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Eureka Springs, Arkansas: A jewel in the Ozark Mountains
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Downtown Eureka Springs, Arkansas
A little writer’s block at the beginning of a feature is not uncommon for me, particularly if the destination I am going to write about was so spectacular that it left me speechless…so much to say and unsure were to begin.
Therefore, I’m going to borrow the words of Ken Rundel, a former big city dweller who traded the concrete jungle for a mountain paradise, in the process becoming the publicist for the Eureka Springs City Advertising and Promotion Commission.
Ken said, “… maybe the best thing about Eureka Springs is how it makes you feel. It's like the weight of the world's been lifted off your shoulders…Roads magically carved out of the mountainside snake past beautiful 19th Century Victorian homes. They're perched precariously on cliff edges as if carefully placed there by the hand of God. This wonderfully quaint Victorian mountain village resonates with the elegance and pace of an earlier era. It is at once unique, majestic, breathtaking, inspirational and unforgettable…
“Eureka Springs has four distinct seasons, and each has its wonders. There's the stark beauty and the enhanced panoramic views of winter, the awesome, joyous rebirth of life in the spring, brilliant summers with deliciously cool nights, and the glorious explosion of colors in the fall. Special treats are the spring flowers and dogwood trees that bloom about April 10th and the fantastic fall foliage, which peaks around October 20th. And should you ever tire of this unparalleled of outdoor majesty (God forbid!) there's always more to do in Eureka Springs than you'll have time for! …
“The 2,278 people who reside at this altitude of 1,417 feet are, to me, as rare and precious as any gem...There's a small town vibe here; the folks are friendly and cheerful. Lots of smiles! They seem to give you energy rather than extract it from you. The feeling is relaxed, peaceful and secure. Watch out, though. That feeling is infectious. If you're not careful you may take some of it home with you!
I couldn’t have said it any better.
A jewel in the Ozark Mountains
Founded in 1879, Eureka Springs is situated in the picturesque Ozark Mountains in Northwest Arkansas only a 45-minute drive from Branson, Missouri; 1 hour from Fayetteville, Arkansas; 2-1/2 hours from Tulsa, Oklahoma and 3-1/2 hours from Kansas City.
Its name is attributed to the Greek language – “Eureka” which means “I found it!,” and “Springs” in reference to the town’s development around the numerous natural springs that dotted the area; the healing power of these springs discovered by the Native Americans long before the white man arrived.
Due to the belief that the springs existed for the purpose of healing--most likely both physically and psychologically--the town greatly expanded around the creation of spas in the copious resort hotels and bathhouses that developed all over the area. As a matter of fact, back in the day, Eureka Springs was often referred to as “The City that Water Built.”
In 1970 the town’s Historic District, which blossomed with the addition of artists studios, bath accoutrement stores, boutique clothing shops, galleries, arts and crafts entities, restaurants, theatrical productions and literary and musical performances, was listed in on the National Register of Historic Places. And the accolades continued to grow.
Today Eureka Springs proudly boasts recognition as a Top 5 Mountain Destination in the U.S. (by At Home Tennessee Magazine), One of America’s Top 6 Getaway Destinations(by Orbitz.com), A Favorite Arkansas Weekend Destination(by e-Fort Smith Magazine), A Top 25 Arts Destination in the U.S. (by American Style Magazine), the Best Place to Get Married (by 417 Magazine) and waschosen to be in the book 1,000 Places To See Before You Die, among other distinguished honors.
The past and present of Eureka Springs are rich in so many ways…and together shape into one of the most captivating places one could ever experience. We’ll delve much further into this mountain paradise called Eureka Springs in our next sojourn.
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