STAY UNIQUE

Eureka Springs is for anyone who marches to a different beat.

By Dwain Hebda
Photography Courtesy of Arkansas Department of Parks Heritage and Tourism

Eureka Springs is like that odd cousin every family seems to have – offbeat, nonconformist, sure; but if you take the time to get to know them, you realize the world isn’t the same without them. Long considered a hippie enclave of free thinkers and creative types, Eureka Springs has ripened into the kind of place where you expect the unexpected. Which is especially comforting seeing as how the rest of Northwest Arkansas has steadily lost its funk and gone all respectable-like. 

As the summer vacation season hits high gear, it’s high time for people both inside the state and out to rediscover this nutty, friendly and altogether fun spot in the Ozarks. Whether a long weekend, a destination wedding or attending one of the many community festivals, you’ll find things move to a little different beat and thank heaven for it.

Here are few things to whet your appetite:

NATURAL BEAUTy

Nestled into the emerald Ozarks, Eureka Springs offers everything a nature lover could want, from mountain trails to woodland paths to water. Within a short distance you’ll find the outdoorsy playground of Beaver Lake, a craggy man-made reservoir that offers no end of entertainment. Whether on the water via boat, paddleboard or water skis or taking advantage of the lake’s renowned fishing, a visit to Beaver Lake offers something for the whole family to enjoy.

Another popular draw is the nearby Kings River that, in the nonconformist spirit of Eureka Springs, flows northward. Generally a smooth, easy paddle in the summertime, the Kings River is crystal clear and beckoning for a swim on a hot summer’s day. The shoreline holds other wonders, including rock overhangs and swimming holes fed by waterfalls. Check with a local outfitter for directions and tips for navigating this often-overlooked natural wonder.

Be sure to visit Black Bass Lake, offering a non-motorized boat launch, picnic area, several fishing spots and two wooden bridges. Be sure to experience Standing Rock, a vertical sandstone remnant that protrudes from the depths of the lake along Standing Rock Trail. Or, hike the Bluff Trail hugging the St. Joe geological formation and amazing limestone outcroppings with overviews of the lake that run just above Sycamore Spring Trail.

Speaking of trails, Eureka Springs offers miles for hiking and mountain biking to suit any level of fitness or ability. But for those looking for the ultimate test of skill, experience the Lake Leatherwood Gravity Trail Project, a collection of four gnarly routes that will get your heart pounding. Check out the local cycle gurus at Adventure Mountain Outfitters for advice on tackling these thrilling rides.

And don’t miss Onyx Cave, which provides a fascinating underground look at The Natural State. An easy way to spend an afternoon, the self-guided audio cave tour takes visitors through millions of years of geologic history. Natural formations, overhangs and a comfortably steady 50 degrees make this subterranean attraction something you don’t want to miss.

EVENTS

Eureka Springs is fun on its own, but throw in one of the festivals that crowd the calendar up there and you’ll see the city at its best. Some interesting attractions this year include the 2023 Great Race Eureka Springs (June 28), where 120 vintage vehicles will make a lunch stop during their cross-country race from St. Augustine, Florida, to Colorado Springs, Colorado. Visit the drivers and see the vintage autos before they roar away to continue the race.

Celebrate Independence Day early at Lake Leatherwood Jamboreeka (July 2) and enjoy live music, hiking, kids activities and a fireworks show after dark. Or get fabulous in your jammies for a cause and attend Patti’s Pajama Drag Brunch (Aug. 5) supporting nonprofit organizations in NWA.

And that doesn’t even begin to include the many regular music and arts events held at local bars and other venues every week up there, some of it in public spaces and much of it free. Enjoy the tunes with a locally brewed beer with not one but two breweries in town to choose from; Gotahold Brewing (try the malty-sweet Bermuda Schwartz) and Eureka Springs Brewery (the cream ale is excellent).   

CHOW

On the topic of food and beverages, there’s a little something for every palate and mood in town, from tasty dives (Cathouse, Rowdy Beaver Den) to bistros (Three Sisters, Nibbles Eatery) to more upscale options (Le Stick Nouveau, Grotto Wood Fired Grill & Wine Cave). Best of all, the chains and fast food are few and far between so it’s easy to sample local flavors there. 

Whatever you crave this summer, it’s a good bet Eureka Springs will fill the bill. So pack your freak flag and get ready for an unforgettable experience.

For more things to do and see, check out visiteurekasprings.com.