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?

[kc rush]

I liked the Crescent and thought the ghost tour was fun.

If you like art, there are a lot of little shops to enjoy.

My wife and I have been a couple times and will probably head back there again as soon as the nest empties.

[Pablo]

Wife and I go down there every couple years for a quick getaway weekend. It’s beautiful and I really enjoyed hiking at Leatherwood Lake. The Grotto is a cool restaurant if you want red meat and wine and ambiance. There’s a trolley tour for Victorian homes I will be doing next time we go down.

[Why Not?]

Eureka Springs rules. Wife and I get there sans kids just to chill. But we kinda like to just loaf around and do whatever we feel so not sure we’re the folks to rely on for entertainment but you will have a nice relaxing time and that’s money for us.

[Dartgod]

If you are into Civil War history, Pea Ridge National Military Park is about 25 miles away. And Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge is about 10 miles away. It's more of a big cat rescue organization, but it's pretty cool. If you are into that sort of thing.

https://www.nps.gov/peri/index.htm

https://www.turpentinecreek.org/

[Pablo]

Turpentine Creek was cool if you want to see big cats and bears. And it’s a good cause from what I could gather

[seaofred]

Originally Posted by Pablo

Turpentine Creek was cool if you want to see big cats and bears. And it’s a good cause from what I could gather

You can even stay the night there in a tree house. It's right next to the cats and you wake up to them roaring. Pretty cool.

[ptlyon]

Originally Posted by seaofred

You can even stay the night there in a tree house. It's right next to the cats and you wake up to them roaring. Pretty cool.

And so does she.... Amirite!?!

[PatMahomesIsGod]

There’s a nice winery north of town.

Bonus because you cross over a couple of old ass 1 lane wooden bridges to get there.

[Molitoth]

When I visited there, it seemed like a very religious town... and now to read it's very progressive with an LGBTQ takeover? crazy.

Anyway, stayed at a Bed and Breakfast right on the main strip downtown, it was cool.

[PatMahomesIsGod]

Originally Posted by Molitoth

When I visited there, it seemed like a very religious town... and now to read it's very progressive with an LGBTQ takeover? crazy.

Anyway, stayed at a Bed and Breakfast right on the main strip downtown, it was cool.

Last visit was when Jesus was a boy??

[NewChief]

Originally Posted by Molitoth

When I visited there, it seemed like a very religious town... and now to read it's very progressive with an LGBTQ takeover? crazy.

Anyway, stayed at a Bed and Breakfast right on the main strip downtown, it was cool.

It’s a bit of both. The Greaf Passion Play brings a lot of religious tourism, and certain elements of the town cater to that. But there was a huge Folk Festival in like 1973 where a ton of hippies became “back of the landers” and stuck around the area, fleeing San Fran and the other big cities. Since then, the town has kind of had a duality which is another thing that gives it its unique character.

Here’s a cool article on the folk festival and conflict between the groups:
https://encyclopediaofarkansas.net/e...olk-fair-7958/

Here’s a pretty good article on the back to the land movement in the ozarks in general, a topic convered in depth in a book called HipBillies.
https://encyclopediaofarkansas.net/e...movement-6237/

[frank58]

Cool place to hang out for a weekend getaway. Wife and I went there last weekend and tried Sauced BBQ for the first time. Brisket and burnt ends were both great. Would add them to the list of good places to eat.

[BigRedChief]

Went there on my honeymoon. Stayed at the Cresent. Downtown shops were kind of cool. Bought some art that I still have on my wall. Best part was riding the dinner train. Great little trip.