2008 Eureka Springs Blues Weekend Line-up Announced

The “Queen of the Blues,” Koko Taylor, and Native American blues band Indigenous will headline shows at THE Auditorium May 29 and 30, respectively, as part of the 2008 Eureka Springs Blues Weekend, presented by The historic 1905 Basin Park Hotel. The complete weekend lineup, including 70 shows at 15 venues in 4 days, was announced recently by city Special Events Coordinator, Janet Alexander, and event organizer, Charles Ragsdell.

“Earlier this year, Eureka was proud to host the King of the Blues, B.B. King,” commented Ragsdell. “And now we’re bringing the Queen of the Blues to town in the same year—fantastic!”

Blues Weekend begins May 29 and runs through June 1. Major acts are also scheduled for The Barefoot Ballroom and Ozark Room in the Basin Park Hotel. Friday blues diva LZ Love and Baton Rouge bluesman Larry Garner perform. On Saturday the venue features Ruf Records artist Deborah Coleman, and Arkansas' own Michael Burks.

Blues concerts are also planned at numerous clubs around town. Venues include the Cat House Pub, Center Street, Chelsea’s, Eureka Live, Henri’s, Jack’s Place, Lumberyard, Pied Piper, Rowdy Beaver, Shawbee’s, and Tiki Torch.

The city’s lineup of free Blues Weekend shows is the most extensive in recent years. Eighteen free shows are scheduled at Basin Park. They run hourly from Noon to 5 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, and from Noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday. “It could be our most ambitious schedule ever,” commented city Special Events Coordinator, Janet Alexander. “One of our goals this year was to give people lots of quality choices, and I think we’ve accomplished that!”

Acts appearing at the various clubs around town and in Basin Park are Michael "Hawkeye" Herman, The Ariels, Rich Berry, Geri 'Black and Blues', Delta Highway, The Eureka Street Buskers, Full House, Joe Giles and The Homewreckers, Scott Holt, Anna Horton, Gary Hutchinson Duo, Jones Van Jones, The Jug Band, Karian, Kosmik Debris, Jeff Lee, Brian Martin, Oreo Blue, Oysters Rockefeller, Joe Pitts Band, Patrick Sweany Band, Penelope and The Unusual Suspects, Pope County Bootleggers, Rockin' Jake, Spent, Stella Blue & Maddog, The Tablerockers, Lil' Dave Thompson, Underground Mafia, Vance Orange Project, and Dayton Waters. Other acts are still to be announced.

Trampled Under Foot, 2008 International Blues Challenge (IBC) winners, will open for Koko Taylor on Thursday night. Featuring siblings Danielle, Nick and Kris Schnebelen, the group bested some 100 bands from around the world at The Blues Foundation's annual battle of blues bands in Memphis in February. Danielle was the talk of Beale Street, wowing people with both her bass playing and her amazing vocals, and Nick won a new Gibson guitar and Category 5 amp for the Albert King Award for Most Promising Guitarist.

Opening for Indigenous Friday night will be acoustic guitar virtuoso Rory Block. Her most recent album was a much-lauded tribute to blues granddaddy Robert Johnson. As the second act on the bill that night, Phil Berkowitz and The Sean Carney Band will perform a 100th birthday tribute to Arkansas' own "Jukebox King," Louis Jordan. The Sean Carney Band was the 2007 IBC winner. Louis Jordan was born in Brinkley, Arkansas in 1908, and went on to chart 57 Top-40 hits (54 Top-10), including Let The Good Times Roll, Caledonia, Saturday Night Fish Fry, and Choo Choo Ch' Boogie.

“This year we will be offering VIP ticketing for rows in the center -front at both the auditorium and Basin Park Barefoot Ballroom shows, so we encourage everyone to get their tickets quickly” Ragsdell said. Tickets and information for the 2008 Eureka Springs Blues Weekend are available by calling 888-855-7823 or by going online at eurekaspringsblues.com.

The Eureka Springs Blues Fest is a lot of fun for everyone. The unique features of Eureka Springs combined with talented blues musicians makes for a popular weekend too. Be sure to reserve your Eureka Springs Lodging early.

An Evening with Jeff Greenwald in Eureka Springs

Strange Travel Suggestions with best-selling travel author Jeff Greenwald

Join acclaimed travel writer Jeff Greenwald (author of "The Size of the World" and "Shopping for Buddhas") for a night of comedy and storytelling. Part stand-up, part improvised monologue, his enthralling stories and witty insights are inspired by the vagaries of severe wanderlust. You don't want to miss this one-night-only performance.

Come early for dinner specials offered at the Grand Taverne. Cash bar available during the show.
Location: Grand Central Hotel, 37 North Main St., Eureka Springs
Time:8:00 pm
Price: $20.00 per person. Purchase online at www.rareclick.com/jeff For additional information call 707-331-0903 or email dawn@rarebrick.com.

Performance proceeds will help establish a Travel Writing Fellowship at the Writer's Colony at Dairy Hollow.Sponsored by: The Peabody House, Historic Cottages of Eureka Springs, Grand Central Hotel, The Grand Taverne and Rare Click Travel Writing and Photography.

Great Passion Play Unveils Changes

More than 50 persons, in addition to staff and cast members, attended a press conference which addressed changes and additions to The New Great Passion Play on Tuesday, April 1 .Entering its 40th season, the production will have changes in 90 percent of the scenes, incorporating more of Christ's miracles from the different New Testament gospels. There will also be new, original music, a renovated set, and the introduction of Satan as a character, which has never been seen before in The Great Passion Play in Eureka Springs.

The previous script primarily utilized information contained in John's gospel, and while some of that will be removed, considerable information from Matthew and Luke will be added, with the story line more closely following that of Luke.

Artistic Director Rick Mann said new scenes will include emphasis on the altercations within the priesthood, with much of the story being told from the viewpoint of priests. The character of Satan will be particularly evident as a force in the crucifixion process, and Jesus will perform more miracles, tell more parables, and be seen in a more light-hearted mood. New scenes will also incorporate the role of Joseph of Arimathea, and prayer scenes will have less dialogue and more music.

The 30-minute press conference moved quickly with introduction of several local and state dignitaries, including Joe David Wright of Arkansas Department of Tourism, Eureka Springs Mayor Dani Joy, Jeff Feldmann of the Greater Eureka Springs Chamber of Commerce, and Jim Williams of the City Advertizing and Promotion Commission. Speakers largely spoke of the importance of the Passion Play to the economy, both locally and statewide, describing it as “vital to Arkansas tourism.”

Wright encouraged inter-reliance of the state's tourist industry, saying that visitors to Eureka Springs should encourage visitors to go to Fort Smith, where in turn they might be encouraged to go to Hot Springs or Little Rock.

Wright noted that the changes to the Passion Play should encourage more visitors.

Marvin Peterson, of the Elna M. Smith Foundation board of directors, stated that the play is the top outdoor production in the nation, and includes “historically accurate” stage settings.

In the costume of Jesus, who he portrays, artistic director Rick Mann said that the new script develops new elements in the character of Jesus, showing his impact on the lives of Pontius Pilates' wife, the high priests' servant Malchus, Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea. “We strongly believe it will impact audiences in a way like never before,” he said. “It will bring them back to The New Great Passion Play and create new fans that will travel to Arkansas to experience all we have to offer and return home to tell their friends and families about it.”

The production will celebrate its 5,000th performance during the 2008 season, and will have brought in 7.5 million visitors to the county by the end of the 40th year. Those returning to see the play can still find more than 150 actors and live animals on the 550-foot stage.

The play will be performed nightly at 8:30 p.m. May 2 through Oct. 25, excluding Wednesdays and Sundays. After Labor Day, the show will start at 7:30 p.m. There will be special performances on Sundays, May 25 and Aug. 31, Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends.

2nd Annual Romancing the Springs Wedding Show in Eureka Springs

The weekend of Friday, February 22nd through Sunday, February 24th, 2008 Eureka Springs offers visitors a taste of what wedding dream look like when they come true.

Will your wedding be ordinary or Extraordinary? Come see what Eureka Springs has to offer at our Annual Bridal Show February 22-23, 2008.

While attending, guests can register to win a $10,000 dream wedding. The show is held at the Best Western Inn of the Ozarks Convention Center.

Show Schedule:

Friday-February 22..........6:00PM to 8:00PM Romancing the Springs Bridal Showcase at Best Western Inn of the Ozarks Convention Center.Saturday

February 23rd...................10:00AM to 4:00PM Romancing the Springs Bridal Showcase at Best Western Inn of the Ozarks Convention Center.

Sunday-February 24th.....Open House at select Wedding Vendors in Eureka Springs.

Come join us! Win a Dream Wedding worth $10,000!!

Legendary B.B. King set to Perform in Eureka Springs

It has been estimated that blues great B.B. King has played more than 10,000 shows in a career spanning nearly 60 years. Whenever the King of the Blues has carried his venerable guitar Lucille onto any stage at any time, the performance has become an unforgettable classic.

If you’ve ever wanted to witness one of these classic performances, Eureka Springs has the solution. The legendary B.B. King is performing in Eureka Springs January 27, 2008. The unique Auditorium Theater is hosting this renowned musician, along with special opening act Kory Montgomery.

This one-time only event will begin at 8pm on Sunday, January 27, with doors opening an hour before show time. Tickets run $116.50, including tax and fees, and there are no age restrictions for this event. However, be sure to leave your camera in the car as they are not allowed inside The Auditorium. The performance is scheduled to run 90 minutes, with no intermission. Concessions and merchandise will be available.

Tickets are still available, but reserve today, as this show is sure to sell out! Join Eureka Springs, Arkansas in welcoming this one of a kind blues legend.

December Events for Eureka Springs

A Season of Celebration

Monday, November 5th, 2007 - Saturday, December 8th, 2007

“A Season of Celebration” Holiday Shows at Pine Mountain Jamboree, nightly except Sunday.

Trail of Lights

Monday, November 19th, 2007 - Monday, December 31st, 2007

Both Eureka Springs and Berryville will be participating in the Arkansas Dept. of Parks and Tourism's 2007 "Trail of Lights."Additional information will be posted as it becomes available.

Free Christmas Lights Extravaganza at The Great Passion Play

Tuesday, November 20th, 2007 - Monday, December 31st, 2007

Each night starting Nov. 9th thru Dec. 31th , at dusk until 9:00pm, Sunday thru Thursday and Friday and Saturday until 11:00pm, we will feature a drive thru Christmas light extravaganza (bigger and better than before). There is no charge for this event; however, donations will be accepted. Also, our magnificent gift shop will be open from 10:00am until 4:00pm Monday thru Thursday, and 10:00am until 8:00pm Friday and Saturday.

Christmas Celebration at the Great Passion Play

Friday, November 30th, 2007 - Saturday, December 1st, 2007

The Great Passion Play is proud to announce our 2007 Christmas Music Celebration event. Starting Nov. 9th & 10th (Friday & Saturday) and running each Friday & Saturday thru Dec. 15th for a total of 12 nights.Headlining the program will be two Christmas music show performances each night featuring the “Texans” beginning at 5:30pm and 7:00pm.Tickets will be $10.00 for adults, Children 6-18 will be $5.00 or $30.00 for a family pass. Also, this ticket will include admission to The Sacred Arts Center which will be open from 4:00pm until 7:30pm daily during performances.In addition, each night starting Nov. 9th thru Dec. 31th , at dusk until 9:00pm, Sunday thru Thursday and Friday and Saturday until 11:00pm, we will feature a drive thru Christmas light extravaganza (bigger and better than before). There is no charge for this event; however, donations will be accepted.Also, our magnificent gift shop will be open from 10:00am until 4:00pm Monday thru Thursday, and 10:00am until 8:00pm Friday and Saturday.

Candlelight Tour of Homes

Saturday, December 1st, 2007

The 25th Annual Tour of Homes will take place Saturday, December 1 from 2pm-7pm. Take a stroll through history as you tour through some of the most illustrious homes along Spring Street. Many of these homes have been lovingly brought back to their original stately manor while others have been thoroughly updated with fantastic modern amenities. The attention to detail in each of the locations makes this tour truly special for both the history buff, those that love the Victorian architecture, and those interested in seeing architectural works of art.There are over 14 locations participating in this year’s Holiday Tour of Homes and special attention to decorating for the holidays is happening within them. Several of the locations have been completely renovated just in time to participate in the tour this year.“We are delighted to have so many home owners participating in this years Tour of Homes,” shares Dee Bright, president of the Eureka Springs Preservation Society. “We have been thrilled with the level of enthusiasm and excitement. It is beginning to feel a lot like Christmas!”The Tour includes choir music, children caroling, refreshments, docent tours of each location, jazz bands and Victorian merriment throughout Spring Street. This is a lovely location to begin your holidays. Come for the first time and make it a holiday tradition.Tickets will be available November 1, 2007 at the Eureka Springs Chamber of Commerce and at the Eureka Springs Historical Museum. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 the day of the tour. Children under 12 are free. For more information please contact 800-638-7352.

Christmas Ball

Saturday, December 1st, 2007

Eureka Springs Historical Museum's annual fundraiser. The Christmas Ball will be held from 7pm-11pm at the 1905 Basin Park Hotel Ballroom. Dance to the sounds of the Jack Mitchell Quintet. Complimentary Wine & Hors d'oeuvres, Silent Auction and Cash Bar. Call Ginni Miller at 479-253-9417 or email at eshm999@sbcglobal.net for more information.

Ozarks Chorale Winter Concert

Saturday, December 8th, 2007

From its early beginnings of fewer than 30 voices, this year the 60-plus voice Ozarks Chorale begins its work in September. The musical library of the Chorale ranges from Classical works such as Handel's "Messiah" with accompanying orchestra to Dave Brubeck's "Take Five" with Jazz ensemble accompaniment. Romantic works such as Brahms "Liebeslieder Waltzes" to gospel, pop, folk, musical theater and movie songs are Chorale favorites. The Chorale boasts the ability to sing anything from Bach to Beatles!Come join the Chorale to experience the beautiful music that is planned for the 2007-2008 season: Nov 17, 2007 "Sounds of the Season" Concert Holiday Island ClubhouseDec 8, 2007 "Old Fashioned Christmas" Concert Eureka Springs City AuditoriumApr 20, 2008 Spring Concert Eureka Springs City Auditorium

2nd Saturday Gallery Stroll

Saturday, December 8th, 2007

The tradition continues in Eureka Springs! The City's art galleries are joining forces to stage a monthly "Celebration of the Art of Eureka." From April to December, on the second Saturday of each month, galleries on Spring Street and all around the town will open their doors from 6-9:00 pm. A colorful banner hanging outside each one will identify galleries participating in this fabulous fun event. Inside, you will find all artist-made goods, ranging from gold and silver jewelry to paintings, glass, ceramic, wood and much more. Representing more than 2000 artists, these Eureka Springs art and fine craft galleries offer an unsurpassed collection of wares, propelling Eureka Springs to the top 5 small cities in the country for art. Celebrate the Art of Eureka, take a stroll through the town on the second Saturday of the month and enjoy seeing an eclectic collection of art! For more information, call 479-253-7679. See you on Second Saturdays in Eureka Springs!

Home for the Holidays Concert

Friday, December 14th, 2007

Eureka Springs Home for the Holidays Concert at the City Auditorium.

John Two-Hawks Concert

Saturday, December 15th, 2007

Holiday concert with Native American flute player, John Two-Hawks at the Eureka Springs City Auditorium.For tickets and other information, please call 866-444-0940 or 479-253-5826 or visit the website at http://www.johntwohawks.com/

Celebrate Christmas at The Great Passion Play

As the town of Eureka Springs, Arkansas celebrates “It’s A Dickens of a Christmas,” The Great Passion Play encourages visitors to go “Beyond Dickens”. This unique Christmas experience takes visitors from a Victorian street scene (right out of Charles Dickens’ novel) and into first century Bethlehem. Here the sights & sounds of the very first Christmas surrounds visitors, as they join the travelers from throughout Judea, the citizens & animals, the Roman soldiers, tax collectors, Shepherds, and Mary & Joseph to create a live interactive nativity scene.

In its fourth season, “Beyond Dickens” continues to bring new customers to the Eureka Springs, Arkansas Christmas Celebration. The event also includes fabulous window displays, appearances by the famous artist Jack Dawson, special tram tours to the Christ of the Ozarks Memorial Statue and the Amphitheater and beautiful lighting of the entire Great Passion Play grounds, as well as a presentation of “Christmas On Ice…A Stroll Down Memory Lane”.

Upon arrival at The Great Passion Play, visitors are welcomed with apple cider and Christmas treats. Beautifully attired Victorian characters, such as Ebenezer Scrooge, Bob Cratchitt, Tiny Tim, and a town crier invite visitors to “Go beyond Dickens into the very first Christmas.” Passing through the gate, visitors enter Bethlehem on the night Christ was born. Stern Roman soldiers, who occupy Bethlehem, instruct all to register for the census and pay their taxes. The townspeople engage visitors in conversation and talk about life in their little village. Travelers meet shepherds with a fantastical tale about seeing angels, as well as shopkeepers, harried housewives drawing water at the town well, and artisans who are excited about the opportunity to sell their wares to all of the people in town for the census. Visitors travel a little way out of “town” past the inn, to a stable where Mary and Joseph tell their story and share their joy at the birth of the baby Jesus.

The window displays, created by local businesses and Great Passion staff, include delightful recreations of the Crescent Hotel as a gingerbread house, Treasures from the Pacific Christmas celebration, a Department 56 village, Christmas memories, and more. Visitors also enjoy the Sacred Arts Center where Jack Dawson and his painting “The Passion Tree” are featured. "The “Passion Tree” illustrates the Bible from Genesis to Revelation with each ornament showing an event in history. Bibles with pages turned to the Christmas story, as well as a special collection of bells, are exhibited in the Bible Museum and visitors also take a trip through the Museum of Earth History. This Museum focuses on the earth’s early history. Featuring over 14 life-sized skeleton skulls, and fossil plates, the museum provides an attraction for people from all walks of life, from scientists to school children.

Christmas nativities from around the world are displayed inside the Christmas Hall where a special presentation “Christmas On Ice…A Stroll Down Memory Lane” completes the evening. This community project produced by a volunteer cast is led by Darry and Pam Lisemby.

Food and Wine Event in Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Eureka Springs Food and Wine Weekend Events: Wednesday, November 7th, 2007 - Sunday, November 11st, 2007

The second weekend of November is traditionally when restaurants, bars, shops, and chefs invite visitors into their lives to treat their palates to a delightful tour-de-force of food and wine. This year is no exception in Eureka Springs. This picturesque Ozarks community will transform itself into a retreat of Wine Seminars, Five Course Dinners, Castle Tours, Cooking Classes, and Wine Premiers. No less than 30 events at 15 venues are planned as part of Eureka Springs Food & Wine Festival.

The entire weekend is listed below. Please refer to "Food and Wine Events" on the individual dates for information about events on that day only.Reservations are required. Please call the business of your choice for seating times and additional information.

Schedule of Events

Wednesday November 7th
--Gala Grand Opening, Crescent Hotel, 7-9pm
--Autumn Breeze pours a “Splash in the Glass” 5-9pm

Thursday November 8th
--3-5 PM: Cooking class at The Cottage Inn
--The New Moon Table at the Crescent Hotel offers lunch and wine for $9.95
--“La Soirée Des Vins” 7-10pm. Eureka’s newest and only winery, Keels Creek, presents their wines while raising money for charity. Live Music, Hors d’oeuvres, and great wine.
--“Ambullneo at sunset from the Castle Cliffs” 7-11pm, Castle Rogues Manor
--New Delhi Café, Live Music on the Patio, Evening
--Grand Taverne, Port Tasting 7pm
--Autumn Breeze pours a “Splash in the Glass” 5-9pm

Friday November 9th
--Culinary Instructor Karen Gros offers a cooking class 10am-1pm, reservations required
--The New Moon Table at the Crescent Hotel offers lunch and wine for $9.95
--Autumn Breeze “Splash in the Glass” available with an entrée 5-9pm
--6:00 pm: Italian Wine Dinner at the Cottage Inn.
--1886 Crescent Hotel Lifetime Memory Dinner, reservations required
--Keels Creek winery tours and tasting 10am-8pm
--Rogues Manor has two seating 5:30 and 8pm featuring Italian Food and Wine
--Café Soleil highlights a special food & wine menu
--Grand Taverne presents a 5 course wild game dinner, two seatings, 5:30 & 8:30 pm
--Mud Street Café features a Tai Dinner and Washington State Wines 5-9pm
--Café Amore, Chef Katherine’s homemade specials and pizza will delight you from 5-9pm
--New Delhi Café is open from 8:30 am to 9pm with their Indian Buffet and special wine menu
--Finish the night with Ports & Cigars at the Cathouse Lounge in the Pied Piper Pub, all night
--Chelsea’s Pizzeria seves Seafood Pizza and Specials late into the night

Saturday November 10th
--Café Amore, Chef Katherine’s homemade specials and pizza 5-9pm
--The Cathouse Lounge at the Pied Piper Pub will pair Homemade Chocolate Dessert and Red Wine. 1-3pm. 8pm to close the Cathouse Lounge is offering port flights and cigars
--Chelsea’s Bar & Corner Café will sponsor the Salsa Competition 3-5pm, live music following
--Autumn Breeze pours a “Splash in the Glass” 5-9pm
--6:00 pm: Italian Wine Dinner at the Cottage Inn.
--Café Soleil highlights a special food & wine menu
--Rogues Manor will have two seatings 5:30 and 8pm serving Italian Food and Wine
--Grand Taverne will feature Ambullneo wines and dinner, two seatings at 5:30 and 8:30 pm
--Mud Street Café features a Tai Dinner and Washington State Wines 5-9pm
--New Delhi Café is open from 8:30 am to 9pm with their Indian Buffet

Sunday November 11th
--Noon: Brunch at the Cottage Inn.
--Castle Rogues Manor Tour and a flight of four exclusive Champagnes, Noon
--Sunday Brunch and Champagne at the Crescent Hotel 9:30am – 2pm
--Sunday Brunch at Café Soleil 10am-2pm
--Mud Street Café serves Breakfast from 8am-11am and lunch 11am-3pm
--Grande Taverne Four Course Brunch, Noon

Always Available
--Little Bread Company serves their homemade pastries, breads, desserts, and champagne cream puffs
--Booze Brothers (Official Sponsor) carries the largest selection of wines served throughout town
--Keels Creek Winery offers tours & tastings 10am-8pm
--Tummy Ticklers, Eureka’s most interesting Wine Accessories

Information courtesy of Eureka Springs Chamber of Commerce

November Events in Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Christmas Celebration at the Great Passion Play

Friday, November 9th, 2007 - Saturday, November 10th, 2007

The Great Passion Play is proud to announce our 2007 Christmas Music Celebration event. Starting Nov. 9th & 10th (Friday & Saturday) and running each Friday & Saturday thru Dec.15th for a total of 12 nights. Headlining the program will be two Christmas music show performances each night featuring the “Texans” beginning at 5:30pm and 7:00pm.Tickets will be $10.00 for adults, Children 6-18 will be $5.00 or $30.00 for a family pass. Also, this ticket will include admission to The Sacred Arts Center which will be open from 4:00pm until 7:30pm daily during performances.In addition, each night starting Nov. 9th thru Dec. 31th , at dusk until 9:00pm, Sunday thru Thursday and Friday and Saturday until 11:00pm, we will feature a drive thru Christmas light extravaganza (bigger and better than before). There is no charge for this event; however, donations will be accepted.Also, our magnificent gift shop will be open from 10:00am until 4:00pm Monday thru Thursday, and 10:00am until 8:00pm Friday and Saturday. For advanced ticket purchases or for additional information call The Great Passion Play at 1-800-882-7529

A Season of Celebration

Monday, November 5th, 2007 - Saturday, December 8th, 2007

“A Season of Celebration” Holiday Shows at Pine Mountain Jamboree, nightly except Sunday.

Fall Antique Show & Sale

Friday, November 16th, 2007 - Sunday, November 18th, 2007

55 antique dealers from 14 different states bring their wares November 17 and 18 for the 19th Annual Eureka Springs Fall Antique Show and Sale.A special Wine & Cheese Preview will be held on Friday, November 16, 5:30-7 p.m. The popular yearly event will be held at the Inn of the Ozarks Convention Center. This is one of the kickoff events for the busy Thanksgiving and Christmas season. Attendees will pay $10 for this first chance at the antiques brought by dealers from around the country. This fee covers all days. Regular show hours on Saturday are 10 am to 6 pm and 10 am to 4 pm on Sunday. Admission price for this event is $ 2.50, good for both days. This well-attended show not only draws dealers from many states, it also brings customers from as many as 23 different states. “By now, most antique lovers around this part of the country know that the third weekend in November and the third weekend in March are devoted to antiques here in Eureka Springs,” according to Jane Baker. She and her husband, Dave, are show managers. “This is our 19th fall show and it looks to be better than ever,” she added. For more information on the festival, contact Dave or Jane Baker at 479-253-7551 or bakerdj@cox.net.

Sounds of the Season

Saturday, November 17th, 2007

From its early beginnings of fewer than 30 voices, this year the 60-plus voice Ozarks Chorale begins its work in September. The musical library of the Chorale ranges from Classical works such as Handel's "Messiah" with accompanying orchestra to Dave Brubeck's "Take Five" with Jazz ensemble accompaniment. Romantic works such as Brahms "Liebeslieder Waltzes" to gospel, pop, folk, musical theater and movie songs are Chorale favorites. The Chorale boasts the ability to sing anything from Bach to Beatles!Come join the Chorale to experience the beautiful music that is planned for the 2007-2008 season:
Nov 17, 2007 "Sounds of the Season" Concert Holiday Island Clubhouse
Dec 8, 2007 "Old Fashioned Christmas" Concert Eureka Springs City Auditorium
Apr 20, 2008 Spring Concert Eureka Springs City Auditorium

Trail of Lights

Monday, November 19th, 2007 - Monday, December 31st, 2007

Both Eureka Springs and Berryville will be participating in the Arkansas Dept. of Parks and Tourism's 2007 "Trail of Lights."Additional information will be posted as it becomes available.

Thanksgiving in Eureka Springs

Thursday, November 22nd, 2007

Many of Eureka's finest restaurants will be offering first class buffet or full service on Thanksgiving Day. Traditional to eclectic, these special meals are sure to please every pallet. Restaurants will be added as they become available. Reservations will be strongly encouraged. Please call the restaurant of choice regarding seating times and additional information.
-The Gazebo (located in Best Western Eureka Inn)
-The Grand Taverne (located in the Grand Central Hotel)
-The Crystal Dining Room (located in the Crescent Hotel)
-Forest Hill Restaurant (next door to Holiday Inn Express on Van Buren St.)
-Myrtie Mae's (located in Best Western Inn of the Ozarks)
-Rogue's Manor (on Spring Street)

Christmas Parade

Friday, November 30th, 2007

This evening parade features floats, walkers,bands and thousands of lights as it makes it way through downtown Eureka Springs. For more information call 800-6EUREKA.

Travel to Eureka Springs for Victorian Charm

You'll find a treasure trove of Victorian charm in the Arkansas Ozarks. Ask natives about the Northwest Arkansas mountaintop retreat they call home and, repeatedly, any number of "M" words creep into the conversation. "Mystical." "Magical." "Monumental." "Magnanimous." "Meaningful." "Magnificent," even. For a town with a population of under 2,000, such meaty adjectives seem like the basis for tall tales meted out by the overly enthusiastic ... until you do a doubletake. At that point, you--like the proud citizens who lay claim to this small, carved-out-of-limestonecliffs community--might find yourself rubbing the sleep from your eyes and searching for yet another "M" word to add to residents' mellifluous list of brags.

Eureka Springs seems to have a history of making boasters out of even the most soft-spoken people. Long before white settlers "discovered" the town in 1856, Native Americans revered the place for both its natural beauty and the restorative powers of the healing waters that gave rise to its modern name. By the mid-19th century, Eureka (residents often abbreviate their town's moniker) had gained a reputation as "America's Medicine Teepee." Soon, visitors were flocking to the diminutive site in pursuit of cures for a wide range of ailments. Today, seasonal migrations still swell Eureka's narrow, winding streets as tourists continue to discover the pleasures of this picturesque Victorian-era village.

Take, for example, the many gingerbread-laden structures sprinkled atop Eureka's hillsides. Among ornately embellished cottages and tour homes are many delightful bed and breakfasts. Or opt to stay in a turn-of-the-20th-century hotel like the Eureka's grande dame--the Crescent Hotel. A massive 1886 hostelry set at the top of Eureka's historic loop, the Crescent--in addition to providing guests with sweeping panoramas--is said to be haunted (by benevolent, if not overly friendly, spirits). And the hotel's New Moon Spa is just one of numerous, around-town establishments keeping Eureka's bathhouse tradition alive.

The Basin Park Hotel is another statuesque beauty. Set next door to downtown's pint-sized, bandstand-surrounded park, this Ripley's Believe It or Not hotel has seven hillside stories--all with "groundfloor" entries. Outside, Spring Street blossoms with galleries, boutiques, and bistros.

Street fare--from funnel cakes to fudge--is tempting, but save room for dining at one of Eureka's fine restaurants. Some favorites: Ermillio's for northern and southern Italian dishes; Jim & Brent's for an eclectic selection of new cuisine; Sonny's for New York-style pizza, as well as a weekend chalkboard menu and piano bar; Center Street for authentic Mexican mole and margaritas; and the Plaza, with its canopied second-story dining overlooking pedestrian-filled streets.

Attractions outside of the compact, though hilly, downtown area include such memorable Highway 62 West sites as the architecturally inspiring Thorncrown Chapel, an interdenominational church that rises dramatically out of the surrounding woods, and Eureka Springs Gardens.

In the opposite direction, country music shows dot Highway 62 East. On Highway 23 North, just off the downtown district, there are the Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway's steam-operated excursion and dining trains. Nearby, you'll find the Great Passion Play, a religious spectacle that has played to generations of visitors each May-October. And just above Passion Play Road, on a 1,500-foot overlook, towers the seven-story Christ of the Ozarks--a marble sculpture completed in 1968 by one of Mt. Rushmore's sculptors.

Information courtesy of Travel America