Eureka Springs has this quiet magic that couples instantly feel. Maybe it’s the cobblestone streets, the Victorian balconies, or the way the forest wraps around the town like a warm hug. Maybe it’s the hidden springs that feel like little secrets, or the way the air cools down in the evening while everything glows under string lights.
Whatever it is, Eureka Springs has become one of those places where couples come to reconnect, slow down, and remember what it feels like to simply be together. If you’re planning a romantic escape, here are the experiences that make Eureka Springs the perfect little getaway for two.
1. A Night at the Opera in the Ozarks
The opera is held just outside town, on a hilltop at Inspiration Point, in a cozy theater tucked into the forest. The drive from Eureka Springs is short and pretty—you follow the curves of Highway 62 for a few miles, watching the trees open up around you. By the time you arrive and step out of the car, you already feel like you’re somewhere special, away from the noise and speed of everyday life.
The season usually runs in the summer, from late June through late July, with performances on several evenings each week and a few matinees sprinkled in.
Most night performances start around 7:30 p.m., but the best part is getting there a bit early.
Once the performance starts, the atmosphere changes.
You’re in an intimate theater, surrounded by forest outside and live music inside. Singers step on stage with a full production—costumes, lights, orchestra—and suddenly you’re both pulled into another world.
Food-wise, think of this as a “dinner and a show” kind of date. There isn’t a full restaurant at the venue, so the ideal plan is to have dinner in Eureka Springs first, then drive out for the performance.
2. Paddle at Sunset on Lake Leatherwood
Lake Leatherwood is known for its calm waters, but at sunset it’s on a completely different level. The light softens, the hills around the lake turn dark green and purple, and the water starts to mirror the sky like glass. It’s the kind of place where you look around and think, okay, this is exactly why we came here.
You can rent a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard during the warmer months and head out from the little marina area, gliding slowly along the shoreline while the sky turns gold and orange. You don’t need to be super athletic or experienced—the water is usually calm, the pace is gentle, and you can go as far or as little as you want. Most couples end up paddling a bit, then just drifting and talking while the sun goes down.
Getting there is easy: it’s just a short drive from downtown Eureka Springs, and there’s parking close to the water, so you’re not hauling gear forever. In busier seasons and weekends, the rental area can get a little more active, but the lake itself almost always feels spacious and peaceful. You hear birds, maybe a splash from a fish, the sound of your paddle… and not much else.
If you don’t feel like renting anything, it’s still a beautiful spot just to sit by the shore. Bring a small picnic, some snacks, or a simple bottle of wine and plastic cups (always check local rules, of course), find a quiet corner, and watch the colors move across the water. As the sun drops, the trees turn into silhouettes and the whole lake slowly shifts into soft blues and pinks.
It’s simple, low-pressure, and honestly one of the most intimate “just us” moments you can have in Eureka Springs—no loud music, no big crowds, just the two of you, the lake, and the feeling that time slowed down for a while.
3. A Spa Day for Two at Forest Springs
If you want a really easy, low-stress romantic day, a spa day at Forest Springs is basically the perfect plan.
The nice thing is that everything happens in the same place, so you don’t have to think too much.
You can start the day with a slow breakfast, then just walk down to the spa area inside the hotel. No driving, no looking for parking, no running from one place to another.
A good way to structure the day could be:
Morning – Spa & Treatments
Start with a massage for two. It doesn’t have to be anything crazy—just a relaxing session to loosen up and switch your brain into “we’re off-duty today” mode. The idea is simple: soft light, calm environment, and a treatment focused on relaxation, not rush.
Late morning – Hot & Cold Circuit
After the massage, you can move to the hot & cold areas:
warm soaking pool or jacuzzi
cold plunge
sauna
You can do a couple of rounds together, taking it easy. It’s fun as a couple because you go through it at the same time, you encourage each other into the cold, and then laugh about it after. It’s good for circulation, but honestly, it’s also just a cool shared experience.
If you don’t want to spend the whole day lying down, Forest Springs also has paddle courts and walking paths. You can play a bit if you like racket sports, or just take a walk around the property to move a little and see more of the place. you can plan something simple but very nice: a picnic on the hotel grounds.
Since the property is large and surrounded by forest and a spring-fed creek, it’s perfect for this.
It’s not a complicated plan: spa, water, a bit of movement, and a picnic to end the day. But together, it feels like a complete reset and a really solid date idea for couples.
4. Wine Tasting in Eureka Springs
If you and your partner enjoy a good glass of wine, you can turn an afternoon in Eureka Springs into a really nice “wine + food” date without making it complicated.
A good way to start is with a visit to Keels Creek Winery, just a short drive from downtown along Highway 62. You’ll need a car or quick ride to get there, but it’s really close.
The tasting room is small and cozy, usually with local art on the walls, and the vibe is relaxed—not one of those intimidating places where you feel like you need to speak “wine language” to fit in.
You can do a tasting flight together and figure out what you both like—maybe a dry red, maybe something lighter or a semi-sweet white. If you find a favorite, order a glass and sit for a bit, either inside or on the patio if the weather is nice. It’s a slow, easy way to start the afternoon, just talking and trying new things.
If you feel like extending the wine adventure, you can add a second stop and head out to a small countryside winery near Beaver Lake (like Railway Winery & Vineyards). It’s usually a bit more rustic and laid-back: picnic tables, a simple tasting room, and a more “farm” feel. The drive out is part of the experience—curvy roads, trees, and that feeling of getting a little farther away from everything.
Later, you can head back to downtown and finish the evening at a wine bar like The Stone House on Main Street. It’s in an old stone building, with a very cozy atmosphere—dim lights, small tables, and a good selection of wines by the glass. The best move here is to share a cheese or charcuterie board: bread, cheeses, meats, fruit, nuts… basically everything that goes perfectly with a slow conversation.
If you’re still hungry after that, there are several restaurants nearby where you can go for a proper dinner—places with a nicer, more romantic feel, often with good wine lists as well. Since everything in downtown is close together, you can park once and just walk between spots.
