As the days and nights become colder and our thoughts drift to scenic, natural respites, Arkansas usually isn't the first state that comes to our minds. We often think New England (at least, those of us who celebrate the winter months do); or, if it's warmth we crave, we think of the West Coast or maybe even Hawaii. But Arkansas? What's there besides Hope, Little Rock, and some former Clinton supporters? A lot of scenery. In fact, Arkansas enjoys the brilliant foliage about which many of us dream. It's got natural springs, rolling hills and quaint towns. Eureka Springs is perhaps the best example of what Arkansas has to offer.

Eureka Springs was founded in 1879. The city quickly developed a reputation for its wondrous, healing waters, which attracted visitors from great distances. Legends tell of Native Americans' reverence of the spings and the surrounding land. In fact, many enamored visitors set up temporary camps in Eureka Springs, hoping to take advantage of the springs to cure what ailed them. The springs and their reputation led to a great population increase here, and by late 1879, nearly 10,000 residents called the city home.

Spring Street runs in a loop around the town of Eureka Springs (thus the term for Spring Street that the locals use: "the loop"). Following its path will take you past many of the area's natural springs and past beautifully preserved, historic architecture. Along Spring Street, you'll also find art galleries, specialty shops, pubs and other watering holes, street performers and artists, massage therapists and "healers," and an eclectic mix of restaurants featuring international cuisine. Eureka Springs' Historic District, which cuts through the heart of the town, is revered for its Victorian architecture, so well preserved that the entire town of Eureka Springs is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Eureka Springs takes on a decidedly different feel along Highway 62, considered to be the "Main Street" of Eureka Springs attractions. Instead of artsy, this region of the town is more Southern. Road-side restaurants serve up hefty portions of family-style home cooking. Country music reigns supreme. Highway 62's selection of attractions includes various museums, botanical gardens, lakes, musical performances, and caves, among other highlights.

Hogscald, located 10 minutes south of Eureka Springs off Black Mountain Road, contains some of the most spectacular natural beauty of this region. It's little wonder, then, that nature and recreation enthusiasts flock to Hogscald for cycling, picknicking, hiking and horseback riding, among other pastimes. Hogscald's unusual name was derived from its former trade: Hogs were scalded in large numbers here to support the town's butchering industry. It's hardly a pleasant image, but such methods supported this area for several years. Hogscald also is the site of a historic battle in which local sympathizers of the South outsmarted Union soldiers. Their weapon of choice? Corn whiskey, which produced some rather drunken Union soldiers, who were later captured.

Visitors to Eureka Springs today come here not only to admire the changing seasons, but also to relax. The town is constructed on two mountains in the Ozark range, with a scenic valley in between the peaks. Such geography is an anomaly in the South. Locals, in fact, call Eureka Springs "Little Switzerland." It's a trip back in time to when life was a bit slower and people took the time to revel in nature.

Many visitors to Eureka Springs stay in bed and breakfast accomodations (B&Bs). The town is filled with B&Bs of all styles -- stone cottages, log cabins, Victorian homes with gingerbread trim -- all of them tucked back in the woods.

The percentage of retirees settling in Eureka Springs has increased in recent years. They're attracted here because of the lower crime rate, lower cost of housing, lower taxes, lower cost of living, and of course, a comparatively slower pace of life. Newcomers to the area tout the town's friendly residents, friendly climate, and abundance of natural beauty as the reasons they plan to stick around Eureka Springs for an extended period. For younger families, the local schools are excellent and rank among the state's best. The sense of community is particularly strong in Eureka Springs, as well.

Holiday Island, located five miles north of Eureka Springs, is a 4,500-acre residential development launched in 1970. Today, Holiday Island has a population of approximately 1,500. The development continues to remain a popular choice with newcomers to the Eureka Springs area, and it contains a myriad of residential real estate options to accomodate them: condominiums, townhomes, single-family and multi-family housing.

Eureka Springs' year-round festival of nature is a treat for anyone who has grown tired of monotonous landscapes and climates that don't experience the four seasons. With its many cultural and culinary offerings, the town celebrates the best of the South -- and throws in a dose of the natural beauty we typically associate with the North. The result is a relaxing retreat nestled in the Ozarks -- a calm respite from the stresses of urban life.

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Published: December 10, 1998

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