[Kimballette]

Originally Posted by Jony in NOLA

Hey Y'all, I've been to Eureka Springs twice in the last 2 years, once in the very early spring and once in late summer. I'd like to get your feedback on how accepting the locals are of people retiring in their area. I have the impression that the folks in the mountain region of North Carolina don't care for people moving in on them. I love Eureka Springs and would hate to move there just to find out that my presence isn't welcome.

I'm not sure what North Carolina has to do with Arkansas...

[Bull Winkus]

Originally Posted by Jony in NOLA

Hey Y'all, I've been to Eureka Springs twice in the last 2 years, once in the very early spring and once in late summer. I'd like to get your feedback on how accepting the locals are of people retiring in their area. I have the impression that the folks in the mountain region of North Carolina don't care for people moving in on them. I love Eureka Springs and would hate to move there just to find out that my presence isn't welcome.

My experience with Eureka Springs is dated, somewhat. I worked there for a short time in 1976. I found that, in general, people were very accepting of strangers. In other words, being a stranger never seemed to last very long. Anecdotally, the following story should give you an idea of what to expect in Eureka Springs. Keep in mind that there was something of a educated hippie invasion in the town that happened in the late sixties & early seventies.

On one night after work, I visited a small bar in the basement of the Crescent Hotel. Sitting on a bar stool having my first drink, a very pretty young girl came in and engaged the bartender in conversation about some bit of street theatre planned in a few days. Having been active in the theatre, I became involved in the conversation and she invited me to their rehearsal at the Little Red School House the next day.

Being a much younger man, I was quite excited at the prospect, and accepted. The next day, as soon as work was over, I showered, shaved and struck out for the Little Red School House. Now, in the steep hills of Eureka Springs, it is sometimes hard to get your bearings if you don't know where you're going. I didn't know that the Little Red School House and a private residence shared the same drive way, so as I pulled into the drive and encountered a man and a woman standing at the rear of an open van, I assumed they were part of the rehearsal group.

As I got out and approached, I heard them discussing the numerous art objects in the back of the van. It seemed the lady was supplying these hand crafted items acquired from locals, and the man was a buyer/distributor who intended to sell them in stores in Florida and New York. Introductions were short and then back to business. I found the conversation very interesting, so I simply watched and listened. Eventually, as it was getting dark, she invited us into the house for a coffee royal. It was a lovely place, well appointed with plants and ozark style craft furniture and we gathered at one end of a large room that could have housed a congregation.

As we were sipping our beverages, the conversation finally turned to complete introductions. When it came my turn, I explained that I had been invited to participate in the rehearsals at the Little Red School House and was a little confused about the goings on.

She said, "OH! That's next door!"

Embarrassed, I apologized and excused myself from the premises to find that the rehearsals were over and the Little Red School House was empty and dark. I'd spent too long learning about the arts and crafts business and missed it.

Like I said, it's only one anecdotal experience that happened 35 years ago, but keep in mind that at the time I was quite shy and in many places didn't make friends easily.

It might be a good idea to spend a vacation week there and see if you enjoy the ambiance and culture of Eureka Springs. It is quite unique! It could be more friendly than you imagined.

[FriendlyFeller]

I'd like to make it back to Eureka when I get a chance. It's been so long I and I was so young I don't remember much about it. I always used to get Hot Springs and Eureka Springs mixed up when I was little.

[AllenKarber]

Eureka is a great place,but they seem to "roll the sidewalks up" really early there. The last time my wife and I visited Eureka Spring it was in December,and it was DEAD on a Saturday night. During the day there was plenty to do and see,and lots of people were out and about. Maybe this was a one time deal. The only other time we've been was in October,and it wasn't much livelier then.

[RogMar]

Originally Posted by AllenKarber

Eureka is a great place,but they seem to "roll the sidewalks up" really early there. The last time my wife and I visited Eureka Spring it was in December,and it was DEAD on a Saturday night. During the day there was plenty to do and see,and lots of people were out and about. Maybe this was a one time deal. The only other time we've been was in October,and it wasn't much livelier then.

Take into consideration that you were there during off-tourist season, and I know the tourist hangouts near me have two distinctly different flavors.

In the summer, if we want/need to go into a tourist area, it's always an experience, but not always a pleasent one. The crowds of people everywhere, a bit of disregard for locals and questionable conduct, etc.

In the off-season, many shops, stores, and a few restaurants close. Areas that would be vibrant with commerce, crowds, concerts, art displays, are now virtual ghost towns.

Locals need a breather too, ya know.

[AllenKarber]

My wife and I may be coming back up to Eureka in a couple of weeks for her *0th birthday. We will see how things are then.

[Creeky79]

Great idea....I am usually here looking for information about Arkansas for future relocation purposes, but I also enjoy the many off topic conversations you all (that's Y'all for the natives) indulge in. It helps me get a feel of the people too.....and so far, I think there are a lot of very friendly people in your great state.

[Broncofan_ar63]

Eureka Springs trivia> It is legal for Gays to be married in Eureka Springs. Yes there are alot of rainbow flags outside stores and alot of wedding happen there. A couple good friends of mine from Springflield Mo got married there and it was my first and only Gay wedding. We had a real good time and it was great time had by all. So another great reason to visit Eureka Springs!

[jim9251]

GO HOGS! Beat Kansas State in the Cottonbowl!

[AllenKarber]

The pollen is awful this year already. We had very little pollen here last year which was nice. The weather is beautiful though!