Just 4 hours south of Kansas City, nestled in the Northwest region of Arkansas is the town of Eureka Springs. With a population of approximately 2200 people, its easy to fall in love with everyone in this town! The town welcomes guests and want to make sure your stay is enjoyable.
Here’s what you will find in Eureka Springs! There is something for everyone. Whether you enjoy a good ghost story, relaxation or partaking in the abundance of activities available – you will find yourself immersed in the charms of this city. Head to the downtown area and walk the streets where quaint shops of games, clothing, food and more await you. This town is dog friendly so if you want to bring your furry family member – that’s okay too! Some of my favorite attractions are at Eureka Springs including the Thorncrown Chapel and the Christ of the Ozarks. The town is close to make bodies of water including the Blue Spring and has places to hike and see landmarks such as Pivot Rock or Onyx Cave Park.
Places to stay at Eureka Springs
My favorite place to stay while visiting Eureka Springs, Arkansas is at the Crescent Hotel. I’ve stayed in the hotel a couple times now and the staff go above and beyond! The hotel and the staff bring you back to the time the hotel was built and show a quality of service which you are first introduced to when you walk thru the door opened by the door man. The Crescent Hotel was built in 1886 and stands as a timeless landmark with many stories to tell. Once built as a luxury hotel and premier destination for the elite and rich, this hotel has top-notch amenities and provided relaxation and breathtaking views for those to escape their fast-paced life. It was THE exclusive hot spot for the elite. Then the depression came about, and the hotel was unable to function as only a hotel so during the winter months, it opened its doors as the Crescent College which provided women educational opportunities. The Crescent Hotel shifted ownership a couple times before landing in the hands of Dr. Normal Baker who was no doctor. He opened the Baker Cancer Clinic and promised to have the cure for cancer in 1937. A few years later, Dr. Baker was arrested for mail fraud and his time as a doctor ended. The hotel became a hotel again after sitting for a spell and now is thriving! At the hotel one can enjoy spa treatments at the New Moon Spa, get married at the Crescent as my husband and I did in 2021, enjoy pizza and drinks at the Skybar Lounge and partake in one of many paranormal tours that talk about Michael and Breckie – 2 of the ghosts known to wonder the halls of the Crescent. Many famous people have stayed at the Crescent Hotel including President Clinton while he was Governor of Arkansas and Willie Nelson performed a sold-out show. This hotel is also pet friendly and I do have to warn you that there are cats on the property that have free range of the hotel however they tend to stay in the front desk area cuddled up by the large fireplace.
The hotel itself has a number of different kinds of rooms from single rooms to penthouse suites. And if you have a larger family, please check out the Treetop Cottages that can accommodate 6 people and include 2 bedrooms, a sofa bed, 2 full bathrooms, a full kitchen and a deck with a hot tub all to yourself! Great place to spend the holidays or getaway for a week while having the comforts of home. There are games and activities galore at the Crescent Hotel including axe throwing, target practice, smores and more! Plus, a heated pool so outdoor activities can be enjoyed year-round.
In an earlier segment, I discussed enjoying the historical downtown of Eureka Springs however the streets and hills are --- well can be scary for newcomers. The Crescent Hotel in partnership with the Basin Park Hotel will shuttle guests back in forth. Just let the door man or the front desk know that you’d like the shuttle, and they will call one for you! Enjoy the downtown without worries of parking and driving.
Another great place to stay is the Basin Park Hotel. The historic Basin Park Hotel built in 1905 located in the heart of downtown Eureka Springs. The Basin Park Hotel is home to Jack Rabbett’s Whisky Bar and the Balcony Bar & Restaurant.
If a standard hotel is not to your liking, there are cozy home rentals available.
Christmas in Eureka Springs and at the Crescent Hotel
During the holiday season, Eureka Springs transforms into a magical wonderland. A nativity scene is displayed in Basin Springs Park and activities are posted for guests to partake in. When visiting the Crescent Hotel, please enjoy hot cocoa on occasion, the festival of trees decorated for charity and plan to sign up for one of the holiday meals the Crescent offers. There are decorations everywhere at the Crescent Hotel for the most iconic photos. If you stay during the week of Thanksgiving, plan to enjoy the official lighting of the Christmas tree in the main lobby.
Food and Fun
There is so much to do in Eureka Springs that I need to plan more time to enjoy it. There are many hikes available from easy hiking to intense. Enjoy rock and water formations. Check out AllTrails.com for hikes and degree of difficulties. Perhaps get a fishing license and enjoy fishing on one of the many lakes and rivers. There is a couple ziplining companies and I personally have used Ozark Mountain Ziplines. They were professional and safe, and my entire family enjoyed it. They start out small for those new to ziplining and then have one of the biggest drops to cross! I have toured the Thorncrown Chapel and sat inside and reflected. This is a religious chapel, but all are welcome. I have also seen the Christ of the Ozarks and if time permits, stay for the Passion play.
Let’s talk food! First, I’ve discussed some of the best, cheesiest pizza you’ll find is at the Skybar Lounge located at the Crescent Hotel to which you don’t need to be staying at the Cresent Hotel to get this pizza! They also have wings, calzones and other items but pizza is their main food option, and they are large pizzas! 2 slices and I tapped out!
When I visit Eureka Springs, I always stop at La Familia Tex Mex located on Van Buren Street. Cost friendly Mexican food that is delicious! Oh, and have the Raspberry Margarita! I can’t figure out why it didn’t make the TripAdvisor places to eat but if you are wanting Mexican cuisine – this is the place.
For fine dining, I’d head to Le Stick Nouveau or the Grotto Wood-fired Grill and Wine Cave. I have also enjoyed the Grand Taverne for fine dining located in the downtown area along with the Grotto. It is located in the Grand Central Hotel.
For every day eats – check out the Filling Station or perhaps the Hog House Grill. Both have American style foods.
Detours
When in the Eureka Springs area – some detours may include Fayetteville where the home of the University of Arkansas is – go Razorbacks! Fayetteville has everything a modern city would have and with an hour from Eureka Springs, well within a nice curvy drive to get to a bigger city with more amenities.
Perhaps you’re looking for something else to do besides shop in the downtown area – there are 2 national parks that are within a nice distance. Pea Ridge National Military Park is approximately 45 minutes away from Eureka Springs and is one of the more important battles of the civil war and was won by the confederate army.
Another National Park is Fort Smith National Historic Site and marks the territories of Arkansas and Indian Territory. See how soldiers lived at that time and explore the jail located there. Both parks have Junior Ranger badges available for your younger explorers.
Head to Eureka Springs, Arkansas and see all the charms that await you.
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