Eureka Springs, Arkansas - Romance in the Ozarks

With St. Valentine's Day just two weeks away, I thought it might be interesting to spend some time exploring some of the most romantic historic places in the South.

My personal favorite is Eureka Springs, the beautifully preserved Victorian community in the Ozarks of Arkansas. On a per capita basis, Eureka Springs is the wedding capital of the United States. More people get married there each year per capita than in any other city in the country (including Las Vegas!).

There is a reason. With its charming scenery, inns, restaurants and beautiful Victorian architecture, Eureka Springs is one of the most beautiful places not just in the South, but in the world. Even the town's funnel cake stand is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Established as a health resort during the late 1800s, Eureka Springs developed as a place where people came to "take the waters" of the city's numerous mineral springs. It was thought in those days that the spring water held curative properties for a variety of ailments and people from across the nation came in by train in hopes of finding better health and happiness in the spas of Eureka Springs.

Its early days have much to do with Eureka's emergence as an eclectic community with a major focus on the arts, culture, history and charm. In fact, romance makes for booming business in Eureka Springs. There are wedding chapels, wedding locations, photographers galore, carriages, inns, cottages, cabins and hotels. You can even pick up your marriage license in the morning and get married in the afternoon.

To learn more, please visit www.exploresouthernhistory.com/eurekaindex. Be sure to follow the links at the bottom of the page for information on a variety of historic sites around Eureka as well as for details on wedding services available in the city.