Our Water parks have fish in them, Our Shows have Passion and our price tag comes with change. That’s why Mom picks summer time in Eureka…

(EUREKA SPRINGS, ARKANSAS) – Just as Moms from across the region are choosing to leave the Rollercoaster Out of this year’s family vacation, the recreation hub of the Ozark Mountains has found a way to reconnect families, experience history, comfort and nature while creating lifetime memories. Eureka Springs, Arkansas, -a place not too far away- is the ideal spot for just such a reconnection.

Designated by the National Trust of Historic Preservation as one of America’s Dozen Distinctive Destinations, this quaint town “that time forgot” offers more than one would think. Adjacent to Table Rock – AND – Beaver Lake recreational boating is easily accessible as if world famous trout fishing in the White river or surprisingly bountiful bass fishing and floating on the Kings. City owned, Lake Leatherwood is surrounded by 40 miles of trails for hiking and biking and for those adventurers, area caves and more rugged trails are everywhere. Attractions abound, including Turpentine Creek wildlife refuge with the largest collection of big cats, bears and lions in the region and Abundant Memories is an amazing collection of artifacts that will amaze kids of all ages. Visit www.reserveeureka.com for a full list of the many activities available for kids

The Ozarks bring warm days and cool nights ideal for strolling along 19th century streets on limestone sidewalks amid glorious Victorian structures. So historic and beautiful, the entire city is on the National Historic Register. Strolling offers more than picturesque views. While dad is fishing for that champion trout, Eureka gives mom and daughter a chance to browse in more than 100 privately owned shops, restaurants, galleries or to take the afternoon off and treat herself well in one of the town’s amazing spas.

The Serenity Spa www.sernityspa-eurekasprings.com of The 1905 Basin Park Hotel, located in the hub of historic downtown Eureka Springs, offers such services as manicures, pedicures, traditional massage and hot stone massage treatments. The Weekday spa retreat for just $225 per person includes wonderful daily treatments, overnight accommodations for two nights in “THE SPA SUITE” and breakfast daily in the Eureka Coffee Company – now serving Starbucks Coffee. The New Moon Spa, www.newmoonspa.com, of The 1886 Crescent Hotel, located atop Crescent Mountain on the historic loop, offers a unique list of spa treatments including an Aveda Salon, vichy showers, hydrotone therapy tub, body wraps, manicures, pedicures, facials and both traditional and deep tissue massage. Reservations are encouraged at both spa locations.

The surveys have shown what Mom’s have already known. What kids want on vacation is less about flash and more about swimming, family time and memorable experiences with their mom and dad. Eureka Springs offers this reconnection with plenty of options for swimming, unique experiences and readily available things to do. No community is like Eureka Springs, Arkansas and no family vacation provides such positives without spending the majority of your day waiting in line in the sun.

Jack Moyer, general manager of Eureka Springs’ Landmark Hotels, described the family vacation as, “No offense to the many rollercoaster destinations, but those vacations are far from stress-free or inexpensive. In Eureka Springs we are fortunate to be surrounded by the lakes, history, natural attractions and to be blessed with so much activity for families. We hear it time and again, our guests remember their trip here as the time that the family did something together – memorable with lifetime memories.”

Just for Summer 2005, the 1905 Basin Park Hotel has created a special family vacation package that include a true Ozark adventure. Overnight accommodations, family activities including floating, family bar-b-que and a fishing tournament are made more special with a guided trip to an Ozarks swimming hole and adventure. One lucky guest per week will even be selected to be a part of the Great Passion Play on the set. For more information one may call 1-800-342-9766 or visit the hotel web sites at www.basinpark.com . The Family vacation package is available July 10 -14 and July 17 -21. Prices begin at just $332 for a family of three.