurants. Bentonville tends to get pretty crowded so I stay away.

[Marcellus]

Originally Posted by blake5676

Neither of us struggle to find enjoyment in drinking. And we're going to be sans kids for 3 straight days. Advice considered but not really needed on that front

Looking more for a few activities to do before or even along with said drinking.

The people watching is next level. The Rowdy Beaver on the main drag is a good spot for that.


Here is some info on trails near there, there are plenty of them.

https://www.visiteurekasprings.com/c.../parks-trails/

Also don't forget to - " Watch your cornhole bud".

[blake5676]

I didn't realize we were traveling to such a "gay" city. Can't wait!

[seaofred]

I live about 30 minutes away from Eureka in SWMO. A few things have already been mentioned. Every weekend has a theme, I believe you can go to their Chamber of Commerce page and it will tell you what is going on the weekend you are planning on staying.

Emilio's and Amigo's are pretty good places to eat. If you want something a little nicer go to Gaskin's Cabin or Rogue's Manor. Spring Street Café is good for Brunch.

Lake Leatherwood as mentioned, or you have the Eureka Springs and North Arkansas Railway, where you can take a train ride. It's a biker destination, so people watching is always good.

Some other options that are near by. Roaring River State Park (In Missouri). Lots of trails and trout fishing. Branson, MO is about an hour away.

[InChiefsHeaven]

Of course, you have to go check out the various Springs in the area.

Ermilio's is great, they make a helluva martini. The town itself is probably unlike any other place in Arkansas, in that it's pride banners and gay stuff everywhere. That said, it's a blast though. Wife and I went a couple years back and stayed in a tree house cabin in the woods outside the town.

Check out the "all faiths" glass Church, pretty cool. Oh and if you want a seriously freaky visit, check out the Christ of the Ozarks statue and museum...it's very culty to be sure, but it's an oddity worth seeing.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christ_of_the_Ozarks

We enjoyed our time in Eureka Springs, though I don't know that we will hurry back. Someday I'm sure we'll go again. It's beautiful for sure.

[redfan]

Eats:
The Rockin' Pig
Mud Street Cafe
Local Flavor
New Delhi Cafe

Trails:
Lake Leatherwood (not flat, kinda difficult)
Passion Play trails (out by the big Jesus statue, mostly difficult - lots of elevation changes)
Black Bass lake (flat and easy)