Over Spring Break, we decided to get away for a few days. I am lucky as I get to pick where to go. I tend to find obscure and off the beaten-path type of places. I think my husband is embarrassed to tell his co-workers where we will go, as he usually does not disclose what we will do, unless someone asks him what his plans are.
I have several web sites I like to check out for vacations, and one of my favorites is www.familygetaway.com. , and their sister company, http://www.luxurylink.com/.
I found an auction for three nights, at the 1886 Crescent Hotel and Spa in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. The pictures were beautiful, a remote area, nestled in the Ozark Mountains. One can read over the “guest reviews” and make an informed decision if they want to either bid or buy-now on a package deal. The great thing is, if you lose a bid, or don’t have time to bid, you can utilize the “buy now” feature.
I like the package deals they offer on the web-site, as they usually include breakfasts, tickets for local sightseeing tours, and a dinner voucher, along with the room. I don’t like to pay for extras, I like the all-inclusive deals that can be purchased, as usually you save some money if you get “the package deal”.
Here are some pictures from their site:
The 1886 Crescent Hotel.....in summer.
When considering where to go for a vacation, I like to find somewhere I have never been. Fortunately, I am not afraid to meet new people, and find it interesting to experience all kinds of different cultures and food, and believe me, there are many different cultures within the borders of the U.S.
The 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa, sits on top of Crescent Mountain, overlooking the town named Eureka Springs, Arkansas. It is listed as a Historic Hotel in the National Trust For Historic Preservation, and the chateau-like structure has served as a luxury hotel, all girls school, and a cancer hospital, run by a phony doctor.
Just to clarify, we didn’t actually sleep in the hotel, but rather, stayed in one of their “cottages”, which, of course is more modern.
A "cotage" at the Crescent
Living room in the cottage.
The wrap around patio
From past experience, I have learned that it is better to “sleep” in a more modern building, and then experience the “historical” part of it during the day (read my paranormal experience in New Orleans and you will understand why…..I am a person who needs my sleep….lets leave it at that).
An added bonus, it just so happens that the Crescent is also considered one of the most haunted hotels in America!
Read more: Ghosts of 1886 Crescent Hotel: Haunted Chateau Spa Resort in Eureka Springs Arkansas
Our package included the “ghost tour”, a video of “Ghost Hunters”, and t-shirts, along with the breakfast each day of our stay.
It seemed like a fun spring break getaway! Here are some pictures from our “ghost tour”:
Orbs....down the staircase where a little girl fell to her death.
I felt kind of stupid taking pictures at random places, as we were instructed by our tour guide to take pictures, and look for orbs. Well, sure enough…looking back at the pictures I had taken….there were orbs!
Another orb
A frequently haunted guest room....more orbs.
Downstairs near the hotel's spa (and walkway to the morgue) in days past....orbs!
There are four ghosts who have been observed by both staff and guests and their sightings are well documented over an extended period of time. These include Michael, a Irish stone mason who died in a construction accident in 1886 when the hotel was being built; a nurse who is seen pushing a gurney on the second floor; a young woman who is thought to have committed suicide; and a man in formal dress.
I did personally experience a strange thing while registering/signing the guest book. I finished signing, and placed the pen in the book, when it flew off the page and landed on the floor. I didn’t think much of it at the time, but just in that instant, my husband walked up and said to me, “That was weird”, he had watched the whole thing!
In the lobby of the hotel has a very old pipe organ, (which they mention in the tour guide), and it is very beautiful.
It is called the “Welte Philharmonic Salon Model 4” and was made around 1912. It is 10 1/2′ tall, 8′ wide, 4′ deep. It has about 250 pipes plus percussion.
It is one of three of this model still known to exist. The other two are in museums in Germany and Japan. One of the others was intended for the Titanic and the builder, Mr. Welte, was to accompany it on the maiden voyage, however the organ wasn’t done in time so both the organ and Mr. Welte luckily missed that fateful voyage.
After our “ghost tour” we decided to relax by the fire in the lobby, and listen to the other tours going on (people watch). Sometimes you just have to slow down and take it all in.
My husband relaxing in the lobby.
The grand fireplace
I love this chair...and want to take it home.
It would be a travesty if I did not mention that the Crescent has resident cats (two now), but had one that the owner in the early 1990’s really loved, named Morris (yes, an orange tabby).
Here is the tombstone of Morris, and yes, he is buried on the property of the hotel.
Morris's tombstone
Morris's portrait in the lobby.....what a fine looking feline indeed!
The current resident cats, Casper and Jasper, are friendly felines who come and go as they please, as the hotel has a cat-door installed at the back door (out to the lovely gardens), for them. You may find them lounging on the couches or chairs in the lobby, or find them out in the garden, hunting and playing as we observed several times.
Eureka Springs is one of the premier destinations in the central United States for the arts, and has been recognized by major organizations across the country. It has been designated by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as one of America’s “Dozen Distinctive Destinations” and has been selected as an America in Bloom national awards winner.
A destination of choice for artists since the 1800’s, Eureka Springs is currently home to over two hundred working artists and more than twenty art galleries. For a listing of visual artists, visit:
St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church was built in 1906, and its unique characteristic is that to enter the church, one does so through the bell tower. This is the view from the Crescent Hotel’s back yard gardens.
St. Elizabeth's Catholic Church
While drive through downtown Eureka Springs, I spotted humpdy dumpty…..still sitting on the wall….
Humpdy Dumpty....before the "great fall" I presume.
Our trip was short, but we did manage to relax a little, and “enjoy life” slowed down. Sometimes visiting small towns is a good thing. Especially since there isn’t a lot of traffic to deal with.
I would like to go back during the summer, to see the greenery and colors of all the flowers. It isn’t too far from where we are, so there is no excuse not to return.
I do miss my “personal” chef….who would cook an omlette according to my instructions, while I watched and waited patiently…..oh I miss vacationing!
For more information on the hotel, please see the following:
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