Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Mid to late June, 2014

Our friends who we first met in Texas, Steve and Leanne Kess, will be arriving in Branson sometime today.  They are bringing their nine year old (almost 10) grandson, Aaron, with them.  Aaron picked Branson to visit because there's "lots to do"!  They'll be in town for a few days.  We're planning on meeting them at Danna's for lunch tomorrow...Danna's is one of our favorite places to eat.  Thanks David and Becky for introducing us to Danna's!!

waiting for the Kess'

good food, great friends, good times!!

Steve, Leanne and Aaron packed a lot of things into a short stay.  They visited the Fish Hatchery, the Titanic, the Butterfly Palace (Aaron's favorite), saw Jonah at the Sight and Sound Theater, went to Dixie Stampede, and went for a cruise on the Lake Queen (it cruises on Lake Taneycomo).  Whew!! Fun for all.  I'm sure I'm forgetting something...

We had fun visiting with them and are looking forward to spending the winter months at JCRV with them in Texas.

We visited Eureka Springs this past fall.  We really enjoyed our time there and decided to make a return visit.  We thought we'd go now, in June, before the weather became really hot.  Well, guess what?!! The day we went there was very hot and humid, temps in the upper 80's!!!

Eureka Springs is a very old town, it was built prior to the Civil War.  The streets are narrow and very steep.  It is, after all, situated in the Ozarks.  There are some very unique and interesting shops along the main street.  Also a few restaurants.

love this stained glass

We parked the truck and rode the trolley up the hill to the Crescent Hotel.  This hotel is on the National Register of Historic Places.  You are still able to rent a room if you wish.  A day spa is located in the lower level of the hotel.

front of hotel

elaborate tin roof on the portico

entrance to the hotel

fireplace is very beautiful

on the back porch 

beautiful view from the back porch

back of the hotel

The Crescent Hotel is looking a tad worn.  It's obvious that the money is not there for the necessary upkeep.  Really a shame.  Looking at the structure, the "bones" are great.  This must have been a very elegant hotel in its heyday.

We then rode the trolley through the historic homes area,

down the hill and back up.  We then walked down the hill and popped into a couple of shops.

We stopped at a great, very small (only ten tables) restaurant for lunch.  Nibbles serves fresh soups, sandwiches, salads, quiche and home made desserts.  Nothing is fried.  The food is delicious!  It was refreshing to find that there is not a deep fryer to be had in the restaurant!!

We then continued our walk down the hill.  We stopped at a beautiful park

relaxing in the park at the bottom of the hill...

and then continued to the trolley transit station.


We had a great and enjoyable time today.  Eureka Springs was not nearly as crowded as it was this past fall...


Til next time,

Dawn, Ron & Cooper