Tree Houses

While on my way out of Eureka Springs, I was caught off guard by these adorable tree houses. I pulled a u turn so that I could go back and get a better look. Technically, they are not tree houses as they are built on slits, but you can still pretend that you are a part of The Swiss Family Robinson. Each unit at The Grand Treehouse Resort has it's own special aesthetic touch and name: Sanctuary, Cedar Manor, and Royal Oak to name a few. They range $149-$169 per night and are equipped with fun amenities such as a jacuzzi, stereo system, and luxury bed linens. The Swiss Chalet Treehouse even has an outdoor shower. As an adult I think they look fun, but, oh, to be an eight-year-old and pull up to one of these gems...

Czech it out

Czech it out...If you want to try some out-of-the-ordinary cuisine and feel as if you are dining in Europe, then try the Bavarian Inn of Eureka Springs. From the exterior, it appears as if you are pulling into an Alpine village. Inside this Czech-German restaurant are cuckcoo clocks and murals of far-away lands. Sauerkraut is a staple on the menu, including a sauerkraut soup. I recommend ordering the Chicken Anna Marie, which is smothered in a cream sauce and accompanied by fun-to-eat gnocci and sweet cabbage. You can also order more classic dishes such as Jager Schnitzel, Saurbraten, and Goulash Esterhazie. Also, save room (I didn’t because I have little self control) if you want to try homemade desserts such as Apple Strudel and German Chocolate Cake.

Shop Eureka!

It's a shame that the Iceland volcano has put a halt on travel to Europe, but you don't have to leave Arkansas to feel that old-age charm. Stroll along the sidewalks of historic downtown Eureka Springs while sipping a latte or eating a gourmet caramel apple from the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory. Oh yes, and enjoy spending your hard-earned money at one of the many quaint shops.

Eureka Springs is a hippie town. So, if you are curious as to what kind of shopping exists in Eureka, ask yourself, "What kind of store would a hippie own?" This isn't judgmental, it's just an observation. Here's your list: amazing local art, earthy clothing, antiques, beads, bath products, outdoor wear, even a store selling socks and only socks of every kind. This isn't your everyday shopping at the mall, so just know that you aren't going to leave with a new pair of jazzy stilettos, but you will find some cool Toms...or a painting, or some handmade wire earrings. 

After you have purchased enough quilts and pottery to fill your fancy, relax on a bench at the Basin Spring Park. You might have the chance to listen to local musicians who are also just hanging around and jamming away. Then, smile, knowing that you didn't have to spend $1,000 on a flight to Europe to do the same thing that you're doing in Eureka Springs.

War Eagle Mill

I am in love with War Eagle Mill. It's not all that far from town, but a visit here feels as if you stepped back in time. The Mill has 170 years of history including treacherous times of fire, flood, and war. It has been destroyed and rebuilt several times, and luckily it still stands with its original integrity today. It is the only working mill in Arkansas, powered by an eighteen-foot waterwheel. Inside, visitors can see the mechanics of the milling firsthand as corn and wheat are ground into flours and mixes. Best yet, you can buy the products they make right there! All too often we buy food with no idea where it came from or how it was produced. Buying grains from War Eagle Mill, however, makes me feel good about my purchase. I trust the process, the product, and it feels good to support this business. War Eagle Mill is also USDA certified organic as they maintain the nutrients of natural and organic grains as they process them.

If you live nearby, consider stopping by War Eagle Mill during part of your regular commute. I often make the drive from the south side of Beaver Lake (Hindsville) to the North side (Garfield), but the drive is hard to tolerate. Recently, I found that taking Route 303 (which runs past the Mill) is by far more scenic and even a bit quicker than driving all the way over to 71B.

Even though I am no fan crossing bridges (I have this fear of them collapsing), I enjoy driving over this one lane structure; there's not many places where one can even find a one lane bridge. If you can't make the visit (shame, shame) you can shop online at http://www.wareaglemill.com/. Shipping is free on orders over $70. I recommend paying just a slight bit more for flour in the cute cloth bags instead of the plastic because you can hang it up as decoration in your kitchen when you are done!

Purple Flowers

The stunning redbud tree is in bloom in Arkansas, but the magenta flowers wont last long. They typically stick around for only two to three weeks, so get outside and enjoy their beauty now! You won't miss them, as the pinkish-purple color stands out against the bare branches. Plus, it's a great reason to take a walk and enjoy this spring weather--don't forget your camera!

Bull Shoals/White River State Park

I love the warm, comfy bed of a nice hotel. However, when you are on a budget, sometimes a few nights in a hotel just aren't an option. Enter: campsite. I've always thought of camping as the reason for a trip, such as, "I'm going camping." However, when I wanted to visit the White River at Bull Shoals two weeks ago, I chose camping as my means for sleeping. Yes, it sounded fun, but it was more compeling because it was only about $8/night.

I stayed at the Bull Shoals-White River State Park. Here, you can bring an R.V. or tent, but you can also rent an R.V. or an already-assembled camp site. The people next to us slept in their car, so I guess you can sleep however you like. I really only used the campsite to sleep, but there was a lot to do there. They have volleyball and basketball courts, trails, and best of all, the park is located right on the river bank. There is a boat ramp as well as boat, canoe, and kayak rentals. The water happened to be really low this visit, so there were a lot of people wade fishing right in front of the campgrounds. If you prefer to just view the river, there are several cozy wooden porch swings facing the water (take note couples and kids).

It was so much fun to come back from fishing all day to grill burgers and eat s'mores (try cookies and cream chocolate mmm). Even though it was absolutely freezing (I mean I was shaking all night and slept with the sleeping bag literally over my face), I wouldn't have traded it for a plush hotel room. At least not this trip. I found that taking the cheaper/more rugged option can prove to be more fun! Besides, after being couped up inside all winter, sleeping outside was just what I needed.
http://www.arkansasstateparks.com/bullshoalswhiteriver/

Monte Ne Inn

Monte Ne Inn is no secret to many long-time Northwest Arkansas locals. However, I always tend to forget it's there. Normally when I am thinking of somewher to eat, my mind races to downtown Fayetteville or restaurant row in Rogers. Monte Ne is, well, in no such place. Drive a few miles east of the New Hope Road/71B intersection in Rogers, and you will stumble upon a modest stone building...with a full parking lot across the street.  

There's one main reason to eat at Monte Ne Inn--fried chicken. In fact, I thought the name was Monte Ne Chicken up until I really paid attention. If you don't want fried chicken, go somewhere else. Normally, I am a clean and well-mannered eater. When I ate there last night, I picked every little crispy fried piece off the bones with my bare hands and licked the crumbs off my fingers. I was in a fried chicken daze in which I was oblivious to all else in the room except the golden-brown piece of poultry calling my name from my plate.  

What's really cool about Monte Ne is that it is served family style like the way one would eat at home. The waiter starts you off by bringing over a kettle of bean soup from which you ladle out your desired amount. From my experience, some people find it a little bland, but I love it. Then, you are brought bowls of veggies and chicken, which you pass around and take what you want. There is also home baked bread and apple butter (mmmmm). The vegetables don't win me over, but like I said, you go to Monte Ne Inn for the chicken. Cost is $9.58 per person (all you can eat) plus extra for all white meat, homemade desserts, and drinks. Reservations are highly recommended. Oh yes, and don't forget to people watch.

http://www.monteneinn.com/