If you’re planning to do some sightseeing while you’re here one destination you should definitely put on your must-see list is Eureka Springs. Nestled in the heart of the Ozark Mountains, Eureka Springs is a National Historic Landmark and an America in Bloom winner. The National Trust for Historic Preservation also selected it as one of America’s Distinctive Destinations. Eureka Springs has a thriving arts community that is unmatched anywhere else in the United States.
Creative Arts
Artists since the 1800’s have been drawn to Eureka Springs and right now it is home to more than 200 working artists and more than 20 art galleries for you to browse through. Surrounded by some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country, the town offers a creative place for artists of all types including painter, photographers, sculptors, metal workers and potters just to name a few. There are several artist coops that provide subsidized housing and studio space for the budding artist. Back in the 1930’s Elsie and Louis Freund established an art school in the downtown area and the Eureka Springs School of the Arts continues the tradition with various classes open to everyone.
Writing
Writers are also most welcome in Eureka Springs, writers from across the globe come to the Writers Colony at Dairy Hollow to work on creative projects and perfect their craft. Younger writers are encouraged to experience creative education and self expression at the Lane House. There are also after school programs there for teens that put on several performances throughout the year, with an annual fundraiser at the dinner theater.
Live Theater
While you’re here take in a live performance at the Eureka Theater Company. The City Auditorium originally opened in the Historic Downtown 75 years ago, the theater underwent major renovations in 2004 thanks to a grant from the National Parks Department “Save America’s Treasures” program. With excellent acoustics in a small intimate setting there have been performances there by the likes of Willie Nelson, Ray Charles, Buddy Guy, Ricky Skaggs and Allison Kraus and the Union Station.
Film and Music
For the film lovers among you Eureka Springs has been the backdrop to a few independent films productions including “Chrystal” that starred Billy Bob Thornton and Lisa Blount, placing second at the Sundance Film Festival in 2004. Eureka Springs also hosts an annual Digital Film Festival that offers several workshops for those that want to learn the craft.
Classical music and opera fans take note The Inspiration Point Fine Arts Colony has celebrated more than 50 years of developing and teaching young opera singers and orchestral players from around the world. Each summer the venue puts on “Opera in the Ozarks” and has won acclaim among the opera community all over the world.
Spend a day or two seeing everything that Eureka Springs has to offer, you won’t be disappointed!