Mary here—your Eureka Springs insider, local event producer, music enthusiast, yoga guide, and lover of all things that make this quirky little town magical.

About Me—youngest of six girls, proud aunt to eleven amazing humans, and partner to Greg (who you’ll definitely hear from sooner or later). I wear a lot of hats in this magical little town: event producer, retreat host, yoga instructor, music junkie, food lover—and, just like you, a traveler at heart always seeking the hidden gems of the world.

Now let’s be real for a second: I’m writing this blog to stay fresh and friendly on the internet, yes—but mostly, I want to share the everyday magic of Eureka Springs with you, one story at a time.

Today’s Topic: Getting to Know Eureka Springs

This post is all about giving you a lay of the land—where to go, what to do, what not to miss, and a few pro tips that only a local would know. (That’s me. I’m the local.)

Neighborhoods & Vibes

Downtown Eureka Springs is the heartbeat of the town—and the ultimate one-stop shop. Here, you can eat, drink, shop, take a guided ghost tour, hike a trail, and maybe even spot a hidden waterfall (they’re flowing beautifully right now in April!). Oh, and the people-watching? Top tier. Bring your camera and your curiosity—Victorian architecture and quirky street moments await.

Where the Locals Really Go (Especially When We’re Taking Our Time)

If I’m not in a rush (and you shouldn’t be either), here’s how I’d spend a leisurely day eating and sipping my way through town:

Breakfast: The Annex – Go for the Gravy Train. Just trust me.
Lunch: Amigo’s Patio – Order the Cucumber Jalapeño Margarita. It’s not optional.
App & Cocktail: Rogue’s Manor – Smoked salmon and a perfect drink? Yes please.
Dinner: Ermilio’s – No reservations here, so drop your name, give your number, and explore while you wait. Bring a deck of cards and settle in. It’s a whole vibe.
We’ve got plenty more foodie favorites, but we’ll save those tasty secrets for future blogs.
Live Music: Always, always Chelsea’s. It’s our dive bar, our dance floor, our community hangout. The owners, the bartenders, the bands—they’re what make Eureka’s music scene tick. If you want to find the locals, you’ll find them there.

Nature—The Local Way

Time for a little shameless plug: we’ve got two amazing nightly rentals that let you sleep in nature while still being right in the heart of downtown.
Let me introduce you:

The Piedmont on Spring
Mountain views. Cozy fire pit. Just 50 steps from in-town trail access. Perfect for hikers, star-gazers, and the relaxing type.

The Mary Margaret
A tucked-away gem with a private porch, fire pit, and porch swings. Just a short walk to Little Lake Eureka—perfect for morning coffee or an evening stroll.

Bonus: Did you know Eureka Springs is surrounded by seven major bodies of water? That’s right. Paddle, float, or just chill by the shore—nature is always calling here.

SUP Outfitters: Rent a paddleboard and head to Beaver Lake for sunset.
King’s River Outfitters: Ask for Earnie Killman—yep, that Earnie! Local legend and artist. Then float the Rockhouse-to-KRO route for the full river magic.

What to Do This Time of Year (Spring Edition)

Soak up the Nature: The trees are waking up, flowers are blooming, and the temps are just chef’s kiss.
Shop Local: Our shops are one-of-a-kind, and nothing opens before 10AM—it’s what we lovingly call “Eureka Time” so take your time.
Yoga at the Crescent: Staying at the 1886 Crescent Hotel? Don’t miss their garden yoga classes, held three times a week for guests. Absolute magic.
Blues Fans, Listen Up: You must come to the Eureka Springs Blues Party—aka the best weekend of the year! I’ll be there with my clipboard, running around with a smile. Say hi if we cross paths!
🎶 Check out the lineup here

Thanks for hanging out with me this long—means a lot. Got a question? Curious about something in Eureka Springs? Drop me a note. I’d love to feature your ideas in the next blog.

With love and a full heart,
Mary