This Town Is One of America's Most Unusual Getaways-With Ghost Tours, Underground Cafes, and a Lively Arts Scene

"Tucked into northwest Arkansas ' Ozark Mountains, Eureka Springs is a place where contradictions don't just coexist, they define the destination. It's a Victorian-era spa town and a paranormal hotspot, a biker mecca and a proudly LGBTQ+ enclave nicknamed "the gayest small town in America." In the Ozarks, "the place where misfits fit," Eureka Springs wears that identity especially well, drawing artists, nature lovers, and free spirits of all kinds for over a century."

"That "something" is evident everywhere: the entire town is on the National Register of Historic Places; ornate Edwardian and Victorian homes cling improbably to steep hillsides; and 350-some working artists call this creative community home. Words like eclectic and quirky are overused, but here, they ring true. Whether you're brunching underground, soaking in a 125-year-old bathhouse, or checking into a haunted hotel, here's everything you should know about visiting Eureka Springs."

Eureka Springs sits in the Ozark Mountains and combines Victorian-era spa architecture with paranormal lore, a strong LGBTQ+ presence, and a vibrant arts scene. The entire town is on the National Register of Historic Places, with ornate Edwardian and Victorian homes on steep hillsides and about 350 working artists living there. Historic attractions include a 125-year-old bathhouse and famously haunted hotels such as the 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa, which has served as a wellness resort, women's college, and controversial medical center. The town attracts nature lovers, creatives, and free spirits and offers eclectic dining and cultural experiences.

Read at Travel + Leisure