The Best Small Town In Arkansas For A 3-Day Weekend
Situated amongst the Ozark Mountains in northwest Arkansas, Eureka Springs has remained a popular holiday destination since the 1800s and welcomes over 750,000 visitors annually. It is a vibrant art town that has regularly been ranked as one of the top 25 destinations for the arts, its historical downtown is lined with Victorian architecture, there is no shortage of shops, boutiques, galleries, and restaurants serving cuisine from all over the world, and it has many lakes and rivers nearby that provide ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. This is the best small town in Arkansas for a 3-day weekend.
Historic Hotels
The Grand Central Hotel is located in the center of downtown Eureka Springs. The hotel offers guests 14 different suites to choose from, spread across two floors, along with an award-winning restaurant, the Grand Taverne Restaurant and Lounge, located in the lobby. Each suite blends unique antique décor with modern-day amenities, such as a jetted bathtub, a flat-screen television, and a small refrigerator, in the living room area of most suites. All of their rooms feature a living room, bedroom, and bathroom; however, they also offer two larger suites, which have two bedrooms and two bathrooms.
Although the New Orleans Hotel was initially built in 1892, it has managed to preserve its interior, including the original woodwork and a four-story staircase. It is decorated with period-era furnishings and antiques. Despite feeling like you have stepped back to the 1890s when you enter the hotel, the rooms are loaded with luxurious comforts, including soft towels, linens, and beds, all designed for a relaxing stay. These accommodations are paired with balcony access, allowing you to take in views of the downtown area.
Local Hotspots
Balcony Bar and Restaurant is located within the Basin Park Hotel in downtown Eureka Springs. It is a popular casual dining restaurant, favored by locals and tourists alike, that serves a full menu featuring appetizers, salads, burgers, and desserts, which can be paired with a wide selection of craft beers from local breweries. It is open all day for lunch and dinner, and on the weekends, it opens early for breakfast. Periodic live music initiatives enhance its relaxed setting.
Blackie’s Backyard is a unique store known as Eureka Springs’ first dog boutique to open. The store welcomes dog lovers and their dogs, provided they are leashed, and offers them treats and water from a bowl upon their arrival. It provides a wide array of treats, toys, dog bandanas, as well as souvenirs and gifts for dog lovers.
Quicksilver Gallery has been in operation in Eureka Springs for more than three decades. They sell a broad range of items created by approximately 160 local, regional, and national artists, including handmade jewelry and apparel, home décor, clocks, and pieces crafted from metal, wood, ceramic, and glass.
Historic Venue
The Eureka Springs City Auditorium, commonly referred to as “The Aud,” is a four-story limestone building renowned for its exceptional acoustics. At the time, Mayor Claude A. Fuller pushed for its construction in 1928 to meet the needs of visitors who sought access to the most current entertainment available in Eureka Springs. The first performance it hosted was John Phillip Sousa and his 67-piece band. For almost 100 years, the venue, which can seat 984 people across its balcony and main floor, has hosted a diverse range of performers, from local musicians to big stars. Today, it remains a staple entertainment hub in the town of Eureka Springs. The auditorium is located on Main Street, south of Basin Spring Park
Expansive Outdoors
Blue Springs Heritage Center preserves the history of the Ozark region, spanning from prehistoric civilization to American Indian journeys and early settler life. The focal point of this attraction is the Blue Spring, which empties 38 million gallons of water daily into the trout-filled lagoon. The center has remained a popular tourist attraction since 1948. The center is open seasonally from March to November, closed only on Thanksgiving Day, but remains open through the rest of the weekend. Visitors can observe artifacts, photographs, a historic film detailing the significance of the Blue Springs, and explore over one mile of walkways and trails through the site.
Onyx Cave is the oldest toured cave in Arkansas and is one of only a handful of caves in the United States where self-guided tours are possible. It is located only six miles from downtown Eureka Springs, is open daily, and has been a popular attraction since 1891. Audio guides are available, allowing visitors to explore the caves at their own pace while enjoying the rock formations and learning about the caves' history. The caves are suitable for people of all ages and also feature other on-site facilities, including a gift shop and a cave museum.
It is rare for a town with a population of around 2,000 people to boast a vibrant art scene, a historic downtown, popular local attractions, historical significance, and natural landmarks, but Eureka Springs accomplishes all of that. Whatever your idea of a holiday is, whether that's relaxing in town, learning about local history, or getting outdoors, there is something for everyone, making Eureka Springs the best city in Arkansas for a 3-day weekend.
