Anniversaries are a wonderful opportunity to carve a few days out of your regular relationship and celebrate the success of your love by discovering a new destination together. But why not skip the old standard, high-traffic locales this time and runaway to a unique location tucked away in the romantic South? Perhaps one of America’s best kept secrets, Eureka Springs, Arkansas, is a charmingly quaint, fall-in-love-with historic escape that’s filled with the natural splendor of rolling Ozark hills, lakes, and the healing powers of more than 60 springs. This well-preserved Victorian village is a perfect place to celebrate and rekindle your romance all at the tempo of times gone by.
Lazee Daze Specializes in Love
If you’re looking for something a little more private, meaning just the two of you, Lazee Daze Log Cabin Resort, a quick 12-minute drive south from Eureka, offers six special cabins created just for those celebrating anniversaries and honeymoons.
Its rustic, but very comfortable, log cabins dot the resort’s 63 rolling acres leaving plenty of space between them, so guests can experience the privacy and solitude of this peaceful locale, much of which is pristine forest. This type of setting works especially well when you are staying there to renew your romance and celebrate an anniversary.
“The Ozarks are just so healing,” Shari Lapping, the resort’s owner, says. “People come here with stress in their faces and they leave completely different people.”
“Our name says it all,” Lapping says. “We offer 100 percent Mother Nature to enjoy, relax, and just sit and be with.” Each cozy log cabin has custom-crafted red cedar interiors, heart-shaped Jacuzzi tubs in alcoves, wrap-around decks, and native stone fireplaces to curl up next to with that special someone. Some cabins offer queen canopy beds for that extra touch of romance. While televisions and VCRs are provided, Lapping says most guests like the fact that there is no Internet access.
“There are trails to walk, porches to sit on, each cabin faces the woods, so you have a private place with the peace and beauty of the trees and hills,” Lapping says.
Touring the Town
Just six miles away lies the historic town of Eureka Springs, one of the few places in the United States where the entire downtown is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. There’s plenty to do with its well-preserved Victorian architecture, fascinating attractions — from the largest U.F.O. convention in the spring to a recreation of Biblical Holy Lands — opera houses, boutique shopping, fine dining, and spectacular cliff-point views. It’s possible that the history of the town will have you and your honey reminiscing about your own history together.
“This is a perfect place to come for a long weekend,” Lapping says. The gourmet blend of natural beauty, unique events, shops, and experiences make it an intimate escape for lovers. Lazee Daze leaves the schedule — or lack of one — to their guests. But Lapping says she’s more than happy to order flowers, a bottle of champagne, or fruit basket if guests call ahead. Especially if you want to surprise that special someone.
“I love to love people,” she says. “It’s who I am and I try to pass that spirit on to my guests.” Her enthusiasm spills over into her employees, who she describes as friendly and very accommodating.
It’s a spirit that seems to infuse Eureka Springs. Old-fashioned hospitality, quality customer service, and personal friendliness awaits visitors, making them feel more like family than tourists. The town prides itself on diversity, where all are welcome and fit in to the eclectic community of artisans, musicians, shop-keepers, founding families, and innkeepers.
And the Weather’s Not Bad Either
The climate is very alluring as well. Summers average in the upper 70’s and it rarely falls below freezing in the winter. It can snow, Lapping says, so winter guests should pack a light jacket or heavy sweater. Their high season is March to December.
“I always urge people to reserve as soon as they can, but call even if it’s at the last minute, because you never know when there just might be a cabin open,” Lapping advises. Lazee Daze has a two-night minimum stay and a three-night requirement for holiday or special event weekends. Most of their autumn guests are weekenders, but the summer is usually booked by the week, and often more than that. Many guests come back year after year. Two of their cabins accommodate up to six guests, so families are also welcome.
“Autumn is such a beautiful time here,” Lapping says. The colorful trees and breathtaking vistas sooth and calm. “There’s carriage rides in town, trolley rides, and some very romantic restaurants,” Lapping added. Anniversaries don’t have to be just dinner and diamonds. Making time for each other and creating new memories that inspire intimacy and affection are some of the best gifts couples can give each other. It’s something Eureka Springs and Lazee Daze has known for a long time.
