We Left White County...

yes...I said we left White County! For anyone that knows my husband, he's pretty much a homebody and unless it's a golf trip overnight, doesn't like to go too much. Our 10th anniversary however, was on 08-08-08 and we decided we had to go somewhere...we both thought Eureka Springs would be nice. Neither of us had been since we were small and we both enjoy the arts, scenery and a few adult beverages with dinner, so off we went! We piled in the truck, with me driving and him telling me how to do so and made the journey...we had an absolute fit as we drove into the historic district to find the Basin Park Hotel! It was like a little village in another country and I swear you would almost think you were dreaming...the streets are a little narrow to say the least and it's not easy to maneuver for the most part, but we did manage to drive around a bit before popping into the Pied Piper Bar and Grill, a hangout for the locals. Everyone was extremely nice and it seems like most of the people that lived there had visited and not gone back home! We had the same feeling...we talked about if it wasn't for our home we love, our fabulous friends and family in Searcy and the fact you would have to drive 8-10 miles to play golf, we would have packed up and moved! We saw some beautiful artwork (I wanted to go because I needed a good, creative kick in the pants!) which made me want to go right back to painting, a ton of lovely, renovated and well maintained victorian homes and buildings and a town full of locals who are so proud of their little city, as they should be...we visited the Balcony Bar and met several people...it was extremely hot though and we all had fun as the misters came down on you and cooled you off while you were relaxing. Catherine Reed played music and was absolutely entertaining! If you're ever in Eureka, she usually plays there on Thursday or Saturday. We also met a fantastic music duo called The Golden Ticket... Joshua Irwin and Lyndsay Pruett at Chelsea's Bar...they are a very talented violionist and guitar player and write their own music. They have a bluegrass, rockabilly and kind of a new age sound. We hung out with them a few nights and really got to know them...they are 2 friends traveling across the country and playing music...they are probably the most soulful people I have ever met and it actually felt like it was meant to be...I've really never felt that way about strangers...they were very motivating to me...we bought their CD and said our goodbyes...I think about them alot and so does Rick. You just don't get that often...Eureka is kind of odd that you can drink alcohol, but yet have a very spiritual feeling as you sit in Thorncrown Chapel, the most beautiful building I've ever been in, stand in front of The Christ of the Ozarks and meeting people who are living life every day to the fullest...kind of makes you wake up and do the same...

Another reason I loved Eureka is because it's sooooo laid back...when I say laid back, that's actually an understatement. I am an extremely early riser and couldn't get a cup of coffee until about 7am! Shops don't open up until about 10:30 or 11:00 and close at 4:30 or 5:00! It seems like a ghost town at times, but under all of the buildings are bars, restaurants and places to go after everyone gets off. It's so cool! For all of these reasons that I love it...I think after a while it would drive me insane! I would however love to go back often and am going to research some galleries there that would give me a good excuse to pop up there from time to time! It is truly a magical place and I am glad we made the trip...