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See Eureka Springs by Trolley!

July 4th, 2011 by Sam Feldman

Public transit began in Eureka Springs in 1891 and we still have them today, although they are a little bit modernized now:

Have you been to Eureka Springs and seen the trolleys toodling around town? They run right past our place on the Red Route. If you’ve come to Eureka and gotten frustrated by our traffic on weekends, be sure to get an all-day trolley ticket next time. $5 for all day long, on any of the four routes (get off and on as many times as you want to!) The folks that work at the Eureka Springs Transit Center are some of the nicest and most helpful folks you’ll meet, so don’t be afraid to ask them questions about where your stop is (they will not, however, be tour guides for you – they have the Historic Tram Tours for that!)

Warmest regards,

Jeff and Nadara (Sam) Feldman – and Sophie, too!

 

 

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Friendly Eureka Springs, AR – and “Just Between Friends” Shopping!

June 26th, 2011 by Sam Feldman

A couple of years ago Jeff bought me an anniversary gift that consisted of a leather thong bracelet and one bead. The bead was gorgeous but I thought he had forgotten to buy the rest of the jewelry! Turns out he got this “starter kit” at Just Between Friends, one of my favorite shops in downtown Eureka Springs, AR. And now, guess what? I’m always going down to Just Between Friends and adding beads and spacers to my bracelet. I almost have a full one now and there are so many to choose from, I will probably have to start another one.

“Pandora Jewelry: Life’s magic moments. Carry them as a collection of wonderful memories in a bracelet of charms or in a necklace and make them last forever. Beautifully hand-finished charms made in sterling silver and 14K gold with genuine gemstones give you limitless possibilities for styling and mixing to match both the occasion and your personality. Put them together on a silver or gold chain, or a fabric or leather string, and make your unforgettable moments last forever.

Pandora Jewelry is one of the world’s three largest jewelery brands in 2009, and is present in over 40 different countries around the world. Well positioned within the affordable luxury segment of the fine jewelery market, Pandora Jewelry offers modern, high quality, hand finished products.”

Next time you’re visiting Eureka, stop by and tell Marsha hi, and start a bracelet or necklace of your own! And, yes, they have other fabulous things, I’m just afraid to look at anything else…

Warmest regards,

Jeff and Nadara (Sam) Feldman – and Sophie, too!

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Living in Paradise – or How the Feldmans Ended up in Eureka Springs, AR

June 19th, 2011 by Sam Feldman

When Jeff and I left Richardson, TX, nine years ago, it was to head to paradise here in Eureka Springs, AR – which took a while to find.

We had certain criteria we were looking for:

#1 – it had to be within a short day’s drive back to Dallas and our kids (and therefore was a short day’s drive from there and several other large cities for guests to travel easily).

#2 – it had to be near a lake. At the time we had a small sailboat and we needed a place to park it. Beaver Lake is one of the most gorgeous (and not crowded) lakes you could possibly find.

#3 – it had to have green mountains (we loved Colorado, too, but those mountains are not nearly as green, plus it’s MUCH more expensive there). Arkansas has some of the most beautiful scenery you will find in the entire country.

#4 – it had to be a small town (we had, after all, been living near 7 million of our closest friends, being in one of the largest cities in the country – that gets old!).  We wanted the small town to have culture and things to do and to not feel like a “hick” town. Eureka is #12 in “American Style Magazine’s 2011 Top Arts Destinations for Small Cities” (and at only a little over 2200 people, “city” is rather a misnomer).

#5 – we wanted plenty of good restaurants to choose from (and we were just thinking about our own stomachs here, but it works great for our guests, too). We have around 100 restaurants in the general area to pick from and right in town there are only three chain fast-food places; all the rest are local owners. You need to come for enough days just to make sure you make all the rounds.

#6 – we wanted to be near a “metropolitan” area so that whatever Eureka didn’t have, we could find close by. We are within an hour’s drive of Fayetteville, Rogers and Bentonville (home of Wal-Mart headquarters). We are also within an hour’s drive of Branson, MO, which has top entertainment and new places to eat (still thinking of our own stomachs here) and we are within 2-1/2 hours drive of Tulsa, Ok, and an international airport.

#7 – to be near a university, in case we wanted or needed to continue with some education. Of course Fayetteville is the home of the Arkansas Razorbacks and the University of Arkansas – you can’t get any better than that! (Woo pig sooie!!!!) 

#8 – we wanted to feel safe (Dallas – remember???). I often tell guests that you could walk around town at 2 a.m. in the morning and not have to worry about anything more dangerous than being accosted by a deer or tripping over our rolling sidewalks.

#9 – a place where tourists would want to visit. Well, there’s a reason so many folks come to visit here, all twelve months of the year. Besides 1-8 above, we have one of the largest historic districts in the country.  The National Trust for Historic Preservation has named Eureka Springs as a “Distinctive Destination”. The entire downtown is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. and

#10 – Something that wasn’t “cookie cutter”. Suburbs all look alike – come to Eureka to get a different perspective. You will not leave the same person!

For those of you that aren’t lucky enough to move here, check out what it’s like just to visit.

Warmest regards,

Jeff and Nadara (Sam) Feldman – and Sophie, too!

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Downtown Eureka Springs – Visit Zarks Gallery

June 5th, 2011 by Sam Feldman

If you have never been to the Historic Distict in Eureka Springs, AR, before to shop, one of the first places you have to visit is Zarks Fine Design Gallery. They represent over 125 local, regional, and national artists, and features the finest collection of American art glass in the Midwest. At Zarks the main focus is on American blown art glass, fine silver and gold jewelry, along with sculpture and two-dimensional works. In addition, the gallery is the showcase for the work of the Studio. Spring Street Pottery Studio, established in 1970, is one of the oldest working artist studios in Eureka.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The gallery has a comfortable and inviting ambiance and strives to provide unique, high quality work tastefully displayed and presented by a friendly and knowledgeable staff (including one rather large and fine cat named Leo, seen in the photo above.) You can read more about Leo on their website.

As with just about everything here in downtown Eureka Springs, we are close enough to walk to this fabulous shop – some of the most gorgeous glassware you could find anywhere. Make sure you visit them next time you’re here and let them know that we sent you down there to say “meow” to Leo.

Warmest regards,

Jeff and Nadara (Sam) Feldman – and Sophie, too!

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Casa Colina Grill & Cantina

April 24th, 2011 by Sam Feldman

The entrance to the Historic District in downtown Eureka Springs is marked by a wonderful garden in its median, and then you plunge down a long, curvy hill (known as Planer hill) before the downtown opens up before you (the first of many hills). About halfway down that hill, on the left, is the only house ever built on Planer Hill. And it is now the home of Casa Colina Grill & Cantina. Winner of Best New Restaurant in the Arkansas People’s Choice Award for 2009, Casa Colina serves an awesome blend of Texas and Mexican flavors together to arrive at their unique style of Mexican food (it’s not Tex-Mex). To start out, check out the Flamada – a blend of three Mexican cheeses and chorizo, flambeed at your table:

Their enchiladas are wonderful and you get a full plate. Pick from smoked shredded beef, smoked pork, chicken, shrimp and cheese, or avocado – all with different sauces. And the beauty of the presentation of their food is pure artistry!

They have the best outdoor deck area in town, a full bar and all of the items on their menu are to die for. Stop by Casa Colina the next time you visit Eureka and let them know we sent you (they’re our next door neighbors!)

Warmest regards,

Jeff and Sam Feldman – and Sophie, too!

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Bridgeford House B&B Kicks Gas!

April 17th, 2011 by Sam Feldman

And pretty soon it'll be second born as well!

Gas prices are just ridiculous! We are all suffering from gas pump shock and we often have to take tranquilizers just to go fill up. But one advantage to coming to Eureka Springs for a getaway is that it’s a one-tank drive for many of you. So instead of driving all the way to Disneyworld this year, folks are coming here instead and discovering the beauty of the Ozark Mountains. And they don’t spend all day in the car! Plus, Eureka is a fabulous walking town, with all kinds of hidden trails and hiking paths up and down our little mountains – right in the middle of town!

And the advantage of staying at our inn, the Bridgeford House B&B, is that we are right smack dab in the middle of the historic district and you can walk to most anywhere:  shops, restaurants, spas, galleries, springs, gardens, music venues and all those hiking trails. You can park, check into your room, and never get back in the car again your entire stay. And just to show how much we don’t want you wasting all your hard-earned money on gas, we are participating in a summer program called “B&Bs Kick Gas!”

Our special:  For a two-night stay, we will provide you with two all-day trolley passes (in case you get tired of walking) AND give you $15.00 off your 2-night visit. But wait…there’s more! {Key excited announcer’s voice…} If you drive up in a hybrid, we’ll give you an additional $10 off that stay! (Unfortunately, we cannot combine this offer with any other discounts and we cannot extend the offer on Murder Mystery weekends or Bluesfest weekend). But we will offer it all the way until August 31, 2011 – even on weekends.

So stay close to home and come see what’s in your own backyard – without giving up your first born child.

Warmest regards,

Jeff and Nadara (Sam) Feldman – and Sophie, too!

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Local Flavor Cafe-Historic Downtown Eureka Springs

April 4th, 2011 by Sam Feldman

From time to time we like to write about some of our favorite restaurants. Located in the heart of Historic Eureka Springs, Local Flavor Café has been a tradition for locals and tourists alike since 1991. Chef owned and operated, sixth generation native Britt Evans brings his extensive experience to the table serving fresh and creative dishes aimed to please every pallette. Britt offers breakfast, lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch with the menu consisting of many influences, such as Southwest, Italian, French and American, with the focus always on freshness.

One of Sam’s all-time favorites is their Santa Fe Pita stuffed with pepper jack cheese, avocado and choice of chicken, beef or black beans topped with sour cream, tomato and sides of red and mango salsas, which is on their lunch menu (she always gets chicken). They also have incredible cheeseburgers and wonderful vegetarian choices, if that is your preference.

They have an extensive wine collection and a full bar for spirits and a wide variety of beer. One of the best things about Local Flavor (besides their awesome food!) is their outdoor balcony, which hangs over Main St. and allows for wonderful people-watching opportunities and a great view of the historic downtown and mountain to the east.

As is the case with many of the fabulous restaurants in Eureka Springs, Local Flavor is within a pleasant walk from the Bridgeford House Bed and Breakfast and passes a lot of great shopping!

Warmest regards,

 

Jeff and Nadara (Sam) Feldman – and Sophie, too!

 

 

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The Music Scene in Eureka Springs

February 27th, 2011 by Sam Feldman

Eureka has some incredible musicians. Come any day of the week, season or not, you’ll find some sort of music, somewhere, somehow. During the season, it’s even more prevalent. Musicians in Basin Park, musicians on the street corners, musicians in pubs and bars.

But one of our favorites played for us recently at our 4-state Innkeeper’s Conference that we hosted here in Eureka Springs. Classic songs, a little jazz, and a wonderful “torch” singer, Maureen Alexander – here’s “Swing and a Miss”:

 

I predict them to become more and more popular, so come to Eureka to enjoy a truly wonderful experience.

Warmest regards,

 

Jeff and Nadara (Sam) Feldman – and Sophie, too!

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Winter Specials in Eureka Springs

January 9th, 2011 by Sam Feldman

While Eureka Springs is very quiet in the winter time (which we personally enjoy!), we do miss having guests to talk to, so we wanted to make sure folks would still like to come visit. So book any two nights Sunday – Thursday from now through March 31st (excluding February 13th & 14th and spring break, March 13th – 17th) and you can take an extra $15 off our already low winter rates! Winter rates are already $20-30 off seasonal rates, so this is a big deal! That makes a range of $80 – $134 a night, depending on the room. If you add a 3rd night, we’ll buy you lunch downtown!

Cozy Inside

Remember, there is still plenty to do around town: shops that are open, restaurants still serving wonderful food, spas open for massages and facials, ghost tours at the Crescent, van tours around town, horse-drawn carriage rides with wonderful historic commentary, lots of music in our quaint little bars downtown, art galleries open, the Historic Museum downtown with tons of history awaiting discovery, the Stonehouse Wine Bar (especially cozy inside), Judge Roy Bean’s Old Time Photos, Keel’s Creek Winery and wonderful Turpentine Creek Big Cat Refuge, where the big cats are especially active in the colder temps.

"Please come see me!"

Come see us!

Warmest regards,

Jeff and Nadara (Sam) Feldman – and Sophie, too!

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Even Santa Shops in Eureka Springs!

November 21st, 2010 by Sam Feldman

And you thought we were done talking about holiday happenings in Eureka Springs, AR…but we haven’t talked about the great Christmas shopping in the historic downtown! And this year there is so much going on, it needed a blog all by itself.

First of all, there is once again the Win A Window Contest: Nov. 15 – Dec. 15
The Annual Win a Window contest is supported by Eureka Springs’ retail shops! Contestants try to guess the total amount of all the gifts in the Win A Window window across from the courthouse. The one closest wins the whole thing! You can cross everyone off your holiday shopping list. Come see the window this winter and enter for a chance to win!

And new this year, especially for kids, Find The Elves Downtown: Nov. 26, 5-7pm, Basin Spring Park
Where are those darn elves hiding? You and your family are invited to search through downtown to find live elves! Each elf will punch your Elf Card for the chance to win a free portrait session with Santa. Every participant will get prizes from the elves and receive a discount on their portrait with Photo with Santa. Come find the 7 Elves downtown with your family!

And don’t forget Santa in the Park: Nov. 26, 5-7pm, Basin Spring Park
The Chamber of Commerce brings Jolly Old St. Nick to Basin Park to hear their holiday wishes. Now this is done all by Jeff’s staff and very often there are elf costumes involved here, too…

This was a hit last year: Downtown Living Windows: Dec. 3, 3-5:30pm, Spring & Main St.
Windows downtown will come alive with live actors right before the Christmas Parade. Celebrate the winter holidays with these living postcards sure to delight your whole family.

Don’t forget Eureka Springs Christmas Parade: Dec. 3, 6pm, Downtown
This night parade sparkles to the delight of children of all ages. Hosted by the Chamber of Commerce, the parade attracts floats, bands, and groups from all over the area ready to show their holiday spirit. It’s like a Norman Rockwell painting!

Photos with Santa: Dec. 4, 11 & 18, 1-3pm, Basin Park
Santa will be in the park with Old Time Photo taking amazing photos! No Christmas photo is more special than one snapped in Basin Spring Park with Santa. Kids, families, couples, brides and pets are all welcome to sit on the big red lap!

And remember, you can walk to the Christmas Forest Tree Lighting: Dec. 4th 6pm, Crescent Hotel from the Bridgeford House B&B for the
Christmas Trees within the Forest of the Crescent Hotel gardens. They’ll be decorated by area nonprofit organizations. Come vote for your favorite and celebrate the season by sharing the vision of the holidays through the trees!

Santa’s Sunday Brunch: Dec. 5, 9:30am-2pm Crescent Hotel
This annual event is a highlight of families throughout the area! Sitting with Santa as you enjoy the delicious Crescent Hotel brunch is a season special moment. Make this a family tradition!

And this year the downtown merchants are happy to accept a new holiday discount card! A list of some of the places that are accepting the cards are:

Even Santa Shops in Eureka Springs!

Acords

Back Porch
Blue Spring Trading Post
Casa Colina
Cottage Caboodle
Eureka Massage
Eureka Thyme
Gift Corner
Iris at the Basin
Just Between Friends
Lilli’s
Myrtie Mae’s
New Moon Spa
Old Time Photos
Paper Odyssey
Pine Mountain Theater
Pizza Bar
Practical Magic Art Supply
Rowdy Beaver
Serendipity at the Crescent
Serenity Spa
Sleepys
Small World
Spry Girls
The Quilt Shop
Tummy Tickler’s
Wild Blue Yonder
Don’t put your shopping off any longer – you can find it all here!

Warmest regards,

Jeff and Nadara (Sam) Feldman – and Sophie, too!

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