I took a trip recently to a part of the Ozarks I have never visited. A friend of mine and myself went to a town that his family used to go to for frequent family vacations and it is unlike any town I have ever seen. I absolutely recommend going to Eureka Springs, Arkansas. There is no place like it.

Most notable is the sheer number of shops, galleries, and old hotels. I've traveled quite a bit throughout the United States, and I have not been to a town that has as many as Eureka Springs. There are more buildings here than anywhere. I can pretty much guarantee it.

The other notable mention has to be the mountains or steep hills covered in green. The trees are tall. There are many pines. The center of town is a series of winding roads going north and south through these verdant inclines. If you are in a car, I suggest driving the roads and seeing the neighborhoods, if that's what you can call them. You'll surely find an overlook and what a view! You'll likely be able to see one of the grand hotels or a striking view of the main part of town as well as deer abounding in yards or a placid pond.

The architecture is just fabulous and all of the springs and gardens and cliffs too. There's the old western boardwalk style mixed with the New Orleans ornate garden balconies, southwestern adobe, beautiful Victorians, and the traditional Ozarks style that is hard to describe, but you know it if you've ever been there. What a mix of architecture that all goes together fabulously. Walking up and down the main streets of town is a joy. Whoever designed them did an amazing job because they're not too steep and very fun to walk.

I recommend visiting the grand old hotels. The first one you'll likely come to is the Basin Park Hotel right next to the incredible outdoor pavilion where we were lucky enough to catch a good singer. The hotel has a balcony above the pavilion which is indeed beautiful surrounded by cliffs and gardens. This hotel is reportedly haunted as are the other old hotels.

The Flatiron Flats are next and one photographed frequently for its red-brick triangular style dividing the two main streets, Spring and Center streets. Up the hill you will find the Palace Hotel and at the very top you will find the large and impressive Crescent Hotel. I recommend eating breakfast in the magnificent dining room, the Crystal Room, which is much like a huge ballroom. Down the hill is the Grand Central Hotel.

Eureka Springs is known for weddings.  All of the hotels provide wedding arrangements as well as other well-known places in the village.  Of course, because of the natural scenic beauty, many weddings take place outdoors.

I would recommend the hotel we stayed in as well, Tall Pines Inn, which you can find out on the main highway coming upon the town from the north, Highway 62 W. I loved the cabins which are individual actual log cabins with porches sheltered by the lovely tall pines. I was so comfortable and enjoyed my surroundings immensely. The innkeepers are very nice and offer great suggestions. That's how we found out about The Oasis.

Eating at The Oasis was advice I'm glad we heeded. It offers some of the best and freshest food in the spirit of a Rainbow Family camp, a flavor that is hard to find and one that is very much appreciated. The Oasis can be hard to locate as it is tucked away on one of the boardwalks in-between the buildings. You can find it from either Spring or Center. Just ask someone, they'll be happy to guide you there. You'll have to go up or down wooden stairs to get there.

I suggest visiting the ES&NA train which offers dining trips. We had a great time poking around the old train yards and eating burgers and a banana split at the yellow house restaurant a couple blocks down at Magnetic and Main.

And, of course, walk the streets and discover all of the shops and galleries. I found the prices to be exceptionally reasonable and quite surprisingly low for many items. I loved all the shops. A few of our favorites included Quicksilver, Happy Things, and House of China, all found on the bend as Center Street continues up the hill toward the Palace Hotel.

We took these with a JVC camcorder and I'd like to share the rest of the stills with you.  I would say the internet is not doing justice to this town as it is hard to capture all that is there.  I know we had the same problem.  But we offer our own unique perspective and photos of Eureka Springs, Arkansas that are new to the internet.  It is best to visit and take it all in for yourself.