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COME EARLY for hiking &
C EA OM RL E Y
mountain biking trails. Visit the Bible Museum and Gift Shop, and enjoy the Holy Land Tour or the Backstage Tour. Advanced reservations required for both tours. Stand beneath the 67’ tall Christ of the Ozarks or in front of a section of the Berlin Wall.
STAY LATE and visit the Nativity Display S LA TAY TE
in the Chapel. Experience Christmas with the drive-through light display Thanksgiving evening through Jan. 1, Thursdays thru Sundays. Light display begins at dark until 8 p.m.
Check the Website for the 2020 Passion Play performance schedule.
The Play has become a touchstone of Christian culture. ~ Los AngeLes Times
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Contents 7
Tea! Crisis management since 1652
9
Tour of other people’s Homes you won’t forget
10 Beethoven on stage 14 Alexa, where am I? 19 It’s hard to repair your body
with duct tape Eureka Springs used to be a well-kept secret, but we started blabbing about how great the mountains, music and art are, and poof! Now we’re open all year, have our share of warm winter days, and know you take your chances going anywhere between January and March. Spending time here is a worthwhile chance to take – your three days could magically expand to five if Colorado sends us ski weather. Eureka Springs is the way it is due to preservation. The town is authentically Victorian, not built to look Victorian. Victorians were a fussy lot, so the details on rock walls, three-story houses that cling to hillsides like possums on a branch, and narrow roads that twist like ropes up steep mountainsides, are impeccable. Eureka Springs is not easy to navigate, or even find, it’s just nicely done. But here’s the thing, you could be so surprised at what beauty silence offers. You’ll be warm, restaurants are open, and on a Saturday evening you could find anything from a cello concerto to limoncello. If you’re locked in for a bit waiting for roads to thaw, you’re in the right place. Relaxation is what we’re about, and no one has ever been arrested for having cabin fever. It’s more of a rapture than a fever to spend time where it’s calm and untroubled, when all you have to do is turn the page or watch the eagles. That sounds like a bedtime story. Guess that’s why it’s our favorite time of year. +
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The only one missing is Elf-is Presley
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Just when we think the year’s finished, we start all over
24
Crescent College just before the last Roaring ‘20s
27 Get moving AND MORE PAGES WITH MORE FUN STUFF
...is all about fun and it’s actually a guide! What to do, where to go, how to get there and how to plan a day in order to get it all in – packed into one publication you can keep in your car or hotel room and consult about how to make the most of your time in Eureka Springs. December 2019/January 2020 Vol. 8 No. 3
2.4 oz. of what we think you’ll like. Too heavy? Read it online!
EurekaFun.com Story ideas and information for Eureka Springs FUN GUIDE can be emailed to Editor Mary Pat Boian EurekaFunGuide@gmail.com D(sigh)n Perlinda Pettigrew-Owens perlinda@gmail.com Proofreader Jeremiah Alvarado What’s fun in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, cobbled together by the staff of The Eureka Springs Independent, Inc.
On the cover
Post-it Notes: Event submissions, reviews and contests EurekaFunGuide@gmail.com, 479.253.6101
Blakeley Wilson learned to paint before she could write, and it’s a good thing because writing would steal her time from painting. She sees the world in pictures, not sentences. Here she is in the studio with one of her cats, Hazel, and her Dobie, Moonpie, is probably at her feet. Blakeley is contented and creative when animals are close. Blakeley Wilson lives in an already beautiful place and always makes it even more beautiful. Look what she’s done for the Fun Guide! + (See ad on p. 12)
Advertising Sales Michael Owens MOwensESiSales@gmail.com, 479.659.1461 Advertising Deadline is approximately the 2nd of each month.
Please RECYCLE
Lapping it up – Blakeley and Hazel painting
Copyright 2019
Eureka Springs FUN GUIDE is published 10 times a year. EurekaFun.com
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December & January happenings
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THURSDAY
DECEMBER
Get this
par-tea started
The benevolence of Eureka Springs is consistent and deep. When a cause is in need of a significant boost, any effective fundraiser offers something in return. Enter the 53rd Silver Tea, a holiday launch into winter holidays hosted by the ladies of St. James Episcopal Church. The tea started in 1966 when Broadway and silent screen ballroom dancer Irene Castle donated her silver tea service to St. James. Mrs. Castle was an internationally acclaimed artist who retired to Eureka Springs. Silver Tea organizers have raised thousands and thousands of dollars for area charities by offering an elegant spot of tea, light sandwiches, and lively conversation in the gorgeous Crystal Dining Room at the Crescent Hotel. Admission is by donation, and recipient of this year’s altruism is ECHO Dental Clinic. Money will allow the two-chair free clinic, currently providing extractions, to take a giant step toward offering dentures. Crescent Hotel, Thursday, Dec. 5, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m., and open to the public. +
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FRIDAY
DECEMBER
d We plea
elf defense
If Eureka Springs weren’t already known as an authentic Victorian spa town we’d be known as a superlative parade town. Spring Street is ideal for a parade with wide sidewalks, a sloping route, five or eight bars, and numerous shops before you get to the dazzling holiday display in Basin Park. 6 p.m. Friday, December 6, the parade is scheduled for an hour but taking it all in might take two because there’s more to a parade than bands, floats and horses. Crowds, lights, candy canes and bead tossing, and all that wondering how you got here, how lucky you are, and where’d you park? You know what they say – don’t mess with Santa, he’s got a black belt. + continued... EurekaFun.com
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SATURDAY
DECEMBER
Brought to you by those who know a smoke alarm is not a timer First Saturday in December, the 7th, the Eureka Springs Fire Department shares a special treat downtown between 10 and noon. When a fire department makes its trucks sparkle and shine like the sun you can’t be sure if it’s for Santa Claus or Sandra Claus, but we’re betting all you kids, yes you, will have big fun. Basin Park, where good things have always happened. +
PERFECT TIME TO GO SEE THE GREAT PASSION PLAY LIGHT DISPLAY, THURSDAY-SUNDAY, DUSK-8 P.M.
Crazy Science Fact:
Music
Is your favorite color Christmas lights
A building is like a person –
Today is the self-guided Tour of Homes but wait! There’s more… On the top of town, the historic loop, Ten White Street Gallery and Regalia Handmade Clothing are hosting open houses to showcase accomplished artists and make your holiday shopping sooo much easier. Fran Carlin’s decorative or wearable intricate mosaics; Mark Rademacher’s leaf shadows pit-fired pottery; Barbara Kennedy’s paintings that whirl with color, light and detail, or her stone and glass beaded neck pieces; works by art therapist and painting intuitive Brita Rekve; Mark Hughes’ delicate and elaborate clothing – and more, more, more. Participating studios are open from 10 to 8 on Saturday and noon to 5 on Sunday. +
Every Christmas season since 1979, Eureka Springs homeowners and fastidious preservationists have welcomed travelers into their homes for a glimpse into how and why this town still takes their breath away. Tie on or slide into your most comfortable rubberbottomed walking shoes and spend a couple of hours learning about structures in town that have survived fires and steep hillsides and developers. Tickets cost a twenty, go to eurekaspringspreservationsociety.org to see the dozen buildings included in this year’s tour. Tickets also sold the day of the tour at the Transit & Welcome Center on US62. Homes on Ridgeway, which is the top of town on the historic loop, and others on upper Spring, have those who know what they’re talking about guide and inform you about architecture and history of a smattering of Eureka’s unusual homes. Two churches, Penn Memorial, where the Holiday Island Singers will perform from 4 – 6, and St. James Episcopal, are included. Proceeds go to beautify the town. +
?
unrepeatable
continued...
Everybody loves Saturday night and options here are plentiful. Spend an hour in the Aud, where all seats are good and sound floats like a soaring eagle. Hear Grammy® and Emmy-nominated John Two-Hawks, Catherine Reed, and the Bentonville Washington Jr. High Girls’ Choir connect you with the depth of indigenous celebration. Tickets are from $15 to $55 at johntwohawks.com, and this concert benefits ECHO Village. +
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December & January happenings
An artist isn’t necessarily a special person, but each person is a special kind of artist
13 FRIDAY
DECEMBER
How to sit in Eureka and think you’re in
Vienna
Twenty-four artists from the NWA Ballet Theatre take the Aud stage on Friday the 13th for an evening of twirls, pirouettes and theater. Ballet on steroids? No. Ballet on mystery? Kind of. Immortal Beloved: Possessed by Genius is a contemporary dance that begins with the death of Beethoven and
the search for his “Immortal Beloved,” to whom he left his estate. This portrait-on-stage is all Beethoven compositions in the background, all enigmatic in plot, and all fine-tuned dance. Show starts at 7:30, goes 2 ½ hours, tix at theaud.org. +
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“Stroll” is one of our favorite words. It implies a leisurely pace and attitude. It means you’re paying attention, soaking in your surroundings. Eureka Springs galleries offer only original works of art. We understand that not all art is for all people, and we understand that people know instantly what they like. That’s why gallery owners spend their time looking at art, choosing the art they like, and showcasing it in their unique gallery. They do the fancy footwork so all you have to do is amble, take your time, and choose art that appeals to you. Saturday evening, Dec. 14, Spring, Main and Center Sts. will be electric with holiday activity. Be the quiet one in the crowd. Saunter quietly and take a long, personal look at what’s in our galleries. Find the perfect Christmas morning gift and get it for yourself. +
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One’s art goes as far and as deep as one’s love goes – Andrew Wyeth
Artists Galleries
Create a personal gallery stroll Second Saturday Strolls are winding down the season with more participants than ever! Many of the galleries below will take part this month, and if you’re not here on the second Saturday, just build your own stroll and enjoy an artful adventure.
Art Colony, 185 N. Main, www.theartcolonyeurekasprings.com or Facebook, (479) 981-2626 Canvas & Lens Gallery, 1 Center Street, upstairs inside Eureka and Company, (479) 856-3578 Cherokee Mountain Gallery, 5307 US 62E www.mcallistergallery.com, (479) 253-5353. 83 Spring Street, www.83springstreet.com, (479) 253-8310. 85 Spring Street Gallery, www.melshipleysculpture.com, (479) 244-7190. Eureka Fine Art Gallery, 2 Pine St., www.eurekafineartgallery.com (479) 363-6000. Eurekan Art Studio, 150 N. Main, (479) 253-0928. Fantasy & Stone, 60 Spring, www.FantasyandStone.com and Facebook, (479) 253-5891. Fire Om Earth Art Studio & Retreat Center, 872 Mill Hollow Rd, www.fireomearth.com (479) 244-6273. Fusion Squared, 84 Spring , www.eurekafusion.com, (479) 253-4999. Iris at the Basin Park, 8 Spring, www.irisatthebasinpark.com, (479) 253-9494. J. Foster Art/Photo Gallery & Studio, 217 N. Main – Unit B, www.jfosterphotography.net, (479) 244-7179 J.A. Nelson Gallery, 37 Spring (upper level), www.janelsongallery.com, (479) 253-4314. Jewel Box, 40 Spring, www.thejewelboxgallery.com, (479) 253-7828. Keels Creek Gallery and Winery, www.keelscreek.com, (479) 253-9463. Lady Bug Emporium, 51 S. Main, www.ladybugemporium.com, (479) 319-3117 Larry Mansker Studio, 711 Mill Hollow Road, www.larrymanskerstudio.com, (479) 253-5751. Lost Penguin, 14 Center St., (479) 244-5287, www.lostpenguineureka.com, or The Lost Penguin on Facebook Mitchell’s Folly, 130 Spring, (479) 253-7030. Mosaic Studio, 123 Spring, www.eurekaspringsartists.com, (479) 244-5981. Muse, 12 S. Main Street Paradise Pottery, 320 CR 210, see Facebook, (479) 253-1547. Phyl Arte Art Studio and Gallery, 164 North Main St., PhyllisPlumleyArt.etsy.com, (480) 286-6745. Quicksilver Art / Fine Craft Gallery, 73 Spring, www.quicksilvergallery.com. (479) 253-7679. Regalia Handmade Clothing Studio / Showroom, 16 White Street, regaliahandmadeclothing. com, (479) 253-2202 Roxy’s Upper Room Local Art Expressions, 95 Spring, (479) 981-6205. Facebook Sacred Art Center, Passion Play grounds, www.greatpassionplay.org, (800) 882-7529. Sacred Earth Gallery, 15845 US 62 W, www.ecr3.com, (479) 253-7644. Serendipity at the Crescent Hotel, www.serendipityatthecrescent.com. (479) 253-2769. Statton Gallery and Madison’s Garden, 137 Spring Street, www.StattonGallery.com, (479) 363-6848, (817) 903-3301 Studio 34, 34 Main St., www.facebook.com/teresapelliccioart/ Studio 62, 335 W. Van Buren (62W), www.studio62.biz, (479) 363-9209. Susan Morrison Gallery, 1221 Hwy. 187, www.susanmorrisongallery.com, appointment only, (479) 253-8788. Sweet Spot Art Gallery, 125 Spring, (479) 981-9111 Teresa Pelliccio Art @ Ragazza di Volo Studio, 34B N. Main, Facebook, appointment only, (479) 253-6807. Treehouse Gift Shop, 165 W. Van Buren, www.treehousecottages.com, (479) 253-8667. Viso Gallery, 63 N. Main, Facebook, (479) 363-4446 Wilson & Wilson Folk Art, 23 Spring, www.wilsonandwilsonfolkart.com, (479) 253-5105. Zarks Fine Design Gallery, 67 Spring, www.zarksgallery.com, (479) 253-2626, (877) 540-9805. + 12
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Bombadils
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Bavarian Inn
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Studio 62
Rowdy Beaver
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Cottage Inn
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Angler’s Restaurant
• •
Ermilio’s
Rogue’s Manor
Brews 85 Spring Nibbles
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Mitchell’s Folly
HI Country Club
• • ••
Jewel Box
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Grand Taverne
ESNA Railway
Eureka Springs Coffee House
Eureka Live Natures Treasures
New Delhi
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Phyl Arte
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Grotto Lost Penguin Eureka & Company • Canvas & Lens
Oasis
Le Stick
Zarks
Chelsea’s Quicksilver Eureka Grill
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El Mariachi
• • •
Gaskins Cabin Steakhouse
Statton Gallery
Serendipity
J.A. Nelson DeVito’s Balcony Restaurant Wilson & Wilson Iris at the Basin
Fantasy & Stone
Satori Arts Eureka Fine Art Gallery
Oscar’s Café
1886 Steakhouse Crystal Dining Room Sky Bar
Other + Art
Art Gallery
Restaurant
QUICK REFERENCE COLOR KEY
Riverview Resort
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Granny’s Off Her Meds
ART GALLERY
••
EUREKA SPRINGS WEST
••
•
•
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•
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HOLIDAY ISLAND
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RESTAURANT &
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•
••
• •
Bubba’s BBQ
• ES Community Center
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Gazebo
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Please note: After 6 p.m. Saturday, US. 62 E will be serviced by a Blue/Yellow combination route that will serve Passion Play Road by request only and return to the Downtown Depot via Hwy. 62
Red Route – Historic District and West side of town Blue Route – Hwy. 62 Eastbound to Kettle Camp Ground & North Main Street (Hwy. 23S and Passion Play Road by request only)
Trolley Schedule 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday
La Familia
•
• •
Legends Wall Street Eats
•• Sparky’s
Ozark Fried Chicken
BERRY VIL
LE The Rockin’ Pig Keels Creek Winery & Gallery Cherokee Mountain Gallery The Filling Station Thai House Sweet n Savory Forest Hill Café Amoré Cruisin Route 62 Diner Mei Li Horseshoe Grill Bad to the Bone Pit BBQ
Turtle Back Ridge Family Fun Park
...sleep a while, wake up beautiful
Mud St. Annex
Mud St. Café
Westbound. There will be no Magnetic Road service after 5 p.m. Transit office will be closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Fares Adult All-Day Pass: $6 Adult Two-Day Pass: $10 Child’s Pass (7 – 11): $2 One-Ride Pass: $4 Late Rider Special: $4 (Unlimited rides during last two hours, or pay $6 and ride next day, too) 30-Day Pass (General Public) $27 30-Day Pass (Seniors 65+, with ID) $17 30-Day Pass (Disabled, with Medicare Card) $17 30-Day Pass (Students 16/younger) $17 NOTE: All-day passes are good on all routes. One-Ride Pass allows one board, ride and disembark. Tram Tours Daily at 1 and 3 p.m. Adults: $15 +tax, Children under 12: $7 +tax Tours start at and return to the Eureka Springs Transit & Welcome Center Parking Parking at Transit & Welcome Center or at
For more information, Share-a-Ride and ADAParatransit Services contact: Eureka Springs Transit, 137 W. Van Buren (US 62), (479) 253-9572 or www.eurekatrolley.org +
Planer Hill Park & Ride Welcome Center is $5 for all day. (If you park at one of the two centers and buy an All-Day Adult Trolley pass, you will receive a $3 discount on parking.)
Park and let someone else drive
Cathouse
Riding the trolley is just the ticket for seeing the sights while you give your feet a rest. We suggest an all-day pass so you can hop on and off where and whenever you choose!
N W TO
ound r a g n i Gett
Red’s Pizzeria
Aquarius Taqueria
Nyx StoneHouse
Local Flavor Amigos
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•
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Map courtesy of Eureka Springs Parks Commission
Treehouse Gallery
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Myrtie Mae’s
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Map courtesy of Eureka Springs Parks Commission
Main St. Cafe
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December & January happenings
“
Faith, prayer and music are vitamins of the soul
”
13 FRIDAY
DECEMBER
– MAHALIA JACKSON
More than 300 lighted Christmas trees twinkle in the forest that lights your way to the Great Passion Play Great Hall. The Williamsons, a top name in gospel music, will entertain on Friday, December 13 at 6:30. Dinner is included in this festive evening that spotlights the reason for the season. $10 for preteens, $18 for big people. +
This night is so awesome
MORGAN FREEMAN should narrate it
14 SATURDAY
DECEMBER
Saturday, Dec. 14, 3 to 10, put your party dress on so you won’t look weird. Caroling in Basin Park, Living Windows at Spring Street shops, street theater – this is high entertainment in the Entertainment District. A Night of Merrymaking, Night of the 1000 Santas and a Santa Crawl. Get a barstool at Chelsea’s at 6 where the Selfie Scavenger Crawl takes off at 7. Download
the ActionBound app so you can scan Night of 1000 Santas signs at designated locations. Search the app for Thousand Santas. This is 5 hours of jelly-belly laughs all over downtown, and guess what else? You could win a trip back to Eureka Springs. eurekaspringsdowntown. com for tickets and details. Forget the party dress. Wear jeans. +
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Keep your body the way you keep your car – smoking hot Sometimes you’re not sure if you need a hug, a double espresso, 4 shots of vodka or a couple of weeks of sleep. Know what you really need? A deep muscle massage. This doesn’t mean someone you know rubbing your back, which is nice, it means a having a trained pro who understands that the elbow is connected to the neck is connected to the brain is connected to the heart is connected to all the rest. Massage therapists study for years, practice for years, and have years of experience on how your body is constructed and what pinch in the blood pathway is making you hurt. No one wants to hurt, and for the most part, we don’t need to.
Think of your body as a car – you change the oil, keep the fuel topped off, don’t burn out at green lights and check your brakes at decent intervals. Surely your body is worth the same attention. This we know for sure – every month after we deliver Fun Guides we go get a massage. It will astonish you that a person you don’t know knows all about you. Not what’s inside your head, but what’s inside your overworked and complex body that needs relief. Massage is holy. It’s letting your body know you care and that you really love it. If you pay as much attention to your body as you do your car it will last you a lifetime. +
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December & January happenings
Now’s the season when
“All I want for Christmas is You” is every other song. That’s not nearly enough.
Saturday, Dec. 14, much of civilization might be on Spring Street taking pictures of every Santa and every elf, but if you’re the type who likes SATURDAY to remember what it was like to sit by the fire and roast chestnuts, you might be happier at a holiday music concert with the full Ozarks Chorale. This family show is just the right DECEMBER time to put on your reindeer sweater and sip hot chocolate and count lights to make sure we all got our money’s worth. 7:30 to 9 at the Aud, and children and students get in free. Tickets at the door. +
14 20 FRIDAY
The thing about a concert is you can feel tired before but never after
DECEMBER
On Friday evening, Dec. 20, let others be your lungs as you enjoy seasonal songs in our 1920s Auditorium. Every seat is good and the sound waves will remind you of Symphony Hall. Or the Andy Williams Theater. Your endorphins will kick into high gear and the holiday cheer will make appreciate the glamour and togetherness of a worldwide celebration. 7 to 9:30, be sure to eat a snack before you go so your stomach doesn’t growl. The acoustics are that good. Free, but a donation at the door to the Flint Street Food Bank goes to those who need it most. +
NT FU AC
Earth needs 365 ¼ days to run around the sun. That means we need to add an extra day to our calendar every fourth year so that the solar year and calendar year will stay even. It makes Feb. 29 a special day. • Century years are not leap years unless they can be evenly divided by 400. • Chances are one in 1500 that you’ll be born on Feb. 29. • In 5th century Ireland, Bridget complained to Patrick about women having to wait for men to propose. Patrick said, “OK, you can ask for a man’s hand in marriage on February 29.” They both became Saints. Probably not because of this. • The official Leap Day Cocktail is gin (lot), Grand Marnier (little), sweet vermouth (least) and a dash of lemon juice • Leap Years have power: Events include Benjamin Franklin proving that lightning is electricity (1752): Gold discovered in California (1848); Custer lost at Little Big Horn (1876); Hugh Hefner opened the first Playboy Club (1960, and on the actual date, Feb. 29). +
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31
?
TUESDAY
Can you even reed
Doesn’t matter, Grady Nichols will do it for you. If you’ve missed any DECEMBER holiday music, tonight is when to redeem yourself. Grady Nichols, a premier saxophonist who knows his way around our Aud stage, will blow smooth jazz at our Falling in Love with Christmas concert. Nichols has performed with Huey Lewis & the News, where he got a standing O, so you know his jazz-pop is light, floating, sweet, fresh as a mint and you’ll love it. And him. Saturday, Dec. 21, 7 – 9, this is a gift to you from the Eureka Springs City Advertising and Promotion Commission. +
Do you prefer Country or R&B? STRAIT or GAYE?
16-19 WEDNESDAY-SUNDAY
JANUARY
Bluegrass, newgrass, tailgate, gypsy, gumbo, folk, funk – what’s your pleasure? Thursday, January 16, through Sunday the 19th be in attendance for the 7th annual Ozark Mountain Music Festival. OzMoMu is way more fun to say, it makes everybody who hears you laugh. Say it three times faster and it’s 30 times funnier. This festival in-a-hotel at the edge of Basin Park event is hot music when the air is cold, an outdoor shebang that’s indoors. The 1905 limestone Basin Park Hotel is where everybody, including you, spends four nights listening, singing, dancing, making new friends, giggling, eating, and maybe having a drink or eight. Arkansauce, a four-piece string band gets booties kicking on Thursday, then Brad Fielder, followed by Red Oak Ruse (hear them ROR) and Wood & Wire from Austin take the baton and sling it high on Friday for a night of fiddling around. Brian Martin, Chucky Waggs, Haymakers, Hillbenders, The Damn Neighbors, Dirtfoot – this is a vacation where you don’t have to go anywhere and if you do, you can walk. A fifty and a five will get you all weekend access. Reserveeureka.com for tickets. +
DECEMBER
Finish the year
SPARKLING All dressed up and want somewhere to go on New Year’s Eve? Yes. (Dressing up means looking at yourself when you pass a store window and smiling, you know.) Here’s what we know right now, Nov. 21, but there will be more soon, so check the Eureka Springs Independent on De. 18 for more. Brews, on the corner of Pine and Spring Sts. features DJ Testube, and we know firsthand that even if you don’t like parties, he’ll see to it you change your mind. It’s about energy, and he’s got it. This is Disco night, got any of those weird outfits? Neither do we, but timeless 501s are always good. No cover, music starts at 8. Chelsea’s is all about the Roaring ‘20s, Annie and the Fur Trappers, a traditional jazz band from that old river town, St. Louis. Trumpet, tuba, trombone, sax, licorice stick, banjo, piano – you get the idea. We don’t have to tell you a time, do we? 8? 9? 10? Yes. Best Western Inn of the Ozarks Terri and the Executives will also play to the Roaring ‘20s, and if you have to ask why, look at your calendar. What year will it be at midnight? Dinner from 7 – 8:30, dancing and costume contest and high entertainment until 1 or so. Tidbits and Champagne at midnight, photo booth. Go ahead and get a room for the night so you can keep going without worrying. (800) 552-3785 for reservations. Basin Park Hotel 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. Red Ambition, dancing on the top floor, free flowing Champagne, noshes and a midnight breakfast. Book it at reserveeureka.com/ attractions/downtowndanceparty +
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Toasting the Night
the s e m i t e
om
s ... and
day
ld d ger. Co nes rant usic, an hts lon d into your bo ig n e is restau time food, m e c th th p ti , f s e d f e n ta s ta a n s e fa ight ter ably ent n shor ent have prob depend ow up at the r ne day. for som n w p I o u f r t o g e e s h e it m u If you s r a long deadli asin ys hav A favor r excite s get yo The da and New Yea ing. we go! aiting seating. er. Let’ . fte f e a f r o e e ove B h in to o t w 2020 ths, s as air rs aw ometh es of e a lo treet, ab ; view f n e s s v S o o s d tm r a r t n o la h is m r f r te g te e ta r h n y w s g a C b e rw Ce ns idd t fe yin asterful o reaso 9 and th ese pas e you g t inside of winte or) enjo and hav in the middle the end of 201 ery much in th cious. Also, m igner and Edit ere. Sitting jus r seating for tw anting more, Even ent for lavor v and deli outdoo ill keep you w hic Des inner th tertainm about Local F outh-watering Pat (our Grap me to have d e mention the n e at w t h ig ti d Mary n food th ome talke ish m late n ng. W s a t d d ti ’ up the li e a n y n e r k a ta e s I e a v ta r v a r. d Just go Full erlin mme We h utdoo hould enu, e ? P s u o is s m e d u e t e n n o s a k a y ta n li th r e et. e feeling smopoli t means s indoo may ev e wher ain Stre has a co evening you month and tha l restaurant ha ith some days Wednesday. Not sur verlooking M uggest their t. e e y tr u w l n a S s a rf o d rs oo Spring fiest on Tues o’s is in its fin St, this wonde past few yea , closed der. We h a pati se in mind ounge at 19 ½ k of a bar wit something har me of the com g e p in th r e DeVit e p y S K k finic ood. st off bit L and so eer or stic noo Park ju ve been ith fantastic f ’s White Rab A fanta have with a b e in your mouth t. f w Spring sas winters ha le y s d e e is th d an is on eats to wn fill t is M explo and Ark option in a to tell you abou and the door us bar food, tr flavor that’ll do r h y e it a to io . c th w w lvara oms n find o iah A a r it’s ano ur final place ow stairs half e bar and deli c m h s e u u r o e y m O ~J seating Rainb stuffed servic
Carpe noctem !
Get in the Spirit(s) A smattering of places to drink and dine until (or past) nine Angler’s Restaurant, 14581 US 62W just 3 miles from town. Great food includes catfish – among other grilled or fried fish, burgers, soups and vegetarian options. Wine and craft beers, excellent service and atmosphere. Watch the games and have a cold one. Live music on weekends. See Facebook for specials and music. Open Weds.- Mon. 11 a.m.- 9 p.m. Closed Tues. (479) 253-4004. Aquarius Taqueria, 91 S. Main. Gluten free fare inspired by Mexico’s street food. Locally sourced ingredients, specials, handmade tortillas, Mexican beers, fruit margaritas and 15 types of tequila! Tacos and more with steak, shrimp, pork, chicken, fish, or vegetarian. Menu at Aquarius Taqueria Tequila & Mezcal Bar on Facebook. Dine in or out. Noon-9 p.m. Thurs. and Sun., and 10 p.m. Fri./Sat. (479) 253-6888. Bombadil’s Café, 580 W. Van Buren (62W). Half price bottles of wine on Monday evenings. Gorgeous, healthy fare served Thurs.-Mon. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and 5-9 p.m., Sun. brunch 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Menu at www.bombadilscafe.com, (479) 363-6024.
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Brews, 2 Pine, corner Spring & Pine. Arkansas craft beers, Arsaga’s coffee, hot teas, wine and savory or sweet small fare. Enjoy pints, flights, and growlers on the patio or by big front windows for crowd watching. See Brews on Facebook for live music, rotating art exhibits. Sun.-Thurs. 8 a.m.-10 p.m., Fri./ Sat. 8 a.m.-midnight. (479) 244-0878 Cathouse Lounge, 82 Armstrong Street. Famous for Reubens, fish & chips, burgers, and Irish dishes! Full bar, cold beer, lots of parking, and friendly faces. Smoke free, full menu and live music on Tues., Thurs., Fri. and Sat. Restaurant open 11 a.m.-midnight daily. Kitchen open late. Menu at www.cathouselounge.com (479) 363-9976 Chelsea’s Corner Cafe, 10 Mountain Street. Large selection of beers, full bar and excellent food. Live music every Fri./Sat. and most weeknights, open mic on Tues. – and Drink and Draw every Weds. at 8 p.m. The Café upstairs has pizza and more. Menu and music calendar at www.chelseascafeeureka.com. Cafe open Sun.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. and Fri./Sat. until 11 p.m. (479)-253-8231. Bar open Mon.-Sat. 11 a.m.-2 a.m., Sun. until midnight. (479) 2536723. Cottage Inn, US 62W (the quiet side of town) Mediterranean comfort-shrimp, salmon, filet, duck, divine sauces from world-traveling longtime chef Linda Hager. Excellent wines. Check her website, www.cottageinneurekaspgs.com for special wine dinners. (479) 253-5282. DeVito’s on Center St. in the heart of downtown. Authentic Italian recipes with an emphasis on family-farm raised trout. Wonderful carbonara. Dine inside or out. Full bar, perfect wines to pair with pasta. Never on Wednesday. (479) 2536807. Ermilio’s, 26 White St., Italian home cooking in a historic district home on top of the town. Exceptional consistently award-winning food,
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old family recipes, it’s like eating at grandma’s except there’s always a line – plenty of wine and lively conversation. Nightly specials. Eureka Springs Brewery is like an Arkansas diamond – not on the beaten path but worth finding. Get on US62 and head east, then after the ECHO Clinic watch for an abandoned Ramada Inn that looks like an abandoned Ramada Inn, and turn right. The brewery releases small batch craft beer every Thursday, serves local wine, you can take your kids and your dog, play disc golf and BYO food. (479) 363-6066. Grand Taverne in the Grand Central Hotel on N. Main. Elegant, upscale, delicious, from fried green tomatoes to grilled Maine lobster. Open for lunch and dinner. (479) 253-6756 Grotto Wood-Fired Grill & Wine Cave, 10 Center. Elegant, inviting atmosphere. Wine on tap and select from around the world. Classic cocktails with a fresh spin. Grill features appetizers, entrees and desserts. Weds., Thurs., Sun. 5 – 9 p.m., Fri., Sat. 5 – 11 p.m. Facebook or www.grottoeureka.com. (479) 363-6431 Legends Saloon, 105 E. Van Buren. Fullservice bar/restaurant. Great food w/frequent specials, full bar and DJ Karaoke on Fri., live music on Sat. (and a large dance floor!). Great for large parties, plenty of parking. Texas Hold ‘Em on Sun. plus Tues. poker and pool tournaments. Open Mon.- Fri. 1 p.m.- 2 a.m., Sat. 11 p.m.- 2 a.m., Sun. 11 a.m.- midnight. (479) 253-2500. Local Flavor, 71 S Main, a favorite of ours. Consistently excellent food, wine and cocktails, dine inside or out. Lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. Steaks, chicken, vegetarian, Italian, be sure to have at least one meal here. Each. (479) 253-9522. Lucky 7 Rooftop Billiards, Basin Park Hotel, 12 Spring Street. One of downtown’s favorite “21 and over” gathering spots is on the 6th floor of the 1905 Basin Park Hotel. Pool tables, great
views, full menu and extensive bar. Sun.-Thurs. 6-10 p.m., Fri./Sat. 6pm.-midnight. Don’t miss playing for free food during Casino Night at 7 p.m. every Fri. (479) 253-7837. Midtown – 184 N. Main. Beer, wine, pool table, table games, air hockey. Sometimes a movie, and on Hunter Thompson’s birthday if you wore a Hawaiian shirt you got a dollar off a beer, so it comes highly recommended. Kid and pet friendly. (479) 239-2052. Nyx Café Restaurant and Bar, 85 S. Main. Eclectic American Fusion cuisine with unique Nyx Hot Rox™, your choice of steaks or fish delivered to your table sizzling. Gourmet burgers and dogs. Full bar and classic cocktails, craft beers and domestic or imported wine and Jones Sodas. Opens 11:30 a.m. daily (11 a.m. Sun.), closes at 11 p.m. Thurs.-Sun., and at 9 p.m. Mon.-Weds. See Facebook. (479) 363-6856. Rockin’ Pig Saloon, 2039 E. Van Buren (US 62), in Gaskins Switch mall. Barbeque, ribs, steaks, salads and sandwiches. You’ll find 22 beers on tap and a fully stocked bar. Biker friendly and non-smoking; kids welcome. Open daily until 9 p.m. and until 10 p.m. on Fri./Sat. See www. rockinpigsaloon.com, (479) 363-6248. Rogue’s Manor, 124 Spring Street. Rogue’s Manor at Sweet Spring is a fine dining restaurant and lounge in the downtown Historic District with romantic overnight rooms for couples. Full menu and extensive bar. Seating from 5-9 p.m. Weds.-Sun., lounge open 3-9 p.m. Menu at www. roguesmanor.com, (479) 253-4911. Sparky’s Roadhouse Café, US 62E. An eclectic menu of American and international fare paired with one or more of 25 beers on tap can’t go wrong. Eat indoors or on large deck or covered outdoor patio. Extensive menu includes creative burgers and baskets, gyros, vegetarian options and daily specials. Tues.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-8 p.m., Fri./Sat. until 9 p.m. (479) 253-6001 +
HOLIDAYISLAND
info@visitholidayisland.com
THE HOLIDAY ISLAND SINGERS present
Winter Wonderland In the early 1990s a group of approximately 50 people who loved singing came together to create the Holiday Island Singers, volunteers who wanted to entertain the public with their music. They performed nostalgic, traditional, patriotic, inspirational and holiday music. Since its inception, the purpose has been to spread the joy of music. Director Carol Morrison is a native of Superior, Wisconsin, who earned her Bachelor’s degree in Education, with a focus on Classical Vocal Performance, at Missouri State University in Springfield. Her music experience spans more than 50 years. +
Friday, Dec. 13 at 7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 15 at 2:30 p.m.
&
Adults – $10 | Students – Free Holiday Island Country Club Ballroom
For another opportunity to hear this wonderful group, they will appear at the Holiday Island Hospitality Association’s Christmas lighting event Monday, Dec. 2 at 5:30 p.m.
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Ralph Brownell Hill – portrait sketch by Rebecca J. Becker (see PART ONE)
James Wilson Hill – portrait sketch by Rebecca J. Becker (see PART ONE)
American Field Service Poster, 1917 – “You Drive a Car Here…”
Crescent College students, the Hill brothers, in World War I The boys were born in the Rosalie House
Ralph’s passport photo from 1917, the year he sailed for France with the Ambulance Service
Part Four
By Rebecca J. Becker Motorized ambulances were very new in World War I as automobiles had never been used in any other major conflict. Now, ambulance drivers had to have both medical and mechanical training, knowing how to keep vehicles running under ghastly conditions. Young men clamored to serve the Ambulance Field Service. Some joined even before the U.S. declared war because driving an ambulance was one way they could participate while the country maintained neutrality. Even after America entered the war, many youths signed up because they hadn’t turned 18, thus weren’t eligible for the armed forces. They promised a six months’ term of service. Ralph Hill was one of 17 students from Washington University who joined the St. Louis unit of the American Ambulance Field Service. Other St. Louis students swelled the ranks to an eventual 60 men, divided into two sections of 30 men and 25 ambulances in each. The Automobile Club of St. Louis provided the students’ training, which took place in a Ford plant. They learned to assemble, drive, maintain and repair their vehicle. St. Louis citizens raised the money to purchase and equip the 60 ambulances, for a total of $80,000. [The equivalent today of $1,732,641.38.] Although earlier American Ambulance Units operated 24
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American Field Service Poster, 1917 – this one is by Charles Dana Gibson (creator of the Gibson Girl)
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Photograph of the Washington University students who joined the Ambulance Service, 1917. Ralph is in the front row, standing, second from left.
Croix de Guerre – front |
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Ralph’s 1919 passport photo from 1919 (an emergency replacement, made in France) for his return to the United States. He’s grown up considerably.
under the French government, now that the U.S. had declared war the units were part of the United States Army. The drivers were not considered soldiers. St. Louis Post Dispatch 15 May 1917: “Last night’s gathering at the Odeon to view the official British war films, under the auspices of the St. Louis Ambulance Committee, was turned into a rousing public farewell to the men leaving tomorrow. A group of Washington University students rose in a body in the center of the hall, and others were scattered about the audience.” Eighth on the list of those set to sail for France within the week was Ralph Hill (Shorty). But where was his brother, Jay? Five days after Ralph sailed for Europe, James (Jay) Wilson Hill registered for the draft but stayed in the U.S. for a few months where he read the letters Shorty sent from the front. One of these missives was published in the Arkansas Democrat on August 6, 1917 – only two weeks before Jay left to begin his own training at Fort Logan H. Roots: American pleased with Army service Ralph B. Hill, Former Little Rock Resident, Writes of Life with the Ambulance Unit in France. Americans in the ambulance field service with the French armies are well treated and are enjoying the war life, if a letter from Ralph B. Hill, former Little Rock resident, is a criterion. Mr. Hill is a member of the Washington University unit. He left for France May 19. The letter, written to Mrs. W. L. Owen, Mr. Hill’s sister, begins, “Our section is very well situated. Our French lieutenant is a very nice fellow. He treats us all fine and isn’t conventional in the military way as most of them. Our American lieutenant could not be excelled. We have two cooks, who are experts at the game. We get good meat, good bread, vegetables, cheese and jam. The French bread is fine. We drink coffee, wine and water.” Later he writes, “We have moved forward considerably. Tonight, while eating supper, two very old people walked up to our cantonment, an old man and woman. They were the owners of the house we were occupying and have just returned to their home after a long absence. They were forced to leave when the Germans took this country. They had been in southern France and returned when they heard the Germans had been driven out. You cannot imagine the expression on their faces when they saw their little village deserted – only a few houses remaining, and the orchards destroyed. Their home happens to be one of the few not totally destroyed, and a few of us who have our cars loaded with equipment are occupying the upper story. It has been occupied by German officers and is now nothing but a rat hole. I amused myself last night by throwing my shoes at the rats. However, they are very gentle and have disturbed us only by running about. “Yesterday was pay day. We were all dressed up but had no place to go to spend our money. I find I am unable to get many things at the front that I want. If you could send me some Hershey’s (not bar) chocolate, I would like for you to do so. Chocolate is hard to get here and it is almost a necessity to carry it in your car during hard periods of work. You might send me also one-half dozen rolls of film for vest pocket autographic kodak, three bars of Naphtha soap and some cigarettes.” Three months later, on August 25, 1917, Jay was in the reserve officers’ training camp, preparing to be a second lieutenant in the Field Artillery section. Just under a year later he was in the newspaper again: “Corp. Ralph B. Hill, ‘Shorty,’ has been presented with a Croix de Guerre for valiant and dangerous work during a
Newspaper article about Ralph’s Ambulance unit setting sail, 15 May 1915, St. Louis Post Dispatch
Newspaper photograph of Ralph’s wife – from the Arkansas Gazette 27 July 1941, page 23
Newspaper article – Ralph wins the Croix de Guerre: Daily Arkansas Gazette, 22 July 1918
Hupmobile – 1929 model
gas attack. Corporal Hill is a brother of Mrs. W. L. Owen, 2110 Wolfe Street. He has been in the service in France for over a year, having enlisted in the Washington University Ambulance Unit in May, 1917. His section was decorated some time ago with a Croix de Guerre, but this last decoration was presented to him individually.” Jay had gone over with the 87th Division and served in the Army of Occupation. When the war ended, he stayed in England where he attended Cambridge University, while Ralph stayed in France and studied at the Sorbonne. At last, Jay returned to Little Rock, where he joined his brother-in-law in a joint endeavor, the Universal Motor Company. They sold stunning, elegant Hupmobiles. When Ralph made it back to the States, he rejoined his brother and put his automotive expertise to use in the family’s motor company. In 1922, they changed the name to Owen-Hill Motor Company. Ralph missed his involvement in the arts, and in 1923 EurekaFun.com
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he joined the newly created drama section of the Authors, Composers and Art Lovers Society in Little Rock. Jay didn’t join – in 1924 he married Elizabeth Gracie French. For years Ralph remained a bachelor, living as a lodger in Little Rock, although the brothers expanded their interests to create Hill, Crawford & Lanford, Bond Brokers. In 1941, newspapers announced Ralph’s engagement to Eva Acker of Winnsboro, Texas. Eva and Ralph built a new home on North Hayes Street in Little Rock. Ralph died at 78 in 1974, and James Wilson Hill died at 89 in 1982. When their company sold in 1995, it was the oldest home-owned brokerage and investment banking firm in Arkansas. Today, Jay’s grandson, French Hill, is a United States Congressman. + If you’re related to any Crescent College student or faculty member, tell rebecca@crescentcollegehistory.org
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Need more than diddly squats?
’all y e r ’ t Wha doing nth o m e th is? h t r e t f a
February
1 Taste of N’Awlins; Krewe du Kork Harlequin Ball 6 ArtiGras Palette to Palate 14 Coronation Ball 15 Chocolate Lovers’ Festival; Eureka Gras Night Parade; Black Light Ball 21 Jokers Masquerade Ball 22 Eureka Gras Day Parade
Eureka Springs Community Center has bikes, treadmills, weight machines and free weights for those 16 and up. Daily pickleball, hoop shooting, or soccer practice in the gym. Cards and board games available in the lobby. Core conditioning and foundational training, yoga, and Zumba available on a drop-in basis. Equipment use is included in the admission price. Day passes are $5 for individuals or just $20 for a group of six or fewer. Weekly passes are also available for longer stays at $12 per person. Open Monday through Thursday 6 – 9 a.m. and 3 – 8 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. 44 Kingshighway, eurekaspringscommunitycenter.org, (479) 2390029. +
March
14 St. Patrick’s Day Parade +
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Weather or not
Eureka Springs gets an average of 47 inches of rain, nine inches of snow, 211 sunny days and 99 days of precipitation per year. Precipitation is at least .01 inches of rain, snow, sleet or hail that falls to the ground. August high averages about 89° and January low averages around 25°. The annual Best Places Comfort Index is 7.4 out of 10, making the town one of the more pleasant places in Arkansas, although one of the coldest places in the state in January. The flip side is we have 35 days a year when the temperature is over 90°, making it one of the coolest places in the state. +
RELOCATION conversation
I can’t wait to live in the Ozarks!
I’m very happy now!
... because after reading this Fun Guide you don’t want to miss a single moment in Eureka! Eureka Springs started as a place to put differences aside and get along. The Osage and Cherokee, who could barely tolerate one another, were able to relax, refresh and regroup here, and they did it without fighting. Once the springs were found to heal certain maladies, and be an overall tonic for those who were well, the town got famous, known for gracious living and a wealthy lifestyle. That was 140 years ago, so what is it now? It’s hard to get to because it’s not on the way to anywhere. You have to want to get here. It’s a town that appreciates the old ways and although skeptical of the new, is willing
to try. At least once. The town is 1280 ft. above sea level, and although the Ozarks are referred to as mountains, they are actually a single plateau where weather and time and water have carved gorgeous hollers at the bottom of steep limestone bluffs. We could give you county tax rates, real estate opportunities, health stats and all sorts of braggy things, but the reason people live here is because it feels different and feels good. Carroll County has 40 people per sq. mile, so there’s room to stretch and turn up the music. Dallas has a population density of 3,645 people per sq. mile, just so you know. +
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