Fall Getaway to Eureka Springs

See the Leaves

Visit the Sky Bar Gourmet Pizzeria on the fourth floor of the Crescent Hotel (75 Prospect Ave., Eureka Springs, Arkansas, 479-363-6309), and sip a signature cocktail on the deck while you soak up the stunning vista. 

At Razorback Gift Shop & Tower (579 W. Van Buren, Eureka Springs, Arkansas, 479-253-8294), climb the 100-foot observation tower for panoramic views. Cost is $1 a person, and exact change of four quarters is needed. The telescope costs 25 cents.

If you want to feel like you’re being hugged by fall foliage, visit Thorncrown Chapel (12968 U.S. 62, Eureka Springs, Arkansas, 479-253-7401), which has 425 windows and more than 6,000 square feet of glass—all nestled in the woods. It’s stunning. East Mountain Lookout is a charming gazebo on the East Mountain with views across the valley. Go to its Facebook page and click on “Get Directions” or ask a local to point you there. 

Seek communion with nature deep in the woods at Thorncrown Chapel. 

Stay

If Victorian B&Bs are not your style, stay at Zen Cottages, which are modern spa-inspired guest cottages (479-363-4394).  Located in historic downtown Eureka Springs, there are a variety to choose from such as Lotus House, which boasts four apartment-style luxury suites with fireplaces. There is a two-night minimum stay on weekends. Rates range from $159 to $249 per night depending on the suite and date.

Eat

The intimate atmosphere at Le Stick Nouveau in the basement of the New Orleans Hotel (63 Spring St., Eureka Springs, Arkansas, 479-981-3123) will impress you, but the excellent French fare will keep you coming back. Try the French onion soup, scallops, deconstructed Beef Wellington or filet mignon. Another fine dining option is The Grand Taverne in the Grand Central Hotel & Spa (37 N. Main St., Eureka Springs, Arkansas, 479-253-6756); specialties include red lentil encrusted walleye and filet Oscar or the five-course $80 chef menu. Reserve several days in advance for chef tasting. 

At Le Stick Nouveau, enjoy locally sourced pork loin that’s marinated in apple cider for 24 hours.

Shop

In this town, shopping is a must. Stop into Hats, Hides, Heirlooms (83 Spring St., Eureka Springs, Arkansas, 479-253-5800), a shop with a wide selection of men’s and women’s hats, boots and purses. Quicksilver (73 Spring St., Eureka Springs, Arkansas, 479-253-7679) is a fine art and fine craft gallery showcasing glasswork, jewelry, sculptures, woodwork and more. Foodies head to The Village at Pine Mountain for Fresh Harvest Tasting Room (512 Village Circle, Eureka Springs, Arkansas, 479- 253-6247) and taste a selection of flavored balsamic vinegars and olive oils. Walk next door to The Spice Boat (510 Village Circle, Eureka Springs, Arkansas, 479-253-2628) and sniff your way through spices, herbs and teas.

Imbibe

The Stone House (89 S. Main St., Eureka Springs, Arkansas, 479-363-6411) defines cozy and is set in a stone house. Settle in upstairs and sip on a glass of wine or share a bottle. For an Arkansas wine experience, do a tasting at Keels Creek Winery and Art Gallery (3185 E. Van Buren, Eureka Springs, Arkansas, 479-253-9463) where they make their own wine from Arkansas grapes.