Budget
Getting there
Frequent sale rates to Branson, Mo., start at $79 one-way; from $126 each way with a 21-day advance purchase notice; nonstop AirTran. The Branson Airport is about a one-hour drive from Eureka Springs.
Stay
The Sherwood Court Inn offers seven uniquely decorated cottages, each with a refrigerator, microwave and views of a wooded hollow. Rates range from $99 to $139, including Wi-Fi and homemade continental breakfast. The inn is located in the Historic District, a half mile from downtown. 248 W. Van Buren, 1-800-268-6052, www.sherwoodcourt.com.
Eat
With 99 beers to choose from and a Cuban-inspired menu, Sparky's Roadhouse Cafe is a lively neighborhood spot for small bites, sandwiches, nachos, build-your-own burgers and full dinners. Entrees $9.50-$18.95. 147 E. Van Buren, 479-253-6001, www.sparkysroadhouse.com.
Experience
The peaceful Blue Spring Heritage Center is a 33-acre Native American garden. In 1839 Blue Spring became a respite for the Cherokee people during their forced march from New Echota, Ga. Start the tour with a film in the Visitor Center and then walk along the path of the Trail of Tears. The natural Blue Spring pours 38 million gallons of cold, clear water each day into a trout-stocked lagoon. Open daily through Nov. 14; $7.25 adults. U.S. 62 West, 479-253-9244, www.bluespringheritage.com. Thorncrown Chapel inspires visitors with its setting in the woods and award-winning architecture. The 48-foot-tall chapel has 425 windows, more than 6,000 square feet of glass and is considered the fourth best architectural achievement of the 20th century by the American Institute of Architects. Closed Saturdays in November. Donations accepted. U.S. 62 West, 479-253-7401, www.thorncrown.com.
Moderate
Getting there
One-way rates to Branson start at $156 with a two-week advance notice; $201 with a one-week notice; nonstop AirTran.
Stay
Minutes from the heart of downtown is the Eureka Sunset Lodge & Cabins, situated on six wooded acres. Rustic yet elegant accommodations feature a private entrance with whimsical and spacious interiors, full kitchen, two-person Jacuzzi, robes and fireplace. Cottage rooms from $129; cabins from $159. 10 Dogwood Ridge, 1-888-253-9565, www.eurekasunset.com.
Eat
Cuisine at Cafe Soleil serves fusion international and contemporary American food in a simple, warm atmosphere. Starters are $7-$8, pizzas and pastas $8-$12 and entrees $11-$26. 3094 E. Van Buren, 479-253-2345, www.cafesoleilrestaurant.com.
Experience
Take a ride on the Belle of the Ozarks along miles of panoramic shorelines of Beaver Lake. The 75-minute, 12-mile narrated cruise covers the Ozark Bluff Dweller's burial ground, a 200-acre game preserve island, Beaver Dam and other points of interest. Watch for bald eagles during the peak of autumn. Tours offered through October; $18 adult (with Internet coupon); $8 children under 12. 4024 Mundell Road, 1-800-552-3803, www.estc.net/belle. Eureka Springs has more than 230 streets and none cross each other at right angles. Before venturing out, visit the Eureka Springs Historical Museum for a "Springs Walk" booklet ($2). Self-guided museum tours are $5; children under 10 free. 95 S. Main St., 479-253-9417, www.eurekaspringshistoricalmuseum.org.
Splurge
Getting there
One-way, walk-up Business Class rates are $352; nonstop AirTran.
Stay
Sitting on a wooded hillside in the Historic District, Arsenic and Old Lace Bed and Breakfast Inn has views of the surrounding garden from the cozy wrap-around veranda. Inside this Victorian mansion are antiques, original art, crystal chandeliers and stained glass windows. Per night rates, $169-$249, include Wi-Fi, afternoon snacks, gourmet breakfast and the ongoing wildlife show outside the breakfast window. The inn is two blocks from the shops, restaurants and galleries of the charming and picturesque town. 60 Hillside Ave., 866-350-5454, www.eurekaspringsromancebb.com.
Eat
One of Eureka Springs' first settlers, bear hunter John Gaskins, built a log cabin for his wife and 11 children in 1864. Today, Gaskins Cabin Steakhouse is the gathering place for comfort dishes, signature prime rib and 21-day aged Angus steaks. Entrees $16.95-$26.95. 85 Ark. 23 North, 479-253-5466, www.estc.net/gaskins.
Experience
The entire downtown of Eureka Springs is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Enhance a visit to this Victorian village with a tour of Queen Anne Mansion, recently reopened after a four-year, multi-million dollar renovation. Built in 1891 and moved to Eureka Springs in 1986, the house museum offers impressive collections of 19th century decorative arts and stories of the home's first family and their distinctive house guests, including Buffalo Bill and Harold Bell Wright. Docent tours, $25, engage discussion on architecture, history, antiques, art, restoration and more. Self-guided tours, $15, include a suggested tour path. 115 W. Van Buren, 1-800-626-7466, www.thequeenannemansion.com.
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