We took an impromptu day trip to Eureka Springs last weekend.  It is our number one day trip destination.  I remember the first time my husband and I decided to drive over together.  I remember the exact place we were sitting that night when I realized that I was in love with him.  We got married there a few months later.

Every trip we take to Eureka is different and we stop in different places on the way.  This trip had two phases. NWASpringBreak2014

Phase 1: Hobbs State Park

We took the took the Historic Van Winkle Trail and we stopped at the War Eagle Mill.

Phase 2: Eureka Springs

We stopped at the Mud Street Café and went to a few stores.  Then we moved on to Thorncrown Chapel and Lake Leatherwood.

Like I said, every trip to Eureka is different.  Since we head that way every six to eight weeks, you should expect to see more about Eureka featured here.

Here was our day in pictures.  Enjoy!

First Stop- Historic Van Winkle Trail. Love this walking trail in Hobbs State Park.

First Stop- Historic Van Winkle Trail. Love this walking trail in Hobbs State Park.

 

Let's get our walk on!

Let’s get our walk on!

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It was so peaceful here.

It was so peaceful here.

It amazed me how much she remembered about this place and its history from our visit the year before.  She enjoyed teaching her brother.

It amazed me how much she remembered about this place and its history from our visit the year before. She enjoyed teaching her brother.

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Hard to believe that this used to be the center of commerce in NWA in the 1800s.  Now it is a sleepy hollow.

Hard to believe that this used to be the center of commerce in NWA in the 1800s. Now it is a sleepy hollow.

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Second Stop- War Eagle Mill

Second Stop- War Eagle Mill

The first floor has the mill.  They grind and sell all kinds of grain mixes including organic and gluten free.  The second floor has a gift shop.  The third floor is the Bean Palace!  Yummy beans and cornbread!

The first floor has the mill. They grind and sell all kinds of grain mixes including organic and gluten free. The second floor has a gift shop. The third floor is the Bean Palace! Yummy beans and cornbread!

Learning about how the waterwheel works.

Learning about how the waterwheel works.

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Learning about how the waterwheel powers the mill.

Learning about how the waterwheel powers the mill.

Grinding corn by hand.

Grinding corn by hand.

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The Bean Palace Restaurant

The Bean Palace Restaurant

We got a bowl of beans and cornbread as an appetizer.  Saving up for a late lunch in downtown Eureka Springs.

We got a bowl of beans and cornbread as an appetizer. Saving up for a late lunch in downtown Eureka Springs.

Third Stop: Lunch- Espresso?  Why, yes, please!  The Mud Street Cafe is one of our favorite places to eat at in downtown Eureka Springs.

Third Stop: Lunch
Espresso? Why, yes, please! The Mud Street Cafe is one of our favorite places to eat at in downtown Eureka Springs.

The restaurant used to be at ground level. Due to the many mudslides throughout the early years of this town, it is now underground.

The restaurant used to be at ground level. Due to the many mudslides throughout the early years of this town, it is now underground.

Look at this beautiful coffee bar!

Look at this beautiful coffee bar!

Self-serve coffee bar.  The Mud Street Café has a full breakfast and lunch menu.

Self-serve coffee bar. The Mud Street Café has a full breakfast and lunch menu.

A little Trivial Pursuit while we wait.

A little Trivial Pursuit while we wait.

Dessert!

Dessert!

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We hit just a few shops before we loaded up for the next stop.

We hit just a few shops before we loaded up for the next stop.

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I highly recommend the guided walking trails throughout the downtown area.  We learned so much about the history of all the buildings through the tour.

I highly recommend the guided walking trails throughout the downtown area. We learned so much about the history of all the buildings through the tour.

Fourth Stop- Thorncrown Chapel

Fourth Stop- Thorncrown Chapel

This small building seems to be a part of the landscape.

This small building seems to be a part of the landscape.

Stunning!

Stunning!

Even though I have been here twice before, I was caught of guard by its beauty.  I was literally moved to tears when we walked through those doors.

Even though I have been here twice before, I was caught of guard by its beauty. I was literally moved to tears when we walked through those doors.

Last Stop- Lake Leatherwood  This was supposed to be our last stop, but by the time we got there the kids were asleep.  We did drive through to get an idea of its offerings.  We will have to go back for sure.  The beauty of day trips is that you can easily go back another day.  Every trip to Eureka Springs is different.  That is why it is our number one day trip destination!

Last Stop- Lake Leatherwood
This was supposed to be our last stop, but by the time we got there the kids were asleep. We did drive through to get an idea of its offerings. We will have to go back for sure. The beauty of day trips is that you can easily go back another day. Every trip to Eureka Springs is different. That is why it is our number one day trip destination!

Coffee With Jen <3's NWA! Isn't it easy to see why?

Coffee With Jen <3’s NWA! Isn’t it easy to see why?

This is a part of my #48 Walks Project.

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13 comments on “NWA Day Trip Spring Break 2014

  1. alison

    SO MUCH FUN! I haven’t been to Eureka Springs in AGES! Such a great day trip! Also, I love War Eagle Mill products. Please send some corn meal ASAP! (J/K!) And, hello cutest Arkansas T-shirt I’ve every seen! LOVE IT!

  2. Mel (@MamaBuzz)

    Great photos, Jen! I can’t wait to explore NWA a little more, once the weather warms up even more and the trees start budding. I love this area. Thank you for sharing on Inspire Me Wednesday. Featuring you in next week’s issue.

    1. Jennifer Mullen Post author

      Aw! Again?!?! What an honor! Love your link party! I will get your button on my post when I get back into town.

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