Eureka Springs is one of my family's favorite places to visit. We visit there at least once a year. Itt is one of the top destinations in Arkansas and is on the National Register of Historic Places. The winding streets, Victorian-style houses, and quaint shops make Eureka Springs a unique resort village. I love the way it is tucked into the mountainside. When we go there, we ride the trolley to the shops downtown. The streets are steep and winding, which makes a scenic ride. It is a struggle to walk on the sidewalks though. Horse-drawn buggies are part of the traffic in Eureka and drop passengers off at restaurants and shops. It feels like we just stepped back in time. The winding roads and slow pace of the town are refreshing after driving on the busy interstates and turnpikes at home. It is a great place to catch your breath and relax. 
Most people ride the trolley to the main shopping areas, but there are also parking areas for cars. There are all kinds of shops and cafes on Spring Street. My favorite is the Flat Iron Building, which is located between two parallel streets. I also enjoy shopping in the leather shops because they have unique belts, purses, shoes, and boots that are made with fine leather. I have found great buys in Eureka Springs. Since I have trouble finding shoes that fit, I enjoy shopping in a place that carries various sizes and styles. Homemade fudge, taffy, and candies are delicious to eat. We buy the treats in shops that resemble old general stores.Usually, we spend the entire day browsing through the shops and exploring th
e downtown area. When we get tired, we take the trolley to see other parts of the town. The trolleys offer several different routes within a five-mile long loop. I love the Victorian houses that line the streets. Many of them are open for tours such as the Queen Anne house. Other places rent their rooms and are bed and breakfast establishments. We like take a trolley up the mountain to the Crescent Hotel to see the amazing view of the town. It is a gorgeous view! Built in 1886, the hotel has seventy-six rooms on fifteen acres of beautiful manicured gardens. Couples often have their wedding in these gardens.
One summer, we spent the night at the Crescent Hotel. It was a little scary because the floors and doors squeak. I found out later that the hotel hosts Haunted House tours during Halloween. An old yellow cat lives in the hotel and goes in and out of the rooms. I also heard lots of strange noises during the night. Maybe, it was the wind since the hotel is located high above the town.
The next day, we took a trolley north to the see Christ of the Ozarks and the Passion Play. Christ of the Ozarks stands sixty-seven feet tall. It is made of white concrete and was built in 1966. It took two million pounds of mortar and steel to make this giant statue. Yet, he stands high above the tree line to guard the town of Eureka Springs. With outstretched arms, Christ of the Ozarks attracts visitors from all over the world. The Jesus statue is open twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, and is a free attraction. The Great Passion Play theme park also has a Holy Land Tour with a full-scale replica of the Old Testament Tabernacle and the Sea of Galilee. At first, I was overwh
elmed by the size of the statue. I thought I saw the eyes move, but it might have been the sun shining on it. We enjoyed seeing the splendor of such a magnificent statue and its symbolic meaning. He is a great tourist attraction! Hundreds of tourists ride the trolleys to see the huge statue. It faces west as if he is blessing the scenic village below. Everyone was very respectful and reverent around the statue. I was impressed! Regardless of faith, people came together to stand at the foot of this massive statue. Our next destination was to see The Great Passion Play.
The Great Passion Play is modeled after a play in Bavaria hat runs a week long. Eureka's play began in 1968 and occurs five nights a week for 2.5 hours. 250 Christian actors perform along with live donkeys, camels, mules, horses, sheep, and birds. It is the largest outdoor pageant in the United States and has been seen by millions of people. It was breathtaking to watch under th
e stars. I loved the end when the birds fly away and Jesus ascends into the night sky. It was very moving for my family to watch. I am sure they will not forget seeing the live drama. Because it was outdoors, it felt as if we were part of the performance.Our next visit was to Quigley's Castle, which is located four miles south of town. This is a unique house that Mrs. Quigley built in 1943. Apparently, her husband failed to build his wife a house after promising her one. When Albert Quigley went to work, she demolished the old house and began constructing a new one. She collected rocks and cemented them to the outside walls. In fact, she had so many rocks she made bird baths, mailboxes, bird houses, and yard sculptures with them. Mrs. Quigley also collected bottles. I saw several bottle trees in the yard. This lady was not only unique, but she was also very determined. She only spent $2000 in cash for labor and material. Wow! This is an inspiring story that stands for everyone to witness. She built her own heaven and displays the things she loves. Her flower bed blooms at different times to greet visitors and attracts butterflies.
Inside the house, live trees grow up to the second story. She could actually sleep with the birds. Mrs. Quigley also collected butterflies and arrowheads. Outside, bottle trees and various sculptures stand in the garden. In the front yard, I found an old outhouse. Apparently, nothing is copied in this house. It is as unique as the owners. It is a natural wonder of God's creation!
Eureka Springs is a place where we can get away from it all. My family enjoys all the fun activities and old world charm. It is close enough that we can go for a long weekend. Although we like to visit many places, we always return to Eureka Springs. In the past, people traveled to this town for the healing waters, but I think it does more than that. This amazing town restores the soul and refreshes both mind and body.
