(EUREKA SPRINGS, ARKANSAS) — Any fall is a great time for friends to gather, board a motor coach and travel to the Arkansas Ozarks and especially Eureka Springs: Arkansas’ “extraordinary escape”. However, this fall from November 11 on, that motor coach tour can add a couple of new and exciting elements to their itinerary: Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and Pea Ridge National Military Park. Both attractions are part of the new Arkansas Art Trail.
“The motor coach inquiries we get from group tour leaders each fall always include the question, ‘What’s new?’ and this year we can answer with two excitingly delightful itinerary additions,” said Linda Box, group travel sales manager for Eureka Springs’ Landmark Hotels: 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa and 1905 Basin Park Hotel. “Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas is just 40 miles to the west. Pea Ridge, which is on the highway between Eureka and Bentonville, is in the midst of the National Park Service’s sesquicentennial commemoration of The Civil War. Great attractions with easy travel from the travel hub of Eureka Springs.”
Eureka Springs is a natural as the hub for this particular spoke in the Arkansas Art Trail since time and time again this village has been selected as one of the most celebrated art destinations in the country. One such repetitive designation has been made by American Style magazine. They have named Eureka Springs as a “Top 25 Arts Destinations” in the Small Cities category. The National Trust for Historic Preservation has given Eureka Springs a true honor by choosing this town of 2,000 as one of America’s “Dozen Distinctive Destinations” as well as placing it on the National Register for Historic Places.
“The Crescent or the Basin Park are ideal overnight destinations for visitors interested in Crystal Bridges and/or Pea Ridge,” said Jack Moyer, general manager of the two hotels. “Not only do we greet our motor coach guests in style and feed them well, but also both of our hotels are replete with historic tales of their own as well as being a repository for many fine pieces of American art. From locally created paintings to huge sculptures, the Crescent and Basin Park are great places to view quality examples of the local arts community. Plus, just outside our front doors are galleries and working studios, artistic meccas that seem to blanket Eureka Springs, mere minutes away from Crystal Bridges and Pea Ridge.”
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is nestled in a pristine Ozark ravine with two creek-fed ponds, just off the square in downtown Bentonville. Alice Walton, daughter of Wal-Mart founder Sam Walton and board member of the Walton Family Foundation, is spearheading this nearly half-billion dollar investment. Upon opening on November 11, 2011, Crystal Bridges’ 217,000 square foot complex will be home to one of, if not the, finest America art collections.
Pea Ridge National Military Park was set aside to commemorate The Battle of Pea Ridge. This battle took place on March 7-8, 1862. More than 26,000 soldiers fought on these 4,300 acres to decide the fate of Missouri. The park honors those who fought for their way of life. It should be noted that Pea Ridge was one of the most pivotal Civil War battles, and is the most intact Civil War battlefield in the country.
“Another wonderful aspect of adding these two attractions to an itinerary is the cost of admission is extremely reasonable,” Box added. “Admission to Crystal Bridges is free and Pea Ridge admission is only $5.00 or free to “Golden Age” pass holders.”
For more information on a group visitation to Eureka Springs, one should contact Box at 800-903-4940 or via email at lindaboxsales@gmail.com .