Our Castle Experience

This year we'll celebrate our 45th wedding anniversary. Sounds like a long time, doesn't it?! We got married young :) We missed having blow-out celebrations on the other significant-number years, so we've decided to repeat something we did on our 25th -- celebrate all year with special trips and long weekends away. The first one was last weekend - we stayed in a castle in Eureka Springs, Arkansas.

I took most of these with my cell phone, so the quality is not quite the best.

We usually stay in a luxury cabin on vacation, so not having a full kitchen or living room was an adjustment. But the place was so unique, it made up for it. We were able to have coffee in the morning, snacks during the day and went to town for nice dinners.

Above^ there was a bathroom & huge closet back-right and a pretty glass basin & mirror there at the back wall.

The fireplace was warm & cozy on chilly mornings. The faux bookcase hid a secret passageway!

The hint they gave us at check-in had something to do with kissing a frog, but we just pushed on the wall....

This was a nice big shower with the side sprays & rain shower spout. Not sure what that section is to the left. It's like someone made a mistake so they covered it up with Harry Potter props.

Going up the stairs to the tower...

In the tower was a jacuzzi, fireplace, tv and faux balcony. Big windows looked out on the woods.

Back to the first level, the living area opened out to a deck. The first full day we were there, it was so sunny & warm. We drank our coffee and listened to the sounds of the woods.

The next morning was too chilly to sit outside, but it was a perfect day for exploring the town. Before we go, I'll show you some pictures of the Treehouses & Hobbit Holes!

There were 4-5 "treehouses" on the other side of the property.

On their website, I saw one lodging was called a grotto. I think this might have been it.

On the other side of the castles were the Hobbit Caves. They looked really cute! Maybe not if you're claustrophobic. They might have windows on the back side of their hills.

Each one had an outdoor sitting area. I saw on the website what looked like a deck in the back.

And finally, at the entrance to the property live the caretakers.

Click or scroll down to the next post for pix of Eureka Springs.

Eureka Springs

Following are some photos of the sights in Eureka Springs. If you're not familiar with this town, it's an old Victorian style place, nestled in the Ozarks. People used to go there for the healing waters (hot mineral springs).

The architecture is turn of the century, a lot of the houses and bed & breakfasts are very gingerbread style and colorfully painted. The town is known now more for its artists community, haunted hotels and history than its springs. I processed several of my photos in the artsy spirit.

This door reminded me of Game of Thrones "House of Black & White."

Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall...

.
..under the watchful eyes of the Three Amigos!

Click next or scroll down for my last set of pix in this series.

Haunted Hotels & Natural Wonders

 We made a short stop at the Crescent Hotel & Spa, est. 1886.

It's a cool old place and very famous for its hauntings.

The lobby is wonderful. You feel transported back in time.

Not a ghost; just a view of the Crystal Dining Room from the outside.

Reminds me of an old penitentiary outside!

Last group is of Pivot Rock & Natural Bridge. We were taking a ride enjoying the hills and thought, hey might as well see what this is about!

It's a short hike from the parking lot to the main attraction, but first you go past several pieces of old rusty farm equipment. You know me - can't resist photographing that lovely rust!

I think moss is lovely, too.

This land is privately owned and has been in the family for 95 years, according to the lady who received our $6 (each) fee.

This is "Natural Rock".

 And here it is -- Pivot Rock!

 We were speculating - did someone create a mini-version of a natural wonder? An altar? A weird sacrificial ceremony in the woods? Or a game of stone jenga?

That wraps up my photo blog of our weekend trip to Eureka Springs!