Eureka

Eureka Springs is a beautiful, historic town built on the side of the mountain. It is a common travel destination for people around here. I've lived here for 17 years, but I've never been there. Last weekend, that changed.

T and I have a couple with whom we are very close: G & A. They go to Eureka fairly regularly with A's family. We decided to go on an adult's only getaway together last weekend to ES. It was fabulous!!

First of all, the scenery is beautiful. It is so incredible to stand and look way down on the tops of trees, houses, everything. Of course, everything is beautifully green right now. We went to the Crescent Hotel and stood on a balcony and looked down on the grounds, trees, and a beautiful Spanish style Catholic church with a red roof. Christ of the Ozarks is on a mountain across from the hotel, and we had a great view.

We stayed in a hotel downtown called the New Orleans which was built in 1892. The rooms were spacious and very nice. They are decorated a combination of antique and antique looking furniture. The bathrooms have more of the same furniture, pedestal sinks, ornate mirrors, and enormous jacuzzi tubs. The effect is beautiful and comfortable.

The streets are crammed with all kinds of shops: candy stores, knick-knack shops, clothing stores, art galleries. They have it all. The great thing about staying in the hotel was that we were within walking distance from everything. We went into what felt like a million shops, some of them more than once, but I know I still didn't see everything.

Right in the middle of downtown is a big amphitheater. During the day, artists and other various peddlers, set up shop to sell their wares. But in the evening, they clear out. Musicians (who also play some during the day) play music and people gather to listen, dance, and just enjoy the cool after the sun goes down.

I had such a fantastic time enjoying all of those things, but what I enjoyed most was the time alone with friends. We had so much fun just being together. We stayed up late playing games and I laughed until my sides ached. There is something to be said for friends with whom you can completely let down your guard and truly be yourself.