Red Bud Manor has a New Owner!

I found a slice of paradise tucked into the hills of Eureka Springs. I had looked at what seemed like an endless number of bed and breakfasts, from Asheville to Napa, before I stumbled upon the Red Bud Manor Inn. Crossing the threshold felt right in a way I had not believed could exist. 

My name is Catherine Pappas, and I have dreamed of the day when I could own my very own little bed and breakfast. A native New Yorker, I fled the City of Dreams to pursue a slower (at least I thought) life  in Houston, Texas. Years later, I am proud to say I’ve devoted my life to the elderly, and have been a better person for it. However, the dream of becoming an innkeeper has finally come to fruition, and color me excited, I can’t wait to dive in headfirst! 

I look forward to adding my personal touch to the Red Bud Manor Inn, but still keeping with the traditions set forth by its previous owner, Deb. One aspect of Eureka Springs I adore is the eco-consciousness. I strive to be as carbon neutral as I can, and look forward to exploring new ways to add on to what Deb has already created. 

Stay tuned for the updates I have in store for the Red Bud Manor. I promise you won’t be disappointed. I’m redesigning a few things, with luxury in mind, in order to create the ultimate relaxing getaway for you and your loved ones.

Happy Valentines Day

Did you know that Valentines Day is the second most popular card sharing holiday just behind Christmas?  Today approximately 141 million cards will be exchanged and approximately 85% of them will be purchased by women.  So I guess that leaves the men to buy the box of chocolates or jewelry for his sweet.

Some traditions of Valentines Day include stories as far back as the Middle Ages, where names of men and women were exchanged by drawing from a hat and then each person wearing the others name on their sleeve for a week before February 14th. So perhaps this is where we get the phrase "wearing your heart on your sleeve".   Then there was the citing of a bird on February 14th representing the type of love a young girl would marry.  If she saw a Robin, she would marry a sailor; if she saw a sparrow she would marry a poor man, but have a happy life; and if she saw a goldfinch she would marry someone rich.

My guests this past weekend celebrated Valentines Day with wonderful dinners at some of Eureka's finest restaurants, had couples massages and attended the Chocolate Festival.  They were also treated to a bag of Valentines goodies in their rooms including homemade red velvet crunch cookies.  If you are still thinking about Valentines Day and haven't quite gotten around to express your love they way you would like, you could always book a weekend romantic getaway for next weekend here at the Manor.  Or if that doesn't fit your schedule, by her or him a gift certificate for a future romantic trek to the extraordinary escape of Eureka Springs.

Happy Valentines Day

VW Bugs Invading Eureka Springs

One of my favorite weekends in Eureka Springs is the last weekend in August when the Northwest Arkansas VW Show is in town.  Volkswagens have been a big part of this country's driving experience.  In fact my first car was a VW bug that I took to college and later I owned a VW Bug convertible.  Both of these cars were among my favorites.  I'm thinking there might have to be one in my garage when I retire!

Recognized as one of the largest three-day events in the Mid-West, this year's VW festival , August 27 - 29, celebrates its 18th year in Eureka Springs. Whether you're a fan of the classic bug, a Karmann Ghia, a VW van or one of the newer modern VWs, there will be something for you.  In fact you'll be able to admire your favorites from the front porch of the Manor as the parade on Saturday at 3PM will go right by the inn. 

If you'd like to see all the cars in the show up close and personal you can at the Inn of the Ozarks which is just a short walk from Red Bud Manor.  For more information visit http://www.nwavwa.com/

Tasty August Tours

The third weekend in August promises to tantalize your taste buds and melt away the heat as the Alliance of Better Bed and Breakfasts hosts this late summer event, August Taste of the Inns.  Each member inn will have decadent appetizers and specialty mocktails (non-alcoholic cocktails) and tours of their facilities.  Participants will receive recipes of the gourmet items presented at each of the seven bed and breakfasts and will also be entered into a drawing for gift certificates from local merchants and restaurants. 

Red Bud Manor will offer Mai Tais with Tropical Bruschetta and Hawiian Tea Sandwiches.  There is still one jacuzzi room left for this fun filled weekend and the August Taste of the Inn package include your tour tickets ($25 per person).  This self-guided B&B tour will occur during cocktail hour 3 to 7 PM on August 21, 2010.  To see all the inns participating go to http://www.relaxeureka.com/.  Call Red Bud Manor now to reserve your space as only 100 tickets will be sold.

Yards and Yards of Yard Sales

If you are one of those individuals who loves to find a bargain or a unique treasure, then yard sales are probably one of your favorite pasttimes.  You will want to be in Eureka Springs August 6th & 7th for the 16th Annual Yards and Yards of Yard Sales.  This citywide event has something for everyone from antiques & collectibles to estate sales.  As the saying goes, "one man's trash is another man's treasure" and Eureka Springs has the event for you to find your treasure. 

You can pick up the map for all of the yard sale locations, including at list of items for sale, at the Eureka Springs Chamber of Commerce.  Of course, I will have some here at Red Bud Manor Inn should you wish to stop by and say hello. 

Celebrate July4th in Eureka Springs

Can you believe it's only a month until we celebrate July 4th?  I have the perfect weekend plan for your celebration.  July 2nd arrive at Red Bud Manor and after you unpack have a special ice cream treat on the new rear deck.  Later take a nice stroll up the street for dinner at Ermilios Italian Home Cooking restaurant.  July 3rd starts with a healthy, sumptuous breakfast at the Manor followed by a walk to downtown for some shopping and lunch.  Come back to Red Bud Manor Inn for a brief nap before heading out to Black Oak Amphitheatre for a night of Classic 70s Rock with Styx, Foreinger & Kansas. 
After a ten year hibernation, the Black Oak Amphitheater has undergone a  renovation and now the 7,000 seat outdoor amphitheatre is back in action.  Located in Lampe, Missouri, about half-way between Eureka Springs and Branson.  You can find out more information about the concert and purchase tickets from http://www.blkoakamp.com/
July 4th you start of the day with a Red, White and Blueberry breakfast at the Manor.  Afterwards you can either head back downtown for more shopping or visit some of our newest attractions such s the Queen Anne Mansion or the Underground Eureka Tour.  Fireworks that evening will be at 9:30 PM in Holiday Island, a fifteen minute drive from the Manor.  You can start the evening earlier by attending the pulled pork dinner sponsored by the Holiday Island Chamber of Commerce and then listen to music by Jerry Yester of the Lovin' Spoonful from 5-7PM.   
Plan your three day getaway now so you won't miss out on any of the fun!

Opera in the Ozarks

Opera in the Ozarks celebrates it's 60th Anniversary with three of the world's most beloved operas.  Opening night June 18th begins with Tosca, then Carmen on June 19th and Don Giovanni on June 26th.  Since 1950, this non-profit organization has provided artists with an intensive development experience while giving audiences a four-week season of quality performances.  Set in the beautiful Inspiration Point outdoor venue you will enjoy the finest of opera under the Ozark night sky.  Don't miss Opera in the Ozark's biggest season combined with a relaxing getaway at Red Bud Manor Inn.  For tickets visit http://www.opera.org/ and mention this blog when you call for reservations and get $10 off your weekend stay.