5 Ojo Inn Bed and Breakfast, Eureka Springs, AR

Spring Fragrances in the Ozarks

noreply@blogger.com (Richard and Jan Grinnell) — Wed, 02 May 2012 11:00:00 +0000

We just love springtime when the flowers bloom and permeate the air with a sweet, wonderful fragrance. We've been walking the dogs lately and probably causing a stir by sticking our heads into bushes and plants and inhaling deeply. Even the dogs are shaking their heads. Everything is just so green and lush right now and Jan was just told today she has been awarded the Commercial Garden of the Month by the Eureka Springs Garden club. Here at the bed and breakfast we're also one of the gardens to be included in the Garden Tour in May. Don't you just love Spring growth??

Richard and Jan....5 Ojo Inn Bed and Breakfast

Eureka Springs Queen Kitty

noreply@blogger.com (Richard and Jan Grinnell) — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 03:42:00 +0000

Does this look like a Black Panther to you? Perhaps not, but in her mind, she's a stealth hunter. Just ask her. She's Mojo (a.k.a. Miss Ojo), and she considers herself the protector of the inn and likes to keep this corner of Eureka Springs safe for guests.

Here's one of Mojo's adventures. Jan told a guest that Mojo was like a black panther, stalking things large and small. While relaxing on their deck, the guest saw Mojo stalk a deer. She'd crouch down, scoot forward silently and then turn into a wimpy ball of fur when the deer turned toward her. The guest wrote about this black panther hunt in their room guestbook. A few weeks later during breakfast Jan shouted into the kitchen that the black panther was at it again (that was Richard's cue to go rescue something from Mojo). A guest, who had read those comments from the previous guest, punched her husband in the shoulder and said, "See, I told you they had black panthers here". We all had a good laugh after we explained that the black panther was a 10 pound cat with fantasies of grandeur.

It's good to know that 5 Ojo Inn Bed and Breakfast has a Queen Cat watching over our accommodations.

Cookie Testing Begins for the Eureka Springs Cookie Tour

noreply@blogger.com (Richard and Jan Grinnell) — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 14:00:00 +0000

Our first experimental test for the Sweet Treats Cookie Tour began with Maida Heatter's Chocolate-Nut Icebox Cookie. This is a easy recipe. The texture and the form of the cookie is very good, actually it's excellent. As a matter of fact I feel that the texture improves the taste. My first batch of cookies did not produce a strong enough chocolate taste for me and I believe this is a result of the quality of cocoa used.

When I eat chocolate I want to taste the chocolate. I am going to try this cookie again, however I am now online figuring out how to place an order for Wilbur's Cocoa. I have used their chocolate before and found that Wilbur's produces a fantastic chocolate that delivers a chocolate taste like no other.

The next experimental test will be another one of Maida Heatter's Chocolate recipes - stay tuned!

........Jan (5 Ojo Inn Bed and Breakfast)

Richard's response: I know that Jan said there wasn't enough chocolate flavor for her, but I and two other tasters snarfed our way through a couple dozen of these cookies and found them delightful. Bring on some more Jan!!

Chocolate Cookie Fantasy Wish

noreply@blogger.com (Richard and Jan Grinnell) — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 22:13:00 +0000

It's time for us to start thinking about our 'Bed and Breakfast Inns of Eureka Springs' Association annual Christmas Sweet Treats tour. Jan is scouting out all our cook books for special cookie recipes. She is really focusing on Maida Heatter's 'Book of Great Chocolate Desserts'. Me being the chocoholic, I'm not disappointed in her choice. Could this be a Julie meets Julia moment? I am wondering what great cookie recipe she will find, because you know how I hate being the one who has to taste all those experimental workings (sly smile now showing). Can't wait for the taste tests to begin.

For the fifth year now, on Saturday, December 10th, our association will be putting on this event. Here's what it includes.

Nine unique bed and breakfasts included on the tour.
Yummy cookies & treats (2 per inn) with recipes to add to your collection.
Holiday decorating ideas from each of the beautifully decorated inns.
A chance to relax away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Finish your shopping in Eureka Springs' unique shops and art galleries.
Enter our giveaway contest for a chance to win one of three $100 gift certificates good at any of the Sweet Treats Cookie Tour participating inns.

Will post more on the cookie tastings as they happen. Jan promised me a new cookie recipe a week.

Keurig Coffee Makers & Room Makeover

noreply@blogger.com (Richard and Jan Grinnell) — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 21:16:00 +0000

We now have Keurig Coffee makers in all of our rooms. No more messy grounds or filter packs. Pop in a K-Cup and brew a great cup of coffee. If the two of you have different tastes, that's no problem as we have regular and decaf coffee, flavored coffee and teas. Since these are single cup servings, each of you can choose what you want.

Also, we are doing some work on the Carriage House room, tiling the jacuzzi area plus some other upgrades that should make this room even more inviting.

Jan & Richard
5 Ojo Inn Bed and Breakfast

Butterfly Lodging in Eureka Springs

noreply@blogger.com (Richard and Jan Grinnell) — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 20:27:00 +0000

All we can say is, "Wow". This year the number of butterflies swooping through the garden is amazing. Even driving down Arkansas highways there were dozens and dozens that dodged the car as we drove along. From what we can determine most of the butterflies here in the Eureka Springs area are Spicebush Swallowtails.

We thought, hey, we could really make some money if we could charge caterpillars for the nights accommodation they spent on our plants. Not just overnight accommodations but with breakfast included, specifically, Richard's parsley. Throughout the garden it was like watching a battlefield in action with Richard trying to pick the parsley faster than the caterpillars could eat it.

But in the end, it was beautiful. Large, black-spotted butterflies adorning our yard....natures canvas. In the mornings when it's cooler, we take our 5 Ojo Inn Bed and Breakfast mugs and watch the butterflies rising with the sun.

Fleur Delicious - French Themed Weekend Food

noreply@blogger.com (Richard and Jan Grinnell) — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 21:38:00 +0000

This weekend Eureka Springs celebrated Fleur Delicious, a French themed weekend with a street fair atmosphere where the city and it's lodging, retail/gift shops, spas, restaurants, bars, galleries and entertainment venues participated.

At 5 Ojo Inn Bed and Breakfast we served Crepes with Chive Scrambled Eggs, Smoked Pepper Bacon and Cheese Sauce on one morning, and French Toast a' la Orange with Sauteed Orange Rum Bananas the other. It was fun experimenting with different things.

It had been a while since I made fresh crepes but after a few practice ones, you can get into a real rhythm swirling the pan to spread the batter.

We're already thinking about what to do next year.

Lemon Ricotta Pancake Recipe from our Kitchen

noreply@blogger.com (Richard and Jan Grinnell) — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 18:00:00 +0000

We received the following post on our Facebook Page the other day. "We LOVED our stay at 5 Ojo Inn Bed and Breakfast and we can't wait to come back with the in-laws! If you get a chance sometime I would love the recipe for those Lemon Ricotta Pancakes - my hubbie is already bugging me to make them! :)

Well Christine, here it is. Enjoy!!

Lemon Ricotta Pancakes

----- Pancake Batter -----
1 1/8 cup flour, all-purpose
1 1/2 tablespoon Sugar
3/4 teaspoon baking powder
3/8 teaspoon baking soda
3/8 teaspoon Salt
----- -----
2 large eggs; separated
1 1/2 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 cups buttermilk
3/8 cup ricotta cheese
3 tablespoons orange juice
3/4 teaspoon lemon extract
2 1/4 teaspoon lemon zest

----- Lemon Sauce -----
3/8 cup Sugar
3 tablespoons Butter
1 1/2 tablespoon water
3/4 large egg yolk
1 1/8 teaspoon lemon zest
1 1/8 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

--- PANCAKE BATTER ---
1) Mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
2) In a separate bowl mix together the egg yolks, oil, buttermilk, ricotta cheese, orange juice, lemon extract and lemon zest..
3) Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
4) In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until just stiff. Fold the egg whites into the batter until just incorporated. Let set for 10-15 minutes.

--- LEMON SAUCE ---
1) Combine all sauce ingredients in a medium sized non-reactive pan. Heat over medium heat stirring constantly until the butter has melted and the sugar has dissolved on medium heat. (Stirring constantly will keep the egg yolk from coagulating).
2) Once the sauce reaches a boil, lower the temperature for one to two minutes. remove from heat and let set,. Keep the sauce warm over a very low flame or put in a pan of simmering water. keeping warm until ready to serve.

--- PREPARATION ---
1) Heat a thin layer of butter in a large skillet.
2) Ladle the batter into the skillet to form 3-inch cakes (use a 1 oz ladle).
3) Cook until small bubbles form and the edges begin to brown.
4) Turn and cook for 1 to 2 minutes longer, until just cooked through.
5) Drizzle each serving with two tablespoons of lemon sauce.

NOTE: To keep the pancakes warm until all are cooked, lay the pancakes out on a towel on a cookie rack in a warming oven (about 200°F)

NOTE: Fresh fruit on top gives a nice contrast to the pancakes. We also use a heated mixed fruit compote on them.

Yield: 4 Servings. This recipe makes about 12 three inch pancakes.

15 Commandments of Vacation Travel

noreply@blogger.com (Richard and Jan Grinnell) — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 21:15:00 +0000

We have been planning our own vacation and thought these fifteen commandments of vacation travel were worthwhile to pass on to our guests and readers. They were originally published by Sandy Soule, a travel writer and speaker.

We all know people who come back from a vacation feeling on top of the world, and others who seem vaguely disappointed. Here's how to put yourself in the first category, not the second.

Know yourself. A successful vacation is one that works for the person you are, not the person you think you should be. Acknowledge your own comfort levels. Are independence and flexibility top concerns? Or being structured and secure? How essential are the creature comforts when it comes to sleeping, eating, and bathing? And remember that while your personality doesn't change, your needs do. The type of vacation you plan for a romantic getaway is totally different from a family reunion.

Know your travel companions. Adjust your plans to accommodate your travel partners. Whether you are traveling with friends, spouse, children, and/or parents, you'll need to take their age, attention span, agility, and interests into account.

Plan ahead: anticipation is half the fun. Enjoy the planning process. The more you know about an area you're going to visit, the more fun you'll have. Check out destination websites; skim a guidebook; read a novel or watch a movie set in the region; talk to friends who have been there recently.

Don't bite off more than you can chew. Keep your itinerary in line with the amount of time and money available. Focus on seeing a smaller area well, rather than trying to cover too much ground and seeing nothing but interstate highways. Don't over-program; allow yourself the luxury of doing nothing.

Avoid one-night stands. Plan to stay a minimum of two nights everywhere you go. A vacation made up of one-nighters is a prescription for exhaustion. You will sleep poorly, spend most of your time packing/unpacking and in transit, and will get only the smallest glimpse of the place you're visiting.

Travel off-season. Unless your vacation dates are dictated by the school calendar, off-season travel offers many advantages: fewer crowds, greater flexibility, reduced costs, and a more relaxed atmosphere. Learn to pick the best dates for off-season travel; typically these are the weeks just before and after seasonal rates change.

Book well ahead for peak season travel. If you must travel during peak periods to popular destinations, make reservations well in advance for the key sites to avoid aggravation, extra phone calls, and additional driving time.

Take the road less traveled. Get off the beaten path and leave the crowds behind. Instead of booking a room in the heart of the action, find a quiet getaway tucked in the hills or in a neighboring village.

Ditch the car. You’ll need a car to get most destinations, but once you're there, get out and walk. You'll see more, learn more, experience more at every level, while avoiding crowds at even the most popular destinations.

Hang loose. The unexpected is inevitable. When your plans go astray (and they will), relax and let serendipity surprise you. And keep your sense of humor in good working order. If possible, travel without reservations or a set itinerary.

Carpe diem--seize the day. Don't be afraid to follow your impulses. If a special souvenir catches your eye, buy it; don't wait to see if you'll find it again later. If a hiking trail looks too inviting to pass up, don't; that museum or outlet mall will wait for a rainy day.

Don't suffer in silence. When things go wrong--an incompetent guide, car troubles, a noisy room--speak up. Politely but firmly express your concern then and there; get your room changed, ask for a refund or discount, whatever. Most people in the travel business would rather have you go away happy than to leave grumbling.

Remember--being there is more than seeing there. People travel to see the sights--museums and mountains, shops and scenery--but it is making new friends that can make a trip memorable. Leave a door open to the people-to-people experiences that enrich travel immeasurably.

Don't leave home to find home. The quickest way to take the wind out of the sails of your trip is to compare things to the way they are at home. Enjoy different styles and cultures for what they are and avoid comparisons and snap judgments.

Give yourself permission to disregard all of the above. Nothing is immutable. If you find a pattern that works for you, enjoy it!

Richard and Jan.......5 Ojo Inn Bed and Breakfast

Give a little, get a lot

noreply@blogger.com (Richard and Jan Grinnell) — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 17:54:00 +0000

How can you indulge in a little pampering and at the same time do something to help others? We have a suggestion, and a request. From July 18, 2011 to August 31, 2011, book two midweek nights (Sunday to Thursday) at 5 Ojo Inn Bed and Breakfast and only pay for one night. The catch? We ask that you also write a check for at least $35 to our local non-profit free health clinic.

The 'Bed and Breakfast Inns of Eureka Springs', of which 5 Ojo Inn B&B is a member, is supporting ECHO with this special deal. ECHO is a free medical clinic here in Eureka Springs for uninsured, low income individuals. It is staffed and supported by the local community who all work for free and has been featured on the Oprah show as well as on ABC.

This is a great way to get some pampering for yourself and help others at the same time. Remember to book early as there is limited availability.

Skunkworks in Eureka Springs?

noreply@blogger.com (Richard and Jan Grinnell) — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 17:32:00 +0000

Vinnie, our new maintenance guy, showed up at our personal residence yesterday to do some work. He was delayed a couples of day getting here and to explain why brought with him the reason for his delay. As the dogs and I stood on the porch talking to Vinnie (the dogs didn't actually talk, they begged for scratches on the head) Jan walked outside. She was startled a bit because there stood Chester, our Shih Tzu, nose to nose with Flower. You see, Flower is a skunk. Flower was confused and luckily descented (I think desmelled or deodorized is better). Confused because she thinks she's a cat. Needless to say, everyone left as friends, but Flower won't be coming to work with Vinnie at the Inn anymore. Descented or not, it makes me nervous... :)

Eureka Springs Walk-In Movie Theater

noreply@blogger.com (Richard and Jan Grinnell) — Mon, 23 May 2011 19:00:00 +0000

The scene. You walk into Basin Park with your lawn chair looking for the perfect place in this unique outdoor theater. After finding your spot you make your way to the concession stand to get some hot popcorn, your favorite candy and a couple of tall cool drinks. Settling down into your chairs you wait for the sun to go down a little more and then laugh the night away watching a great movie. Afterward you head back to the bed and breakfast with great memories for a sound nights sleep.

The event is Eureka Springs Sunday Movies in the Park Summer Season. There will be six weeks of movies starting June 5th. The movies are free and prizes will be given out at each movie. Movie goers can pick up entry tickets from as many participating business locations as they can giving themselves an even greater chance of winning a prize.

And here is the just released movie schedule. . . .

June 5: Despicable Me is an animated feature with Steve Carrell as Gru - very cute, very funny. Gru will capture your heart, just as the three sisters capture his. Animated Family Film PG

June 12: Defending Your Life : Albert Brooks wrote, directed, and stars in this philosophical comedy about a man having a hard time making a case for himself in the afterlife. Fantasy, Science Fiction, Comedy PG

June 19: Meet Me in St. Louis - this Judy Garland classic will get you singing in your seats! G

June 26: Dirty Rotten Scoundrels: Steve Martin and Michael Caine take over the roles originally played by Marlon Brando and David Niven: two international con artists, plying their trade on gullible wealthy women up and down the Riviera. PG

July 3: Yankee Doodle Dandy - you don't get more patriotic then this musical classic. Dandy has song, dance, pathos, pageantry, uproarious comedy, and, best of all, James Cagney at his Oscar-winning best. G

July 10: Casablanca - this classic film will have you swooning and cheering, just in time to close out the Fleur Delicious French Themed festival. PG

5 Ojo Inn Bed and Breakfast, Eureka Springs, AR

The Wacky World of Eureka Springs Parades

noreply@blogger.com (Richard and Jan Grinnell) — Sun, 15 May 2011 19:27:00 +0000

An attempted humorous look at the recent 2011 Artrageous Parade in Eureka Springs. It was another great parade with artistic and fun costumes and floats. There's much more to come in the month of May for the Mayfest of the Arts.

Oops, what part of the visible light spectrum did Professor Dumbledore said this magic wand would make us?

Ready for the Eureka Springs white water canals.

I told you to duck when that lady waved her wand!!

Big and beautiful, we were conceived in a stained glass factory next to the Caterpillar Tractor plant.

Puff the Magic Dragon...not sure who was puffing what!!

Kids of the Soggy Bottom Boys.

This is what you look like when you blow your brains out.

"As mayor of this city I'll make sure there are two boxes of Frosted Flakes on every table."

What type of coffee do you like?

noreply@blogger.com (Richard and Jan Grinnell) — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 14:00:00 +0000

We wanted a new experience in coffee for our guests so we have begun putting Keurig Gourmet Coffee Brewers in our rooms. We installed the first four recently and so far our guests seem to love the brewers and the coffee they make.

But, there are over 200 kinds of coffee, tea and hot chocolate we can get. Wow, how is one supposed to try them all. We'd be bouncing off the walls if we did.

So, help us out! What are your tastes like? Do you like mild or strong brew coffee? Is tea your fav and if so, what kind? Do you like any particular flavored coffee? Let us know your opinions. Thanks!!

From Keurig's website: "We believe that coffee should always be served fresh, just like a gourmet coffee house, wherever you are. Period." Perhaps we'll have our own little personal coffee house at 5 Ojo Inn Bed and Breakfast in Eureka Springs, AR.

Arkansas Chainsaw Wood Massacre

noreply@blogger.com (Richard and Jan Grinnell) — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 19:17:00 +0000

Let the chips fly!! Last weekend we attended Carving in the Ozarks here in Eureka Springs, AR. Each carver spent two days of furious cutting with super sharp chainsaws, some of them with very pointy ends. Were they actually carving, or practicing for a slasher movie?

When we arrived it appeared they had contained the carvers in their own cages. We were told, no, that's a net around their area to keep the chips from piercing the observers. Maybe, but we felt safer with them behind what we continued to imagine as steel mesh.

Late Saturday we went back to attend the auction, hoping to buy one of the creations for our bed and breakfast inn.

We didn't get what we wanted, but if you are in the market for some good prices on benches, bears, figures or whatever else they make out of wood, you need to attend this event next year.

Here's a couple of other pictures of the show.

It was just fun watching the carvers deftly use their chainsaws. Hope you get a chance to seem them one day.

Feel the beat in Eureka Springs

noreply@blogger.com (Richard and Jan Grinnell) — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 14:00:00 +0000

Lots of fun things to do here in Eureka Springs. We like to walk to Basin Park once a month when they have 'Drumming in the Park'. It's like an impromptu jam session with all kinds of drums. In general they are all beating to the same rhythm, although once in a while you hear a lone drummer lost to the world beating to a different beat. There is no rehearsal, no scripted music, just doing your own thing. Really fun. Watch the video below and you'll get an idea of what we mean.

Angelo, one of our local policeman, is a professional drummer who organizes the 'Africa in the Ozarks' festival and he leads this jam session.

If you are here when it's going on, they have spare drums, tambourines and rattles so you can join in.

5 Ojo Inn Bed and Breakfast, Eureka Springs, AR

Will this be a cat's eye Grand Illumination?

noreply@blogger.com (Richard and Jan Grinnell) — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 02:16:00 +0000

We are really getting excited about gearing up for the Grand Illumination in Eureka Springs. Yesterday afternoon our Japanese lanterns arrived. We expected a big box with lanterns we could run around and hang up all over the bed and breakfast.

But here's what we got and we asked ourselves, how do we get from this......

to that masterpiece of art we imagined? We looked but, hey, no instructions?

But wait...is that an apparition in the picture? Or is it....yes it is, it's Mojo the Japanese art cat to the rescue. Phew! We wonder what design she has conjured up in her mind.

We'll post a picture of Mojo's creation once the decorations are up and you can see for yourselves.

The lanterns will start going up all over Eureka Springs beginning April 28th. On Sunday May 1 the annual lighting of the Park will begin at Twilight. This year the Grand Illumination has added Upstairs Downtown Tour and Taste from 4-7 pm. You will be able to visit inside stunningly designed hidden downtown homes and studios and enjoy delicious treats provided by area restaurants.

The Elk are waiting at Buffalo River

noreply@blogger.com (Richard and Jan Grinnell) — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 17:51:00 +0000

Time to think about the great outdoors. And where else to enjoy the outdoors than down on the Buffalo River in Arkansas located just a short jaunt from Eureka Springs. Buffalo River National State Park contains massive limestone bluffs with canoeing available on one of the few rivers remaining that is without a dam. It has the longest cave in Arkansas (Fitton) and one of the tallest wet weather waterfalls in the Midwest (Hemmed in Hollow).

Buffalo River has the only elk herd in Arkansas. The free-flowing river meanders through the heart of the Ozarks for 150 miles and has both swift-moving and calm stretches. There are bluffs, woodlands, protected wilderness areas, nature watching opportunities and over 100 miles of hiking trails.

If you travel by motorcycle, the weather is warming up to great bike riding temperatures and traveling the roads are a treat themselves.

Photo Credit: Thanks to NPCA Photos for the great shot of an Elk on the Buffalo River.

A Different Kind of Opera in Eureka Springs

noreply@blogger.com (Richard and Jan Grinnell) — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 22:48:00 +0000

The hills in Austria were alive with music while here in the Ozarks arias will be resonating through the mountains.

For more than 60 years, Opera in the Ozarks has helped young artists from across the nation hone their operatic skills. The training program and music festival takes place at a breath-taking location only a few miles from Eureka Springs.

Three great operas will be presented with singers performing in period costume and accompanied by a full orchestra. We normally lean towards Country and Pop music, but we thoroughly enjoyed the Opera in the Ozark performances.

If you want to catch a rising star early on in their career, come to Eureka Springs and attend these great performances.

Here's a quiz with a prize
Be the first to post an answer on our Facebook Page and get an opera discount of 15% off of your next two night stay at our bed and breakfast. Let your friends know, they can win also. So here it is…… “What German opera title epitomizes Eureka Springs’ friendliness (at least in our minds)”? Not necessarily the plot, but the title. And if no one answers in a couple of days, we’ll post a hint.

Our Favorite Arkansas Blueberry Recipe

noreply@blogger.com (Richard and Jan Grinnell) — Sat, 19 Mar 2011 22:57:00 +0000

We had a guest this weekend request Jan's Blueberry Crumb Cake recipe that we have served here at the inn for a while now. It's a favorite of ours and by the number of recipe requests we get, our guests also. So we decided to post it for your use. Enjoy!!

Blueberry Crumb Cake
1 package plain yellow cake mix
1 cup butter; melted
1 cup old fashioned oatmeal
1/2 cup brown sugar; packed
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 cups blueberries; fresh or frozen

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Set aside an ungreased 13 by 9 inch baking pan.
Place the cake mix, melted butter, oatmeal, brown sugar, eggs and cinnamon in a large mixing bowl.
Blend with a mixer on low speed for 1 minute. The mixture will be thick.
Reserve 1 1/2 cups of mixture and set aside.
Spread the remaining mixture in the baking pan.
Pour the blueberries onto the mixture spreading them evenly.
Take the reserve mixture and spoon or glob over the blueberries.
Bake the cake until light brown, about 40-45 minutes.
Let cool for 30 minutes before cutting.

Hint from Jan: Arkansas Blueberries are the best for this dessert. I have tried Texas, Michigan, Maryland and Virginia blueberries.

Hint from Richard: I love to eat this while it's still a little warm. Adds a new layer to the flavors.

From the kitchen of 5 Ojo Inn Bed and Breakfast
Eureka Springs, AR

Handmade Gourmet Chocolate Lovers Paradise

noreply@blogger.com (Richard and Jan Grinnell) — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 14:00:00 +0000

For a few years now, every time we drive Highway 62 from Eureka Springs to Bentonville we have passed a chocolate store. The other day it was overcast and raining a little and we thought it might be a little sunnier with a few chocolates in our hand so we stopped. OMG!! We found a little piece of chocolate heaven right outside of Eureka Springs by the name of Martin Greer's Candies. They'll become a part of our bed and breakfast fare.

We had a very interesting talk with Martin about his shop. He learned his candy making craft from his father who started making candy on his farm in 1924. Some of the equipment he uses is 80-100 years old. It was incredible.

Martin's candies are made fresh with real chocolate, sweet cream butter, dry roasted nuts plus other flavorings and he doesn't use preservatives.

We did buy some candy and we'd show you a picture of the chocolates we bought but they're no where to be found. Hummmmm, now where could they have gone to?

Jan is looking into a 12-step chocoholic program for Richard. Richard found the following link for a chocoholic test and discovered he is only a Closet Chocoholic so is looking into a 10-step program for acquiring more chocolate.

Springbreak time in Eureka Springs

noreply@blogger.com (Richard and Jan Grinnell) — Sun, 06 Mar 2011 20:54:00 +0000

After a cold winter, spring has finally hit Eureka Springs. The daffodils are coming out in full force and Eureka Springs is full of yellow blooms especially in the bed and breakfast yards.

Lots of activities and events are planned in the city to get everyone out and about soaking up the warm weather. The scooter rental increased its' fleet to accommodate cruising through Eureka Springs. The Mardi Gras parade was delightful and now the upcoming St. Patrick Days celebration is the talk of the town. The Heartland Men's Chorus of Kansas City is performing in the Eureka Springs Historic Auditorium on March 12 and the Eureka Springs Downtown Network has initiated the second Saturday Gallery Stroll every month. If you love the Eurekan Artists this is the best time to indulge.

Relax and enjoy Eureka Springs as it awakens from the winter doldrums.

Christmas season tours in Eureka Springs

noreply@blogger.com (Richard and Jan Grinnell) — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 17:09:00 +0000

On Saturday, December 11, 2010 the 4th Annual Sweet Treats Tour is happening. 5 Ojo Inn Bed and Breakfast is one of the participants and we are excited about this years tour. Jan tried a number of different treats and forced me to taste them. It was a tough job tasting all those cookies and treats, but I endured with a smile on my face. For the tour, you can visit 8 different bed and breakfasts sampling their favorite cookie and candy recipes, collect copies of all the recipes, get holiday decorating ideas and enter yourself in a contest for a chance to win a $100 gift certificate!

This Saturday (12/4/2010) from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. the 28th Annual Eureka Springs Christmas Tour of Homes is happening. Jan is one of the docents and looks great decked out in her costume.

Fourteen locations are participating in this year's tour, giving guests a glimpse of a bygone era. All stops on the self-guided tour will be lavishly decorated for the season with Victorian attired docents at each site to relate the history of each home. Each residence offers an opportunity to revisit the grandeur of the graceful Victorian era and its unique, enchanting homes.

Visitors will be treated to choir and band music, carolers, refreshments and merriment. Tour goers will also see elegant ladies adorned in their finery and dapper gentlemen dressed in tails and ties as they stroll through downtown Eureka Springs, the only city in the country where the entire city is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Food and Wine Weekend in Eureka Springs

noreply@blogger.com (Richard and Jan Grinnell) — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 21:28:00 +0000

Food and Wine weekend starts on Friday, November 12th, 2010 in Eureka Springs, AR. As many of you know, this town has some of the best restaurants in Northwest Arkansas. During this weekend many of them showcase their talents and one we would like to spotlight is the Grand Taverne Restaurant featuring Chef David Gilderson. A few years back Chef Gilderson came to the Eureka Springs and we were fortunate enough to attend one of his opening tastings at the restaurant. Having been unabashed foodies in Dallas for a number of years, we knew a class act had arrived in town.

He's still cooking and creating and has announced his menus for Friday and Saturday nights with some outstanding dishes and wine pairings. If you can get to Eureka Springs this weekend, you surely won't be disappointed if you make a reservation at the Grand Taverne.

I didn't see the Food and Wine menu on their website so I've taken the liberty of including it here.

FOOD & WINE WEEKEND 2010

NOVEMBER 12 & 13

GRAND TAVERNE RESTAURANT

featuring Chef David Gilderson

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 12

Appetizer

Food ~ Rabbit Confit $12

Wine ~ Antica Antineri Family Estate $14

Napa Valley Chardonnay

Entree

Food ~ Grilled Filet of Beef $50

& Pan-fried Lobster Medallions

Wine ~ Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon $20

Dessert

Food ~ Pumpkin Cheesecake $7

w/port wine glaze

Wine ~ Concha Y Toro Late Harvest $8

Sauvignon Blanc

All 3 wines $35

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 13

Appetizer

Food ~ Grilled Shrimp Cocktail $13

w/ Dirty Martini Cocktail Sauce

Wine ~ Mumm Cuvee "M" Champagne $8

Entree

Food ~ Bone-in Prime Rib of Veal $45

Wine ~ Ambulneo Bulldog Pinot Noir $30

Dessert

Food ~ Vanilla Grand Marnier Mousse $7

Wine ~ Turkey Flat Port $8

All 3 wines $40

live music both nights ** regular menu also available ** reservations please

Grand Taverne Restaurant

37 N. Main Street

Eureka Springs, Arkansas

479-253-6756

We still have rooms available at the Bed and Breakfast so if any of this entices you to come, we'd love to have you.

Eureka Springs Halloween Event

noreply@blogger.com (Richard and Jan Grinnell) — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 17:32:00 +0000

We really enjoy Halloween here in Eureka Springs, AR because every year we get from 400 to 500 kids at our bed and breakfast, most of whom are dressed up in costumes. A good share of the parents also join in with their kids by dressing up.

Another fun event is the Mad Hatter's Ball, a lavish costumed affair and fundraiser for the Eureka Springs School of the Arts (ESSA). The event includes live and silent auctions, music and dancing, a hat contest, and live music by Red Ambition. This ball is in true “Eureka style” – party-goers will dazzle each other with creative hats, while many go further, sporting full costume. Awards will be given for “Best Hat”, & for the “People’s Choice”.

Some of the hats you see at the ball are so unique it makes you shake your head and say, "Wow, who would have thought you could make a hat out of that?"

Hours are 6:30 to 11 p.m. Tickets are $50, including an Italian pasta buffet, and available by calling ESSA at 479-253-5384. ESSA is a non-profit school providing adults and youth classes in arts and crafts throughout the year for emerging and professional artists. Award-winning, noted artists and craftspeople teach classes at the school's campus.

So, I end with what the King of Hearts says in Alice in Wonderland, "Begin at the beginning and go on till you come to the end, then stop." Eureka Springs is the end.