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Your package offers:
A personal travel escort to assist with your needs, motorcoach transportation, porterage, 3 nights at a legendary hotel, 3 meals, Trolley Historical Tour, Holy Land Tour, The Great Passion Play, Gospel Concert, Parables of the Potter presentation, and a trolley pass.
Itinerary
DAY 1 - FRIDAY, MAY 26, 2000
Depart from Temple by motorcoach at 8:00am. Please arrive 30 minutes early so that we may leave promptly. A sandwich lunch from Ye Olde English Bakery will be provided. We will stop in Muskogee, Oklahoma to rest at Honor Heights Park where you can stroll among the azaleas. Our final destination will be Eureka Springs, Arkansas. We will be staying at the Crescent Hotel. If you are feeling brave, experience the Crescent Ghost Tour and hear of its ghostly legends.
DAY 2 - SATURDAY, MAY 27, 2000
Enjoy a delicious buffet breakfast with the group at the Crescent Hotel in the Crystal dining room at 7:45am. We will begin the day with a Trolley Historical Tour which is a colorful way for Eureka Springs' history to come alive. This will lead into the Holy Land Tour where you will see authentic Old and New Testament exhibits that have been reproduced according to extensive archaeological research located in the 800-acre mountain site. Spend the afternoon at your leisure touring the reticent Victorian town nestled in the Ozark Mountains. The evening meal will be included in the tour. We will have dinner at the Mission Buffet. Following the meal, we will hear a Gospel concert and see the Parables of the Potter presentation. Then view the impressive Sacred Arts Center with over 1,000 works of religious art before the highlight of the evening, The Great Passion Play.
DAY 3 - SUNDAY, MAY 28, 2000
Begin your day with peace and inspiration by visiting Thorncrown Chapel, which is a little glass chapel in the woods reaching 48 feet into the sky and over 6,000 square feet of glass. Afterwards, spend the day at your leisure by delighting in Eureka's many attractions. Take a lunch excursion train on the Eureka Springs/North Arkansas Railway; ride the Belle of the Ozarks and discover the crystal clear waters of 30,000 acre Beaver Lake; visit Eureka Springs Botanical Gardens; or tour a museum. There are numerous choices for your evening's entertainment such as the Bart Rockett Show which is full of live exotic animals, music, ventriloquism, comedy fun, dazzling magic, mystifying illusions, and death defying escapes or enjoy the Ozark Mountain Hoe-Down now in its 18th season with lots of music and comedy featuring the Kings River Boys Quartet with high energy contemporary country and gospel at its best.
DAY 4 - SATURDAY, MAY 29, 2000
We will depart from the hotel at 8:00am. For lunch, we will stop along the way. Our journey home will include a stop in Dennison, Texas to see Eisenhower’s Birthplace State Historical Park. War hero Dwight David "Ike" Eisenhower was our 34th United States President. He was born October 14, 1890, at Denison, Texas. He was the third of seven sons of David Jacob and Ida Elizabeth Stover Eisenhower. He served two terms as president from January 20, 1953 to January 20, 1961. "I like Ike" was an irresistible slogan; Eisenhower won a sweeping victory. He proclaimed the nation's desire for world peace and developed the interstate highway system. He died after a long illness on March 28, 1969.
Fun Fact: President Eisenhower, an avid golfer, had a putting green installed on the White House lawn. He also banished squirrels from the grounds because they were ruining the green. Famous quotes of Eisenhower include:
"Americans, indeed all freemen, remember that in the final choice, a soldier's pack is not so heavy a burden as a prisoner's chains." --
"A people that values its privileges above its principles soon loses both." --
"What counts is not necessarily the size of the dog in the fight. It's the size of the fight in the dog."
Travel Reminders
Remember to pack a jacket. It can be cool with the average temperatures for May being in the 70s for the high and mid 40-50s for the low. Also remember to bring comfortable walking shoes.
Policies
A minimum of 20 adults and a maximum of 55 passengers are required for this tour. To secure definite reservations, a $100 deposit is due at the time of booking. Failure of the tour to meet the full capacity requirement, you will receive a full refund. Full payment is due once the capacity requirement is secured. Once the capacity requirement is secured, cancellations may not be refunded; however they are transferable. Unused features cannot be refunded. All prices include tax. Associates Universal Travel, Voyages of Discovery, and Diana Arldt-Roberts' responsibility and liability does not extend to personal injury, property damage or acts of negligence or omission related to any vendor providing services on the offered package plan. Presentations regarding the tour package can be arranged.
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
 The City that Water Built
America's Victorian Village
Reticent Victorian town nestled in the Ozark Mountains
Since 1879, Eureka has welcomed visitors who sought something better, something healing and healthful, a place that refreshed and renewed like no other place. Today, over a hundred years later, they haven't changed. They've only gotten better. Explore the many things Eureka has to offer. Renew, refresh, and relax in timeless elegance. Eureka Springs Historical District is listed on the national register of historic places.
Romance ...
Take time for romance… for more than a century, Eureka Springs, Arkansas has been the setting for romance. Lovers are drawn to this picturesque town like butterflies to a garden. Picture postcard views greet visitors at every turn. The elegant horse-drawn carriages of yesteryear still carry lovers through the winding streets of Eureka Springs, ambling about exquisitely preserved Victorian architecture, past mini parks and natural springs adorned with moss-covered rock outcroppings and colorful bursts of flowers. Boasting one of the finest collections of Victorian architecture in the country, Eureka Springs offers an entire village full of interesting locations. Within minutes of town, the wonderment of the countryside awaits. Gaze upon the sweeping scenery from a hilltop that spans a lake or river view. Mother Nature's stunning beauty surrounds couples whether they prefer to pose next to a cascading waterfall, a quiet brook, a sunset lake view or under a forest canopy. Make your own memories amid our timeless magic. There is no end to the possibilities in Eureka Springs.
Tidbits of history ...
The first white settler to "discover" the healing springs is reputed to be Dr. Alvah Jackson, who used the healing waters to cure his son of an eye ailment in 1856. The waters were used at "Dr. Jackson's Cave Hospital" to care for combatants during the Civil War and, following the war, Dr. Jackson set up a brisk business selling "Dr. Jackson's Eye Water."
Eureka's miraculous cures remained a local marvel until 1879 when the doctor's friend and hunting companion Judge J.B. Saunders was cured of a crippling disease by a visit to Basin Spring, and subsequently put his considerable influence behind promoting the Springs to friends and family throughout the state.
The City of Eureka Springs was founded and named on July 4, 1879. As word of Eureka's miraculous, healing waters began to spread, thousands of visitors flocked to the original encampment of tents and hastily built shanties. By late 1879, the estimated population of Eureka Springs reached 10,000 people and in 1881, the town was declared a "City of the First Class," the fourth largest city in Arkansas.
Excerpts from the I Didn't Know That! series © by Susan Schaefer
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Crescent Hotel
75 Prospect Avenue
Eureka Springs, AR 72632
800-342-9766
Upon completion in 1886, the Crescent, Grand Old Lady of the Ozarks, was considered to be the most impressive and magnificent architectural work of its time in this region. At the Crescent, you can still step out of the front door and climb into a horse-drawn surrey for a romantic ride through the winding streets of historic Eureka Springs.
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Churches
The Church in the Grove is a quaint, vintage country church. It has beautiful stained glass windows and evokes nostalgic feelings about our faith and our country. "If The Walls Could Talk" is a presentation given at the Church in the Grove that provides insights into the history of the rural community church.
 Thorncrown Chapel is a little glass chapel in the woods on the side of a hill reaching 48 feet into the sky with over 6,000 square feet of glass. This inspiring architectural wonder opened its doors in 1980. All people are invited to enjoy a place where the handiwork of God and man meet with inspiring beauty.
St. Elizabeth Catholic Church, In Ripley's Believe It or Not, is the only church that you enter through the bell tower. The walk from the bell tower has the 14 Stations of the Cross in Italian marble along the right hand side. The chapel was designed with St. Sophia's Church in Istanbul, Turkey in mind.
The Smith Memorial Chapel is an exquisite round, domed building with a beautiful, elaborate 15th century hand carved Dutch altar. Gospel concerts are performed in The Chapel prior to The Great Passion Play, and it houses the Bible Museum in its lower level.
Shows
 The Great Passion Play
Rated the number one attended outdoor drama in America by the Institute of Outdoor Drama. Performed in a 4,100 seat amphitheater. Over 250 actors dressed in period costumes. Live camels, horses, sheep, donkeys, and doves. Huge staging area -- larger than two football fields! State of the art lighting and sound system. Curtain time is 8:30 p.m. The gates to the amphitheater open one hour before show time.
Pre-Play Performances
There are two excellent pre-play performances ... Gospel Concerts and Parables of the Potter Presentations. Gospel Concerts are performed in the Smith Memorial Chapel, and Parables of the Potter Presentations are behind the Great Wall.
The Bart Rockett Show
Enjoy 2 hours of fun in a 1,000 seat theatre - the largest indoor production in the state of Arkansas. This million dollar production is loaded with state-of-the-art lights, sound, and special effects! Live exotic animals, music, ventriloquism, comedy fun, dazzling magic, mystifying illusions, and death defying escapes. Show time is 7:30 p.m.
Ozark Mountain Hoe-Down Music Theater
The Ozark Mountain Hoe-Down is now in its 18th season. Enjoy lots of music and comedy featuring the Kings River Boys Quartet with high energy contemporary country and gospel at its best. Showtime is 8:00 p.m.
Pine Mountain Jamboree
A music and comedy tradition in the Ozarks for over 30 years. Featuring blue-grass, gospel, pop, rock, big band, Cajun, country music, and comedy performed by top entertainers.
Eureka Springs Opry
Eureka's newest show offers a fast-paced, fun evening of music and comedy!
Tours
 Christ of the Ozarks
The seven-story Christ of the Ozarks Statue stands 67 feet high. This snow white statue is the second tallest in the world. The Statue overlooks the picturesque Victorian village of Eureka Springs and is an inspiring sight from the town's historic district. This majestic statue, completed and dedicated in 1966, was sculptured by the late Emmet Sullivan, who was one of the sculptors of Mount Rushmore. It is open to the public 24 hours each day of the year without charge.
Interesting facts about the statue:
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Every inch and ounce of the structure was built by hand; no segments have been poured. |
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The foundation of the statue required 340 tons of concrete interlaced with steel virtually welded into the
rock of Magnetic Mountain. |
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The Statue is made of 24 layers of white mortar on a steel frame. |
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It was necessary to build an elevator up the side of the framework which was completely surrounded by
Scaffolding during the construction. |
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The face is approximately 15 feet long. The hands from wrist to fingertip measure approximately 7 feet. |
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The arm spread from fingertip to fingertip is 65 feet. |
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The total weight of the statue is over two million pounds. |
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The statue is located on Magnetic Mountain, at an altitude of 1,500 feet. |
Trolley Historical Tour
A 5 mile tour of the Historic District. The guided narrated tour is a colorful way for Eureka Springs' history to come alive.
Sweet Fudge's Kitchen -- See the original candy store in the historic district since 1969.
Holy Land Tour
The tram picks up at the Orientation Center and drops off at an exhibit where you will see authentic Old and New Testament exhibits that have been reproduced according to extensive archaeological research located in the 800-acre mountain site. There you will walk through or around the exhibit and will be picked up by the tram and taken to the next site. The tour lasts about 2 1/2 hours.
 Berlin Wall
As a symbol for freedom from tyranny, an original ten-foot by ten-foot section of the Berlin Wall was erected next to the Church in the Grove (displayed near the Christ of the Ozarks on the grounds of the Great Passion Play). An East Berliner while imprisoned under Communism painted the words, "Though I walk through the dark valley, I will not fear," from the 23rd Psalm in his native language on the wall. When the wall came down, the producers of The Great Passion Play and New Holy Land acquired this piece as a tribute to the spirit of the person who risked his or her life to make this declaration of faith.
Southern Pride Carriage Tours
Enjoy an elegant ride in one of the beautiful white carriages. $20 per couple; approximately 30 minutes.
Dinner Bell Ranch and Riding Stables
The most beautiful trail rides in the Ozarks. Featuring one and two hour horseback rides, half-day rides, breakfast, lunch, and dinner rides. The location is Hwy 62 East and turn on Rock House Road. Hours are from 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. 501-253-2900 or 800-684-3324.
Happy Trails Horseback Rides
Experience the beauty of the Ozarks. Guided trail rides on horseback last about 40 minutes and are fun for everyone.
Palace Bath House
 In operation since 1901 - enjoy a soothing bliss of whirlpool mineral bath in the original clawfoot tubs; enjoy a eucalyptus steam in the same wood barrels our world travelers used at the turn of the century; end the treatment with a massage. The total time for this spa session is approximately an hour and ten minutes, 501-253-8400.
Belle of the Ozarks
On a 12-mile cruise, discover the crystal clear waters of 30,000 acre Beaver Lake. View over 60 miles of spectacular Beaver Lake shoreline with breathtaking Ozark Mountain scenery! The Captain's informative narration of the area's history delights passengers as they relax aboard. Sunset cruises are a favorite for the romantics. Highlights include Beaver Dam, Lost Bridge area, White House Bluffs (the cliffs have beautiful rock formations), ancient Indian burial ground and a submerged homestead. Cruise around a 200-acre game preserve island, see migrating birds, wildlife and lake activites, plus bald eagles and spectacular fall foliage! Admission: $12 per person plus tax.
Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway
Vintage steam locomotives and passenger cars restored to original condition. Take a short ride through the Ozark valley or enjoy a lunch or dinner train excursion.
Eureka Springs Model Railroad Company
One of America's largest HO scale model Railways - As American and European model trains tour your family through winding mountain passes, over scenic bridges and through the forest, you'll visit small villages, grand prairies and arrive at one of Europe's grand central stations. Digital technology and special effects make this tour one you'll remember for years to come... All aboard!
Ghost Tours
Do you believe in ghosts? Tour these well known and not-so-well known haunted hotels and mansions. Admission: $10.00 adults (per tour) / $5.00 children 12 and under (per tour) / All children must be accompanied by an adult / Combination of two tours, $18 per person.
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Crescent Hotel & Nearby Haunts
Legendary sightings and intriguing tales woven with history.
3:00 PM and 9:00 PM |
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Eureka Springs Cemetery
Guides will lead you through this historic cemetery, beautifully frozen in time.
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Historic Downtown
New Orleans & Basin Park Hotels and haunts in between. |
| By reservation only. Call 501-253-8030.
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Museums
Eureka Springs Historical Museum
See the colorful past of this unique town and the people who lived here. A fascinating collection of papers, photographs, mementos, official documents, home furnishings and other artifacts.
Bible Museum
This priceless collection contains over 6,000 Bibles in 625 languages and dialects, as well as a large collection of parchments and artifacts. You can trace the history of the Bible from the most ancient cuneiform to modern computer versions.
Sacred Arts
View the impressive Sacred Arts center with over 1,000 works of religious art. Located on the grounds of The Great Passion Play.
Rosalie House
Experience the elegance and grandeur of 1883 touring the home of J. W. Hill, Eureka Springs' wealthiest family of the time. Restored to its original condition, the guided tour includes the home, cave, gardens, history and both American and European antiques.
Abundant Memories Heritage Village
Enjoy the history that comes alive with 25 authentically decorated buildings displaying thousands of antiques, toys, tools, military items, sleighs and carriages from Revolutionary through Civil War times; Live four-stage historama presentation. Large antique mall. Not on the trolley route.
Gallery Mint Museum
This museum in progress creates reproductions of early United States and colonial coins using hand powered equipment of the period.
Gay Nineties Button & Doll Museum
Outstanding collection of button mosaics and many one of a kind dolls.
Hammond Bell Museum
Worldwide collections of antique, primitive, musical, animal, historical, archaeological, Oriental, Temple, religious, ship and railroad bells. Bells and tuned wind chimes available in "Collectabells" Bell Shop.
The Last Precinct (Police Museum)
One of three privately owned police museums in the U.S. Over 10,000 artifacts, including police cars, uniforms, weapons, toys. Includes 150 years of American police history, foreign police and Hollywood memorabilia. Large gift shop specializing in police & fire collectibles.
Queen Anne Mansion
This masterpiece was built in Cathage Missouri in 1891 then moved to Eureka Springs. The oak and cherry woodwork includes seven fireplace mantels and five pocket doors hand carved by Italian and German woodcarvers.
Wings
Christmas decorated Victorian tour home featuring exotic birds housed in beautiful aviariums designed by the noted aviculturist Paul Puckett. See birds in every stage of development from nestling to fledging to adult. Located beside the Queen Anne Mansion, Hwy 62.
Miracle Mansion
An architecturally unique structure. Housed within the building on the second floor is the Wonderful World of Miniatures featuring the Presidents and their First Ladies in inaugural gowns. The interior creates an unusually romantic background for weddings.
Gables Tour Home, Victorian Elegance
Authentically furnished with Victorian furniture, museum quality oil paintings, sculpture, porcelains. Decorated authentically with no reproductions. Beautiful Queen Anne House shown on two levels.
Nel-Vic Tour Home
Picnic areas with a view of the Kings River. Rooms display vintage clothing and furnishings. Antique Lace Chapel or Gazebo overlooking the river is an ideal spot for a Victorian Country Wedding.
War Eagle Mill
Working water powered grist mill since 1832. Bean Palace restaurant and Gift Shop located on the premises.
Nature
Eureka Springs Botanical Gardens
Beautiful Blue Spring is the centerpiece for a continually changing panorama of woodland, meadow, hillside and rock settings spreading a masterpiece of floral colors over 33 acres. Not on the trolley route.
Covenant Gardens
A unique garden of Biblical plants, just one of eight such gardens in the United States. Admission: $3.00
Directions: Hwy 62E, 1/2 mile east of Passion Play Road
Quigley's Castle
Come see Elise Quigley's perennial gardens of over 400 varieties of flowers. The garden paths wind around secluded benches, a lily pond and bird baths up to her home which she beautifully covered with stones she'd collected since childhood. See how she found a way to sleep in tree tops full of bloom. Tropical plants grow in the natural soil of the first floor and brush ceiling of the second floor. She has a fossil, butterfly, crystal, arrowhead and glassware collection beyond belief. Admission: $5.00 Adult / Children Free.
Pivot Rock and Natural Bridge
Fascinating geological formations in a tranquil, wooded area. Take a relaxing walk down a series of nature trails. Featured in Ripley's Believe-It-Or-Not. Not on the trolley route.
Onyx Cave Park
Enjoy an educational tour in a living cave filled with spectacular underground formations. Enjoy an educational radio-guided tour. Easy access ramps take you to the cave entrance. AAA listed. This major attraction is not on the trolley route.
Cosmic Caverns
Visitors are led through one of the Ozarks prettiest caves. During the tour, you will see two bottomless underground cave lakes, one with trout. Silent Splendor is one of Arkansas' most incredible underground jewels. 18 miles East of Eureka Springs, Arkansas Hwy 21 North of Berryville.
War Eagle Cavern
Spectacular natural cavern with underground stream. Situated in a park-like setting on the shores of Beaver Lake. 17 acres of rustic beauty! Try your luck at finding a precious gem by gemstone panning. Gift shop on grounds offers souvenirs and snacks.
Roaring River Fish Hatchery
Take the scenic drive north to Missouri, it's less than 1/2 hour to beautiful Roaring River State Park and the Missouri Department of Conservation Trout Hatchery. This 3,403 acre state park features the rugged and scenic terrain of the southwest Ozarks. More than 20 million gallons of water gush daily from Roaring River Spring to form the headwaters of Roaring River.
Dinosaur World
Life-sized creatures placed in manicured park. Location: Hwy 62 West to 187 Loop; Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (winter) and 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. (summer); Admission: $4.00 adults; $3.50 seniors; $2.50 children ages 4-12; children 3 and under FREE. Not on the trolley route.
Fun Spot
For the kid in all of us, a family amusement park that offers a number of entertaining rides and games for all ages.
Pea Ridge National Military Park
A 430 acre Civil War battlefield that preserves the site of the March 1862 battle that saved Missouri for the Union. On March 7-8, nearly 26,000 soldiers fought.
Restaurants
Eureka Springs offers much variety for your dining pleasure. Just to name a few ...
Mission Buffet Restaurant - is open on play nights from 4:30pm until 8:00pm. The restaurant offers an all-you-care-to-eat buffet including drink and dessert. Flags of many nations hang from the rafters. The restaurant's decor is reminiscent of a medieval monastery and inspirational woodcarvings decorate the walls.
Basin Block Cafe - Since 1896! Brunch and lunch; visit the Casa Blocka Beer Garden.
Bubba's Barbecue - "It may not look famous, but it is!"
Center Street South Restaurant & Bar - Authentic South American cuisine - from Mexico to Brazil. Daily specials, full bar, live entertainment.
Chez Charles - Legendary local chef Charles Clark presents his stunning creations. Warning: no well-done steaks ... this man is an artiste!
Crest Restaurant - Eureka's original all you can eat catfish. Country breakfast, full lunch and dinner menu.
Gaskins Cabin - American cuisine with a French flair; selection of fine wines; dine in the historic 1864 home of John Gaskins.
Victorian Sampler Restaurant - Lunch and dinner in elegant surroundings.
White River Lodge Restaurant - Adult dining in a small 1920s fishing lodge on the river; smoked trout, seafood and other specialties; dinner only.
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PO Box 4141, Temple, TX 76505-4141
Office: (254) 760-9145 or (800) 635-6651 / Fax: (254) 778-8962
© Copyright 2000 by Voyages of Discovey. All rights reserved.
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