The following post was compensated, but the words and opinions are all mine.

Last weekend my husband and I ditched the only kid left at home with his sister and hit the road. Fifty minutes later we were in another zipcode looking out the window on 24 hours of couple time with only ourselves to feed, dress and shop for.

In other words, we were winning the game of life.

One of the best places to get away for a quick break from life in northwest Arkansas is Eureka Springs. It’s less than an hour from home and is full of great food, shopping, and entertainment. In fact, they consider themselves THE destination for shopping small in the region – with over 98 shops and dining options.

It’s a small town, so a lot of those places are walkable from Basin Park Hotel where we were staying, and there’s a trolley-style shuttle that can get you from place to place as well. The hotel is right in the middle of the action on Spring Street, and it’s got some great views (even on rainy days!)

Over the years, we have visited Eureka many times and have walked up and down Spring Street enough times to get to know most of the stores there. We know which ones have the merchandise we like, and which ones don’t. But this visit, we discovered that there are a few new faces in town, so if you haven’t been in a while it’s time to go back. I’m sharing a few of my favorites, but you can find more info about all the stuff happening in town on the Eureka Springs Downtown Network website:

Hats, Hides & Heirlooms has been in business for six years, but somehow I have missed them when we’ve visited before. They carry seasonal items as well as designer investment pieces you’ll want to keep in a box in the closet and not hanging on the bedpost.

Nelson’s has always been a favorite stop and is not new to town, but this summer they consolidated their store with a couple of others along Spring Street, and moved into a larger space. They carry my favorite brands of shoes – Born and Clark’s – and a great selection of other brands. There are also some cute boutique clothes, sunglasses and other accessories, and an art gallery upstairs. Be sure to check out the clearance and sale stickers for some great deals.

The Nut House sells house-roasted nuts in different flavors, and have a cooler full of yummy sodas. They package their goods in a bag that says “Nut Sack” on it, which appeals to the 12-year-0ld kid in all of us. I’m trying to decide who will get their Christmas present in that sack this year.

House of Style is a cute little boutique with some casual-chic clothing and accessories. They haven’t been open long, but the owner’s mom was in the shop when we stopped in and said they’ve done a good business so far. I found a sleeveless shirt-tunic on their sale rack that will look great with leggings next summer, or maybe even under a jacket this winter. Definitely worth a look.

After we checked out of our hotel on Sunday (apparently that is required – we couldn’t just stay forever), we went back up the street to a little shop called Celestial Windz Harmonic Bizaare. As you might expect, the shop is a little eclectic. Lots of tinkly brass windchimes and knick-knacks like Tibetan singing bowls and jewelry made of semi-precious stones.

The guys managing the shop* were very helpful as we looked at their windchimes, and we decided we were going to take advantage of their 20% off special (It was #shopsmall Saturday) and get a larger chime that we’ve been wanting for a while. We haven’t decided where to put it yet, but I’ll edit with a photo when we do!

*I can’t find their business cards as I write this, but I’ll add their names as soon as I do!

It wasn’t a long visit, but since it’s so close the time away can really be maximized. If you haven’t been to Eureka Springs in a while, it’s time to go back.