Belle of the Ozarks

August 31st, 2011
Beaver Lake

Beautiful Beaver Lake.

If you’re looking for a relaxing way to spend an afternoon during your stay at our Eureka Springs Bed and Breakfast, consider a cruise on the Belle of the Ozarks.

Sit back and absorb glorious views of Beaver Lake and the surrounding Ozarks during the 1.5 hour cruise. People have said the following about Belle of the Ozarks on TripAdvisor:

  • “The scenery is some of the best Arkansas has to offer. Don’t miss this one.” (May 2011)
  • “The scenery of Beaver Lake is breathtaking.” (July 2011)
  • “Take a ride on this pontoon boat. See Beaver Lake and hear the history of the area. We loved it.” (October, 2008).

Guests of our Bed and Breakfast Eureka Springs concur. This is a perfect activity for anyone looking to experience the best of Arkansas with minimal effort. Enjoy it now, when trees are still green, or take the cruise once fall colors have started to emerge.

The Belle of the Ozarks departs at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. daily through October (closed Thursdays). Additional information is available at Belle of the Ozarks.

Reviews of Belle of the Ozarks available at TripAdvisor.

Fall Weddings in Eureka Springs

August 19th, 2011

An intimate wedding at our Eureka Springs Bed and Breakfast.

Fall is one of the most glorious times to marry in Eureka Springs. The woods behind our Eureka Springs Bed and Breakfast provide a background of brilliant colors to garden weddings and ceremonies on our wrap-around porch. Sunny afternoons give way to cool, crisp nights that are best spent by the fire; fortunately, all guest rooms in our Eureka Springs Bed and Breakfast have fireplaces.

We offer several wedding packages at our Eureka Springs Bed and Breakfast, and will happily tailor your special day to your tastes. We can accommodate up to fifteen guests in addition to the bride and groom, though we specialize in intimate weddings and elopements. Since we want your wedding day to run smoothly, we’ll handle any arrangements you like. You need think only about the most important part – each other.

Horse drawn carriage rides are a delightful addition to weddings at our Eureka Springs Bed and Breakfast. Arrive by carriage, or tour the city in style after the ceremony. It’s incredibly romantic. Olden Day Carriage Rides even offers “Marriages on the Carriage”, with advance notice.

Please visit our Eureka Springs Bed and Breakfast Weddings page for details about our wedding packages, and don’t hesitate to call us with questions at 866.350.5454.

Please visit Olden Days Carriage Services for information about Eureka Springs Carriage Rides.

The Eurekan

August 8th, 2011

Every so often, Eureka Springs is invaded by uber-athletes. It’s about to happen again this weekend, August 12-14, 2011. The Eurekan is a three-day sport festival that includes a triathlon, bike rides, bike races, and runs. We’ll be wising everyone good speed and good knees from the comfort of our Eureka Springs Bed and Breakfast.

Like to run, bike, and swim? Come to The Eurekan.

Any participant who successfully completes the triathlon, the century (100 mile) bike ride, and the 10K run will hereafter be called “The Eurekan”. Other rewards are more personal, such as the knowledge that you had the strength and courage to train and persevere.

There are other events for folks who enjoy sports but don’t enjoy punishment. If that sounds like you, consider doing the 20 or 58 mile bike rides. You’ll still have time (and energy) to admire the historic downtown area, with its many shops, galleries, and restaurants.

Eureka Springs is nestled in the Ozarks. It’s no surprise that athletes are willing to travel here to run, bike, and swim, because the beautiful setting is inspirational. Many guests of our Eureka Springs Bed and Breakfast enjoy some form of outdoor recreation while here, be it biking, hiking, or boating on vast Beaver Lake. We invite you to come see for yourself, whether you’re a triathlete or not.

Please see The Eurekan for additional even information. Please visit Eureka Springs lodging to book a room at our inn.

Eureka Springs 2nd Saturday

August 3rd, 2011

The second Saturday evening of the month is a festive occasion here in Eureka Springs, at least April through December. Art galleries open their doors from 6 – 9 p.m. for the 2nd Saturday Gallery Stroll, highlighting special shows and artist receptions. People wander from gallery to gallery, admiring art. More than one guest of our Eureka Springs Bed and Breakfast has returned from the Gallery Stroll with a new treasure tucked under the arm.

The galleries of Eureka Springs.

Eureka Springs has often been labeled a “Top Twenty-five Arts Destination” in the United States, and with good reason. The galleries located in the historic downtown village routinely showcase the work of over a thousand artists. There is literally something for every taste: raku pottery, bronze sculptures, glass art, oil paintings, and much, much more.

Our Eureka Springs Bed and Breakfast is close to the Historic Downtown area and the 2nd Saturday Gallery Stroll. Guests who don’t mind walking up and down some pretty impressive hills may leave their cars at the inn and leisurely stroll to and from art. Parking is available for those who would rather drive.

Read on for a brief summary of art galleries participating in the 2nd Saturday Gallery Stroll:
83 Spring Street Gallery. The Flagship Studio Gallery of nationally recognized bronze sculptor Mark Hopkins; also showcases work by many fine artists.
Eureka Thyme Gallery. Arts and crafts by local artists.
Fusion Squared Gallery. Hand-crafted fused glass art of John Rinhehart and work by nationally recognized artists.
Iris at the Basin Park. Sculpture, modern painting, crafts, and fine art.
The Jewel Box Gallery. Art jewelry and hot glass work.
Quicksilver Gallery Jewelry, paintings, glass art, and wonderful gongs, chimes, and singing bowls.
Zark’s Fine Design Gallery Features the work of a dozen artists.

For up to date information on the 2nd Saturday Gallery Stroll, please visit Art of Eureka.

Thorncrown Chapel

July 30th, 2011

Thorncrown Chapel inspires feelings of wonder and awe. It also exudes peace. To stand in it is to feel the power of nature and the grace of God.

Thorncrown Chapel Interior

Thorncrown Chapel

Thorncrown Chapel exists because one man decided to share beauty rather than enclose it. In 1971, school teacher Jim Reed and his wife purchased a stunning piece of land in the Ozarks. Their plan was to build a home and retire there. Over time, Jim noticed that people often stopped on his land to admire it and its view of the Ozarks, and he made a decision. In the ultimate spirit of hospitality, he and his wife would invite people to stop and rest here rather than shoo them away. They decided to build a glass chapel to welcome and inspire wayfarers.

At Reed’s bidding, Arkansas architect E. Fay Jones designed Thorncrown Chapel. He was inspired by Sainte Chappelle in Paris, and he ‘affectionately labeled Thorncrown’s style as “Ozark Gothic”‘. Built of glass, wood, flagstone, and a bit of steel, the chapel is a tribute to the beautiful land surrounding it.

The chapel is open to the public daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m, April through November, though it sometimes closes early for special events. It is located just west of town, a short drive from our Eureka Springs Bed and Breakfast. At this time of year, Sunday services are held at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.  All are welcome.

Many guests of our Eureka Springs Arkansas Bed and Breakfast visit Thorncrown Chapel during their stay. They find it a truly peaceful and inspirational space. Perhaps you will, too.

Additional information is available at Thorncrown Chapel.

Fun After 5 in Eureka Springs

July 22nd, 2011

Eureka Springs is a fun place to visit any time of day, but for the next few Thursday evenings, it will be particularly Fun After 5. Stretch your weekend at our Eureka Springs Bed and Breakfast into a long weekend, and check out our historic downtown area on a Thursday night.

Sponsored by the Eureka Springs Downtown Network, Fun After 5 invites shoppers to linger, explore, and have fun with a variety of activities. The series kicked off last night with a Downtown Dance Party; Ozarkwaaba played at Basin Spring Park, and by all accounts, the show was fantastic.

Fun After 5 continues in the coming weeks:

  • July 28: Geocache/Scavenger Hunt: find hidden prizes around the historic downtown area.
  • August 4: Chalk Eureka: chalk yourself in Basin Spring Park or join a spontaneous chalk party in front of one of the shops or art galleries in historic downtown Eureka Springs. Sure to be a colorful and festive occasion.
  • August 11: Readers & Writers in Basin Spring Park: book making, open mic poetry reading, and book signings by local authors. Of course there has to be chalk poetry in the streets, too.
  • August 18: Home Run in Basin Spring Park: Spike the mascot and two players from the Naturals will be on hand for photos, Carroll County Soccer players will put on a fun demonstration, Eureka Springs High School coach and basketball team will do a demonstration and the Cheerleaders will perform. All this to music by the Eureka Springs Band. This is sure to be a fine example of small town community.
  • August 25: Go Green in Eureka Springs: find your way through a maze of green recycling boxes and relax with a chair massage. Enjoy cooking demonstrations and spiritual readings, among other events.

Stay at our Eureka Springs Bed and Breakfast and have Fun After 5.

Eureka Springs is known for its eclectic and accepting community. This is a town that likes to step out and have fun whenever possible. It’s why we’re here; and we love to share our quirky town with guests of our Eureka Springs Bed and Breakfast.

 

Lake Leatherwood, Eureka Springs

July 15th, 2011

Our Eureka Springs Bed and Breakfast is surrounded by opportunities for outdoor recreation. Eureka Springs is nestled in the Ozark Mountains, enormous Beaver Lake is a short drive from town, and the Buffalo River National Park is less than an hour from our inn. Many of our guests spend a good deal of time exploring the natural beauty of the area on foot, by bike, and in boats.

One of our favorite spots is Lake Leatherwood Park, which is just a couple miles west of our Eureka Springs Bed and Breakfast.

Lake Leatherwood Dam Bridge

Take in great views from the Lake Leatherwood Dam Bridge.

Fifteen miles of trails traverse this 1,600-acre municipal park, suitable for walking, running, or biking. Trails run along creeks, pass by picturesque historic stone walls, and lead over small bridges. Be sure to walk out on the Lake Leatherwood Dam Bride, pictured above. The dam is one of the largest native limestone (hand-cut) dams in the country. It’s easy to find solitude in Lake Leatherwood Park, close to town though it is.

The 85-acre spring fed lake is a lovely place to fish for large mouth bass, channel catfish, blue gill and more. Boating is allowed, but thanks to a ‘No Wake” requirement for all motorized boats, the lake feels peaceful. Paddle boats and fishing boats are available for rental. Designated swimming areas provide a safe place to cool off on hot days.

After a long day hiking, biking, or boating in the Lake Leatherwood area, return to our Eureka Springs Bed and Breakfast for a cool drink and tasty home made treat on the porch. Then take advantage of the fact that the inn is so close to the Eureka Springs historic downtown area, and stroll to town (as long as you don’t mind walking up and down a few hills). Several good Eureka Springs restaurants are less than a mile from our romantic inn: Casa Colina, DeVito’s, the New Delhi Cafe, and more.

Pet Friendly Lodging Eureka Springs

July 6th, 2011

If you’re like us, your dog is more than a pet. He or she is a full-blown member of the family. Traveling without your furry friend is unthinkable.

We have two pet friendly rooms - because how could you leave him behind?

When you awaken in the morning, you’re greeted joyously by your dog. When you come home after an absence, you’re greeted joyously by your dog. Walks are more fun with your dog. Life is just better when your dog is by your side.

That’s how we feel, and that’s why our Eureka Springs Bed and Breakfast has two pet friendly rooms.

Dogs are welcome in the Library Room and the Patio Suite. Both offer plenty of room for all of you to stretch out and relax after a long day exploring Eureka Springs. The Patio Suite accesses a large, enclosed courtyard, while the Library Room has a private seating area on the veranda; both rooms allow your pet to sit outside and enjoy our gardens – after all, it should be a vacation for him/her, too.

Once you’ve settled in to our Eureka Springs Bed and Breakfast, ask us about our favorite spots to walk our dogs in Eureka Springs.

Please let us know that you’ll be traveling with pets when you book your room in our pet friendly Eureka Springs hotel.

July 4th in Eureka Springs

June 29th, 2011

We still have some availability for July 4, 2011, in our Eureka Springs Bed and Breakfast. If you’ve never experienced Independence Day in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, maybe it’s time you did.

Celebrate July 4th, 2011, in Eureka Springs, Arkansas.

Downtown Eureka Springs puts on a great old fashioned 4th of July celebration. The day is filled with games, contests, food, and music, all within easy walking distance from our Eureka Springs Bed and Breakfast.

At 6 p.m. in the evening, locals and visitors alike head to the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge. Folks bring their own fireworks or buy them on site, and enjoy setting them off in a safe and fun environment on top of a mountain.

You may want to sleep in on July 5th, and that’s just what you should do. So take a few days off work next week and spend them here, at our Eureka Springs AR Bed and Breakfast.

Canoe the Buffalo National River

June 20th, 2011
Labrador Paradise

Our Eureka Springs B&B has 2 dog friendly rooms, so your pooch can enjoy the Buffalo National River with you.

We adore living and working in Eureka Springs for many reasons, not least of which is the town’s proximity to the “great outdoors”. The Ozark Mountains surround town, so when guests of our Eureka Springs Bed and Breakfast crave outdoor recreation, they needn’t travel far to find it. After a day of hiking, canoeing, or horseback riding, they may stroll down the street to dine at one of Eureka Springs many fine restaurants. It’s the best of both worlds.

A favorite activity on hot summer days is canoeing down the Buffalo National River. Typically, day trips leave from Ponca, which is just about an hour from the inn. As of this writing, the Buffalo is too low at Ponca, so canoe trips are launching from Pruitt (just a bit farther down the road) and concluding at Hasty.

The Pruitt – Hasty canoe trip is an easy 7.5 miles. There are no rapids here. Put in any time between 9 a.m. and noon, and someone will be there on the other end to take you back to your car. You should allow four to five hours for the trip, so bring plenty of drinking water and a picnic. Breakfasts at our Eureka Springs Lodging are tasty and portions are generous, but you’ll definitely need a bite or two to keep those paddling arms strong. It’s a very pleasant way to spend a day.

The upper Buffalo River wilderness area is profoundly beautiful. You’ll paddle past tall bluffs and crystal clear waterfalls. The setting is serene and you’re sure to feel peaceful when you arrive at Hasty.

If you have your heart set on canoeing the Buffalo National River during your stay at our Eureka Springs Bed and Breakfast, be sure to reserve your canoe in advance. Call 1.800.221.5514. You are, of course, welcome to launch your own canoe if you have one.


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