Little Switzerland in Arkansas

The colorful shops, Heartstone Bed & Breakfast, especially the incredible breakfast, the warm innkeepers, and the delightful property with a great front porch and deck! The atmosphere that is conducive to R&R. The stunning gardens everywhere with whimsical sculpture, wildflowers, delicate poppies, fountains, birdbaths, stone benches, porch swings laden with fluffy pillows, ferns, amarlysis, statuary, iron fences with intricate gates, intersperced with natural springs masquerading as waterfalls. Take a drink at the water fountains along the way and immediately feel healthy! Enter the church through the bell tower and take a sacred moment out to give thanks. A small garden and if you look just past it, in the horizon you will see Christ of the Ozarks, standing overlooking the valley. Thornhill Chapel designed by Frank LLOyd Wright is another place to take a time out to be grateful. Like a crystal beveled glass cathedral, it is magical. The Cresent Hotel is another MUST. Rock on the back porch overlooking the pool, gardens, spa and red tile rooftop of the catholic church. Don't miss the fountain and gardens out front, the ornate piano player inside and the fabulous wedding pictures just outside the dining room!

Quick Tips:

It is out of the way and by appointment only, but John Michael Talbot, the monk who has incredible recordings out is located not far from here. You might bring your own wine and cheese picnic, as there are perfect places to indulge en route. There are festivals, from jazz to wine to art, ask the innkeepers at Heartstone for a calendar of events, they could not be more helpful! Not far from War Eagle, there are MAJOR spring and fall craft shows occuring close by. There was an ARTRAGEOS parade going on while we were there and we watched it from the balconies overhead at the New Orleans Hotel, although we did not stay there. Order the trout at Devittos, they raise their own, get the grilled catch. There was also an art walk in the evening with the artists available and complimentary wine and chocolate covered strawberries along the way. Astonding glass artians, oil painters, jewelry creations, pastel paintings, abound.

Best Way To Get Around:

Walk. That way you won't miss anything. There are hidden passages with scenic walk-ways, board-walks, very steep however. There is a trolley that costs .50 for all day, get on and off as the mood strikes. There are visible markers and benchs for the Trolley stops.

Incredible! Cannot praise it enough! My husband was in the hotel industry 15 years and is SOOO picky and he was impressed. The innkeepers were also in the hotel industry so they KNOW what they are doing. They are warm and hospitable and let you have your space while providing that special touch. THE BEST BREAKFAST WE HAVE EVER HAD IS TO BE FOUND HERE! Who can argue with creme brulee French toast??!! The beds are so comfortable, we slept like babes. We could walk to everywhere. They have menus from the various restaurants in town and will make reservations for where ever you want to go. You can have a massage right next door, or a delightful shop resides next door, called Vintage Cargo. Bring your own shampoo, and hair dryer. Watch the world go by from overstuffed chairs on the front porch up or down, or watch the birds and squirrels from the spacious deck or gazebo. You'll get lots of R&R!

It DOES have the atmosphere, unfortunately it does NOT have the food nor the service. They say they are famous for their prime rib and it is huge but it is not prime. The trout is not as good as Devittos. The salads and side are mediocre. The waiter spilled a whole glass of water on us, and then laughed it off, proceeding to continue to clear our table before we left.

Order the trout grilled, they raise their own and it is great! My husband ordered it broiled with some special sauce and it just didn't measure up to mine. Very crowded with little atmosphere, yet some of the best food you will find!

Bought a great black bag with tiny palm trees embrodiered on it. Great summertime shirts and capri pants! Colorful flamingo motiffs abound throughout this tiny shop.

Follow the bubbles to this svelve shop with fun sculpture on its lawn. Inside are scarfs and hats to play dress up, great jewelry with semi-precious stones, and bubble machines. Take one home and make your next dinner party outside magical. I almost bought the sprinkler that was a face, if it's been there awhile, you can bargain!

Two locations and my very favorite. Bought a fireplace screen with candles, fun books and delightful lotions. Have your own spa at home! Great wedding stuff and candles and baskets. Shelfs with Parisian verbage, stone lion fountains, fleur de leis everywhere, not to mention andiron chairs...this you must check out!

Stuffed with stuff, one of a kind cool items, expensive. Chucky pottery, great lotions, exotic things. Wonderful fake wildflowers, you'd have to touch them to know. Delightful fun jewelry.

This was the 8th annual Music Festival. The Los Angeles Guitar Quartet was one of the featured groups, sponsered by KUAF 91.3 FM, wine and cheese reception preceded the event priced at $25 per person. 888-855-7823 national public radio

The parade began with the sirens of the bright red fire engines, followed by African dancers with drums, floats by the humane society throwing candies to the masses, the colorful mayors car followed with school bands and free spirits in between dressed as faairy godmothers dispensing sparkles. In the evening there were art walks with various artists painting and creating their masterpieces complete with vino and strawberries immersed in chocolate. Watch the parade from the balcony of the New Orleans Hotel!