A true tourist town, Eureka Springs, Arkansas, seemingly offers zillions of
places to lay your head at night. And after feasting on the local restaurants,
which serve a wide, wonderful collection of flavors (see "Food Finds:
Exceptional Eureka," page 22, in the October 1999 issue of Southern
Living), you'll need a dreamy place. One that we found may lure and lull you
to sweet sleep. Scandia Inn is a cute row of little forties-era houses that
later became a motor court. Owners Bill and Libby Freeland are slowly
refurbishing them in sophisticated but not stuffy decor, further relaxed with
fun touches of kitschy nostalgia.
Though some of their rooms are still in transition, the large honeymoon suite
is complete and top-notch. A spa for two sits prominently in the bedroom. This
one is quite tasteful-with plush towels, Aveeda bath products, and a
mind-relaxing view of the woods. There's a roomy sitting area with wet bar,
stereo, and TV. The decor is nineties neutral with accents of forest green,
fresh flowers, and live plants.
The guest breakfast (hope for the homemade waffles) area in the office
cottage is bright and cheerful. Built-in bookshelves neatly showcase Bill's
collection of irons and other small appliances, as well as luggage, toys, and
gadgets he remembers from childhood visits to his grandparents' home. He now has
grown children of his own, but he hasn't given up the ponytail and lifestyle of
his youth, like a lot of Eureka Springs residents. Friendly cats and dogs figure
prominently in the family and see to hosting guests almost as well as Bill does.
If you ask for a foot warmer, Bill will give you kitty treats to lure a feline
to your quarters at night.
Rooms range $79-$149, and midweek discounts are sometimes offered. Call (501)
253-8922 or 1-800-523-8922. For a peek at the rooms and the Freelands' sense of
fun, visit the Web site at www.scandiainn.com.
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