Enjoy Eureka Springs

 By Terri Nighswonger

CAN’T LEAVE WITHOUT SEEING

The Great Passion Play
935 Passion Play Road
Greatpassionplay.org

If there is one thing Eureka Springs is known for it’s the Passion Play. With performances running May through October, this is a don’t miss production. Some 150 actors and dozens of animals bring the Bible to life in an outdoor setting on a 550-foot-long stage. The massive stage has multiple levels built into the hillside. With 4,000 seats, there isn’t a bad one in the house.

Make sure to leave some time to see the Christ of the Ozarks Memorial Statue. It stands 67 feet tall with an arm span of 65 feet. Built in 1966, the base of the statue required 340 tons of concrete. The face is 15 feet tall.

The Bible Museum, with more than 7,000 Bibles in 625 languages, also boasts a large collection of parchments and artifacts. The Sacred Arts Museum houses pieces dating back to the ninth century. The Holy Land tour is akin to walking through a life-sized replica of the Eastern Gate in Jerusalem with an authentic marketplace, biblical craftspeople and characters. Visitors can even witness Jesus walking on water.

WE GOTTA GO!

Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge
239 Turpentine Creek Lane
www.tigers.tc

Billed as the largest big cat refuge in the world, the sanctuary opened in 1992 and currently houses more than 130 animals of different species, including lions, tigers, cougars and more. The refuge is dedicated to providing the best living condition for the animals. The facility is open all year long and provides tours, keeper talks and much more. On-site lodging is also available along with RV and camping sites.

Thorncrown Chapel
12968 Hwy. 62 W
Thorncrown.com

This wood and glass chapel, nestled in a wooded setting, was the dream of Jim Reed. The chapel opened in 1980 and has had millions of visitors from all over the world. Visitors can take time to enjoy the solitude and pray or meditate, or just enjoy the view. The chapel is open daily and holds services on Sunday. Weddings are frequent at the chapel, both indoors and out, and make for an unforgettable setting.

The Crescent Hotel Ghost Tours
75 Prospect Ave., Eureka Springs
Americasmosthauntedhotel.com

Learn about Michael and Theodora, the ghost in the morgue, the nurse and the Girl in the Mist at America’s most haunted hotel. What about the lady in the Victorian lingerie in Room 3500? Hear all these tales and more at the Crescent Hotel & Spa ghost tour where some guests checked in but never checked out.

Hidden Valley Trail Rides
Hwy. 62 and Hidden Valley Ranch Road
Hiddenvalleyguestranch.com

Experience beautiful scenery on a gentle horse. Explore along the creek and through the trees in true cowboy fashion. The experienced guide will teach beginners the basics before each ride. One hour, hour and a half and two hour rides available.

Downtown-N-Underground
Basin Spring Park, 3 Spring Street
Undergroundeurekatour.com

Take a brave step into Eureka Springs unexplained underground. Discover buildings that lie under the street and see the city in a way that even local residents haven’t experienced.

JUST BROWSING

The variety of shopping stores and boutiques in Eureka Springs will keep everyone in the family happy. From a store that sells only pajamas to one that is dedicated to all things dog, Blackie’s Back Yard, you can enjoy just browsing or finding the perfect gift for that special someone. Art, clothing, crafts and more will keep you engaged.

Walk up and down the main drag and you will always find something going on. Lots of shopping, music, outdoor dining and bars, live music and even a beautiful Snow Bengal cat in a store window. Make sure you wear good walking shoes and don’t go to bed too early!

FILLING UP

Local Flavor
71 S. Main Street
Localflavorcafe.net

Fresh ingredients come together with the influences of Southwest, Italian, French and American cuisine. It’s a popular spot for lunch, dinner and brunch on Sunday. Check out the house-made Sangria while you watch the people go by from the lively outdoor patio.

The Grotto
10 Center Street
Grottoeureka.com

The Grotto won best new restaurant in Arkansas and it’s easy to see why. From the ambience, it is built inside of a cave, to the fresh selections that take common ingredients to a new level, you will come away with an exhilarating and delicious experience.

The Stonehouse
89 S. Main Street

If you like wine and a meat and cheese board, the Stonehouse is a place you will want to visit. Enjoy outdoor seating, plus a lodge upstairs where you can order wine or beer by the bottle or glass. Plan your visit when they have live music but if not, you can check out a board game while you enjoy libations.

SLEEP TIGHT

The Crescent Hotel & Spa
75 Prospect Ave., Eureka Springs
Americasmosthauntedhotel.com

Sleep tight if you can. A stay at the Crescent Hotel & Spa is not for the faint-hearted. The ghosts include Norman G. Baker, a pseudo-doctor who was jailed for malpractice, along with the spirits of those who faced accidental deaths there. But aside from the paranormal, guests can enjoy vintage splendor along with modern amenities. Gardens will draw you outside and are ideal for family or business gatherings. The Sky Bar Gourmet Pizza offers pizza and steaks and a spectacular view of the area.

1905 Basin Park Hotel
12 Spring Street
Basinpark.com

Close to downtown, 1905 Basin Park Hotel, offers a great central location along with two restaurants and bars and 1905 Spa. Plan your wedding in one of several event spaces or check out the Basin Park Ghost Tour. The tour combines the thrill of a ghost tour with the adventures of a paranormal investigation. Learn to ghost hunt while enjoying the many tales of the colorful characters who stayed, worked, died and perhaps remain at the hotel.

Eureka Sunset Cabins & Cottage Style Rooms
10 Dogwood Ridge
www.eurekasunset.com

Eureka Sunset Cabins are a bit out of town but great for a honeymoon stay or just a place to get away from it all. The cabins have themes such as “Get’n Squirrelly,” “Just Moosing Around” or “Reel Em Inn” with decorations to match the theme. With a small kitchen and an outdoor grill, you can bring your own food, relax on the private deck and then enjoy a nice soak in the oversized jetted tub. You really will feel like you are alone in the woods.