What could be better than visiting a mountain town in the winter? Eureka Springs is located in the heart of the Ozark Mountains. With its surrounding lakes and open wilderness, winter is a great time to enjoy the outdoors. There are plenty of happenings to do around town to keep you busy or keep your schedule relaxed and easy and curl up by the fire at a local bed and breakfast. With lots of things to do in Eureka Springs this time of year, January is a great time to plan a visit.
Eureka Springs Paranormal weekend comes to the Crescent Hotel on January 3rd, 4th and 5th. Knows as ESP weekend, this has grown to become one of the largest ghost hunts in the country. The Crescent’s sister hotel, the 1905 Basin Park Hotel gets in on the action this year, closing off the property to guests and staff and letting ghost hunters have free reign of the hotel without electricity. Ghost hunters and those on the hunt for a thrilling weekend can join best-selling author Larry Flaxman on the paranormal investigations.
The kick-off to Eureka Gras Mardi Gras Extravaganza begins on January 11th with an introduction to the royal court. The Kings Day Kick Off will begin at the Rowdy Beaver Restaurant at 5:00pm. This is the only event scheduled for January but other Eureka Gras events follow over the course of the three month, thirteen day, fifteen event scheduled festival.
January 23rd through the 25th, the Indie Film Festival comes to Eureka Springs. Promoting the work of emerging filmmakers, The Auditorium will host the festival that will include screenings and panel discussions. The judging panel will include a select group of individuals with professional backgrounds in media, entertainment, television and film production and education. On the final day, an awards ceremony will be held with winners in a variety of categories.
The Ozark Mountain Music Festival will begin Friday, January 25th at 6:00pm and continue through the following Sunday morning. The festival will feature eleven acts including local favorites Mountain Sprout, 3Penney Acre, National Park Radio and SxRex. This indoor festival will have multiple stages with live music all day long. The event will take place at the Basin Park Hotel.
If you’re looking for a few days of relaxation, look no further than Arsenic and Old Lace Bed and Breakfast. Located in the beautiful Historic District, the Inn is close to all Eureka Springs has to offer but secluded in the hills for peace and quiet. Each of the five rooms offers a seasonal fireplace perfect for those chilly January evenings. A full complimentary breakfast is served each morning with fresh baked cookies, brownies and snacks also available throughout the day. When making you reservation, be sure to take advantage of their winter special. For rooms booked January 2nd through the 31st, Monday thru Thursday with two nights stay, your nightly room rate is only $119 plus tax. Take some time to unwind and enjoy the beauty of the season this time of year.
Photo courtesy of Clinton Steeds