Eureka Springs Arkansas: Historic Downtown District
Although Eureka Springs is home to the famous haunted hotel, The Crescent, to St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church once featured in Ripley’s Believe It Or Not, to the Great Passion Play, and to many unique bed and breakfast homes, the downtown district is the city’s crown jewel.
The Eureka Springs Downtown Historic District has been called “America’s Victorian Village”. Historic buildings preserve the style of the early 1900’s. Shops line both sides of the narrow main Spring Street that winds down the side of a rugged mountain. These shops are as unique as their individual owners and sell a variety of goods that include Arkansas diamonds, home made fudge and other confections, collectibles, art, accessories, and bath products. Downtown Eureka Springs is the ideal spot to find something out of the ordinary for everyone on your holiday gift list.
Some of the most unusual shops include Frog Fantasies at 151 Spring Street. Frogs in every shape, size, and form possible abound in this unique shop. Gift items are attractive and delightful. This whimsical store offers so many items that if you aren’t a frog collector before you enter the store, you will be when you leave! Another fascinating store is called It’s About Time. In It’s About Time, shoppers will find women’s skin care products and bath products in many scents. Look for jewelry, artwork, pocket knives, and limited editon prints too. It’s About Time is located at 99 Spring Street.
Zark’s at 67 Spring Street specializes in art glass, jewelry, and paintings. The Gumpshun Gallery at 84 Spring Street focuses on wildlife art. The Crazy Bone Gallery in downtown Eureka, specializes in apparel, footwear, local artists work including pottery. 83 Spring Street – the name is the same as the address – is the nation’s largest Mark Hopkins bronze dealer. One Trick Pony at 82 SPring Street features artworks in oils and prints. Other galleries and boutiques abound in this quaint setting that makes shoppers feels as if they have time traveled into the past.
Unique items are a hallmark of Eureka Springs. Visitors may want to visit other local attractions while shopping in “America’s Victorian Village” or to dine in some of the classic restaurants that feature haute cuisine, healthy options, and down home style comfort food.
If you need some cash, visit the Bank of Eureka Springs. This is a working bank but the interior is remiscent of the early 1900’s with vintage brass teller’s cages and old-fashioned equipment. Financial transactions are completely modern, however.
Some of the other local attractions include the Pine Mountain Jamboree, the Abundant Memories Heritage Village, Belle of The Ozarks excursion boat, Dinosaur World, the 1890’s and Doll Museum, and the original springs that gave this city their name. Several of the original springs remain.
There is something for everyone in Eureka Springs, located in Northwest Arkansas in the Ozarks. For more information, visit www.eurekasprings.com or call 1-866-WISHEUREKA.
