The Queen Anne Mansion House Museum
(EUREKA SPRINGS, AR) – In 2010 what’s old is new and what’s new is at once old, new and different in this eclectic getaway town. This year visitors will see many new attractions, discover new faces or locations for some Eureka Springs icons, and experience the return of a few old favorites.
As the tourism season gets into high gear, the Victorian village proudly displays a multi-million dollar mansion restoration, the return of carefree mode of transportation, a new location for locally-grown produce, the re-opening of a popular antique store, and the expansion of the tasting area at the local winery.
In addition, opening for the first time in 2010 are two new eateries, a tour of “underground”
The Queen Anne Mansion House Museum
The historic Queen Anne Mansion in Eureka Springs was originally built in Carthage, Missouri. A century later preservationists dismantled it, board-by-board and stone-by-stone, and puzzled it back together on a mountaintop overlooking Eureka Springs.
A 4-year, multi-million dollar, total restoration of the mansion has recently been completed.
On May 1, The Queen Anne Mansion will open for docent-led and self-guided tours to coincide with the annual May Festival of the Arts in Eureka Springs. A grand opening is scheduled for June.
Location: 115 W. Van Buren. Phone: 479-363-6291.
Eureka Springs Downtown Underground Tour
This is a “Beyond-Buildings Tour” of Eureka Springs that begins where our town began - in Basin Spring Park. It offers tour-goers a chance to explore what lies hidden beneath the streets, sidewalks and buildings of downtown.
All tours (except Thursday) begin at 2 p.m. Tickets will be available at the kiosk in Basin Spring Park one hour prior to the tour. Tickets are $12 per person or $25 per family. Children under 16 are free with a paid adult admission.
The Downtown Underground Tour will operate Friday through Sunday from mid-March through May; Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from June through mid August; and Friday through Sunday from late August through the end of October.
Black Jack LLC (Scooter Rentals)
Eureka Springs is a wonderful place to walk and experience the beauty around us. And it’s also a great place to ride! After years of absence, scooter rentals have returned to this getaway town. Black Jack LLC opened recently, renting 2009 Honda Metropolitans with a 49cc, 4-stroke engine.
Riders must be at least 18 years of age, provide a current valid drivers license or motorcycle license, and must pass a 4-stage screening process. A valid credit card is the only method of payment accepted.
Location: 2059 E. Van Buren (U.S. Hwy 62). Phone: 479-253-6999.
Peace, Love and Cheesecake
The town’s newest confectionery, in the heart of historic downtown, offers many varieties of cheesecake as well as other delectable delights. Open late.
Location: 17B Spring Street, across from the Basin Park Hotel.
Hollywood Studio Store And More
Offering Hollywood collectibles and gifts, including select merchandise of Elvis, Marilyn Monroe, Wizard of Oz, John Wayne, Lucy, Betty Boop, Gone with the Wind and James Dean, to mention just a few. Also, a huge selection and large variety of unique gifts including greeting cards, candles, biker merchandise, candy, Christian, inspirational, lifestyle and general gifts that are just plain fun.
Location: 306 Village Circle, in the Pine Mountain Village off US 62. Phone: 479-253-5294.
The Sky Ridge Pavilion at the Retreat at Sky Ridge
The new Sky Ridge Pavilion has indoor dining capacity for up to 100 people with an outdoor terrace providing sweeping vistas of Ozark valleys and Cedar Creek. Amenities include a central wood-burning fireplace made from native stone, a window wall running the length of the public space, a full catering kitchen and an outdoor fire circle. The terrace offers views of the resort's two ponds while providing additional seating and event space. From formal receptions to family reunions, the Sky Ridge Pavilion provides a memorable natural setting for weddings, meetings, and special events.
Located at The Retreat at Sky Ridge cabin resort, the Sky Ridge Pavilion is less than 6 miles west of Thorncrown Chapel, one of America's favorite wedding locations, and less than two miles from Blue Spring Heritage Center. Thus, the Pavilion is an ideal location for large receptions for Thorncrown Chapel and Blue Spring brides and grooms.
Location:
Gingerbread House Antiques
Formerly an “antique mall,” this establishment is re-opening under new ownership and management after a 4-year hiatus. The interior has been totally renovated and re-stocked with antiques. Located at 185 E Van Buren.
Simply Scrumptious Tea Room and Emporium
Simply Scrumptious offers fine teas from around the world, a variety of luncheon selections including soups and sandwiches, and provides an elegant place in which to enjoy them.
Location: Next door to Gingerbread House Antiques at 185A E Van Buren,
Keel’s Creek Winery Adds Second Wine Tasting Area
The winery (and art gallery) has won many national, regional and state awards in its brief history. Due to popular demand they’ve just added a second wine tasting area. $5 wine sampling sessions are offered.
Location: 3185 East Van Buren (US Hwy 62). Phone: 479-253-WINE (9463).
Eureka Springs Farmer’s Market
The open-air market has moved to a new location this year, across from Hart's Grocery Store and The Quarter shopping center on AR 23 North. Market hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays (April to November) 7 a.m. to noon.
Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/
