Eureka Springs Arkansas is a great place for your family to enjoy this year’s summer vacation. The range of activities to be found is huge and there’s something for all ages. There is an abundance of outdoor activities and events offered at the many lakes and parks held throughout the summer. With the happening downtown area and many caverns and gardens to be enjoyed, your family will find lots of Arkansas vacation spots to explore this summer.
Summertime in Eureka Springs is filled with outdoor events for the athlete at heart. Run Eureka kicks off the events in May. This team race and scavenger hunt benefits The Clear Spring School and challenges teams with clues and fun challenges while exploring downtown Eureka Springs. June 7th and 8th the XTERRA triathlon takes place at Lake Leatherwood City Park. Athletes will be able to compete in trail runs and triathlons racing as either individuals or part of a team. For those who enjoy mountain biking, the 16th Annual Fat Tire Festival will come to Eureka Springs July 18th through the 20th. A wide selection of events will take place over the course of the weekend including downhill races, short track races and plenty of events for the children. August 8th, 9th and 10th, Eureka Springs will host a three day multi-sport festival known as The Eurekan. Over the course of the three days, four events will take place including a triathlon, bike rides, bike races and runs.
Kids will enjoy spending the day at one of Eureka Springs most popular attractions, Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge. Large cats like lions and tigers that have been abused or abandoned and rescued can be seen at this habitat. Visitors can enjoy walking tours and feeding time. Tours begin daily at 11:00am and continue every hour. The whole family will also enjoy spending the afternoon at the Eureka Springs Historical Museum. This museum is dedicated to educating individuals on the history of the town and the people who played a role in its growth and where it has become today. Another activity for the whole family to enjoy is a ride on the Eureka Springs and North Arkansas Railway train ride. From April to October, trains depart from the Eureka Springs depot for a 4.5 mile ride through the Ozarks. Rides are offered Tuesday through Saturday. Click here for more information about fares and schedules.
For a relaxing retreat, Eureka Springs is the ultimate destination offering day spas and natural springs for melting daily stresses away. Whether you choose to go as a couple or with a group of friends, the day spas in Eureka Springs offer the latest treatments and top notch products. Serenity Spa located in downtown Eureka Springs at the Basin Park Hotel offers a variety of services ranging from sugar scrubs to body wraps, couples massages, pedicures and facial treatments. Guests of the spa can enjoy the signature Rain Bar, relax on the sun deck or soak in the hot tub after treatments. What a way to spend the afternoon. Check out their website for information on package pricing and availability.
For an experience that cannot be found at a big hotel chain, check out a stay at one of Eureka Springs local bed and breakfasts. Arsenic and Old Lace bed and breakfast is ideal for those last minute trips and offers five guest suites for a restful night’s sleep. Innkeepers are on site to provide exceptional customer service and attend to all of your needs. To check room rates or availability, check out their website at www.eurekaspringsromancebb.com.
Photo courtesy of MDIANEM
