Eureka Springs

I think I've told you, before: this blog is not only a vehicle to share thoughts and stories publicly, but also a way to document our life for posterity's sake.  So, if you're not interested in the minute details of our (somewhat) recent anniversary trip to Eureka Springs, AR, this post might not be for you.  ☺

Before telling you about our super-fun trip, I need to brag on my husband.  He took it upon himself to plan the whole thing, without being asked!  He found a cool destination within driving distance, arranged for childcare, researched must-see stops and must-try restaurants, made all the reservations, etc., etc.  In a season of life where I feel like all my brain cells are at capacity and I'm doing well to know what day of the week it is, his efforts meant the world to me.  

Headed out (sans baby - thanks, Grandma and Grandpa!).

Stopped in Bentonville, AR for lunch at this really unique restaurant!

We enjoyed our meal!  Interesting cuisine...we tried the fried artichokes appetizer and were glad we did.

See the bicycles in the windows?

Our next stop (and reason for going through Bentonville) was the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.  This was a free attraction that had been recommended to us by a few different people.  We don't necessarily consider ourselves "art museum people," but we really enjoyed our time here.  The grounds were truly awesome, the art was interesting, and the people were wonderful.  If you're in the area, or reasonably close, it's definitely worth seeing.

This is a picture of a picture - it's so hard to explain the amazing architecture, so I was glad to find an aerial shot to share!

Speaking of architecture, they had a Frank Lloyd Wright house on location.
This is a model of it.

We didn't wait around to take a tour inside, but enjoyed seeing it from the outside.

☺

The drive through Arkansas as the leaves were just starting to change was truly breathtaking.  The mountainous, winding roads and sweeping forest views were hard to capture, but will remain in our fond memories of the trip.

We knew we'd saved room for dessert for a reason.  What a fun surprise stop!
So yummy!  Check them out here.  They ship!
(That striped pole is the bottom of a huge candy cane.)

Our lodging in Eureka Springs was a tree house!  It was the perfect mix of seclusion, nature, quiet, charm, cozy, and peaceful.  Though there were other tree houses (as well as hobbit holes and castles!) housing residents, we didn't run into any other humans during our two-day stay.

Hard to tell, but dinner the first night was in a cave!
https://www.grottoeureka.com/

Glass chapel in the forest!

The drizzly, cold day ruined our hiking plans, but we were able to do some shopping downtown and were glad for a tip from one of the shopkeepers to go walk around a local hotel, even though we weren't staying there.  So, we did our "hiking" inside!

The Crescent Hotel & Spa

A fun night of karaoke and dancing was spoiled by a lack of indoor-smoking ban (allll the eye rolls), but we enjoyed our dinner beforehand and a full night of rest before our trip home!

Not the first time we've left our mark somewhere special...and won't be the last. ☺

Our penultimate stop was to see "Quigley's Castle: Ozarks Strangest Dwelling."  Strange was a good word...others we discussed were unique, weird, amazing, bizarre, concerning, and inspiring.  You can read more about it on their website, if you'd like, but in short, this house was a woman's dream come true.  She and her husband built it from lumber cut off their own land and "bricks" made from cement and stones collected over many years.  Because it was built during the depression, the family had to cover the window spaces with various materials for three years until glass became available.  There is a border of soil inside the home between the living space and outside walls, so plants can grow and thrive indoors year-round.  There is so much more to tell about this, but again - I'll let you read on your own.  Pictures don't do it justice, and even after having seen it in person and spoken with a Quigley granddaughter, I still have questions and don't quite know how to explain what we saw.

Last (spontaneous) stop was a yard "sell," because our curiosity was piqued.
Alas, we did not come away with any treasures.

This trip was such a wonderful getaway, and we're thankful to have been able to take it!  Thanks to all who helped make it possible (watching the baby, fur babies, providing recommendations, rescheduling lessons, etc.).

Thanks for your continued interest!

Belatedly (this trip took place over a month ago...haha),
Kensy

Favorites of the day:

time with family

my electric blanket

the fact that Panera has a drive-thru