Patrick

Was planning on a stop in Branson on our return to Florida from Alaska, California, etc. in early October, but have discovered that there is a big arts and crafts show that weekend and the first five or six hotels we called are all booked. We weren't overly excited about Branson anyway, and now are even less so as we don't want to get caught up in this arts and crafts crowd. So tell me about Eureka Springs? We need to kill two days before meeting a friend in the Ozarks (Hector, if you know where that is) and afterwards thought we'd stop for a night or two in Hot Springs. We will be coming from Kansas City. I received a publicity package from Eureka Springs and it looks like a sort of Pocono's cheap honeymoon palace area mixed with Dollywood. Am I wrong? Is there a place to stay that is neat, near to good restaurants, or to the canoe trips on the river? Any helpful hints welcome.

xxx

I don't know about Eureka Springs, but someplace else in the Ozarks is Bennett Springs - see link -

http://www.umsl.edu/~joellaws/ozark_caving/springs/bennett.htm

You can canoe there and it's pretty cool when you canoe through where the spring feeds in and it's COLD. There's a fish hatchery there, etc.

Not much else going on in that area. Closest town is probably Lebanon, Missouri. My grandparents are buried there and my dad grew up there! Some simple hotels there; nothing fancy. There is a new Holiday Inn Express and that's where we stay when we are in town.

susan

Eureka Springs is really wonderful. Forget Branson and go straight to Eureka Springs.

texasgirl

Hi, it has been some years since i've been to eureka springs, but i recall it as a pretty victorian town in the ozarks _ fairly touristy, but with nice parts nonetheless. there are lots of b&bs if you like that sort of thing. the crescent hotel is an old hotel that has been redone and at least several years ago was nice. several good restaurants; many little shops, tending toward the artsy-craftsy-country. Still, i would definitely recommend it above Branson, which is largely music shows, minigolf courses and a strip of one hotel after another. If you do go to the missouri ozarks, consider big cedar lodge, which is beautiful and somewhat removed from the branson madness.

Erin

I grew up in Arkansas, and went to college in Fayetteville (near Eureka Springs), and take my word for it -- you would MUCH rather go to Eureka Springs than Branson! Eureka Springs is a quaint/funky little touristy town in an absolutely beautiful part of the world. There are lots of inespensive places to stay, but one of the neatest places is the Crescent Hotel -- check it out online. Enjoy your trip through the Ozarks!

melba

My daughter was married in Eureka Springs. It is a wonderful place to go. There is a good golf course at Holiday Island. Lots of neat little shops and antiques. The old buildings and houses are very unique. Lots of beautiful scenery and springs. Be sure to visit Thorncrown Chapel and Queen Anne Mansion. Eat at Chez Charles if you can afford it. It is in the historic loop. The Cresant Hotel was under renovation when we were there and I wouldn't recommend it for that reason; however your should visit their grounds. Angel at Rose Hill (I think that's the name) is a very good bed and breakfast. Flatiron Flats in the historic district is also a good hotel. I like Eureka Springs better than Branson; but if you are that close you should drop by Branson and see a show. They do have some very good ones.

Ceil Lovas

I lived in the Branson area and would bring all out of town visitors to Eureka Springs. It is a delightful town. Very old and quaint. While there go to the ThrornCrown Chapel. Ask for directions from anyone. Completely made of glass. When you sit in the chapel you feel like you are outdoors. The Christ of the Ozarks statue is also located in Eureka Springs. Worth a look. The Cresent Hotel is also worth a look, across the street from a Catholic Church that is entered through the bell tower. I sound so religious but believe me these are sites to see. I am not an avid church goer but these places are worth stopping at. Lots of boutique type shops to go through. Plenty of motels on outskirts of town. I love Eureka Springs. Much better than Branson.

Karen

Branson is okay if you're into traffic jams and old-timer country singers. Eureka Springs is very nice if you like old Victorian architecture, antiques, and scenery. If you're into golf, the town of Bella Vista has about 9 courses on some very scenic property. Fayetteville is the town to go for things to do....U. of Arkansas students really liven up the place.

ellen

Greetings from Arkansas!
You'll love Eureka!!! My husband and I go there often on our anniversary to refresh. It's like going back in time and you'll enjoy every minute.
You also mentioned that you'll be going to Hot Springs. Hot Springs is my home and I love to tell folks about it. Lots of history here (hometown of Bill Clinton). The Arlington and Majestic Hotels are wonderful old southern hotels with good food and surroundings. For breakfast, try the Pancake Shop (located downtown) and The Brickhouse Grill for dinner (also downtown). You'll love the southern hospitality found in Hot Springs. Enjoy!

Mason

Eureka Springs is one of the coolest little places I've visited, and on NPR recently I heard it named among the Top 10 "hidden gems" by some nat'l heritage society.
Branson is fine if you're over 70; otherwise, I'd recommend Eureka.

Rita

I agree. I am from Arkansas & have been to both places many times. BUT, Branson is only for those who want to go from one country music show to another! Eureka has a show or two, but has wonderful victorian architecture and is located in a beautiful setting. Nice shops with items from local artists (not the tourist trap shops of Branson!)
Enjoy!

Rita

Forgot to mention. North Arkansas is absolutely beautiful in the fall. You need to make reservations ASAP. Those people who cannot find reservations in Branson, may overflow to Eureka. It's only an hour from Branson. Check with the chamber of commerce for a listing of the many places to stay in Eureka.

OliveOyl

I picture Branson as being a musical version of Gatlinburg--is that close? Have been to Eureka Springs and it was delightful, but that was years ago. Hopefully it hasn't changed, but as long ago as it was discovered, that seems unlikely.

I wonder what determines the eventual character of towns such as these. Why have the Stockbridges (MA) and Manchester (VT) Villages stayed enjoyable while the Gatlinburgs turn into some caricature of their former selves. River St in Savannah is on the brink of that same disaster.