Eureka Springs: The Ozark Town That Whispers Like a Spell
Greer and I decided to check out the St Louis Farmer’s Market which was a bit anti-climatic since it was early in the morning and not on the weekend. But I could imagine it on the weekend, and would love to come back and experience that vibe. We bought some of the most delicious cherry tomatoes from a farmer who recommend us to stop by Lambert’s Cafe which was on our way to Eureka Springs. So off we went to Lambert’s Cafe, in Ozark, MO, home of the “throwed rolls”.
As we finally crossed from Missouri into Arkansas, the landscape unfolded into the breathtaking beauty of the Ozarks in full summer bloom. I had visited the area once before, back in the fall of 2015, and while the autumn colors were unforgettable, there was something about the lush green of summer that made the scenery even more vibrant. If you’re curious, you can check out my previous article on The Ozarks and Eureka Springs for more details here:
Greer and I eventually arrived at our Airbnb, the same cozy spot I had stayed in during my last visit. I had such a wonderful experience back then that I couldn’t resist returning. However, this time, the hot tub—one of my favorite features—was sadly out of commission. But despite that small disappointment, the trip was going splendidly.
As the end of our getaway loomed closer, we decided to venture into town for a few drinks. There, we encountered some of the most fascinating characters. First, we met Willow, a man who had taken a vow of silence and was mute. Yet, he communicated volumes through his eyes and his art. He shared with us some of the sketches he’d been working on, each one more intricate and darker than the last…
Next, we met Chris, a wind chime maker who travels to Renaissance festivals across the country, selling his handmade creations. He also dabbled in moonshine-making and offered to sell us some. The offer piqued my curiosity, so we followed him to his car, which, to our slight apprehension, turned out to be a white van. The entire situation had Greer and me exchanging glances that clearly said, “This feels sketchy.” Chris then pulled out a bottle of blueberry lemonade moonshine and insisted I taste it before buying. Though the situation seemed dubious, I cautiously pretended to try it, thinking I might end up drugged, but everything turned out just fine. As it happens, the moonshine was incredibly good—some of the best I’ve ever had, and I’m not even a fan of straight liquor!
Later that evening, we decided to check out another bar nearby, which was located just off some rainbow-colored staircases. We chatted with a few locals, but there was one man I’ll never forget. He looked exactly like John Malkovich—so much so that I wouldn’t have been surprised if it had actually been him. He enthusiastically talked about his passion for making dollhouses and even showed me his pinky nail, which he used for painting the tiniest details on his miniatures. While I admired his dedication to his craft, the whole thing was a bit unnerving, and we decided it was time to head out.
Exhausted from our day, we ended the night by eating leftovers from Lambert’s Cafe and watching the season finale of Game of Thrones Season 7, before drifting off to sleep, the memories of our quirky adventure still fresh in our minds.
