My husband and I recently visited Eureka Springs, Arkansas, a place we’d heard good things about but had never seen. We were pleasantly surprised to learn, after we arrived there, that it’s nicknamed ‘Little Switzerland of the Ozarks’. It was easy to see why. It’s a small hillside village steeped in history–old downtown buildings that are kept in great condition, Victorian houses dotting the hillside in tiers, an old steam train, trolley cars, etc.

One of the first things we noticed is that it reminded us of the fictitious French village in my Outsiders book series–stone staircases and wooden staircases linking the hillside tiers, rock walls, an old cave home or two, roads that switchback and climb the hill, warning signs saying no large trucks or buses above this level, etc.

Another thing we noticed and loved is that the town is appears to be an artists and writers community. We saw a Writing School and a Writers’ Retreat, and we saw at least four or five artists with their easels along the roadsides, painting. It was delightful!

As you might expect, I took tons of photos. Here’s a sampling. I hope you enjoy them.