Travical Therapy: Eureka! Springs

This last weekend I planned to go to Eureka Springs on Saturday, shop around, have some dinner. I woke up Saturday morning and just could feel that it was cold outside. I know that feeling all too well. Well, it was probably 30. I decided that I wanted to enjoy my visit to Eureka Springs (ES), so I went to the gym, worked out on the elliptical with some Monty Python, shopped for Shepherd's Pie ingredients, and went home only to emerge to go to the coffeeshop. And drink hot chocolate. Sound like home? Yep.

I woke up Sunday morning with the sun coming through the window. That could only mean it was nicer or that it was 11AM!! Zoiks! I guess that's what happens when you don't set an alarm and have no kids or pets. I woke up, skipped the workout, and headed west to ES! Drove between 30-40 miles and it took about an hour...that's what one of the twistiest roads will do to your drive time. No cruise control...pout.

I drove into town past the Hoedown Theater that Alisha raved about! Yeehaw!

I wound into town up a hill, and down a hill, around a corner, and down a hill, and up a hill, again...following these little "loop" signs. I passed probably 90 million bed & breakfasts and some residents on their porches....watching me drive by 30 billion times. I went down one last hill before I was going to stop for directions and, viola, people! Sitting out on a patio! Listening to music! And tons of shops! I stopped in a parking lot to breathe. I was yellow-lab-excited.

I ducked into my first shop that was a local artists "gallery" of sorts. Bought a card of a really cool shot of ES at night done with pastels. Cool. The man working there, David, was helpful and I got a dose of ES history. Including a story where he was on the floor after falling from a barstool and proposing to one of the town's famous artists who was also his friend.

I went into every shop...for the first 5 shops. Then I decided I was already getting tired...and some stores were already closing. TRUNCATE SHOP STOPS! I need to make sure the restaurants are still open cause I'm already hungry. I knew I was in a place more like home when I walked into the first shop and one of my faves, Lily Allen, was playing on the speaker! As much as I really, really try to get into country music, I still struggle.

After buying some incense (very hippyish, I know, but I LOVE the smell) and some wish bracelets, I walked past a balcony where people were eating. I didn't want to stop at the first place that caught my eye, but after walking past 2 other outdoor dining places that were closed and some other indoor eateries, I ended going back to the Balcony Restaurant in Basin Park Hotel. Glad I did.

I walked up 2 flights inside an old hotel and out to the balcony. One of the waitresses gave me the Southern "What-the-Heck" glance I've become a bit familiar with as I carried in my caramel/sea salt truffle that I hadn't wanted to eat too quickly. I was bringing my own dessert...I had to ask if that was OK. I didn't get an answer. ;)

Found a seat, had a scrumptious Monte Cristo, and a glass of local white wine. It was still sunny and a bit cold; I was determined to sit outside.

Now, I'm super-pumped about having guests come! Eureka Springs is pretty fun...and they have alcohol...in bars and restaurants! Woot woot! Arts Month in May...hint hint....

My laundry is done...gotta go fold.

;)
Love,
K

Sorry, got a little verbose this time.