Rolling into Town

Our visit to Eureka Springs occurred in September, and coincided with our wedding anniversary. The weather was perfect for a visit to this city of artists. We had left Kansas City early in the morning, so that we could enjoy a more scenic route. As we approached the city on Highway 23 from the north, we soon found our path weaving through the rising hills. Here and there we saw signs of the color changes that Fall brings to the leaves, and an overcast sky kept the temperature in check. Before long, we found ourselves at the entrance to the city limits.

A Big Draw

Eureka Springs is host to a wide variety of classic car, motorcycles, and specialty vehicle rallies. It seems like whatever season we visit there is some group descending on the town. A main draw are the winding roads that cross over, around, and through the hills surrounding the region. Add to this the quaint and inviting residents, and you have the perfect atmosphere for groups. This trip it was the Slingshot® owners sporting around town in their three-wheeled vehicles. These rallies inflate the number of visitors to the town, and bring some extra eye candy for us to see while strolling around.

Main Street Dining

For us the town can be split into three main areas. The first is Main Street, which runs fairly north and south. This is one of the original streets, which used to be called Mud Street before it was elevated. One of the many springs in the area runs along this path, and used to flood the area. Once the street was raised it created a venue for lots of shops and dining establishments. We took time to sample some of the fare at three of the restaurants in this section.

Aquarius Taqueria was originally on our schedule for a dinner, but was moved to more of a Happy Hour stop for timing. This restaurant offers some of the best views of the main drag on their raised balcony. We sat there chomping on guacamole and chips, and washing them down with some unique margaritas. All the while, we watched the three-wheelers passing by.

Just up the street a bit, and owned by the same family, we found Local Flavor Cafe. In a town filled with artists, this place obviously has some in the kitchen. The food is creative and extremely fresh. Even though it is right on Main Street, it is easy to pass by its entrance. Bonus points for having such a delightful outdoor dining courtyard.

Speaking of artistic endeavors, at Mud Street Annex, owner Bobbie Foster has created one of the newest hot-spots in town. An eclectic mixture of modern and nostalgic blend into an inviting atmosphere. Be sure to check out the panel in the floorboards that allows guests to see the original spring running twenty feet below the surface. (Read more about Mud Street here>)

Scaling Spring Street

Eureka Springs is criss-crossed with narrow winding streets. This, combined with the steep hills, creates an unusual situation. Many of the buildings, because of this combination, can have ground level entrances on multiple floors. There is one building that actually has this on five different floors. Visitors to this quaint town will certainly get their exercise just climbing the stairs and hills. From Main Street the prime road up the hillside is Spring Street, which is flanked with interesting retail shops, cafes, and dessert spots. This is what we consider the second section of the city, and we spend a considerable amount of time here.

Every visit to Eureka Springs includes at least one trip up and down Spring Street. We love popping into the boutique shops to investigate all the unique items they hold. This is also where we find the little extras that keep us going between meals. With all the climbing, we figured we were burning extra calories. During our visit, we discovered a small eatery that we had never tried. Nibbles Eatery ended up being a shockingly big surprise, and offered up our favorite breakfast of the trip.

Up On The Ridge

The third area section is the south end, which lies on a ridge above the town. The area is serviced by Highway 62, which runs east to Berryville, and west to Rogers. This area has seen the largest growth over the past couple of decades, mostly because the old section of town has limited room to expand. Lots of shops and restaurants have popped up to service the overflow, as well as those just passing across the state.

Cafe Amore had a sign outside stating they served the “Best Pizza in the Galaxy”. This claim certainly captured our attention, so we stopped in to check it out. Being pizza lovers, we were quite pleased to find a delicious pie while away from home. They even have some creative desserts on their menu.

One of our first breakfast was at Filling Station Restaurant. We were a little out of sorts that morning, and ended up not getting what we needed for an article. It was the place we first spotted one of the unusual Slingshot® vehicles, which was designed like the bat-mobile. Perhaps that is the excuse I can use for my lack of concentration. While the food isn’t fancy, it’s good, filling, and reasonably priced.

What’s There To Do In This Town?

When we first started visiting Eureka Springs, we spent most of our time just visiting the shops. Back in those days I was not as good at doing my research, and the internet was not as robust for discovery. This trip we found an abundance of activities to occupy our time. Here are a few of the best.

At the 1886 Crescent Hotel we discovered why this town is billed as one of the most haunted in the country. Taking the Ghost Tour was definitely interesting, even if we didn’t see any spirits. We still enjoyed all of the historical stories about the building and the area. It was a great way to learn more about this neck of the woods.

Looking for an evening filled with belly laughs and good music? We don’t usually attend many variety shows, but we are glad we chose this one. Mike Nichols and the gang at Ozark Mountain Hoedown do a fantastic job at keeping the audience engaged and entertained. The show runs for quite some time, but they do offer an intermission to stretch your legs.

The Blue Spring Heritage Center was a last minute addition to our itinerary, which was referred by a shop owner in town. We are glad we listened, because we found it to be a peaceful visit during a day of activity. It was nice to stroll around the landscaped park-like setting, and enjoy the scenery. The constantly flowing water added a calming soundtrack to our visit.

We have limited experience riding the rails, so a chance to have a luncheon on one was a must-do for us. The Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway offers a few options, which include with or without the meal. We aren’t sure what it was like in the heyday of rail travel, but we are guessing it was something like this trip. It was certainly the most unique lunch we experienced.

Artistry Abounds In Eureka Springs

As I stated earlier, Eureka Springs is a town filled with artists. Signs of their creativity are apparent wherever you wander. The creative names they have given their shops hint at the goodies to be found within. Upon our arrival, we came upon a musical park located near the northern entrance to town. We were ready for some time out of the car, so we wandered around the park playing with the various percussion instruments we found. It was quite an entertaining session for us. (Not sure about the people in the car nearby!) All around town we found interesting artistic touches. Some were old advertisements that still adorn the sides of the brick buildings from days ago. Add to this the unique sculptures, statues, and paintings that dot the landscape, and we found the walks full of intrigue. When you visit be sure to keep your eyes peeled for these little extras that seem to be found in the most unexpected locations.

Lodging In Style

We were fortunate to have the chance to check out a couple of the lodging options during our visit. Both offered an enjoyable stay, but were unique in their own ways. Eureka Springs is a town that sees a lot of couples visiting, so many of the lodging locations offer stays designed with this in mind.

In the past we have stayed in cabins, which can be found inside and outside of the city limits. This visit gave us a chance to take it to a new level when we stayed at the Treehouse Cottages. These elevated, airy roosts are a perfect couples destination. It made us feel like we were the only people in the woods during our stay.

Our other stay was at the Grand Central Hotel, which is located on Main Street. Their location offers easy access to the shops and restaurants downtown. Of course, you don’t have to leave the hotel to get a meal, since one of the finest restaurants in town is on the premises.

Living On The Edge

Not all of the things to do are located in the main part of town. A drive out to the edge offers some other interesting places to visit. The Thorncrown Chapel is probably one of the most photographed locations in the region, and for good reason. It is an architectural masterpiece that can be viewed from inside and out. It’s a short drive west on Highway 62, and the road is filled with beautiful scenery, as well. On the way there, you will pass by the 100′ Observation Tower, which sits behind the Razorback Gift Shop. (A really cool place to spend some time perusing.) Be sure to get change for the admission ($1 each), and take your time on the climb. The views from the top are AMAZING!

Whenever we visit Eureka Springs, we always make the side trip out to Inspiration Point. It’s a little farther west on Highway 62, but well worth the short time it takes to traverse the winding road. This place offers great views of the countryside from high up on the ridge. Be sure to bring a camera for the great selfie opportunity. It just might become your favorite memory from your visit to the area. So tell us what we missed in our roundup of Eureka Springs stops. We’d love to start our list for our next visit. Thanks!

The post Couples Time In Eureka Springs, Arkansas appeared first on Our Changing Life.

 Ancient Beginnings

For thousands of years native tribes visited the Blue Spring area. In the mid-1800’s a grist mill was constructed just downstream. It was used to grind corn, until a new one was constructed in 1903. This new structure added a flour mill and saw to the capabilities. These days the only remnants is the turbine, but we also found a grist stone on display on the grounds. After paying our entry of $9.75 each, we headed into the park. There is a historic film that runs on a loop, which helps show an overview of the site. After looking around at the top of the hill, we made our way down to the water’s edge. Fortunately, the climb back up can be made via a set of ramps.

83 Million Gallons

Blue Spring is one of the largest natural water supplies in the region. Releasing 83 million gallons per day, the water flows into a trout filled lagoon. We spent a few minutes feeding the fish, before moving further down the trail. As we walked, we noticed the wide variety of flowers on display around the landscape. The area is a rough cut out valley, which is probably a result of the running water.

Steady Flow at Blue Spring Heritage Center

Throughout the valley the sound of running water echoes off of the walls. It has a very calming effect, and we found the desire to slow down, and just enjoy the nature. The expanded walkways were added in 1993, and allow for a leisurely visit. As we neared the main spring site, it seemed that the beauty increased. We found signage posted along the way that explains some of the history of the area. The Osage Indians used the area for a trading post for many years. The water from the spring flows into the White River, which made a perfect route for trading.

Truly Leisurely

As I turned to head down another section of the walkway, I spotted a local at the other end. This little guy was enjoying a moment’s rest on the railing. I took a few quick pictures, before he decided to take his relaxation up the nearest tree. I felt a little bad about disturbing him, but we paid our admission, too.

Sad Historical Footnote

The sign above tells a little about the historical significance of Blue Spring, as it relates to the Trail of Tears. Prior to our visit, this piece of history was completely unknown to us. It made us realize that there are still an amazing number of historical sites for us to explore. This knowledge also gave us a new perspective of the importance of Blue Spring.

The Bluff Shelter

We continued our stroll along the opposite side of the lagoon. More flower beds were found, and each were well designed. A ways down the walk we came to a small spillway where the spring water left the lagoon on its way to the White River. We crossed it, and ended up back on the side where we began our visit. A small hill led up to a large overhang area. A few park benches were stationed here, and some of the other guests were enjoying a short break. The signs in this area tell about the indian tribes that had used this spot for ceremonies for thousands of years. It is always humbling to stand in a spot that people have visited for many centuries.

A Gentle Climb

The trail now led away from the Blue Spring, and around the hillside. A long series of ramps allow guests to return to the entrance without traversing the staircases on the other end. This area also has some nice spots for photo opportunities. I waited at the bottom of one ramp, while Crystal made her way up to a gazebo placed on an overlook. After this final photo session, it was time to make our way to the exit. Once again, we found that by listening to a suggestion from a local, we ended up enjoying a “hidden gem” that would have gone overlooked.

The post Hidden History At Blue Spring Heritage Center appeared first on Our Changing Life.

Pocket Restaurant

Did I mention that the place is small? When we spoke with business owners about our experiences and plans in Eureka Springs, quite a few mentioned Nibbles Eatery. With what we had heard before our trip being confirmed by locals, we just knew it was a must visit place. We got there right around opening time, and found it was fairly empty. With only about nine tables, we wondered if it was really that good. We found a table, and made ourselves comfortable. There were two people on staff, with one handling the serving duties, as well as assisting the cook. The space is cozy, which means as others arrived we found ourselves invited into conversation. After getting our coffee, (A must for starting the day right!) we set about deciding on our meals. The menu is as small as their space, so it was easy to pick dishes. A local couple had sat down beside us on my right, and was telling us that this is their favorite breakfast spot in town. We hadn’t seen any of the food yet, but were holding out that they were well versed.

Gourmet Presentation at Nibbles Eatery

I had chosen the Mushroom and Goat Cheese Omelet, which is served with a small salad, as well as some wheat berry bread. First, let’s talk about the omelet. This had to be in the top three that I have ever been served. The mushrooms were tender, without being slimy, and the goat cheese added a delicious tangy bite to the dish. It was unbelievably delicious. The addition of salad would have been a complete shock, if we hadn’t experienced it at a Belgian restaurant in Philadelphia. (You can read about that experience here>) Everything on my plate tasted so fresh, and we were informed that they source as many ingredients locally, as possible. The couple next to us had that look of, “Now you see why it’s our favorite.”, as I savored each bite. The meal was perfectly portioned, so I didn’t feel overly stuffed at the end. It was clear that the owner knew their business.

Crystal chose the Chicken Artichoke Quiche, which also included a fresh salad. These were accompanied by a dish of yogurt with a sprinkling of granola. Her quiche was as marvelous as my omelet (I took a bite.), and she commented that the yogurt was also delicious. I’ll have to take her word on that, as I am not inclined to eat the stuff. Her plate was also well portioned, and we dined in style, as we also began a conversation with the couple at the table on my left. They turned out to be from Kansas City, as well, so we exchanged stories of our visits to Eureka Springs. That we both had ended up at Nibbles Eatery on the same morning was quite a pleasant coincidence. It reminded us just how many people visit this quaint destination for a relaxing get-away. Like us, they were nearing the end of their visit, but planned to return again to this special spot in the Ozark Mountains. We certainly plan to add Nibbles Eatery to our list of places we eat on our next visit, now that we know how good it is. Of course, we know to come early, because table space fills up pretty quickly.

The post Nibbles Eatery Delivers Big Flavor In A Small Space appeared first on Our Changing Life.

The Train Yard

We pre-scheduled our visit, which includes picking the date, and meal choices for everyone in the party. We arrived about a half hour prior to our departure, which gave us a little time to look around the grounds. The Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway once serviced a large territory throughout the Ozark Mountains. Other transportation modes eventually replaced the need for the rail service, and these days it is mostly used for tourism. We watched as the engine scooted down the tracks to hitch up the dining cars for our trip. It was a beautiful Fall day, and we waited with the other passengers for our chance to board.

All Aboard

Much like we have seen in countless movies, once the train was in place the conductor gave out the familiar cry of “All Aboard”. This trip was actually hosting two different options. Our lunch train party all filed into the 1920’s era dining cars, while the excursion group had their own cars. Once everyone had found a seat, we heard the sound of the train whistle. The initial lurch of the cars meant that we had started our journey. The dining cars are quite comfortable, with leather tufted seats, and solid wood dining tables. It is easy to understand why this form of transportation was so popular. It lends an upscale feel to traveling, as well as the dining portion.

The train chugged along, and the familiar click-clack of the wheels blended with the piped in music overhead. The trip is not extremely long, and covers about 4 1/2 miles in 1 1/2 hours. This is plenty of time to reflect on the beauty of the scenery around us, while we enjoyed our lunch. A small creek runs beside the tracks, and moves closer until we crossed it on an elevated trestle. On our return the engineer stopped over the creek, and this gave us an opportunity to watch a school of small fish dart around in the water.

Dining in Style

Just after departing the station, our luncheon began. Our server, Ronni, was quite efficient at making sure everyone had what they needed. Crystal had chosen the Chicken Salad option, which is served on a bed of lettuce, and comes with fresh fruit. It all looked so good, and she was quite pleased with her selection.

I didn’t want to pass up a chance to test out the Beef Stroganoff, which is ladled over egg noodles. Man, am I glad I made this choice. The beef was so tender, and the sauce had great flavor without being too salty.  My meal included a side of green beans, which are served country style with bacon pieces. The fresh rolls were a nice compliment, and the table service added a nice air to the meal. As we dined, we watched the countryside slip by.

Heading Back to the Station

The train is set on a straight spur, so it travels down and back. At the far end, we stopped so that Ronni could collect all of the empty dishes. Now that we had finished our lunch it was time for dessert. A slice of cake, which is accompanied by a scoop of ice cream blended perfectly with a fresh cup of coffee. Our trip back had begun, and now we slowly savored our sweet finishing.

Too soon we arrived back at the station, but not before I was able to capture a photo of Ronni with Crystal. We enjoyed our excursion, and recommend it highly to others who are looking for a memorable temporary escape. Thinking back on our experience, this would be an excellent place to host a Roaring 20’s party, as you roll down the rails. Just be sure that you tip your server. It doesn’t look easy balancing a tray filled with dishes on a moving train.

The post Dining In Style On The Eureka Springs Train appeared first on Our Changing Life.

Hanging With The Locals

This restaurant has been a staple on the Eureka Springs scene since 1991. Owned and operated by chef Britt Evans, we had high expectations for our meals. We had viewed the menu during the planning stage, and saw that Local Flavor Cafe had an eclectic mix of dishes. Many of these have interesting sounding flavor combinations. The restaurant is located on the main drag through town, so it is easy to locate. It sits on a hillside overlooking the street, and offers indoor and outside seating options. They have a nice balcony area, but we chose to sit in a cozier grotto type section, which is also outdoors.

As usual, I popped inside to get a feel for the seating arrangement. The place is very low key casual, and they have a seating area that offers a delightful view of a local spring. That is certainly something we forget about in between trips to Eureka Springs. It seems we are always surprised by the amount of running water in and around this town. The staff were caught off guard by my camera, but once I explained they relaxed, and were extremely accommodating. Blogging is certainly a great way to meet people, and a good conversation starter. After all, just about everyone likes to travel, so it’s easy to have something in common. I headed back to the table, and we ordered our meals. While we waited for our food we observed how tranquil the setting was around us. Even though some of the tables were filled, we still felt like we had as much privacy as we wanted.

Fresh Eats at Local Flavor Cafe

Before long our food arrived, and we arranged the plates on our table. Obviously, I had to take pictures first, and fortunately Crystal has become accustomed to this protocol. Once the formalities were completed it was time to dig in. I was in a beef eating mood, so I decided to sample one of their burgers. There were two or three on the menu that piqued my interest, but I finally settled on the Mushroom Swiss Burger. I am a huge fan of mushrooms, and this sandwich had an ample supply. The condiments and accessories all arrived on the side, which makes it easier to assemble the sandwich to your own liking. The burger was moist and juicy, and they used a good quality Swiss cheese. Everything blended together in each bite to create a pleasing flavor. The meal comes with a side of their homemade Cole slaw, which had a nice tangy taste without being too sweet.

Crystal went with the sandwich that I already knew she would pick, the Turkey Avocado Pepper Jack. It’s almost a certain bet that if a menu item calls out avocado in the title, then she will gravitate toward it. This also explains why we find ourselves testing the guacamole at so many restaurants. This Local Flavor Cafe favorite has a good amount of sliced turkey piled on a sourdough roll. The meat is topped with pepper jack cheese, as well as a generous amount of avocado. This dish also comes with a side of the slaw, and we tossed in an order of the french fries to boot. She enjoyed the freshness of the ingredients, as well as the flavor combination. By the end of the meal our hungers were quenched. Now it was time to get back to exploring.

The post Testing The Local Flavor Cafe appeared first on Our Changing Life.

We want to thank the Treehouse Cottages for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

First Glance

At the office we met Laura, who had been our point of contact during the booking phase. She explained some of the background of the treehouses, and the people who started them. After a pleasant conversation, that included some great tips on dining and attractions nearby, Laura gave us directions to the hidden drive which leads to our cabin. The gravel road wound through a densely wooded area and up to the “Towering Pines” cottage, where we would spend the next couple of days. Along the drive we passed a couple of other drives that led to other cabins on the property. They are spaced out to ensure that each has plenty of privacy. Our cabin has an appropriate name, as it sits within a grove of pine trees. The staircase led us up to our cabin, which sits 24 feet above the ground. Just outside the door we found a note from Patsy and Terry, the owners. While they were unavailable to meet with us, they wanted to make sure we had a pleasant visit. We love these types of special touches.

Home Away From Home

Before our trip we had scoped out pictures of our lodging from the website. Now that we were here, we found the pictures only tell part of the story. We entered the cabin and immediately fell in love with it. The spacious main room had a warm and inviting atmosphere, and was peppered with charming accents. Staff had left the music playing for our arrival, and the place makes you feel like curling up in front of a fire, while the world passes by outside. Of course, the weather was too warm for a fire, but we could imagine this place would make a nice sanctuary in the winter as the snow fell outside. Our schedule would limit our total time in the cabin, but we planned to enjoy it as much as possible. We set about exploring our space, which included a kitchen area with full-size refrigerator. Inside it we found some juice, as well as a loaf of homemade sweet bread for our breakfast. Another one of those special touches that make for wonderful memories. A comfy recliner love seat offers a good place to enjoy a movie or a roaring fire. The vaulted ceiling, and plentiful hardwood added to the homey feeling, which made us feel instantly at ease.

It’s All About The Views

The star of the show may be the cabin, but the setting makes it extra special. We stepped out the back door, and found ourselves on a wrap around deck that perches far above the forest floor. A bistro table and chairs are available for resting, which we found quite useful for our coffee time in the mornings. There is also a grill on hand for those wishing to stay in and cook their own dinner. We will have to keep that in mind for our next visit.

The peaceful views are not just visible from this deck. Large windows line the back wall of the cabin, and offer panoramic views of the forest. There is also a heart shaped Jacuzzi that has wrap around windows. This is the perfect place to soak away the stress of life, while watching the birds flutter through the treetops. The way the cabins are positioned on the property allows for complete privacy while enjoying this feature. Our stay at the Treehouse Cottages offered us a chance to unwind and reconnect, which is something that every couple needs and deserves. While we always look for the positives in every place we stay, some are easier to spot. This cabin in the woods will stay in our memories for a long time. Wouldn’t this make a perfect destination for your next romantic getaway?

The post Canopy Dwelling At Treehouse Cottages appeared first on Our Changing Life.

We want to thank Mud Street Annex for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

Historic Beginnings

Our plan had us scheduled to visit the original restaurant, which is housed in the lower level of an building from 1888. The name comes from the history of the area flooding due to a spring that runs under the building. Since those earlier days, the street has been built up to prevent the issues from the past. These days, the area is filled with shops, restaurants, and other flourishing businesses. The original Mud Street is a local landmark, and home of one of the most popular breakfast spots in the region. While our plan was to eat at this iconic site, owner Bobbie Foster suggested we check out the newer location instead.

Dining at Street Level

While the original restaurant is basically underground, the newer Mud Street Annex is at street level, and just a couple doors down from the original. We followed Bobbie down the boardwalk, and found ourselves stepping in to her newest project. While the original site is filled with all things old and historic, this new location is a perfect blend of old, new, and artistic. As we entered, our attention was drawn to the large neon “Ozarka” sign on the back wall. This is an original piece from the bottling company that was originally based in Eureka Springs.

Artistic Touches at Mud Street Annex

As she showed us around, it was clear that Bobbie was also in love with her new digs. The collection of artwork is spectacular. On one wall is an amazing stained glass water feature. Across from it are a series of modern pieces that compliment the industrial feel of the space. From the lighting fixtures to the exposed limestone and brick walls, and all the way down to the reclaimed wooden bar, it all flows together so well. It is obvious Bobbie had a vision for this space, and it certainly came through in the renovation.

Keep On Running

Remember that natural spring that runs below the building? Bobbie wanted to pay homage to the origin of the area’s popularity, which sits 20 feet below the floor of Mud Street Annex. To do this, a Plexiglas panel was inserted into the floor. Blue lights illuminate the stream, and allows visitors to see what is going on below. Not only can you look down at it, but one table even has a bird’s eye view of the stream. During our visit, Crystal was given the honor of sitting there. I think she liked it. Now that we had seen most of the unique features of the Main Street Annex, it was time to have lunch. During our tour, the servers would eagerly add informational notes about the place. It was quite clear that everyone was excited to see this restaurant open.

An Eclectic Menu

Crystal was in the mood for a salad, and the menu had a few to choose from. She skipped the standards to go out on a limb with the Hummus Salad. A bed of greens is accompanied by the expected toppings; like cucumber, tomatoes, shredded carrot, and red onion. This is topped with a generous scoop of garbanzo bean based hummus, which is blended with just a slight kick. A ring of olives adorn the hummus, and the whole plate is sprinkled with feta cheese. It was a great lunch option that offered a good shot of protein, and Crystal was a huge fan of the dish.

As I looked over the menu, I was immediately drawn to the BLT sandwich. It was the end of a hot summer, and home grown tomatoes were making their last run for the season. Fortunately, I took a second gander at the menu, and noticed a Turkey Bistro offered the flavors of a BLT, but with the addition of turkey breast and cheddar cheese. I immediately switched to this sandwich, which is accompanied by chips and pickle chips. From the first bite, it was obvious that the tomatoes were locally grown. All of the flavors were so smooth, and blended well together. It didn’t take long for me to finish my meal, and I returned to my photography.

Finishing Touches

Bobbie dropped back by our table to see how we were doing. We had finished our meal, and now she tempted us with her homemade cakes and pies. When we entered, we had seen them in the front display case, which is just smart placement. All of the options sounded so good, but the Very Berry Cheesecake won the day. This double layer dessert is half cheesecake, and half whipped cream.  It made a good blend of light and fluffy topping, and a firm foundation filled with a delicate berry flavor. It was so good, that even though we were full from lunch, we still had to finish the piece. We knew that we would be climbing the surrounding hills, so the extra calories were dismissed.

Our visit to Mud Street Annex had been so enjoyable that we hated the idea of leaving. Of course, with so many other places to explore, we knew our exit was inevitable. Before we left, Bobbie tempted us with one more treat. The beautiful Fall day had just a hint of coolness, so she suggested a hot drink to take with us. We were too full to consider until she mentioned the Chocolate Covered Cherry Coffee. In no time the sugary concoction was brought over, and we bid our farewells. Our time at Mud Street Annex had been a highlight of our day, and we felt like we had not just visited, but been welcomed into the family. We experienced lots of good restaurants in Eureka Springs, but this one set the bar at a new level. Many of you may have eaten at Mud Street Cafe in the past, but just wait until you see the Annex.

The post Why We Fell In Love With Mud Street Annex appeared first on Our Changing Life.

We want to thank the 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa for their hospitality. Rest assured that all opinions are our own.

1886 Crescent Hotel

Construction of the hotel began in 1884, and by it’s grand opening in 1886, there was already one accidental death on the grounds. Within a couple of years, trainloads of visitors descended upon the site for the “healing waters” of the area’s natural springs. For its first fifteen years, the resort offered refined luxury accommodations, and services to it’s clients. During the day, guests would take trail rides on horses from the stables. In the afternoon, tea was served, and quite often there would be dance parties scheduled in the evenings. The name of the Crescent Hotel was known from coast to coast. While the hotel enjoyed great success, this only occurred during select months of the year. In the colder “off season” months, the crowds left the grounds empty.

Education in the Off Season

In 1908, the Crescent College and Conservatory for Young Women opened for Fall, Winter, and Spring classes. The college gained great success, especially with affluent families. Tuition was moderate to high for the times, but it didn’t slow the flow of students, until the Great Depression. In 1934, the college shut down, but the hotel continued it’s Summer season. This too would end, as the economics of such a short operating season prohibited it’s long term success. In 1937, a dubious character named Norman Baker purchased the hotel, and created the Baker Cancer Hospital. Claiming a 100% success rate, cancer victims from all over descended upon the hospital seeking a cure. This ominous period in the history of the Crescent Hotel is when many of the spirits are presumed to have originated.

Crescent Ghost Tour

Our evening entertainment began not long after dinner. A fun drive through the winding hills led us to the Crescent Hotel. This magnificent structure sits grandly above the city of Eureka Springs, and can be seen from all around. After a short look around the grounds, we made our way in, and up to the fourth floor. Here is where the Crescent Ghost Tour begins. Our group was ushered into a parlor type room filled with chairs in front of a small pedestal area. Here we were introduced to Aunt Reba, our guide for the evening. She was quite inviting, and we took turns introducing ourselves to the group. With introductions completed, it was time for the history lesson to begin.

Historic Learnings

Once the basic overview of the tour was completed, we made our way out into the 4th floor hallway. The Crescent Ghost Tour is designed to begin at the top, and work down to the ground floor. One of the first areas we stopped at was the staircase that led down to the lobby. The handrails on the staircases in the Crescent Hotel and Spa are lower than what we are used to finding. Aunt Reba credited that to people being shorter in the late 1800’s. Whether this is the reason or not, it was clear that they are set at a point lower than today’s standards.

Strange Occurances

It is believed that many of the spirits that haunt the Crescent Hotel are from the period when the building served as a hospital. While Norman Baker claimed to have discovered the cure for cancer, many of his patients expired from the treatments they were given. To keep these failures from public eyes, the bodies of the deceased were often whisked away under the cover of darkness. Many of the stories from hotel guests revolve around sights and sounds associated with these heinous activities. The squeaky wheels of gurneys moving down hallways late at night are still heard. Some of the spirits are well known, and even sought out by visitors. Their stories are entertaining, and enlightening.

Out and Down

We explored the various floors, and ended up in the main lobby of he hotel. Here we had a  chance to see the previously six-sided desk used by Norman Baker to run his six businesses. It was becoming apparent that this man was more than unique. After a short break, we made our way outside to skirt the building. A short walk, on a beautiful night, and we found ourselves being shepherded into the area that once served as a morgue. The ominous sign on the entrance signaled more stories to come.

“Doctor” Baker

Aunt Reba began relating more of the story of Norman Baker, as she had promised earlier in the evening. Apparently, this charlatan claimed to have discovered a magic elixir that reversed, and eliminated cancer in patients. Obviously, a claim like this will certainly attract a large number of believers, as well as those with no other hope for recovery. The real mixture that he supplied his patients was a blend of ineffective ingredients, that often created extremely painful reactions. This lack of success did not slow down Baker’s greed, and numerous steps were taken to keep up the false front. As time passed, the morgue became an integral part of hiding the truth from the public.

Heading Into The Abyss

At the end of the tour, Aunt Reba asked if anyone would like to enter the room used to hold the bodies. Many of us checked it out, and even stayed in while the door was closed, and the light shut off. During our visit, no one had a paranormal experience, but we all still heard some great stories. We also learned a lot of history about the Crescent Hotel, Eureka Springs, and some of the people who have visited or stayed in the area. Evidently, some have decided to remain, but were feeling a little shy during our time. Perhaps you will make plans to visit the hotel, and have different results. If you catch a picture of a ghost they will be happy to share it with others. Happy haunting.

The post Haunted History at the 1886 Crescent Hotel appeared first on Our Changing Life.