Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Eureka Springs takes it's name from the 62 mountain springs in the area. The springs played a vital part in the modern development of the community as many people during the 19^th century believed that the mineral waters held curative properties.

The presence of so many springs and the unusual high quality prompted developers to build a resort community where visitors came to “take the waters,” They drank the pure mountain water and soaked in spas, several of which still stand. One of the spas also served as a house of ill repute and their sign in front advertised that fact.

Of the original sixty-two springs, more than one dozen have been restored and can still be seen. Probably the most famous of these is Basin Spring. Located at the heart of Eureka Springs, Basin Springs is surrounded by a beautiful little park that is a center of life and activity in the community. Another spring called Magnetic Springs has a small park and is near the Passion Play area. There was a geocache in the area but we couldn't find it. Can't find them all!

Magnetic Spring

There was a motor cycle gathering going on in town and all the bars had bikes all over the place. There were Harleys and Honda bikes, trikes and some hybrid ones. A number of them had small trailers attached that looked like they could be tent trailers. This area must be a dream for riding bikes with all the curves and hills all over the place.

A few years ago my cousin Jackie and her husband Louis took us to a catfish restaurant and we decided to check it out again. We couldn't remember the name, but it is so well known that a lady directed it to us on the first try. It is called the Catfish Cabin and they serve catfish as the main item, but also shrimp, chicken and sandwiches. We ordered the catfish platters and enjoyed them very much. It was very difficult to eat all the food with beans, cole slaw, hush puppies and a baked potato thrown into the mix. We were full to say the least and waddled out of there.

We lucked out going early as we did since a bus load of tourists showed up and 49 of them came into the restaurant hungry and in a hurry. They were from Houston, TX and were going to the Ozark Mountain Hoedown theater.

If you are ever in the area around Branson, MO; then take the time to drive the 50 miles to Eureka Springs and check it out.  Don't plan on walking all over the town since it is full of hills and barely any spots longer than 100ft that aren't on a curve or going up or down a hill.  It is a neat place to visit and has a large number of hotels, restaurants and bars.

They have new and used homes built into the hillsides and if you fell off your porch it could be a large drop off.  I would hate to be there in an ice storm unless I could stay inside and not even go out side.   

  

That was our day, how was yours?