Discover An Oasis of Incense and Organics in the Ozarks

Located less than 4 hours from Kansas City, Eureka Springs, Arkansas is an ideal weekend getaway. It’s been a popular destination since the 1800s and still provides that old-world charm with its Victorian era architecture, rich foliage and rolling hills.

Although it’s located in northwest Arkansas, Eureka Springs feels more like San Francisco than a small Ozarks town. It’s home to a thriving art community, laid-back locals, and unique experiences.

Here’s the breakdown:

Vibe:

  • On one hand – Romantic getaway: Bamboo grows along the roads, music plays in the streets and wine and chocolate abound.
  • On the other hand – Biker grunge: Eureka Springs hosts thousands of bikers annually as they make their way through the Ozarks giving it a nice sassy attitude, plenty of tattoo parlors and lots of leather.

Where to Eat:

  • Local Flavor: Terrific food and a lively ambiance – put it on top of your list for brunch or dinner
  • Mud Street Café: Located underground, Mud Street has tasty food, cool servers and a unique history – go for breakfast, lunch or just dessert
  • The Garden Bistro: A delightful lunch spot with fresh food and outdoor seating

Where to Drink:

  • The New Delhi: Open-air seating, live music every night and an eclectic crowd
  • The Stone House: A destination for cheese, charcuterie, wine and live music

Where to Stay:

  • The Belladonna Cottage: An intimate, whimsical B&B with inspiring art and thoughtful details like an outdoor bathtub and organic breakfast

Places to Check Out:

  • Downtown Eureka: Victorian architecture, winding roads and locally-owned shops, eateries and tattoo-parlors
  • Beaver Lake: Go there for swimming and hiking when you’re feeling feisty
  • The Eureka  Market: A locally-owned natural food store
  • Lake Leatherwood: Get your exercise on – check out the 1.5 mile hike around the lake
  • The Crescent Hotel: This storied hotel has been around for over 125 years and is known as “America’s Most Haunted Hotel”

Tips:

  • Celebrate your anniversary or go for a girls weekend
  • Visit during warmer months first, the town gets pretty dark in winter months
  • Bring your walking shoes and bug spray
  • Enjoy the wildlife – its not uncommon to see deer on the road (so be careful) and the bird-watching is phenomenal

For more information check out their helpful site, then put Eureka Springs on your weekend getaway list – you won’t regret it!