We jumped on 71 South and headed to Eureka Springs, AR. I have never visited here before so I was super excited about the adventure and the all-night drive with my boyfriend and his sweet dog, Lola. We made two stops on the way down, one to pick up a companion for Lola...we found a giant stuffed Giraffe and named him Truman, and the next stop was to fill up the tank, fries, and coffee...give me a break peeps, it was now 2 a.m. and I needed a little pick me up!
We made it to Eureka Springs about 5:30 a.m. and luckily found the cutest boutique hotel, The Basin Park Hotel, with a very nice gentleman named Pat at the front desk that allowed us to check-in for some sleep! More like a morning nap since by the time we got settled, it was 6:30 in the morning...I wasn't sure I wanted to sleep or just stay up, at this point, you get past the fact you have been up over 24 hours. But regardless, I knew the next two days would be full of adventure and unplanned plans. Did I mention the hotel is haunted but we didn't see any ghosts, maybe next time!
After a quick 4 hour "rest", we were up, ate breakfast and ventured out and about this cute little town. I was impressed from the moment we drove in and couldn't wait to explore. We visited several local shops, ate a great hamburger and fries for lunch and then decided to hop in the car and drive around outside of town. We stopped by the famous Christ at the Ozarks and snagged some photos by a section of the Berlin Wall they have displayed there. An awesome piece of history to see in person. We took drive out by Beaver lake and over the dam before returning back to town to head out for some live music. James has visited here several times so it was fun experiencing Eureka Springs with him.
We hit up a small local pub called The Cat House Lounge; enjoyed a few beers, more fries and a scotched egg while listening to a local band...did I mention people watching? One thing I have noticed about this town is everyone is super friendly. We made our way to Chelsea's, another local joint for a few cocktails before calling it a night. We walked the stone laid sidewalks back to our hotel to end the evening reading and for me, I was thankful for the amazing day I just had with him.
Sunday morning meant breakfast, checking out, and more perusing the streets of town. It was a gorgeous 60 degree-sun-filled day so we had to take advantage before making the drive back home. Fresh ice tea and a chocolate shake to keep us hydrated while we shopped the local stores one last time. We made the drive home stopping to buy bags of fireworks...it's Missouri, we had too...and of course I found gold sparklers. It was a good day.
This trip was more than just an adventure though. I learned that I can pack for an entire weekend in 15 minutes, that I can survive with one pair of shoes, and not washing my hair. But the best and also a difficult conversation discussed and learned was this...nothing in life is guaranteed so focus on today and take it all in. Reality and words of wisdom from someone who I know I need in my life and that it's ok to need other people to help you see and believe better things.
Shona
