Posts Tagged ‘Eureka Springs lodging’

Eureka Springs Mardi Gras

Thursday, January 12th, 2012

The Venice Carnival dates back to the 15th century, if not before. Carnival in Rio De Janeiro has been celebrated for hundreds of years, as has New Orleans’ Mardi Gras. These are world-famous events–the kind of thing a person ought to experience once in a lifetime. Now there is another.

It's fresh! It's fun! It's Eureka Gras!

Eureka Gras

Mardi Gras Eureka Springs is not as well known as the carnivals in Rio, Venice, and New Orleans. It doesn’t draw quite the same crowd. We think that’s just fine. Folks who attend Eureka Gras enjoy more of the experience, with less hassle. Many events take place close to our Eureka Springs Bed and Breakfast.

The first 2012 Eureka Springs Mardi Gras event took place this past weekend, with the January 7 Kings Day Kick Off party.  Future highlights include:

  • “Taste of N’Awlins”: cafe au lait and beignets will be served at Rowdy Beaver Restaurant. 4 to 5 p.m.
  • Nite Parade: rolls down Spring and Main Streets, starting at 6 p.m.
  • Hookers and Jokers Ball: Thursday, February 16 starting at 6 p.m. Costumes encouraged.
  • Mardi Gras Parade: rolls through historic, downtown Eureka Springs at 2 p.m, February 18.
  • Beaux Arts Masquerade Ball: Basin Park Hotel Barefoot Ballroom, 7 p.m. Saturday, February 18.
  • Jazz Brunch New Orleans Style: Crescent Hotel, 11 a.m to 2 p.m, February 19.
  • St. ‘Lizbeth’s King Cake Ball and Mardi Gras Supper: featuring Cajun food, live music by Naturally Brass, and Eureka Springs’ largest King Cake. February 18, 6:00 to 10:30 p.m.

Come on, laissez les boons temps rouler in Eureka Springs. Our little town loves to throw a party, and this is about the biggest party we throw. It’s fun. Additional information is available at Eureka Gras Mardi Gras.

Eureka Springs doesn’t fill up quite like New Orleans does during Mardi Gras, but it’s still a good idea to make your travel plans soon. Reserve a room at our Eureka Springs Bed and Breakfast today.

 

Jazz Eureka, 2011

Friday, September 2nd, 2011

Jazz Aficionados, take note. Jazz Eureka takes place the weekend of September 23 – 25, 2011, at Basin Spring Park in Eureka Springs. This event is free – yes, free – to one and all. Best of all, we still have rooms available at our Eureka Springs Bed and Breakfast.

See Hogtown Hot Club at Basin Spring Park during Jazz Eureka.

There are many different faces of jazz, and many sounds to go along with those faces. The 2011 Jazz Eureka line-up underscores the diversity of the genre. Highlights include:

  • Hogtown Hot Club: Gypsy jazz and American Swing via acoustic quartet.
  • Trio de Janero: Samba. Need any more be said?
  • SMSU Jazz Band: They’ve played some of the biggest jazz festivals in the world, and now they’ll play Eureka Springs.

You’re sure to hear something you like at Jazz Eureka. Bring blankets, lawn chairs, and a picnic, and spend the weekend relaxing in beautiful Basin Spring Park.

The shops, galleries, and restaurants of historic downtown Eureka Springs are just steps from Basin Spring Park. When you feel the need to stretch your legs, you’ll find there’s plenty to do and see in town. Keep an ear cocked as you stroll through town – many restaurants will feature live music in conjunction with Jazz Eureka.

Our Eureka Springs Bed and Breakfast is located close to the heart of downtown Eureka Springs. Guests who are walkers or cyclists (and don’t mind hills) frequently leave cars parked at the inn and explore town on foot.  While there is in-town parking for folks who prefer to drive many guests enjoy the Eureka Springs Trolley and leaving the driver to someone else.

 

 

Belle of the Ozarks

Wednesday, 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.

The Eurekan

Monday, 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 is Mad About Art

Wednesday, April 20th, 2011

There are towns here and there that seem to draw artistic people to them. Perhaps it’s because they are aesthetically pleasing in and of themselves – boasting attractive architecture and a lovely setting. Perhaps it’s a case of “like draws like” -once a few artists take up residency, others are bound to follow. Port Townsend, WA is one of these artistic towns, as is Traverse City, MI. So, too, is Eureka Springs, Arkansas.

We see evidence of this frequently at our Eureka Springs Bed and Breakfast. Our guests travel to Eureka Springs, Arkansas, for many reasons, but more often than not, they travel here for the arts. At no time is this truer than during the May Festival of the Arts.

2011 is the 24th annual May Festival of the Arts. Eureka Springs gives itself over to the arts for the entire month, from the Grand Illumination of town with colorful paper lanterns, to the Blues Weekend at the start of June.

Check out the Spring Art Fair, May 13-14, 2011.


Favorite Eureka Springs May Festival of the Arts events include:

  • Downtown Art Fair, May 13 and 14, 2011, in Basin Spring Park. This open air Fine Art exhibit / sale features the work of regional artists. It’s a great place to pick up art for your home, or simply to admire great artwork.
  • Ozarks Chorale performance on May 7 at 7p.m., at the Eureka Springs City Auditorium.
  • Belle of Amherst, May 13 – 14 at 8p.m., and May 15 at 2p.m. A fantastic one woman show about Emily Dickinson, by Laurel Owen.

There are many, many more special events throughout the month of May. Find the events you’d most like to attend, then book a room at our Eureka Springs Bed and Breakfast. A detailed schedule of events is available at May Festival of the Arts.

Visit Cosmic Caverns

Thursday, April 14th, 2011
Cosmic Cavern, Straws

Straws in Cosmic Cavern, near our Eureka Springs B&B.

Not far outside Eureka Springs is the wondrous Cosmic Cavern. It is great fun for all fit enough to negotiate through narrow passages and stairways. Many guests of our Eureka Springs AR Bed and Breakfast have been pleased with their visit to Cosmic Cavern.

The bottom has not yet been found in two subterranean lakes. There are fascinating formations of stalactites and stalagmites, flowstones, sodastraws, cave bacon, draperies, and helictites. Cosmic Cavern is home to blind cave trout and the Ozark Blind Cave Salamander – both of which exemplify how animals adapt to their living conditions.

Standard tours of Cosmic Cavern last over an hour. If you take this tour and have a taste for more, you may want to try the Wild Cave Tour through parts of the caverns rarely seen by the public. Previous spelunking experience isn’t necessary, but a sense of adventure and a willingness to get a little dirty is.

A more relaxing activity is Gemstone Panning in an authentic sluice. You’ll be successful with a little patience and sharp eyes. Among other gems, you may find Garnet in Matrix, Fool’s Gold, Rose Quartz, and amethyst.

Cosmic Cavern is about 30 minutes east of our Eureka Springs Bed and Breakfast. It’s a great addition to any Eureka Springs vacation. Additional information is available at Cosmic Caverns.

The Grand Illumination of Eureka Springs

Friday, March 25th, 2011

May means Arts in Eureka Springs, for the 24th Annual May Festival of the Arts runs May 1 – 31, 2011. People travel from far and wide to stay in our Eureka Springs Bed and Breakfast and enjoy a wide variety of art shows and exhibits, free concerts in Basin Spring Park, craft shows, theatre performances, and more.

The Eureka Springs Grand Illumination. Photo by the May Festival of the Arts.

One of the loveliest aspects of the May Festival of the Arts is the Grand Illumination.  Each night, the whole town glows from the light of thousands of Japanese and Chinese paper lanterns. The historic buildings of downtown Eureka Springs never look quite so good as they do on a spring evening in May.

Come see for yourself. Visit our Eureka Springs Bed and Breakfast during the May Arts Festival and the Grand Illumination. Reservations made at least 45 days in advance receive a 5% discount. That means there is still time to reserve a room for at our Bed and Breakfast Eureka Springs during the month of May and save.

More information may be found at Eureka Springs May Festival of the Arts.

Hikes Near Eureka Springs

Wednesday, March 16th, 2011

Spring Break is a great time to explore the trails in and around Eureka Springs. There are a number of hikes less than an hour’s drive from our Eureka Springs Bed and Breakfast; indeed, it takes 10 minutes to get to Lake Leatherwood from here, and 30 minutes to get to Hobbs State Park.

The hikes range from short walks on historic trails to long explores filled with spectacular views. Whatever your fitness and comfort level, you are sure to find a hike near Eureka Springs that feels just right.

Good hikes in and near Eureka Springs:

  • Lake Leatherwood, Eureka Springs. Situated on the western edge of town, this park has about 15 miles of trails. A trail 4-miles long circles the lake and is a great place to jog or enjoy a sunny day. Look for historic stone walls and bridges while venturing on the other trails that traverse this 1,600-acre park.
  • Historic Van Winkle Trail, Hobbs State Park. Walk 1.5 miles to the 19th Van Winkle lumber mill and home. Trail markers provide information about Peter Van Winkle. It’s a great way to get some exercise and learn something about the history of the area.
  • Shaddox Hollow Nature Trail, Hobbs State Park. 1.5 miles along a ridge and down into Shaddox Hollow. There are pretty limestone bluffs and plenty of plants native to the Ozarks. This hike isn’t long, but has some steep sections.
  • Pigeon Roost Trail, Hobbs State Park. There is a 4-mile loop and an 8.5-mile loop. Enjoy views of Beaver Lake from the ridge and keep an eye out for wild turkey.

Fuel your day hike with a sumptuous breakfast at our Eureka Springs Lodging. Soak in a private whirlpool for two once you return, then enjoy a refreshing drink on the porch overlooking our quiet yard.

Enjoy a day hike at Lake Leatherwood.

Eureka Springs Restaurants are Open

Thursday, March 10th, 2011

For a small town, Eureka Springs has a startling number of restaurants. Even more surprising is the diversity of the fare. Guests of our Eureka Springs Bed and Breakfast have returned from dinner raving about Indian, Mexican, Italian, and down-home Southern food. Some restaurants close during the winter each year – sad for those of us who live here, but cause for celebration when they reopen in the spring.

Enjoy a cup of creamy chai tea in Eureka Springs

Eureka Springs restaurants are now open.

So if you are thinking of eating your way through a Eureka Springs getaway, the time is now.

Read on for a list of some of our favorite Eureka Springs restaurants:

  • Autumn Breeze: great steaks and seafood, and a very respectable selection of wines by the glass.
  • Bubba’s Barbecue: the place to go when you crave pulled pork.
  • Casa Colina: fresh and creative is the best way to describe the food. Try the Tequila Lime Fajita Salad and anything with pork (smoked in-house).
  • DeVito’s: Frommer’s calls it “phenomenal”. Who are we to argue?
  • Ermilio’s: a comfortable place to enjoy fresh Italian food.
  • Garden Bistro: always fresh, always gourmet. Great bread.
  • Gaskins Cabin: superb steak and seafood are served in this historic 1864 log cabin. People have been gathering here for food, drink, and good company for more than 150 years.
  • The Oasis: cozy, artsy, fresh, tasty… these are a few of the words that describe the Oasis. Mexican fare with fresh, homemade salsa and creative twists on old favorites.
  • Mud Street Cafe: a good lunch spot, if you have room after the breakfast we feed you here at our Eureka Springs Lodging. It’s tiny, but the croissant sandwiches are tasty.
  • New Delhi Cafe: enjoy a home style all-you-can-eat buffet Friday through Sunday. Sip creamy chai and dip Samosas in chutney. Heaven.

Of course, we’ll take care of your morning meal here at our Eureka Springs Bed and Breakfast; and you’re always welcome to help yourself to the homemade cookies, brownies, and other goodies throughout the day. Warning, they can become addictive!


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