Cabin Fever? Spring Break is just around the corner in Eureka Springs, AR.
As Spring Break approaches, a variety of travelers -moms wanting to bond with their daughters, couples looking for a romantic escape, ladies dying for a post-winter girlfriend spa getaway, and grandparents looking for an interesting and safe place to take the grandkids while school’s out- will once again be pointing their mouse to Eureka Springs online as they begin planning for that special March diversion. This quaint Victorian village of 2,000 tucked away in The Arkansas Ozarks has played host in March to many suffering from “cabin fever” or simply looking for an relaxing respite from the ordinary, everyday rote and regimen.
“Research shows there are five major reasons why people visit Eureka Springs during spring break,” stated Bill Ott, director of marketing for two of the town’s historic hotels, “Those reasons are as follows: not too far away, one of America’s Dozen Distinctive Destinations, variety of things to see and do, a village you can call your own, and Eureka Springs has a very favorable cost-to-value ratio.”
Not Too Far Away – For those who live within the ellipse formed roughly by connecting the metropolitan areas of Kansas City, St. Louis, Memphis, Little Rock, Oklahoma City, Tulsa and Wichita they are at the most a little more than a five-hour drive from Eureka Springs. Much of this sojourn from all of these cities is along scenic highways.
One of America’s Dozen Distinctive Destinations – For those planning a Spring Break getaway but are not familiar with Eureka Springs, take heart. The National Trust for Historic Preservation is quite familiar with it. In fact, the NTHP describes it as “an appealingly unconventional Victorian village tucked in the hills of Northwest Arkansas, surrounded by miles of lakes and rivers. In the 1850s, its early visitors were attracted to the magical waters of its miraculous ‘Great Healing Spring’. Today, tourists come to enjoy its downtown Historic District, thriving community of artists and writers, and independent Ozark Mountain spirit.” In fact, the entire town of Eureka Springs is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.”
Variety of Things to See and Do – In addition to the inherent cultural and enchanting heritage aspects of this “hidden village”, Eureka Springs offers Spring Break-ers a plethora of other activities and attractions. “Ladies coming in March for girlfriend getaways or as a mother-daughter duo, seem to gravitate to the numerous spas in the area, as do romantic couples wanting that added intimate ‘memory chip’ of a duet massage,” said Ott. “Surrounding spa treatments, ladies find the unique, non-chain store shopping exciting and rewarding.” All of this frenetic and fun activity creates a hunger that the numerous quality, locally owned restaurants and eateries can easily sate. “When it comes to adults with kids during Spring Break such uncommon attractions as hotel ghost tours, a trip to Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, a peek at Eureka’s ‘underground’, and hiking the urban trails of a city that time forgot -to name just a few- will fill a Pinterest page and require the telling of tall tales once home as an expanded follow up to Twitter tweets.”
A Village You Can Call Your Own – Visitors say one of the most alluring qualities of Eureka Springs is that, due to its size, the community seems like it is an escape that is all their own, Ott explained. “Eureka Springs is not like a Times-Square, frenetic and always packed with people. To the contrary, Eureka’s smaller size and slower pace makes each little discovery -a hidden staircase, an eclectic shop, a restaurant with that one-of-a-kind dish, a never-felt-before massage technique, and so on- seem like a first-time find. Those type of ‘eureka’ moments enhances their experience, transforming a simple vacation into an explorer’s escape.” As anyone can see, especially during Spring Break, this exploration is enjoyed by visitors of all ages. “Kids love to wind their way through downtown with its century-old buildings. Then, in just a few steps, they can go from urban to natural, forested hillsides complete with limestone bluffs and hiking trails. Parents love it for their kids because both feel safe here; not something you can say about many popular Spring Break destinations,” Ott added.
Very Favorable Cost-to-Value Ratio – In this day and age of economic uncertainty, one thing is certain: Eureka Springs is an affordable destination. Room rates are unbelievably “pocketbook friendly” and many hotels and bed-and-breakfasts package lodging with attraction tickets, spa treatments and dining discounts. These added-value packages allow visitors to better budget their Spring Break getaway.
Ott concluded, “You know winter is a memory when our hillsides are abloom with daffodils and jonquils and our sidewalks, shops, spas and restaurants are in blossom with the smiles of those who have discovered Eureka Springs again for what feels like the first time. It’s an escape worth repeating,
For more information on Eureka Springs’ lodging, attractions, spas, restaurants, shopping and special Spring Break packages, one should go to eurekaspringsonline.com .