Ancient Indian tribes were the first to believe it's pure, cold spring water had magical healing powers. As word spread about these mystical waters, health-seekers began to descend upon this beautiful, but isolated, piece of wilderness. Before long, Eureka Springs, Arkansas was born. Tucked into the hillsides of the picturesque Ozarks, this quiet little respite from the rest of the world still exudes a healing presence for those in need of some R & R.

This vibrant little Victorian hide-away has racked up a long list of kudos that extol its many virtues, such as: A Top 25 Arts Destination in the U. S by American Style magazine, One of America's Top 6 Getaway Destinations by Orbitz.com, Best Weekend Getaway Destination by Cityscape's Magazine, and the list continues.

With its gingerbread-trimmed, painted ladies flirting with you along every street and alley, you can't help but be taken in by their charm. You won't find another city in America besides Eureka Springs whose entire historic downtown is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Carved into the hillsides along the winding streets are specialty shops, boutiques, and artist's galleries enough to satisfy even the most avid shopper and art lover. And when one's feet become weary, there's always a fine dining establishment within a short walk or ride, to satisfy your hunger as well as your taste buds.

If walking is your pleasure, you can take a walking tour around town. Should riding be more to your liking, the Eureka Springs Trolley Service will carry you safely just about anywhere you need or want to go.

Plenty of lodging options are available; from historic hotels to modern motels, quaint B & Bs to rustic cabins, cozy cottages, inns and RV sites. More luxurious accommodations with many amenities will cost upwards of two hundred a night. Many accommodations offer special package deals throughout the year, so make sure to shop around before making a reservation.

Though the once-revered healing springs remain, they are set aside within attractive little garden or park settings around town, their healing waters are no longer available to visitors. But Eureka Springs has made up for their unavailability by providing visitors with a number of luxurious spa and salon facilities that pamper their guests to no end. You can get as little as half an hour massage or treat yourself to a three-day spa vacation.

There's plenty to see and do around Eureka Springs as well. Home to the number one outdoor drama in America, The Great Passion Play, will leave you breathless. With a cast of hundreds, it's a drama like no other. Along with the Passion Play which plays from May through October, you'll want to take in the seven-story Christ of the Ozarks statue, the largest Christ memorial in the U. S. You'll also find country music venues, wineries, caverns, and plenty of outdoor recreation options. Hiking, biking, fishing and more, are available. With Branson, just 50 miles or so down the road you can see you'll never lack for entertainment options.

Once you've visited Eureka Springs you too will be able to shout Eureka! I've found it, a delightfully unique, and always enjoyable destination to just rest, relax, and rejuvenate.

For more info on Eureka Springs visit, www.eurekasprings.org, For info on more travel destinations in Arkansas visit, www.arkansas.com.