As I looked out the window and saw six Branson Airport employees waving goodbye while the plane taxied from the gate, it occurred to me that Branson, Missouri’s airport must be the friendliest airport in the world.  Coupled with my new favorite airline (Frontier), where warm chocolate chip cookies are standard and seconds are no problem, I realized for the first time in years I might actually enjoy traveling. 

With 55 B&Bs in a town with more beds than residents, Eureka Springs is a must-see for B&B goers like me.  More than that, the town is a wonderland of eclectic shops and even more interesting and unique shop keepers, organic and locally-fresh restaurants and roads that sometimes appear more like goat paths then streets.  Steep, curving and windy, it’s amazing is to find out that many of these apparent trails are actually two-way streets. Yet locals meander up and down this vertical town with the dexterity of caribou.

I was lucky enough to stay at Arsenic and Old Lace B&B Inn, a friend to wandering educators. Offering a ten percent discount to all those who mention WanderingEducators.com, this purpose-built five-guest room B&B was built in 1992.  Don’t let the name fool you – you won’t find toxins, doilies or old lace here. The name is actually reminiscent of the classic mystery movie by the same name.   In the archetypal style of almost all buildings in this up-and-down town, Arsenic and Old Lace is built into a hill with a decidedly upright style.  This allows porches and balconies to abound, and indeed each room offers a private deck or patio.  The name of the game here is romance, and rooms offer deep Jacuzzi tubs, double showers (some with multi jets and double heads), in-room fireplaces and flat screen TVs.  The beds are among the most comfy I’ve ever experienced, and I’m now hooked on their microfiber sheets and robes, which are available at the inn’s gift shop.  Breakfast is served family style with warm fruit and oat muffins right out of the oven, fresh fruit and delicious, hearty entrees, which I couldn’t even finish.  Doug and Beverly Breitling, owners and innkeepers, are welcoming, friendly and exceedingly knowledgeable about the area.

Eureka Springs is famous for more than its B&Bs.  While many visitors are attracted by the unusual shops, the attractively landscaped springs are another attraction.  Once offering medicinal healing waters and now just for viewing, the springs are located throughout the town.  Eureka Springs is also home to the second largest city park in the country. Lake Leatherwood City Park has more acres than people plus a lake and plenty of canoes, rowboats and paddleboats for rent.  It’s perfect for those who love to hike with their dogs, and dog-friendly Arsenic and Old Lace B&B Inn welcomes Fido and Fifi with dog bones and rooms with private entrances so pet travelers are in luck. Another Eureka Springs attraction is Thorncrown Chapel, considered one of the ten most architecturally important creations of the 20th century by the American Institute of Architects.  More woodland sanctuary than church, this glass and wood beam chapel nestled on an Ozark Mountain ridge top exudes serenity and harmony.  One simply can’t help but shake off life’s worries when entering here.

You can get there from here

While Arkansas may seem a long way from points in the East and West coasts, Frontier airlines flies from most major cities to Milwaukee, then it’s a pretty short hop from there to Branson.  From there you’ll need to rent a car or hire the Eureka Springs Limo Service, offering affordable rates for transport in style.

Eureka Springs, is a surreptitious gem, offering plenty of things to do, places to stay and fabulous Ozark scenery to make this a worthwhile trip from anywhere in the USA.

When you go

Arsenic and Old Lace Inn B&B:  Mention WanderingEducators.com and receive a 10% discount off your room rate.

60 Hillside Ave, Eureka Springs, Arkansas 72632

(866) 350-5454

info[at]eurekaspringsromancebb.com

eurekaspringsromancebb.com/

All photos copyright and courtesy of Jumping Rocks Photography

Marti Mayne is the B&B Editor for Wandering Educators