Gaskins is located north of Eureka Springs on an easy and short drive on Highway 23. Heading north from Eureka, the restaurant is on the right and is on a curve so you might (like we did) miss it in the dark.

Staff were all friendly, accomodating and waited on us without interrupting our dinner conversation with lots of inane questions (i.e. “how’s your meal?” for the fifth time while you are in conversation with your table companion). There is a substantial bar in the front area of the restaurant, however, we did not sample, so this review cannot comment on those offerings.

Cozy up and hold hands by the soft glow of the fire, or look deeply into the eyes of your loved one lit only by the glow from the tables votive candle. The Gaskins’ authentic, 145 year old walls of split logs and chinking provide enough ambience on their own and the hunting gear decor is done with a light hand and is not intrustive (a common fault with chain restaurants trying too hard for atmosphere).

Tables are strong and heavy, along with good serviceable silverware, which suits the cabin atmosphere and hearty portioned meals. I doubt that many restauranteurs understand the pyschological impact of sitting down to a steak dinner and having a wimpy knive and fork set!

If you are a traditional meat and potatoes wanting extraordinary good fare then you have picked the right place. We both had steaks: the Prime Rib and the New York Steak. The steaks were incredibly tender – incredible! as they melted in our mouths. Both were perfectly cooked to our direction (which is not easily done considering how many restaurants screw this up!).

The warm baked bread was so soft and tender and it accompanies your order. Serving size is substantial – no skimping here! and you will leave well filled and may have to open your belt another notch.

I can see this being the favorite of groups as they are bound to find something to please anyone, the older crowd, those with more conservative taste in fare, or those seeking comfort food.

However, Gaskins may be a bit too traditional.  The salad for the meal as well as the shrimp were nothing out of the ordinary. The dessert selection was also a bit too narrow. If you are dieting or needing to “eat healthy’ forget having any real selection (although Salmon or Trout would do in a pinch – though the delicious bread will doom you!).

Gaskins does have limited hours and days they are closed so check ahead of time for the schedule.

Reviewed from our December 08 visit.

The LJ Cabooses are located on a mountain north of town, soon after you pass the train station (which is not a recommendation by us for the ESNA – ride is deceptively short, and dinner meals are expensive for average quality). However, what it does mean is that while you are relaxing on your private deck or cuddling in the hot tub, the whistle of the train comes up from the distance (ultra cool!).

The LJ Cabooses have several accomodation choices: at the bottom of the hill is the Depot (which would be appropriate for families or groups); the next caboose is Country Decor # 101; then Victorian #102; and at the top is Old West Decor #103. The cabooses are real and are an exciting piece of history as well as an intimate romantic holiday getaway for an affordable price.

Keep in mind that this is an actual caboose and everything is nestled right into a real train compartment! We found this charming, however, it does mean everything is in miniature. Units have a very small kitchen, more like a mini-fridge and a sink. Bathroom areas, like toilet and shower, are also small.

We enjoyed grilling outside on the coals, while swinging in the hammock under the trees. The glorious hottub on your private deck under the stars, hearing the train whistle down the hill makes for the perfect ending of this storybook ride.

Drawbacks: Over the course of visits, we really saw the deteroriation of the unit. Housekeeping seemed to be poor and haphazard. On our last visit we saw peeling wallpaper, had a too soft bed, and found dead bugs in the window sills.

From reading the guestbook, it seems that the steel caboose is hot in the summer and the AC isn’t as good as it needs to be to compensate, so it may not be the best choice for the peak of the summer season. I would also pass on visiting in the dead of the winter for the same reason.  Try to pick the spring or fall when weather won’t be as extreme.

We also noticed a huge decline in privacy when the Depot was added at the bottom of the hill, and again when the top caboose (#103) was added. This reduction in privacy is the primary reason we no longer stay at the Cabooses.

Real Pluses: the price! For what you receive, you can’t beat the competitive price that is offered for your own private accomodation, with deck and hottub especially as many in-town accomodations keep going up and up.

It’s also not that far out from Eureka Springs and with the build up now on North Main you can park and hop a trolley into town quite easily.

High up on the Romance Meter is the quaintness of staying in a real Caboose. For anyone that likes nesting and cuddling, get ready to ride!

3-4 Visits (primarily in the early fall – September)

However, the Manor changed owners many years ago and during our last visit (Dec. 2008 ) we did a drive by only to see a much abused Lady, with obviously peeling paint in very sad and drab colors. I can only imagine how the inside suites have been neglected.

It saddens us to see the horrible condition the building has been let go to under it’s current owner (not the original). After our experience at staying at another of the current Manor’s owners, a location near downtown (Wren’s Nest), we cannot recommend any of their suites or cottages.

Major problems:

Upkeep and maintenance is not being done. Peeling paint is just the obvious problem.

The Wren’s nest was drafty and creaky which can be expected in an old home, however, we have stayed at many historic buildings and in our experience this building was not restored correctly to be used as an innkeeping accomodation.

The housekeeping is pretty much non-existent – the room was dusty, had cobwebs, and few towels.

Beds were not comfortable and actually had a huge dip in the middle.

Decorating at The Wren’s nest was fussy Faux Victorian and cluttered. We could barely move around without bumping into a shaky table and the chairs were not substantial enough to sit upon.

Check-in and Check-out was an unpleasant experience.

It’s with a heavy heart and much disappointment that we have to say you need to take your business elsewhere to someone who really cares. Thankfully, Eureka Springs offers many who do!

I immediately could see this being a special surprise for a romantic getaway I wanted to plan for hubby. I found the innkeeper (who also owns and manages The Peabody House, among her Lake Lucerne properties) to be helpful and accomodating, especially when unexpected bad weather forced a change in our plans.

Kingfisher is a one level cabin with an expansive deck which overlooks the private complex of Lake Lucerne. Lake Lucerne had been a small resort that had its heyday back midcentury and which you can enjoy through the historical black and white photos adorning the walls. During those years, the property boasted a pool hall, stable and the lake had a waterwheel and slide. Nowadays, things are a bit quieter, yet still delightful.

The 3 bedroom Kingfisher has two bathrooms and from this sitting room (below) you share a fireplace with the two person jacuzzi area. This fireplace is gas, and the fireplace in the living room is woodburning. Both areas open to a large porch with patio seating and a gas grill for outdoor cooking. Although this cabin is not lakefront, Lake Lucerne can easily be seen and accessed from the cabin.

If you want a nostalgic camp feel that is for grownups, Lake Lucerne cottages really deliver. The stone fireplace in the living room has inspired hubby to replicate it with our own fireplace which we had been talking about re-doing into stone. We both loved the woodflooring that is throughout the main living areas and which plays so nicely with the various pieces of furniture, whether they be stained or painted, wood, wicker or leather.

As you look around you’ll note some very clever pieces that all invoke this masculine, lodge feel minus the dusty, stuffed deer heads and jackalopes you see at most “cabin” establishments. The furniture is masculine colors of leather, black, brown and tan with a check chair for that touch of grandma’s home.

Further details are found in the metal laboratory stools that are at the breakfast bar, the leather chair with brass nailheads, and the Queen Anne style dining table with all mismatched, yet still Queen Anne, styled chairs.

This makes the Kingfisher a great spot for women not into flowers, or the males in the party who want something more traditional in design then pink and rose. For those bringing children, the floor plan is open with little that kids can bang into (another common problem with overdecorated “Victorian-fuss” rooms).

As many already noted in the guest book, this King sized bed at Kingfisher is the best experience of Heaven on Earth. The bed linens are of the highest quality and downfilled. Finding a King sized bed isn’t always easy in Eureka where rooms can be small.

We enjoyed our winter stay very much – some things to keep in mind is that Lake Lucerne, though private, is very close to Eureka and only takes less then 5 minutes driving to be downtown; the heater worked well for it being cold (which can be a problem with some Eureka properties); the large deck would be awesome for entertaining a family party; and the lake does have catch-and-release fishing and a wonderful floating gazebo.

The facility actually has a nice sized kitchen so if you were staying longer and wanted to cook at home, or had a family party, it would suit very well.

Our only concern would be staying during the height of Eureka’s busy season. The property does have several cabins and you might want more privacy (this is a personal choice though).

We definitely have put it down as out top choice though when we want to bring the kids (ages 15 and 11) as the country setting, lake, private country feeling, with close access to town as well as the fishing and deck for cookouts would be fantastic!

First Visit: 12-08

Simply put, Something Simple takes the humble beginnings of Shabby Chic and brings it to the level of Paris chic. Her store is filled with shades of white and cream with accents of black. All of it is saved with a subtle whimsy you see throughout, such as the detailed cards on the stair steps, making this store a winner.

The metal benches and wire baskets with numbered signs were a huge temptation on this shopping trip. I loved the little white bird with the gold crown and even now, regret that I didn’t snatch up the last prince to take home. Speaking to me was my ever fascination with antique keys, and the wire displays for photographs and memos. China, some select pieces of larger furniture, linens and a few florals round out this store. 

Lettered balls, soaps and silver

The lettered balls (above) were just one of those whimsical items I had to take home with me. Balls were also available in numbers and would make a treasured reminder of a special date or lover’s initials.

This is a store that I will enjoy seeing change from season to season during our upcoming visits. It’s also a place where I’ll always find something to take away that is affordable and fits within my own design of a non-white, house decor.

If you love Kaylene Shepard’s style of decorating, you may want to check out Meringue Cottage at Beaver Lake for a romantic retreat.

Something Simple (map)
Note: this map is not entirely accurate if you search by address alone.  It’s on the sharp turn, where Wall St. exits onto Hwy 62. The building is yellow cream with white trim.
Parking is easy and free – right behind the store.
107 E. Van Buren Street (Hwy 62)
Eureka Springs, Arkansas 72632
479.253.2068

I was very tempted by the Washing Powder tin and the Farmhouse line of linen spays. The Vintage Ladies made me laugh, and I loved the really, really small gift tins with seeds you could give to your friends (at $1.50 how cool was that!?). Other products included aprons, gardening items, candles, soap and various gift items from 1950′s inspired retro, soft pastels, polka dots and shabby chic.

Strengths: Price range is good and you can definitely find something cute and clever for a girlfriend, sister or mom. Great place to shop for a ladies group visit. Be sure to give Sophie, the shop dog, a good petting. She loves people!

This shop is near the Visitors Center (one of several throughout town), an ice-cream shop, Granny Grunts (another gift shop), and Christmas Traditions. It’s easy highway access, free parking, tree covered lot, and a gentle stroll through interesting shops makes it a good way to spend some quiet time from the downtown bustle.

Drawbacks: this store could be improved with a few locally made items, such as soaps as opposed to products that I could buy from my gift shop at home. A few kitchy items from local artists would also help make it more unique to Eureka Springs.

Since it was the end of their tourist season the store did seem a little light on variety and quantity.  However, I will definitely return though in the spring as I am sure I could find another treasure, just like my little bird, that needs to fly away home with me.

Tip: It’s a good place to picnic and the Fire Tower is a hit with kids (you can climb for a great view for a nominal fee).

Tip: A good place to park (free), get info about Eureka at the visitors’ center, picnic, view some neat stores, and then catch a trolley downtown.

Feather Your Nest (map)
Feather Your Nest Shop blog
512 Village Circle (Pine Mountain Village)
Eureka Springs, AR 72632
479-253-5653

In Spring 08, we first ventured into this gallery and was welcomed warmly by their new shopkeeper, Christine. I hope the owners know what a Treasure she is! Probably the best thing in there (and they have some wonderful art) is Christine. She knows lots of personal information about the artists, the pieces they are showcasing and is welcoming without being pushy (a delicate balance indeed).

Christine pointed us to several items that once I had a chance to really look them over I knew I would definitely want to add them to our collection:

Cindy Glavan, local artist, had sculpted wall hangings in the shapes of leaves. During our spring visit we bought an Oak Leaf (protection, prosperity and strength) and with the winter added the Sassasfras (healthing, wealth) and a Cherry (love, romance). These were worked in copper and since she is moving on into another medium, we felt we needed to snatch these up.

Lotus Cat and Labyrinth

Other art, by locals and out of state artists give a good mix of paintings, prints, jewelry, pottery, and glass. Finding a balance – of artists both in and outside of Eureka, as well as those in various mediums – seems to be an issue for other galleries, yet Iris blends it with grace and style.

This Lotus cat is now sitting at my desk with the Labyrinth spiral I had bought at Iris in the Spring.

Raku hand rattle

If you are a fan of Pete the Cat, you will find his prints here, as well as some that are specific to Eureka Springs such as Pete the Cat at the Crescent.

The Raku fired rattle (right) really appealed to Mike, who is part Native American. Not only is the rattle sound wonderful but the Raku fired colors shimmer.

Overall, we’ve noticed a trend in the Eureka galleries for higher and higher art pieces, especially those in glass and well over $100. Unfortunately, this means they are pricing themselves out of what we can afford while on a vacation (that in itself is not cheap).  Thankfully, Iris has many affordable items that are chic, clever and unusual. In consequence, a lot of our shopping budget was spent here the last two trips.

Iris at the Basin is part of the family that includes Serendipity at the Crescent (another gallery). IonArt has a really good article about this gallery and it’s owners.

Iris at the Basin (gallery)
Location: next door to Basin Park, where Main splits and you go up on Spring.
8 Spring St
Eureka Springs, AR 72632
(479) 253-9494

Unfortunately, this little shop is now in danger of closing. The shopkeeper has had such an outpouring of support that she is hoping to find a new location. I’ll post more as we hear!

This entry (and there will be others about the Crescent) is primarily about using the Lounge within the Hotel, where we spent a beautiful late afternoon spring day. Enjoy a scenic view of the valley at Dr. Bakers’ Lounge on the 4th floor. Definitely, the Lounge is not a spot to miss in the fall or spring when the beauty of the landscape is in it’s top peak. The Christ of the Ozarks and the scenic turnout gazebo is also clearly visible from this location. You can use the long distance view finders or bring some binoculors.

During the daytime hours, the Lounge is open to families but in the late afternoon/evening it becomes Adults Only due to the alcoholic drinks they serve. A separate viewing entrance to the balcony is also available if you don’t want to use the lounge.

The afternoon, spring weather was beautiful enough that we enjoyed the balcony while snacking upon some delicious burger sliders. The food was very good, priced well (expect to pay about $10 per entree/appetizer), and offers a children’s menu.

We were told by the bar staff that the food had to come up from the downstairs kitchen as there is no kitchen in the lounge area which got us to thinking there might be delays in the Lounge receiving food if the downstairs Crystal Dining Room is extremely busy (this was nothing we experienced but during peak periods and wedding parties, I would take that into consideration if you are in the Lounge).

The inside of the Lounge is wildly decorated in deep purples and silver, an Art Deco style and color scheme that apparently the (now deceased) Dr. Baker favored when he was in charge of the Crescent as a cancer “treatment” retreat. The Lounge offers one big screen television, and a very decorative bar area. There is ample staff, dressed in scrubs, ready to serve your needs.

Other accomodations for the visitor includes: free WiFi (which can be a bit tricky around Eureka as most romantic lodgings do not offer it); the New Moon Spa; public restrooms; a formal dining experienced at the Crystal Dining Room; a nightly ghost tour; free parking; major trolley stop; and scenic gardens around the grounds where we were entertained by a local Roadrunner.

Tip (walking paths for easy downtown access):

Circle the Crescent gardens and start downhill on Crescent Dr. where you gain access to two walking paths: the Magnolia and the Crescent. Both will lead you to the top of Spring Street and then downtown.  These paths take you through the woods and hillside, while providing a backdoor look at the interesting architecture of this Victorian town.

 The benefit to entering downtown from the top of Spring Street is that all your walking will be downhill and it takes less then 10 minutes before you start reaching the shops at Upper Spring St. When you get the bottom of Main you can take the trolley from the main depot right back up to the Crescent Hotel, enjoying all the views of the Victorian houses without the hassle of driving.

The Crescent Hotel – Dr. Bakers’ Lounge
map
In Season
Monday – Friday: 11:00am – Midnight
Saturday: 11:00am – Midnight
Sunday: 2:00pm – 10:00pm

Off Season
Monday – Friday: 11:00am – 10:00pm
Saturday: 11:00am – Midnight
Sunday: 2:00pm – 10:00pm

Last call is given 30 minutes prior to closing

Last Updated Dec-08

Because this confectionary makes their product right there, as soon as you step in you are swept into a wave of confectionary smells. All of the candy has a wonderful, FRESH taste that you can’t get from boxed candies.

Hard candy, licorice and of course taffy will entice the kids and the kid in you: chocolate dipped cherries and strawberries, Caramel Turtles, Truffles of all sorts, chocolate covered pretzels, mint or raspberry meltaways, are available in a variety of chocolates: white, dark or milk, making Sweet’s a chocoholic’s dream! And for those who need sugar free they have a tremendous selection to choose from to make you happy.

Of course we couldn’t leave either without picking out some of our favorite fudge, Tiger Butter, which melts like a dream on our tongue. We took a few dipped Strawberries and cherries too, made our way up to Crescent Spring park and had a little picnic on top of the rock path, overlooking the street.

If you don’t want to go downtown or need a sugar fix fast, there is a highway loop location (Gaskin Switch shopping mall area). However, this store location isn’t as “quaint” and we found the personnel a bit more abrupt.

Tip: This small store quickly becomes packed. Be sure to bring cash and when stepping up to the counter know what you want.

Tip: Sweet’s provides perfect delights for taking back to your romantic lodging and eating in your bubble-filled jacuzzi — or get a selection to take away for that picnic at Beaver Lake. Generally, delicate candies are packed in small white boxes so if you know you are carrying it for takeaway just make sure your’s is protected (although I make no guarantees you don’t eat it before it gets to it’s destination).

Sweet’s Fudge Kitchen (map)
36 Spring St., Eureka Springs, AR 72632 
(479) 253-5810

Last Updated Dec – 08