Eureka Thyme

A delightful gift shop with many works by local artists. The shopkeeper was extremely helpful and welcoming.

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!

A view (with snacks) at the Baker Lounge

The Crescent Hotel is not only a landmark in Eureka Springs but has become a huge commerical business that seems dedicated to the idea of swallowing the entire town. We have mixed feelings about the goals of the owners of this historic landmark, but you can’t beat the fact that the Crescent offers many things: a good launching spot for exploring Eureka, free parking, free wifi, trolley stop, beautiful gardens, free view, and easy access to downtown with a downhill walk.

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

Sweets gives the perfect sugar rush

Sweets’ Fudge Kitchen is downtown on Spring Street. You can’t miss it because everyone will be stopped outside on the sidewalk with their noses pressed against the plate glass window to watch the Taffy Pulling Machine.

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

Eureka I found Yoga!

Trying to do a search for a yoga class in Eureka proved to be more difficult then I imagined. Not only did none of the popular Eureka Springs websites have a class schedule but even the search engines required that I dig and dig to find classes. I’m so glad that I did! I just didn’t know that Yoga in Eureka Springs was one of those Secrets that I’m telling you abound in this town.

Jack Kroeck often holds a Yoga class held at The Space (which now has it’s own website!)- although check the latest schedule as it does fluctuate due to seasons and his time in and out of town. A local told me The Space was cat-y-corner from the post office. During our daytime trip downtown I tried to locate it but was coming up empty. Nothing around the post office (at the top of Spring from downtown) said The Space or signified that a yoga class was anywhere within 30 miles!

Luckily, I stopped in at the Eureka Gourmet store who told me that it might, might be that loft area in the white building. When I came back that night, it was indeed there! A staircase leads up to a staircase to a large second floor with wooden floors and windows. This has all been renovated since our last visit, as this building once housed a Bells and Chimes museum and shop. Apparently, the upstairs was completely let go and when the building changed hands the upstairs was restored to be a functional space again. It’s truly going to be an asset to Eureka so I hope the owners continue to find ways to creatively use it too inspire.

If you are new and/or a beginner to Yoga, this class would be appropriate; an experienced Yogi might find this class a bit too simple although in my opinion there is always more to learn even with simple positions and exercises. For me, it fit because I’m trying to get back to my practice and though it was difficult and stretched me, I didn’t feel I couldn’t participate.

It was also the first time I’ve taken Yoga outside of the studio I use in my own town and was different – not bad, just different. At home, my teacher gives the Indian and common name to each position (asana), though I have read this is often skipped in more layman classes. She also takes time walking around coaching and assisting class participants (and though Jack did this, it wasn’t as intensive which may have been due to him knowing most of the participants from previous classes).

The yoga instructor I favor at home also discusses a philosophical aspect before beginning class, while Jack keeps it simple and lets you take your own direction. Jack’s approach may suit you better and allow less friction with your personal beliefs.

Jack’s class begins with meditative breathing (pranayanma). Our asansas included Downward Facing Dog, Plank, Side Plank, Warrior II, Child pose, Forward Bend, and others I can’t recall off the top of my head. Like all yoga classes it seems to deceptively simple until you try to breathe while holding that asana! LOL!

If you find yourself lost, just look to your mat partner. This can also help you learn ways to adapt a difficult pose. For example, Jack said if you couldn’t place your forward on the mat in Child’s pose to stack your fists on one another and rest your chin on that support. For example, in forward bend you may not be able to reach the floor, but you could put your hands at calf level or on a block.

By the end of class I was red in the face from hanging upside down. I failed to bring a bottle of water and that was a big mistake! I took a break midway through class and drank some water in the bathroom so I could keep going.

Class size was comfortably large with at least 12 participants. Ages and experience levels were mixed and everyone was friendly. As with all yoga classes, have respect for the quiet, meditative beginnings, try to come a bit early to set up. Mats and blocks are available; if you have your own strap be sure to bring it. Dress in clothes you can stretch in and have fun!

Classes are immensely affordable and parking is available along Spring St. and being evening should be easily obtained. Be aware that the street that branches up from Spring does have a parking lot but after that parking lot the street becomes one way and that way is down!

If you want a way to meet locals in a feel-good atmosphere, Jack’s yoga could be the place to start

Updated 12/08 – Winter Yoga at The Space (also available for receptions) is being guided by Carol Saari while Jack is out of town. Classes are being offered Mondays and Thursdays at 6 p.m.  Class fees: $8 per class unless you attend two classes in the same week, then the second class is $4.

Spirit of Eureka’s website for dates and info

Fire Om Earth Studio – holdsYogaBellyChi and Tai Chi classes throughout the week.

Little Bread Co. gives the local dish

Updated 12/08 ~ The Little Bread Co. has closed.

 

Visiting the Little Bread Co., located in The Quarter shopping block, is always fun. The staff is young, vibrant and happy. They can give you a feel-good day – and the yummy desserts satisfy … all at a very good price as most everything is under $8 and the desserts under $4. And its soooo easy to pull in, park and grab something really filling. The LBCo can be a retreat from the downtown hubbub with its relaxing outdoor patio and atmosphere.

 

For our lunch, I had the Mediterranean sandwich (Greek olives, feta, tomatoes, cucumbers, sprouts, roasted red peppers, onions and vinaigrette on soft focaccia). Everything was very fresh tasting and the bread moist (in a good way – indicating freshness).

 

Mike had the Chicken Florentine – roasted chicken breast, spinach feta spread, Provolone, tomatoes nd citrus mayo on a baguette. Due to a delivery problem they didn’t have the spinach feta, but after a discussion with him, they customized it to make him happy.

 

As with several places we visited for lunch, it would be nice to have an alternative to chips – perhaps an apple, banana chips, stone ground chips, low fat Lay chips, fruit cup etc… especially with such a café that offers, generally, a healthy food selection.

 

Bake days are Monday, Wednesday and Friday. They even offer a service where they will call you when your favorite bread has just emerged from the oven!

 

Traditionalists may like the Turkey and Swiss, Ham and Swiss, Turkey Gobbler (turkey with cranberry sauce and stuffing) or the Italian Stallion (beef tenderloin, salami). However, if you are a Vegan, you are bound to find some selections here to please.

 

For a lighter calorie lunch, be sure to check out the salad options. Basic salads include romaine lettuce, field greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, carrots, sprouts, celery and croutons.  They you can “build your own” where you decide what you want added: sunflower seeds, pepperoncini, fresh basil, olives, roasted red peppers, feta, avocado, turkey, ham, cheddar, provolone, Swiss, roasted chicken breast, beef tenderloin, or pan seared tuna!

 

The LBCo is very kid friendly, with toys and books for the very young as well as space for them to move around and be comfortable. If you are a parent you know the horror of having young children bounding around a fine restaurant! Sometimes these young kids need to move and the Little Bread Company’s patio makes a lovely spot to dine with or without children.

 

The LBCo. menu has excellent picnic selections such as a wide selection of delectable sandwiches that can be served hot or cold, and desserts that can be taken in your basket.

 

Tip: The LBCo has a bulletin board and is a great resource board to find out what is happening in town such as bands, concerts, arts, and just general stuff. The staff can be helpful too in providing suggestions – be sure to ask what there favorite activities and places are in Eureka.

For additional picnic foods, check out the store next door – an organic grocery store. This store in the Quarter has another bulletin board to discover local happenings and business cards.

Little Bread Company, The Quarter Shopping Center (map)

121 East Van Buren Eureka Springs, AR 72632

(479) 253-0800

Cafe Soleil – our time in the sun

In discussions around town, one restaurant kept being recommended: Café Soleil. We wanted to try it earlier but the times we kept driving by it was closed or we were off to another adventure. When we did get our chance to stop in we immediately saw why it was recommended often by locals.

 

Soleil has very convenient access and parking as it is located on the highway loop, the east side of town. The café is large, roomy and airy – lots of windows and a screened in porch that would be extremely nice in warmer weather. Motifs of suns were everywhere, even the rayed striations on the small condiment holders of our salad dressing.

 

Each table had a small vase with two fresh, striped tulips – orange and red. With Spring not quite here it was lovely to have that little touch of what the season is about to bring. It’s this attention to all the small details that makes life lovely, and which always sets Eureka above other places we’ve visited.

 

After our experiences at Local Flavor with our waitstaff, the difference here was notable. The staff was cheerful, helpful in their suggestions, happy to please but not excessive in their attentions. Since we were close to the kitchen, I could glance over husband’s shoulder and see the staff joking and laughing (something about “no, not that ex-wife, but the other one…” I can’t say for certain but the work atmosphere must be good at the Soliel and that often produces good service and good food.

 

Our appetizer was the Spinach Artichoke with mushrooms spread onto triangles of fresh, soft pita-like bread. This wasn’t your typical variety of overly creamy textured dip, instead it had a texture and chunk to it with the spinach, artichokes and mushrooms. Definitely, restaurant prepared and not out of can.

 

Mike selected the Lemon Chicken Fettuccine.  This was very fresh tasting and light, with very tender chicken.  The lemon sauce was wonderful, light and creamy and full of rich savory lemon flavor.  Most lemon seasonings I find have very little flavor, but this tasted like they must have denuded several lemon trees to concentrate the full lemony essence.  Not too tart or too sweet, just full of flavor and aroma.  A great portion size too, enough to satisfy but not to feel stuffed.   

 

I selected the Shrimp Fettuccine. As soon as I saw the shrimp and definitely as they entered my mouth my first thought was, “now here is a chef that knows how to prepare shrimp.” Many times shrimp will just taste like a chewy grub! It comes from being overcooked or a poor selection of shrimp. These shrimp had a smoky, textured flavor that was perfectly complemented by the creamy fettuccine.

 

For dessert we shared the Chocolate Mousse Cake. Café Soliel won the Best Chocolate Recipe Cake at the Chocolate Festival and this cake reflects their expertise. I even overhead another diner send by complements to the chef via the waitress in regards to this cake. This Mousse Cake is like eating a wedge of chocolate cake fudge. The mousse is thick and dense, and the chocolate flavor melts in your mouth like a fudgesicle.

 

The only caveat that I have about our meal was the use of parsley as a decorative garnish on top. It kept reminding me of Chef Gordon Ramsey and his dislike of this garnish. I have to admit that I would prefer that it also be banished as these fine dishes do not need these faux décor – it’s like gilding the lily.

 

Whoever is the chef at the Soleil is going places.

Perfect for the friends eating out and couples. This restaurant would be family friendly though your younger crowd may not find any chicken nuggets or pizza to make them happy enough. The price per item can be a bit high if you are feeding a family party (items ranging from $9-12 for lunch) so if you are feeding the pickier, younger crowd you might want to select another restaurant (i.e. the local Subway, Pizza Hut or Chelsea’s).

 

Cafe Soleil (map)
3094 E Van Buren, Eureka Springs, AR 72632
(479) 253-2345

Hold hands at Local Flavor

Night found us downtown and looking for a place for a “little smackeral.” We stopped in at Local Flavor, a restaurant I’ve previously avoided like the plague due to its location on busy Main, across from the major Trolley Depot. During other visits, at high traffic times, this place is packed shoulder to shoulder.

 

While the outside needs a good painting and a fresh garden (please speak to the man doing the city gardens on how to improve your entry steps), the interior ambience is sleek, expensive and refined. Lighting is romantically dimmed, tables elegant and a deck for those who want to people watch up and down Main is also an option during warmer weather.

 

The menu was simple but deceptively so. We started with some Crab Cakes and Roasted Brie as appetizers. Ohmigod! The Crab Cakes were simply the most delectable, melt in your mouth, crab that I’ve eaten – better even then when I’ve eaten fresh seafood by the sea. “Simply amazing” is all I could gasp out while I gobbled them down.  Even Mike, a seafood hater, loved them.  They were so creamy, full of smooth flavor.

 

Mike preferred the Roasted Brie – baked in a pastry shell and drizzled with honey, the plate was surrounded by fresh pear slices, wafer thin and crispy: a perfect combination of flavors, the warm, savory, melting brie with the flaky pastry and the sweetness of the honey and pears.  It looks like a large amount when they serve it, but it disappears very fast and is not so heavy to spoil your appetite for dinner.

 

If I have one complaint and it is a major one, it was our waitress. Her face held a rich vastness of the most disbelieving, snob-filled disdain as she found out we were only going to order an appetizer! Her annoyance pervaded the entire meal and I looked wistfully upon other tables where they were served by serene and helpful waitstaff. Our water glasses even had to be filled by others as she couldn’t be bothered.

 

What is inconceivable to me is that between our two appetizers and our dessert our tab was well over $50. We had arrived about 30 minutes prior to closing so I think we were well worth her 30 minutes of attending us at our small two person table. Receiving poor service is unusual in Eureka so I have to admit I was very surprised.

 

Meanwhile, over and over again, we heard shopkeepers lamenting about the poor economy and how it is hurting the tourist trade of Eureka Springs. Hm…. So in this time of economic trouble, it would be wise for our $50 plus to be appreciated as the sacrifice it was from our budget instead of the burden it was assumed to be by a waitress.

 

This restaurant would be most appropriate for a romantic couple, or those who want to experience some fine dining in Eureka Springs while downtown. Just my opinion but this restaurant would not be suitable to families of young children – the disruption and the collection of baby paraphernalia (stroller, baby carrier, etc…) would be frowned upon. Also the menu is geared towards those who really appreciate their meals and as a parent to two children I can tell you that food is not high up on their appreciation list.

 

We ate here for dinner, and looking over the lunch menu, I would suspect that the atmosphere is less formal during the day. The prices are on par with what you would get for a mid-range restaurant for lunch, however, dinner is definitely on the higher end of the price range.

 

Cuisine would best fit “Fine American Dining” – steaks and chicken with traditional dishes though served with exceptional taste. Expect to shell out a minimum of $20 per person and probably more if you order drinks, appetizers or desserts with your entrée. Definitely, Local Flavor is on our list to return, though hopefully with a different waitress.

 

Local Flavor (map)

71 S Main St., Eureka Springs, AR 72632
(479) 253-9522