Home of Ozarka Water

In Van Buren, MO along the Ozark Scenic Riverway tomorrow

On a sunny day we decided to check out Eureka Springs, AR, about an hour southwest of Branson.  We didn't know much about it, but it turned out to be another little treasure on our journey.  There was too much in this city to enjoy in just one day!

The many springs in this town were thought to have healing powers so the town grew quickly in the late 1800's.  The quick growth led to a lot of flooding, so city leaders made many street improvements resulting in new streets on the second story of some shops giving way to the creation of basements for many businesses.  There are natural springs all over the city; some are even in shops like this one in a garden center.

Or this one under plexiglass in a restaurant.

The first bottled water in the US was Ozarka Water from Eureka Springs - founded in 1905.

The company was eventually sold to Nestle, but originally bottled near an area that is now the old railroad station.

I liked the railroad roundhouse building from 1888.

There are many other historical buildings in Eureka - several are of local limestone which is so pretty.

Courthouse from late 1800's - now municipal building

Flatiron Building from 1880 - now apartments

Basin Spring Bathhouse from 1889 - now a gift shop

Gymnasium from 1929 - now a theatre

Basin Park Hotel from 1905 - still a hotel!

A street view of part of downtown Eureka Springs

Like many other small towns we have visited during our adventure, Eureka Springs has been very welcoming to artists.  Here is some of the unique art we saw simply driving around.

One of the other places we really enjoyed was St. Elizabeth's Church.  It was built in 1906 and is the only church where you enter through the bell tower.

The walk from the bell tower to the church has a beautiful set of the 14 Stations of the Cross.

The domed chapel was completed in 1906, and the rest of the church in 1909.  It is an active parish.

Right next to the church is the historic Crescent Hotel from 1886.

We walked up the backside, just as pretty, that had steps from the church.

I was really taken with this old hotel - the registration area is original.

The stairway and the dining room are so elegant.

The fireplace is the centerpiece of the lobby.  Irish mason artisans who built the hotel also built the fireplace.  They included the "bat owl" right in the center.

On either side of the lobby are the "orchestration" (like a player piano but using all instruments) and the organ.   The orchestration is from about 1920.  I love the beautiful art glass at the top.  The organ was made in 1912 most likely in Germany.  These 2 items were popular among the well to do people who frequented the lovely Crescent Hotel in its heyday.

By this time we were ready for a refreshment.  We decided to stay at the hotel and visit the Skybar. Such a lovely view!