Beaver Lake, Arkansas is open for fun and great services for all! Here are 9 of your life questions and Beaver Lake, Arkansas is the Answer. If you have more questions while considering a visit, please let us know.

Beaver Lake, Arkansas is the Answer!

1. I cannot travel to Europe this year. Where can I go to get out of my normal, day to day? Beaver Lake, Arkansas.
2. Where can I enjoy plenty of distance to relax and spread out, within a half day’s drive from home? Beaver Lake’s nearly 500 miles of shoreline are located within 6 hours of Dallas, Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Kansas City, St. Louis, and Memphis.
3. Where can I fish and paddle in beautifully maintained waters, year ‘round? 31,000 acres of Beaver Lake are welcome to all good stewards of her waters!
4. I am moving out of the bustle of my city. Is there affordable real estate available, anymore? A Beaver Lake Cabin is your home base to explore real estate options around the lake.
5. Where can I have my coffee in the morning, while gazing upon nature’s wonders, and also have fine dining in the evening? Much of the lake is conveniently located near the funky Victorian Americana of Eureka Springs, Arkansas.
6. I am mountain biking crazed! Where can I go for more trails? Many world class runs are laid out adjacent to Beaver Lake.
7. Where can I go for speed and excitement! Step 1-Pick up a speedy boat at Lost Bridge Marina. Step 2-Ask the locals where the lake’s official, and unofficial, cliff jumping spots are located.
8. Where can I go and go and go? Miles and miles of hiking opportunities abound, near the lake.
9. What place remains not only a well-kept secret from some, but also a beautiful habit for others? Beaver Lake, Arkansas! The 10th question is yours to discover, when you get here!

Curious happenings abound at Sugar Ridge Resort. One day, our 6 Couples Cabins above Beaver Lake virtually disappear from our power bills. On other days, our power meter runs backwards! OK, this is not so surprising, but the excitement is all the same. Sugar Ridge Resort is proud to announce our Solar Powered Cabins in Northwest Arkansas!

Solar Powered Cabins in Northwest Arkansas

All accommodations on Sugar Ridge sit nearly 300 feet above Beaver Lake. Rest on our porches, while perched on the highest mountain ridge for miles around. Sunlight often soothes the shoulders of our guests, before it warms the valleys below. Besides providing great spots for you to linger, what else do we imagine for these hallowed grounds?

Our resort’s management is thinking “green” and acting on the bright idea of solar power. Two solar panel arrays are now in operation. One, is nestled among the wildflowers alongside the resort driveway. The other sits atop Eagle’s Nest, one of our large Family Cabins. Rest assured, no views from Sugar Ridge have been harmed during this project!

While the solar panels do not quite power the entire resort, a significant power burden is removed from the power grid. The panels are a step in maximizing the benefits of spending time at this place, while minimizing the impact to its pristine state. Please feel free to contact us with other ideas you imagine for our service, and stewardship of this land.

You are enjoying an Ozark Mountains getaway, near this quirky town that continues to flaunt its Victorian charms. As you take in the art and funky tastes that make up this place, remember that Eureka Springs Parks have even more to offer. Take hidden staircases that lead through the past. Explore wilderness, on foot or bicycle. Whatever your style and pace, your best days are waiting at Eureka Springs Parks.

Eureka Springs Parks

First, grab a Eureka Springs Trails Guide. From here, you choose your own adventure.

To learn more about the town and its history, explore the trails that weave in and around the park atmosphere of the town’s center. Choose your path to include stopovers at some of the 60+ natural springs that still trickle from these hills. At any point on your route, you are only steps away from meals and libations. End the day at Basin Springs Park, where live music, drum circles, parades, and impromptu joy are commonplace!

When “get away from it all” is the focus, Lake Leatherwood and Black Bass Lake fit the bill. The spring fed lake valley of “Leatherwood” is the year ‘round spot for all good things outdoors. Long and short hikes, paddling, fishing, a playground, and world class Mountain Biking Trails fill your days with possibilities. Even as this is a city park, it is a fabulous place to get into the wild!

Leatherwood’s little sister upstream, Black Bass Lake, is a hidden gem. Formerly a life-giving reservoir, it remains a place to enjoy the flora and fauna that are the riches of Ozark life! Explore the bottom of the valley, at water’s edge. Meander along the surrounding bluff lines to imagine people sheltering here in times gone by.

When you choose your adventure at Eureka Springs Parks, you then make plans for return adventures. No problem-we are always here for you!

Reflecting on a childhood trip to Arkansas, I see that there are family getaways and then there are Family Getaways to Eureka Springs, AR! Of all the wonders of that family trip, the dramatic beauty of Eureka Springs is most memorable. In fact, I told my family that I would retire to Eureka Springs. No retirement yet, but I do love these hills! I wish your family to find this feeling, with these simple pleasures.

5 Best Ideas for Family Getaways to Eureka Springs, AR

1. Stay somewhere different than home. Whether it is a cabin in the mountains, or a camper near a river; take your family out of the ordinary. Wake to a breeze blowing through the trees, and a symphony of birds.

2. Take a walk. Grab a Eureka Springs Trail Guide and tour the Victorian city by foot. The paths, hidden staircases, and historic “hollers” feel like a big jungle gym for your family to climb. Explore Lake Leatherwood City Park  and the wonders of the Ozark Mountain wilderness, just minutes from the city’s center.

3. Go see the animals. Birds, deer, chipmunks, lizards, skinks, and squirrels are often seen. Find a quiet morning spot on a porch, and spy the wily fox, the shyly coyote, the spritely raccoon, or even an elusive bobcat heading back to bed for the day. Want to guarantee that you see lions, tigers, and bears? Take your family to the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge.

4. Get into your Blue Minds! View, paddle on, or jump in the rivers and lakes of the area. When the healthiest activities are also the most fun, your family receives exponential benefits!

5. Eat something fun. Grill double burger patties, stuffed with cheese, and wrapped with bacon on your cabin grill. Cannot decide between Prime Rib, Stuffed French Toast, or White Chocolate Chip Pancakes for breakfast? Order all 3 at The Crystal Dining Room. Indulge in Katherine’s Lasagna and the Scampi Alfredo Pizza at Café Amore. If the gang’s meals get too “heavy,” Wall Street Eats prepares healthful delights for all.

Although there are countless things to do in and around your Eureka Springs Cabin, you want to take a day trip. These are 3 Best
day trips from your Eureka Springs Cabin.

Best Day Trips from your Eureka Springs Cabin

Crystal Bridges American Art Museum in Bentonville, Arkansas is a 40-minute drive from Sugar Ridge Resort. You are fortunate that the trip is short, because you have a full day of artistic treasures to behold! For instance, get sized up by Rockwell’s “Rosie the Riveter”. Get lost with Durand’s “Kindred Spirits”. Look at life through Georgia O’Keeffe’s eyes. The permanent collection is always admission free and the museum is closes on Tuesdays. One more tip? Walk, bike, or drive just a few blocks to Bentonville’s vibrant city center and indulge in the phenomenal culinary scene!

The Buffalo River is designated as the first national river in the United States. Lucky for you, this treasure is located just 1 hour and 30 minutes from Eureka Springs! Enjoy fantastical floats, fantastic fishing, and “freaking” amazing hikes. In other words, you revel in magical experiences that you remember forever. Looking for the sites, and not the hikes? Drive down to Steel Creek or take highway 74 to Jasper.

Branson, Missouri is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the United States. You guessed it…it is conveniently located just over an hour’s drive from your Eureka Springs cabin. Enjoy the pace of your quaint home in the Arkansas Ozarks, but if you want to rev it up at theme parks and a show, you can conveniently make it back at the end of the day to your cozy Eureka Springs Cabin!

You might wonder from where the colors of the Autumn Leaves in the Ozarks originate. Where does a leaf get the flashy hues for the great fall reveal? The answer stays hidden within the leaf’s layers, until the lighting and temperatures are just right.  Come to Beaver Lake and Eureka Springs to witness the great reveal of the Autumn Leaves of the Ozarks!

A Revealing Show!

Picture the leaf’s shades of greens in spring and summer as every day, practical garments. When you see the green, you know the leaf is at work, supplying its own nutritional needs. But you cannot assume that life is all mundane summer work for the leaf-even it will cut loose once a year.

With the onset of autumn, the lights on the leaf’s stage begin to dim as days become shorter. The leaf senses this development and starts to prepare for quitting time, after all the work it has done in the sunshine. Another cue that it takes, is the relief from summer heat. Nothing gets the leaf more prepared for an audacious display than “mood” lighting and cool temperatures.

When the stage is set, the leaf slowly releases the green layer from its surface as it dances in the autumn breeze. Yellow or orange, depending on which leaf is in which mood, begins to peak out from under the summer greens. If the leaf is encouraged in the performance by great conditions, the colors newly revealed deepen and become more resplendent. Before you know it, the leaf shows its most mesmerizing colors to you. It has been hiding these alluring undergarments all summer, but only now does it show them.

If the staging is just right for an encore, the leaf may also tint its unveiled garments even more. If you see a leaf’s display of red or purple hues, the performer has truly been inspired to be its most beautiful!

The final act of the leaf is another story. For now, you can hold its autumn performance in your mind’s eye, to be cherished for all time!

Guests at Sugar Ridge Resort ask,”Is there pizza delivery to Beaver Lake or my cabin?” Officially, no pizza deliveries to Sugar Ridge are available. There are good pizzas in town, but a 20-minute drive to your cabin follows the meal. Have it all-your pizza hot off the fire, while you take in the phenomenal views atop Sugar Ridge! For all non-baking, no-hassle having, no-fuss seeking, food lovers that do not call themselves foodies; here is a tasty solution for pizza delivery to Beaver Lake. Maximized for your stay at Sugar Ridge-Breezy Charcoal-Grilled Pizza Pies!

Preparation: Timing Is Most Important

Dough:
• Purchase FRESH DOUGH [6 oz. per serving] from your supermarket or grab a FROZEN DOUGH at Eureka Market.
• Bring covered dough up to room temperature [30 minutes-Fresh dough & 1-2 hours-Frozen].

Toppings:
• Prepare toppings before you light the grill. No one should tell you what toppings to use-You are your own pizza adviser! Go light on the wet ingredients, like SAUCE or OIL, to prevent a soggy pie.
• Pre-cook MEAT and VEGETABLES, as the grill heat radiates from below, not roasting the toppings on top. Cook VEGETABLES you prefer soft or roasted. This could be done before you leave home for your getaway.

Dough:
• Portion dough into pie sizes. Each pie should fit on grill with 1 inch of space around it.
• Pinch, stretch, and press dough into pie shapes. There is no correct shape. Lightly OIL a dinner plate or sheet tray, and your hands, and gently work to approximately 1/3 inch thickness. For best results, no raised edge necessary.

Grill:
• Light charcoal briquettes and bring to high heat [about 15+ minutes]. Spread briquettes.
• Brush grill grate with OIL.

I love it when a plan comes together.

• Slide pies, from plates or sheet tray, onto grill and close lid [2 minutes].
• Check bottom of pie for browning. If toasting is uneven, rotate pie and grill [1 minute].
• Remove pie, flip, and brush with OIL. Add SAUCE sparingly, along with other TOPPINGS.
• Brush grate with OIL. Return pie to grill.
• Close vents and grill [2-3 minutes]-until bottom is toasted brown and CHEESE bubbles.
• Eat, drink, and be merry!

For a small town, Eureka Springs, Arkansas is big on parades! Throngs of people line the streets to get those sweet viewing spots during festivals and parades in Eureka Springs. Revelers come from every direction to make these true community celebrations. Why the passion for parades? There are many reasons-pick your favorites when planning your visits to town.

Year Around Festivals and Parades in Eureka Springs

January and February-Eureka Gras’ Day & Night Parades. The Krewe of Krazo pulls out all the stops. To clarify, all parades in Eureka Springs are family friendly.

March-Saint Patrick’s Day Parade. Along with floats and waves of green, the spectacle includes a kazoo band and a leprechaun’s harrowing barrel keg walk.

April-Celebrate Jesus Parade. Local churches, and even the cast of the Passion Play, make this a colorful affair for all.

May-Festival of Arts’ & ArtRageous Parade. To sum it up, expect the unexpected as anything imaginable is created and performed down Spring Street!

May-Jeep and Mustang Weekends & Parades. Gearheads celebrate their devotion to the automobile. Consequently, long lines of vintage, and newly decked out vehicles, promenade through town.

July-Fourth of July Parade. Held in the morning, to beat the heat, this celebration of American Independence features the newly crowned Ms. Apple Pie and Mr. Firecracker.

August-Volkswagen Weekend & Parades. Beatles, Bugs, Things (!), and Vans (?) descend on Eureka.

September-Antique Automobile Festival & Parade. The longest running car show in Arkansas. As a result, the parade is among the longest and best attended of the year. In addition, the traditional Great Bank Robbery is re-enacted on this weekend.

October-Corvette Weekend & Parade. Tremendous American horsepower rumbles down Hwy. 62.

October-Halloween Festivities & Zombie Crawl. Relieved locals remember why hundreds of walking dead are dragging themselves through town. Moreover, hungry locals get relief as the crawl is a food raiser for Flint Street Food Bank.

December-Christmas Parade of Lights. In short, this event sends visitors and locals into the new year with great cheer!

When guests arrive at Sugar Ridge Resort, they often ask, “Are there hiking trails, nearby?” We are so glad you ask! The following is a list of hiking trails near Eureka Springs, located just minutes from Sugar Ridge. Why, “Hiking Trails?” This region is booming with biking opportunities, such as the Downhill Trails at Lake Leatherwood, and many new trails are being developed each year. Here, we want to celebrate the timeless delights of the walking pace. Why “10-ish Minutes from Sugar Ridge?” These Ozarks hills are full of opportunities for exploration of our Mother Nature. We want you to know which are nearby, so you can plan other activities (or relaxation) during your stay.

Hiking Trails Near Eureka Springs, Arkansas

So, from nearest to farthest from your cabin…

Dogwood Trail: Just over 2 miles from Sugar Ridge, this 1.4 mile loop features sweeping vistas and geologic wonders laid bare along bluff lines and a large rock quarry.

Bench Rock Trail at Indian Creek Park: Just 4 miles from your cabin, views over Beaver Lake (especially in Winter) make this 1.4 mile loop a sunrise, afternoon, or sunset delight!

Devil’s Eyebrow & Trimble Mountain:  The trailhead is 6 miles from the resort. The hike is 10-12 miles of vigorous “up and down,” if you decide to go to the end and back (you do not have to). This area boasts some of the rarest, and most diverse collection of, plant species in Arkansas!

Lake Leatherwood Park  is an enchanting spring fed lake valley that boasts some of the finest hiking in the area, just 10 miles from your cabin. Some trails are also used for biking. Most miles will just be you, the birds (and the bees), and the flowers, and the trees! The highlights are…Leatherwood Trail, Bench Loop Trail, Beacham Trail, Miner’s Rock Trail, and the Overlook Trail. When there is water coming down from the hills, take a dip or quiet your soul at Leatherwood Falls.

Whichever excursions you choose, happy trails!

While sitting on your porch swing at a Sugar Ridge Resort Cabin, the views of Beaver Lake and the White River Valley stretch out for miles before you. To the south, you can see the northern edge of the Boston Mountains. To the north, the Ozark Highlands of Missouri. You might ask yourself, “How is this place as it is, perched above the soaring birds?”

Views of Beaver Lake and the White River Valley from your Time Travelling Porch Swing

Imagine travelling, from the comfort of your porch swing, through 1000 chapters of Earth’s history. Each chapter represents 1000 equal lengths of time. Long story shorter, skip the first 999 chapters-it is now 500 million years ago, and you can dip your toes in the shallow sea beneath your swing. Below the sea’s surface, there is an explosion of new life forms. The submerged rock is being covered by the countless generations of sea creatures, underwater plants, and sediments deposited by the alternately rising and receding water.

As you swing through the ages, great land masses collide in the distance and gently raise a plateau beneath you, while also more dramatically raising mountains beyond. As a result, water begins to drain away, exposing layers of rock. Recognizable land plants “soon” appear, and land animals follow. Over the next 300 million years, wind and rain begin to carve dramatic grooves in the land. Hence, the plot of this chapter dawns on you; your enchantingly scenic spot is not being pushed higher, your views of the Ozarks are being created as a result of the valleys around you becoming deeper!

You now know the tale of your views of Beaver Lake and the White River Valley. Stories about the lake and river, are following. Kick back and dream of time passed. And your future? How sweet it is!