CycleGadgets.com

by Laurene Franklin

Part of the joy of moving to our new area is sharing a few of our favorite things. I would like each month to highlight a great ride, a great resting place and last but not least an epicurean delight or more simply... a mouth wateringly great place to eat! (Can you tell I'm on a diet?)

The Dam Loop Ride

Although this is a short ride, it is a very good way to get acclimatized to the Arkansas twisties and see some of our beautiful Beaver Lake.

Start at CycleGadgets and head south on 187 toward Beaver Dam, After crossing the Dam take your first left (Dam Site Loop). Follow this road until it T's onto Indian Creek Rd. Turn right. When it T's again you will be back at US 62. Take another right and prepare for about 6 miles of up and down and great curves. When you reach the first sign for Hwy 187 take a left (North section of 187) toward Beaver Town. This road will wind you around and across what we call the "Little Golden Gate Bridge" (Caution: it is best to cross this wooden decked bridge when the pavement is dry). After another couple miles, 187 will T into US 23. Take a right onto US 23 and you will head back into the Downtown of Eureka Springs. You can continue on 23 through town to US 62. A right turn will bring you towards CycleGadgets again, and a left turn will take you through the main Hotel/Motel section of Eureka.

Sweet Dreams

After last month's column, I received a few requests to cover places to stay with great lake views.

One of the most breathtaking views is found at the Sugar Ridge Resort. The resort is high on a ridge overlooking the lake. You can see for miles from the decks of the cabins and suites. It is expensive but if you budget allows, go for it! You can get a look at some of the pictures on their website, and you'll find a map of the location. The ride above actually takes you right by the entrance, just about a mile from Hwy 187 on Dam Site Loop Rd.

Another beautiful view is at Lake Shore Cabins. They too are up on a ridge, off Mundell Road near the CycleGadgets.com shop. Cozy and comfortable, but book well in advance. We've stayed at these cabins before our move here and found them to be a terrific value.

Let's Eat

And now my favorite subject: Food. We have found so many fabulous places to eat in and around Eureka Springs that it's hard to pick just one to highlight each month. (This is the prime reason I have gained 15 lbs this year!)

If you are in town on a weekend, there is a place that is open only Friday and Saturday nights from 5 to 9, but it's well worth visiting. The Port Orleans restaurant is one of our absolute favorites (map link). As the name implies the cuisine has a New Orleans flair, mildly spicy and definitely savory! The Gumbo is excellent, as are all the entrees - but my personal favorites are the Tilapia (when available, it's a special-only item) and the Seafood Stuffed Filet. Both have a wonderful spicy cream sauce that has to be tasted. No description of mine can adequately describe how good they taste. The only thing I can say is, "I wish it were Friday"! They also have some great desserts, like the Lemon pie that calls my name when I walk in the door. Just thinking about it makes me smile! The restaurant is fairly casual and in the mid-price range. Definitely a great food value!