Eureka Springs -

A Wonderful Detour in Eureka Springs, AR

Heath Hawkins

This review actually takes place about 45 minutes south of Branson in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. If you like Branson, you will almost certainly love Eureka Springs. This small Victorian town is the home of the most famous outdoor drama in the United States, The Great Passion Play.

Believe it or not, I will proudly admit that I was born and raised in Arkansas. Eureka Springs is the most visited tourist destination in the state. Though not a big, it is very much like Branson. I vacationed here many time growing up, my wife and I even Honeymooned here. We spent four nights at the Bradford House Bed & Breakfast.

Eureka Springs is a beautifully restored Victorian town in the middle of the Arkansas Ozark Mountains. The entire downtown is on the registry of historic places. The merchants and restraints have taken great pride in restoring their shops to a grand age from long ago. Many of the shops are the expected tourist type shop, but you will also find many fine galleries offering original work from local artists.

There are also several restored hotels and spas. I can’t speak form experience, because I am very body image conscious, but the town is famous for it’s spas. There is something for everyone from the traditional message to the full day treatment competes with a mud bath and healing stones.

Eureka Springs must be the Bed & Breakfast capital of the world. That is my own opinion. There are more B&Bs than hotels. Most of them are restored Victorian homes from the 1800’s. Every room is unique and the breakfast is yummy! They are a little more expensive than a hotel, but it is worth the splurge. Many of them have special packages that make it a little more affordable. One draw back is that most B&Bs do not allow kids. Waite a minute, is that a draw back? This is a great excuse to get away for a romantic weekend with your spouse.

If you are staying in Branson, Eureka Springs is close enough that you can drive there for a day trip. Honestly though, once you get there you will realize that it warrants its own vacation. There is plenty to do. You could easily spend three for four days.

There are several family shows in Eureka Springs. The Ozark Mountain Hoe Down and the Pine Mountain Jamboree are like the Presley’s and Baldknobber’s in Branson. I can attest that the comedian at the Ozark Mountain Hoe Down is probably the best anywhere. I wet myself more that once while listening and watching his antics. There are also a couple other theatres in town with magic shows and other performers.

There are no amusement parts in town except for the go-carts and miniature golf, but there is something called Abundant Memories Historic Village. It is a recreated craft village where they have broom making, blacksmithing, glass blowing, pottery, etc. The village is set during the time of the Revolutionary and Civil War. They have a great museum and the admission price is pretty inexpensive. The first year it opened the admission was less than five dollars for adults. I don’t think it is too much more than that now. You will spend several hours there before you know it.

I am beginning to realize that this review is turning into more of a Eureka Spring review, but my intention was to review The Great Passion Play. I think I will save that for a separate review. So look through my list of reviews and find that review separately. Just know that Eureka Springs should be part of your vacation plans. Take at chance and take a trip to Eureka Springs, AR.

Contact Jason Heath Hawkins at hhawkins@waynesville.k12.mo.us. To ask for permission to use excerpts of Heath's articles for print or digital means, must have the written consent of BransonCritic.org.

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