(Photo) “Christ of the Ozarks” Statue.

Piece 1: Eureka Springs. Located in Northwest Arkansas within the Ozark
Mountains is the town of Eureka Springs. Established in 1879, the little community became a destination for people seeking relief from health maladies by soaking in the area’s natural spring waters (reputed to have medicinal qualities).

While it still maintains an identity as a therapeutic resort, Eureka Springs is now thought of more as a tourist attraction. Nestled in a curvy topography, the town’s roadways and sidewalks dip and rise, making for an exhilarating (and entertaining) walking tour. The main road leading through the historic district is a 3.5 mile loop with no traffic lights, used simultaneously by a public transit trolly and an ever present line of slowly moving cars.

A distinctive element of Eureka Springs is the beautiful residential and commercial architecture there, much of it following an ornate Victorian style featuring colorful exteriors and steeply pitched roofs.

Probably the most intriguing (and photographed) structure in town is the wedge-shaped Flatiron Building at the convergence of Spring and Center streets, which actually has hotel rooms on its upper three floors.

Perhaps the most well known hotel in town is The Crescent (75 Prospect Avenue). Built in 1886, the place has a long and interesting history; luxury hotel, college, fraudulent health resort, and hotel again. The Crescent also has a reputation as one of the most haunted locations in America; several television shows that investigate paranormal activity have produced episodes there.

We decided to visit the hotel and explore. There is a self-guided tour available that includes some of the ghost lore; an interesting (and fun) experience.

About a 15 minute drive east from The Crescent, perched atop Magnetic Mountain, is an enormous sculpture of Jesus known as “Christ of the Ozarks”. Constructed in the mid 1960’s with steel framing and concrete, the statue is 67 feet tall and has outreached arms that span 65 feet.

Nearby is a 4,000-seat amphitheater that hosts a dramatic presentation of the “Passion Play” (which focuses on the week leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus). It is a difficult story to watch, but we greatly appreciated the opportunity to see this well-rehearsed and elaborately staged rendition in such a beautiful outdoor venue. Unforgettable.

“Man on a Bench” Sculpture at Crystal Bridges

Piece 2: Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Established in 2011 in Bentonville AR by Alice Walton, philanthropist daughter of Walmart Founder Sam Walton, the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is a “must see” when in the Northwest Arkansas area.

The building architecture incorporates lots of wood (which makes it a great fit in its natural surroundings) and glass (which allows visitors to enjoy the scenic exterior while moving through the exhibits inside).

The permanent collection contains works by many recognized artists such as Homer Winslow, Norman Rockwell, Andy Warhol, Jasper Johns, Jackson Pollock, Mark Rothko, and Georgia O’Keeffe. One of our favorite pieces at Crystal Bridges is the lifelike vinyl sculpture created by Duane Hanson called “Man on a Bench”, which portrays an ordinary looking gentleman sitting along a wall in the museum holding what looks like a sack lunch. Definitely fooled me at first; thought it was an actual person!

The museum has spent generously to create one of the most interesting assemblages of visual artwork we have ever seen. Lots to see; budget at least 2 hours.

Wienkeller Restaurant

Piece 3: Wineries. About a 90 minute drive south of Bentonville is the town of Altus AR. Originally founded as a coal mining community, wine making has been the main industry in the area since the first vineyards were planted there in the early 1870’s.

There are several wineries in the Altus area, but our favorite is Wiederkehr Village, located about 10 minutes north of Altus on St. Mary’s Mountain.

The Wiederkehr Winery was established in 1880 by Swiss immigrant John Wiederkehr, when he began growing grapes and making wine for family and neighbors. He soon developed a business relationship with the church to provide sacramental wine for holy communion. The operation progressively evolved into what it is today; a producer of one of Arkansas’ most widely known (and enjoyed) brands of vino.

Wiederkehr Village includes a well-stocked retail wine and gift shop, and a great restaurant called Wienkeller. Located partially underground in what was the Wiederkehr family’s personal wine cellar, the Wienkeller features a menu inspired by the Alpine region of Europe.

We really enjoy the fondue appetizer (a delicious blend of cheeses, spices, and wine served with bread chunks for dipping) along with a glass (or two) of some of brand’s flavorful Chardonnay. A great pairing!

NOW…READY TO START PLANNING YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE?

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