2022/2023 Eureka Springs Relocation Guide

local photographer

C Robison III, owner of White Phoenix

and Sacred Earth Gallery,

out more about

at: ECR3.com

cover

local photographer, Mark Pritchard,

of Mark Pritchard Artworks,

throughout

publication

about Mark Pritchard at MarkPritchardArtworks.com

out

Eureka Springs feels like a favorite painting that has come to life with bright colors, friendly people and gorgeous scenery

While Eureka Springs has long held a reputation as a fun tourist town, locals know it’s a great place to live full time New residents from all walks of life are discovering this too, whether they be fledgling entrepreneurs, couples, families, second career seekers or retirees

Part winding mountainside streets, Victorian homes and haunted hotels, part bohemian shops and unique restaurants, part motorcycle bars and barbecue joints, part fine arts and fine dining, part festival and parades, part spas and springs and outdoor adventure, Eureka Springs truly has a unique charm

This distinctive town is set against the backdrop of the lush Ozark Mountains with a temperate climate that makes it possible to enjoy the best of all four seasons The wooded hillsides embrace the town, which is also surrounded by a variety of lakes, rivers and parks

Urban stresses of pollution, crime and traffic are far away from this idyllic mountain village

The People

Many people move to Eureka Springs because they have visited it before and just can’t get the town out of their mind. Here they find friendly folks full of numerous interests and hobbies The town is close knit, yet very diverse

The Lifestyle

Eureka is an easy going, small town of about 2,100 people But don’t let its size fool you It offers a unique community with many activities usually only available in larger cities, including an incredible array of restaurants, shops and attractions

The artistic atmosphere is unrivaled, since literally hundreds of artists in every media make their home here There’s even an entire month devoted to the arts every year Rarely a weekend goes by without some kind of celebration, event or festival

There’s never a shortage of things to do Events in the area span from blues, jazz and opera concerts to car shows to UFO conferences, as well as festivals showcasing Mardi Gras, St Patrick’s Day, and the arts The City Auditorium plays host to several top-name entertainers every year

Plus, the town can satisfy anyone’s appetite with everything from down-home Southern food to romantic, candlelit dinners to food truck fare Award-winning restaurants serve savory Czech-German dishes, authentic Italian cuisine and spicy Indian fare. You’ll find Mediterranean, Chinese, Irish, Mexican, Cajun, farm-to-table and Thai options also

Everyone is sure to find an event, attraction or outdoor pursuit suited to their own tastes It’s easy to have the life you choose, whether it’s full of activities, groups and hobbies or just long, unhurried days of watching deer graze on the hillside or fish leaping out of the water.

The Eureka Springs Chamber of Commerce is here to help you find what you’re looking for. Please give us a call at 1-800-6EUREKA with any questions you may have about relocating to Eureka Springs

MAKING THE MOVE RANDAL & RHNEA EMBREY

Ready to get out of the rat race, Randal and Rhnea Embrey began searching for a place to retire, even though retirement was still a few years away “We wanted to get out of the city,” Randal says “I’d been in Dallas since college and she grew up in the area It was great when we were younger and wanted nightlife ” But Randal grew up in a small town and knew what that lifestyle had to offer.

Arkansas was on their radar because Randal had visited it with his family when he was younger and he had some distant cousins in the state “I first came up here with my family when I was a kid,” Randal says “I thought it was beautiful I brought Rhnea up here and she fell in love with Eureka Springs We decided this is where we want to make our permanent home ” The Embreys moved to Eureka Springs two years ago and married on Valentine’s Day in the historic downtown in 2020

“Eureka kind of reminds me of a little Austin, Texas Unique and diverse with music It’s just so quaint,” Rhnea says She loves the nooks and crannies of the historic downtown with stairways and paths half hidden between buildings and cliffsides. The Victorian architecture, numerous events and shops also hold plenty of appeal “We love that the restaurants aren’t your chain restaurants that we left in the Dallas area,” she adds “The unique restaurants are one of our favorite things We’re trying to hit every single one of them and we’re doing pretty good ” The

Embreys also like to take advantage of all the great hiking in the Eureka Springs area and Arkansas as a whole “We love the outdoors and, of course, that’s a great part of living up here,” Randal says “We bought a log home on the Kings River and we bought a couple kayaks ”

“We’ve been so happy to be here, just getting out of the traffic and the noise,” Randal adds. “We love how peaceful and quiet it is here We see deer and wild turkey and all kinds of wildlife Compared to Dallas it’s very affordable.” They own three acres on the Kings River, a choice property they couldn’t have afforded in the Dallas area

Randal says he has a couple years yet until he retires While Eureka Springs has good internet connectivity for conference calls and video meetings, he still travels a couple of times a month for his job The Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA) located only one hour away makes work travel easy

“I was pleasantly surprised at XNA and at how many non-stop flights there are to major cities,” he says “I guess that’s the Fortune 500 companies headquartered here And, it’s a lot easier to get in and out of than DFW that used to be my hub ” Eureka Springs is also located within an hour of larger Arkansas cities with more amenities Rhnea likes that Eureka Springs is not Fayetteville or Rogers, yet those cities are not far away for access to big box retailers, entertainment venues or world class museums like Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art

MAKING THE MOVE

RANDAL & RHNEA EMBREY

The close proximity to the Branson area is another plus for offerings such as Dogwood Canyon, Top of the Rock, and more “You’re just not far from any of that stuff,” she explains “We’ve been pleasantly surprised at all the culture ”

Nearby small towns have plenty to offer too, like Berryville with its Saunders Museum “We love history,” Rhnea explains “We feel like this is still a well-kept secret ” Randal says, adding that many people questioned their move to Arkansas “But Eureka is really a very cool place It’s just a little oasis

We have a long list of friends and family that want to come visit us because it’s such a cool area ”

“When my family comes in, they just fall in love with this place,” Rhnea says From eateries to entertainment offerings, the Embreys have a long list of places to show their family and friends “It’s almost hard to do it in a long weekend,” Rhnea says “You almost need a whole week to get it done ”

“It’s one of these things where we just pinch ourselves,” she adds “Is this real? Our home is a beautiful house on a hill and the view is beautiful We are so content I can’t imagine being anywhere else We really do love it ”

RELOCATION

EUREKA AS A HUB

While Eureka Springs, obviously, has plenty of urban and outdoor escapes for locals to enjoy, it serves as an excellent hub to other fun outlets as well

Within an hour or less, you can be in the I-49 corridor of Northwest Arkansas or the well-known Branson area. Both offer great dining, shopping, golf, entertainment and attractions

Along the I-49 corridor, you’ll find Bella Vista, Bentonville, Rogers, Springdale and Fayetteville Unique to this metro-area is world-renown Crystal Bridge Museum of American Art, The Momentary, The Amp for large outdoor concerts, the Walton Arts Center for touring Broadway shows and more, the University of Arkansas, and the Northwest Arkansas Naturals minor-league baseball team Additional arts are served up by local and professional theater groups and orchestras Plus there are entertainment venues such as Dave & Busters, Top Golf and The Grid, an esports gaming center Large shopping centers, big box retailers, hotels and unique restaurants round out the offerings for all of your needs.

Branson has big fun too with Lake Taneycomo, Branson Landing, Silver Dollar City, live performance theaters, a historic downtown, an entertainment district, and more Big Cedar Lodge, Top of the Rock, and Dogwood Canyon Nature Park are also popular

It’s easy from Eureka Springs to find a change of pace for a long weekend or a day shopping for needs and wants in a larger market

LOCATION & TRANSPORTATION

Eureka Springs is located in the northwest corner of Arkansas, amid the natural beauty of the Ozark Mountains The town is just 11 miles south of the Missouri state line and 30 miles east of one of the fastest growing metro areas in the country AR 62 runs east and west through Eureka Springs and joins I-49 near Rogers AR 23 runs north and south and connects with I-40 near Conway

The region is serviced by the Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA) near Bentonville, approximately 55 miles west of Eureka Springs XNA offers an average of 50 flights a day to major cities all over the country Its airlines include Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Frontier Airlines, and United Airlines. XNA offers 18 direct flights to cities across the country - from the East Coast to the West Coast and several cities in between Visit FlyXNA com for more information

Also servicing the area is Branson Airport (BKG) in Branson, Missouri, approximately 52 miles northeast of Eureka Springs For more information on flights, visit Flybranson.com.

Car rental providers are located at both airports Air travel is also supported by the Carroll County Airport in Berryville, just 8 miles east of Eureka Springs The facility has a 3,550-foot runway and charter services

Bus service and car rentals in the Rogers/ Fayetteville area are also available

EDUCATION

Eureka Springs schools exist to assist children in their mental, moral, emotional, physical, social and spiritual growth Educators are doing it in style with progressive programs and some beautiful, modern buildings such as the high school, to learn in

Public Schools

The school community is comprised of elementary, middle and high school education Extracurricular activities include sports and social clubs High school students participate in basketball, track, golf, cross country, soccer, cheerleading, baseball, softball and football and compete through the region

Private Institutions

Private schools in Eureka Springs include The Academy of Excellence, a Christian-based private institution housed at the Faith Christian Family Church in Eureka Springs The Academy gives students an excellent education and trains them in the knowledge of God and the Christian way of life Teachers are degreed and the preschool is state licensed

Clear Spring School, established in 1974, promotes a lifelong love of learning through a hands-on, hearts-engaged educational environment Located on a 16-acre wooded campus, the school serves pre-primary through 12th grade students The tuition-based school

Area Colleges & Universities

Nearby colleges and universities include the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, North Arkansas College in Harrison, John Brown University in Siloam Springs and the NWA Community College in Rogers Brightwater provides academic and career training in the culinary arts and hospitality industries

HEALTHCARE

Health Care

Hospitals and clinics take care of the community, whether the need is treating a common cold, annual exams, minor emergencies, physical therapy, preventative care, labs and x-rays, rehabilitation or a myriad of other services

Eureka Springs Hospital

Boston Mountain Rural Health Clinic

Mercy Convenient Care

ES Family Clinic - Washington Regional Medical North Arkansas Regional Medcial Center Eureka Springs Eyecare Clinic

Elite Home Health Brighton Ridge Area Hospitals

Within an hour’s drive are larger hospitals and specialists in the Fayetteville and Rogers area, plus, Arkansas Children’s Northwest, the region’s only children’s hospital offering a full range of pediatric medical services

SprIngs SchOOl Of the Arts

ART APPEAL

The town’s flourishing art community gives rich and colorful life to everyday experiences Hundreds of poets, writers, painters, sculptors, musicians and other artists make their home here in the Ozark Mountains

All around town, you will find artists working in their studios and displaying their creations More than 20 art galleries are wedged in the historic downtown between the shops and sidewalk cafes

In addition to music, community theater productions put on outstanding performances And, you might be surprised to know that for more than 70 years, Opera in the Ozarks at Inspiration Point has offered productions of some of the world’s most beloved operas and is recognized as one of the top 10 summer opera festivals worldwide Future stars, who come from across the country to hone their operatic skills during an intensive six-week training program, perform in fully produced operas supported by a professional orchestra

Many times throughout the year, each gallery will host receptions with resident artists a free monthly guide for the current schedule Visitors and residents alike immerse themselves in the art scene during the May Festival of the Arts, a month-long celebration with more than 70 exhibits, receptions, plays and a totally outrageous parade An iconic event during the festival is the White Street Walk, where numerous artists throw open the doors to their private galleries and homes for a one-night-only event

Not all of Eureka Springs’ fine art is in galleries or museums; you can see artistic expressions all over town including on staircases, benches and other hidden gems You can also hear it

The renowned City Auditorium hosts plenty of big name talent each year, just as it did in the beginning with John Phillip Sousa in 1928 More recent acts taking the stage have included, Willie Nelson, Bo Diddley, Buddy Guy, Merle Haggard, Ray Charles, B B King, Lyle Lovett and Asleep at the Wheel

Eureka Springs also boasts the state’s only writer’s colony. Plus, aficionados can do more than just appreciate the arts Workshops and classes are available in musical, artistic and literary pursuits at several venues during the year and the Eureka Springs School of the Arts has summer sessions for those who want to learn new skills from respected local artisans in drawing, glasswork, woodwork and more

Eureka Springs makes it easy to enjoy your artistic passions

OUTDOORS & RECREATION

Nestled in the heart of the Ozarks, outdoor opportunities abound in Eureka Springs

Head west on AR 62 just minutes from the main drag and you’ll find Lake Leatherwood, the largest city park in the region with 1,600 acres The park has hiking trails, swimming, camping, boating, cabins, and plenty of space for picnics or family reunions

About 25 miles of cross-country trails weave up and down hillsides and around the lake as well as past historic structures like the 1940s limestone dam built by the Works Progress Administration created by the New Deal entire park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places

North of Eureka Springs is more lake fun at Table Rock More than 700 miles of shoreline invite anglers, while boating fans enjoy the clear expanse of the lake Scuba divers explore the many unique rock formations underwater East of Eureka Springs is the pristine Kings River, a delight for canoeing and fishing.

The city and region are also in the middle of a mountain biking mecca Eureka Springs contains some unique trails that are part of the Oz Trails system of Northwest Arkansas. You’ll find a huge variety of trails for any experience level - beginners looking for a scenic ride through the breathtaking Ozark Mountains to seasoned bikers looking for professionally developed routes Just 49 miles away is another hiking and canoeing paradise, the Buffalo National River, the nation’s first national river.

With everything inside its city limits and the surrounding area, there’s no doubt that Eureka Springs is an all seasons, outdoor oasis

A few more minutes down the road is Beaver Lake, one of the cleanest, clearest bodies of water in Arkansas. Grab that fishing pole because all of those large and smallmouth bass, crappie, bream, stripers and catfish are waiting for you off native wildlife with special tours for eagle watching The lake is also perfect for sailing, speed boating, snorkeling, scuba diving, and other water sports Camping is popular too at U S Corps of Engineers maintained campgrounds and private campgrounds on the lake’s shores

Below Beaver Dam flows the cold tailwater of the White River, known for excellent trout fishing.

HISTORY

Cold water springs in the area that is now present-day Eureka Springs were first discovered by Native Americans, who considered many spots in the area as sacred ground Legend spread that the springs were healing waters Trappers, explorers and settlers flocked to the area, lured by word of the waters and the incredible beauty of the area

During the late 1800s, the population swelled to 10,000 as new residents filled the town, setting the stage for the tourism industry that still thrives today Many of the graceful Victorian homes along the historic loop were boarding houses and hotels, while the downtown area offered an amazing variety of goods and services The must-have accessories for anyone was a sturdy walking stick for navigating the terrain around the springs, and tin cup for drinking once they found the cold, clear water

After the belief in healing spas faded with the new century, artists flocked to the area for its scenic bluffs and valleys. Exchanging the healing power of water for the soothing lines of sketches and paintings, the town’s identity as a premier arts community established itself in the 30s and 40s Preservationists also moved to the area in the 70s and 80s, renovating many of the historic buildings and revitalizing the area with new business

While the town’s population is now about 2,100 and the waters are no longer advertised as a cure-all, visitors and locals still love to experience Eureka’s rejuvenating effects of breathtaking natural beauty, intriguing American history, Victorian architecture and Southern hospitality

SERVICE DIRECTORY

All numbers area code (479) unless otherwise noted.

ELECTRICIANS

MJ Solutions......... 770-3869

Eureka Electric ................. 244-5168

Hayes Electric .................. 244-9016

Midnight Electric................253-4123

Star Electric.............. 870-423-8288

Atchley Electric ........ 870-743-6280

McGhee Electric 643-3299

RGS Electric 870-423-4666

Your Electrician ....... 870-654-9968

MC Electric ...................... 325-9154

White Lightning Electr 244-5478

AQI Electric ............. 870-423-9237

Coit Electric ..................... 253-9798

Pinkley Electric 253-9544

Down Ohm Electric ........ 244-6879

CJC Electric ............. 870-423-6443

Old Town Electric 981-0892

Crawford Electric ......870-425-4518

Bolt Electric ..................... 738-1014

CS Electric 756-1615

Fultz Electric ............ 870-423-4715

Kings River Electr ... 870-654-2092

Frederick Electric....... 870-423-2235

PLUMBERS

Eureka Plumbing............... 253-7481

Quality Plumbing ......870-423-2771

B&L Plumbing 417-271-0345

Performance Plum..............244-5335

Accu Plumbing ................ 244-9408

Atchley Electric 870-743-6280

Cornell Plumbing ......870-423-1977

All Purpose Plum ....... 417-235-5511

Crawdad Plumbing 244-9677

Joseph Flores ..............417-342-9769

Arrowhead Plumb .... 870-423-6060

Economic Plumb 903-9008

Coit Electric ..................... 253-9798

Walker Plumbing.............. 981-3227

CSR Plumbing 870-423-2366

All Pro Plumbing ..... 870-423-6204

Golden Rural Plum .... 417-271-3555

M.V. Roto Reuter 340-3754

Bolt Electric 738-1014

Qualls Gas Plumb ..... 870-867-7622

SEWER & DRAIN CLEANING

Economic Plumb ............. 903-9008

Steve’s Septic 870-423-4669

Golden Rural Plum .... 417-271-3555

Accu Plumbing ................ 244-9408

Cornell Plumbing 870-423-1977

M.V. Roto Reuter .............. 340-3754

HEAT & AIR

Island Airco........ 253-6081

Adkins Refridg.................. 253-9776

Summers Ht. & Air.. 870-423-4095

Champlin Ht. & Air...870-423-6093

Eastburn HVAC ............... 253-5254

Midnight Const ................ 253-4123

Dub’s Ht. & Air 981-6599

TDI Ht. & Air 981-0059

ROOFING

Quality Assurance ........... 239-5469

EXCAVATION

Dirt Pro.................................253-4545

R&W Excav ..................... 253-3492

Evan’s & Evan’s 253-2882

Barrows Excav ......... 870-423-4813

Price Excav .............. 870-423-6855

Rudd Excav & Sept 870-754-7153

Kelly’s Excav ................... 253-1663

R&R Dirtworks ........ 870-438-4810

Weem’s Excav 981-1230

Rocking W Excav ..... 870-423-7743

Fultz Elect & Excav . 870-423-4715

WELLS/REPAIR/DRILLING

Doss & Patty 870-423-3110

Beaverlake Pump ............. 359-3833

Reliable Pump .......... 870-423-3882 Knuth Well Service 253-3879 Empire Pump ........... 870-438-6929

COMMUNICATION

Common Sense ............... 253-0066 Nexxcom .......................... 253-5267

APPLIANCE REPAIR

Wilson’s Appliance .. 870-423-2344 Appl. Store & More 870-423-3734

MASONARY/METAL

Smith Masonary 253-2188

Warren Welding ....... 870-423-2037

Advanced Mason ............. 244-5415

CBSC Concrete Const 253-2224 McGhee Msn/Weld .......... 643-3299 Eureka Style Rock Walls..244-9592

SWIMMING POOLS

Aqua Clear Pool ............... 253-6249

FIBERGLASS & TUB REFINISH Jim’s Fiberglass Repair 644-7351 Bradley Kammerzell ....... 402-6909

CONSTRUCTION

Quantum Const...................270-4601

Rivers Edge Const............. 981-0474

Brentlinger Const ............. 981-4061

Holloway Const 981-0164

PAINTING

Pemberton Painting 870-688-2209

Eric Hulsey Painting ....... 253-5419

Memos Painting ............... 244-5591

Rodriguez Painting 244-0824

HANDYMAN SERVICES

Lloyd’s 417-499-7080

MJ Solutions...................... 770-3869

Christian Burlingame ....... 282-8601

LANDSCAPING

Bear Creek Nursery 253-7466

Mike’s Tree Serv ......870-423-3870

Eureka Lands. & Arch. ....530-6989

Rodriguez Painting 244-0824

PEST CONTROL

Advance Pest Control 253-8967

Eureka’s Pest Cont..... 425-229-3736

INTERNET

Common Sense Tech....... 253-0066

HBE Internet 870-423-6223

Cox ........................... 800-818-0679

AT&T ....................... 855-904-6272

Hughes Net 855-263-5511

FINANCIAL

Equity Bank 253-0500

CS Bank

253-2265

Arvest Bank ..................... 253-8275

First National Bank 253-9046

Common Cents Acct..........981-3450

PC Business Services ....... 981-0768

Kathy Wills CPA 656-1040

Christie Ball CPA ............ 253-2254

Windle & Associates ....... 253-9577

INSURANCE

Bare & Swett .................... 253-8739

Leavitt 605-423-4356

Teigen Insurance ..............363-6242

GROCERS

Harts Family Center ......... 253-9561

Eureka Market

253-8136

Dollar Don’s 253-8136

Sunfest Market

253-7283