I just returned from a weekend away with girlfriends. We rented a house just a few hours from home, but it could have been a million miles away. Know what I mean? The change of scenery, time free from obligations, and the chance to just enjoy one another’s company was very refreshing.

We stayed in a lake house about 45 minutes from the tourist town of Eureka Springs, Arkansas in the Ozark Mountains. It’s a unique little spot with an eclectic mix of souvenir shops, art galleries and boutiques. We got our exercise trekking the hilly streets, and the photographer in me wanted to stop at every turn to capture some unique view or quirky sign. 

I love the small shops with all the strange souvenirs and  sweet treats I remember from vacations long ago. (Fudge, taffy, funnel cakes, anyone?) People-watching in towns like these is also an enjoyable pasttime. We were lucky to be there on a beautifully warm spring weekend which was perfect for meandering and taking it all in.

It’s easy to forget that you don’t have to go far from home to find interesting places to visit and sights to see. I already have plans to return to this spot, as I didn’t get my fill in the short afternoon we had here.

I love this sign. Maybe I need to recreate this as a note to myself? A frown-free zone is a good place to be.

~Leslie

P.S. In case you’re interested, all of these images were shot with my Fuji X100s digital camera…a great little travel companion!