Summertime in Eureka Springs

The city of Eureka Springs can officially claim it was born on the Fourth of July. Founded and named on July 4, 1879, Eureka Springs is an ideal place to celebrate summer by soaking in history, taking in sites and cooling off in the Ozark Mountains or abundant waterways nearby (Beaver Lake and the Kings and White Rivers, to name a few). The mountainside city is chock full of charming shops, art galleries, restaurants and lodging tucked into 19th century structures, earning the entire downtown a listing on the National Register of Historic Places. To guide you in your travels, we’ve recommended a few of our favorite places to shop, eat or stay, and some highlights to check out along the way.

Where to Shop:

Vintage Cargo

41 Kingshighway

(479) 253-5943

www.vintagecargo.net

Owners Stan DuBois and Jeff Chapman have created a European-style marketplace full of an eclectic array of home furnishings and objets d’art, as well as personal essentials. Located in a 4,000-square-foot building that the pair painstakingly restored, Vintage Cargo’s mix of wares includes antiques and European-inspired home furnishings, French bath and body products, Italian pottery from Vietri as well as handmade items from local potters and artists.

Something Simple

107 E. Van Buren St.

(479) 253-2068

www.somethingsimpleonline.com

Light, bright and full of home goods and gifts in shades of white. Owner Kaylene Shepard has filled a restored house with vintage and new furnishings, tabletop items and other housewares. The look is pure cottage charm, with rooms layered in soft shades of cream and white with occasional dark-colored elements for contrast. Shepard’s artistic approach also results in one-of-a-kind accessories and unique holiday décor items.

Regalia Handmade Clothing

128 Spring St.

(479) 253-2202

www.regaliahandmade.com

Former costume designer and Arkansas native Mark Hughes’ downtown boutique features comfortably elegant clothing made from natural fibers.

Insider Tip: Ride the trolley downtown as an easier option than driving up and down the steep, narrow streets, and then walk through the main shopping district and discover hundreds of shops and galleries to enjoy.

Where to Eat:

Ermilio’s

26 White St.

(479) 253-8806

www.ermilios.com

A local favorite for Italian fare in a charming Victorian home.

Gaskins Cabin Steakhouse

2883 Hwy. 23 N.

(479) 253-5466

www.gaskinscabin.com

Housed in an 1864 log cabin and renowned for excellent Angus steaks and prime rib.

Geraldi’s Restaurant

61-B S. Main St.

(479) 253-6511

Serving simply delicious Italian fare and open for lunch and dinner.

Local Flavor Cafe

71 S. Main St.

(479) 253-9522

www.localflavorcafe.net

A top pick for lunch, dinner or Sunday brunch, located across from the Trolley Depot downtown.

Mud Street Café

22-G S. Main St.

(479) 253-6732

www.mudstreetcafe.com

A breakfast and lunchtime favorite with a back room that doubles as a gallery of local artists’ work.

Sparky’s Roadhouse Cafe

147 E. Van Buren St.

(479) 253-6001

www.sparkysroadhouse.com

Famous for burgers, fries and vintage style.

The Grand Taverne

37 N. Main St.

(800) 344-6050

www.grandcentralresort.com

Dinner at the Taverne, located in the Grand Central Hotel, offers a fresh, gourmet experience in an elegant setting.

The Stonehouse Wine Bar

89 S. Main St.

(479) 363-6411

www.eurekastonehouse.com

Opening in early July, this newest addition to the Main Street scene promises to be a European-style treasure, serving wine by the bottle or glass, imported beer, and a wide selection of cheeses, meats, olives and other appetizing delights from around the world.

Check out the outdoor seating area for a late afternoon respite after shopping.

Insider Tip: Beautiful Beaver Lake is a mere 15-minute drive from Eureka Springs. Take a scenic jaunt to Horizon Restaurant for spectacular views of the lake and sunsets while you dine.

Horizon Restaurant

304 Mundell Rd.

(479) 253-5525

What to Do:

Keels Creek Winery & Art Gallery

3185 E. Van Buren St.

(479) 253-9463

www.keelscreek.com

Spend an afternoon sipping locally produced wine and viewing regional art at this tasting room and gallery representing dozens of artists from Arkansas and surrounding states.

2nd Saturday Gallery Stroll

From April to December, on the second Saturday of each month, the galleries open their doors from 6-9 p.m. with special shows and artist receptions.

Architecture Aficionados:

Two not-to-be-missed buildings

The Queen Anne Mansion House Museum

‎115 W. Van Buren St.

(479) 363-6233

www.thequeenannemansion.com

The fully restored and recently reopened 1891 mansion highlights Queen Anne-style architecture at its best and includes an impressive collection of 19th century decorative arts.

Thorncrown Chapel

12968 Hwy. 62 W.

(479) 253-7401

www.thorncrown.com

Arkansas’ beloved architectural gem, the nondenominational chapel designed by architect E. Fay Jones in the late 1970s was chosen by the American Institute of Architects as the fourth most significant structure of the 20th century. It’s open daily for visits and on Sunday for services; call ahead as the chapel closes for weddings and special events.

Where to Stay:

The 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa

75 Prospect Ave.

(877) 342-9766

www.crescent-hotel.com

The Grande Dame of Eureka Springs lodging, perched on a hilltop above downtown and offering spectacular views. The New Moon Spa, Crystal Dining Room restaurant, and Dr. Baker’s Bistro and Sky Bar make this a full-service destination.

The Grand Treehouse Resort

350 W. Van Buren St.

(479) 253-TREE

www.thetreehouses.com

Yes, it truly is a resort comprised of treehouses, and they are grandly unique and fun, some with trees actually growing through them. Located just minutes from downtown and near a trolley stop, the resort combines a wooded natural setting with convenient and charming accommodations.

Mount Victoria Bed & Breakfast Inn

28 Fairmount St.

(888) 408-7979

www.mountvictoria.com

Highly recommended by locals and visitors alike, the elegantly restored 1902 Colonial Revival inn has luxuriously appointed suites and two welcoming verandas.