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OLD TIME RELAXATION
AT 5 OJO INN
Feature by Lena Hunt, Jetsetters Magazine Adventure Editor; photos by Lena and courtesy of the 5 Ojo Inn.
"Hurry up, Internet," I tell the
computer as Google can’t seem to deliver my e-mail fast enough. The
laser printer spits out the document, I cram it into my wheeled
computer bag, and off I jet down the interstate at 70 m.p.h.
Even at that speed, people honk and zoom by as if I’m parked in the
driveway; they are annoyed. My heart performs a gymnastic move and
my hands strangle the steering wheel as someone cuts me off in his
quest to keep up with the rat race, one that no one ever wins.
What happened to the time when life
wasn’t so structured, so hurried? Before the thought became a
memory, I scheduled myself some double getaway time in Eureka
Springs, a historical town known as a historical, elegant bed ad
breakfast retreat for all seasons, at the tucked-away-alone-
on-its-own street — 5 Ojo Street.
The very hospitable owners, Richard and Jan, have created a
fairytale setting surrounded by undisciplined flower gardens
exploding with hues of magenta, pink, white, and purple, taking up
one wooded acre.
Children of all ages can sip in the view
of the forest that drops down below the deck or while away the time
(and their cares) on one of the rockers on the old Victorian
wrap-around porch. An outdoor hot tub wrapped in a wooden gazebo
will assist on soaking away any fast-paced worries. Lush emerald
trees and inviting trails are irresistible to those who want to
explore the forests behind the establishment. A retreat from the
rest of the world is definitely in store for those who are blessed
enough to claim the inn as their reprieve.
The innkeepers deliver an ultimate R&R
experience with their upscale B&B. Charming personal touches and
thoughts of their guests reign throughout the four houses that
comprise the B&B. Dressed in traditional Victorian colors, The Ojo
House presents an inviting parlor with its antique pine floor and a
beautiful stained glass window, a stunning glimpse of days gone by,
yet enhanced with modern creature comforts. As guests wander deeper
into The Ojo House, they discover that it is home for the Veranda
Suite, The Honeymoon Suite, Grandma’s Attic, and the Studio.
The Veranda Suite presents a corner
fireplace perfect for cuddling up with loved ones on wintry days and
a plush queen bed perfect for burying oneself into on any type of
day. A sitting room can accommodate additional guests with its
trundle bed. The Jacuzzi for two and plush robes continue the
pampering experience of this inn. Two private entrances to this
suite lead to wicker rockers lining the wrap-around porch or to the
wooded hot tub and gazebo.
Old World charm floral fabrics reminiscent of a romantic era dresses
The Honeymoon Suite. The queen bed faces a beautiful fireplace and a
private swing overlooks the dropping-elevation view of the woodsy
backyard for a tucked-away, private-entranced little world of your
own.
Deep burgundy robes Grandma’s Attic and
enhances the angled ceiling. A king bed is heralded by antique
French bedside tables. The owner’s great grandmother gave her
grandson a beloved old blanket chest which sits at the end of the
bed. Another gorgeous fireplace and a luxuriously-draped archway
leading to a claw foot tub and Jacuzzi is befitting of this
two-level Grandma’s Attic. Truly exquisite!
Sitting atop on the second floor of The Ojo House, The Studio
presents the great outdoors via French doors leading to a private
deck. Bold pink colors and unique lighting highlights the suite with
its inviting queen bed, large bathroom with a Jacuzzi for two, and a
sitting room gives guests the opportunity to unwind.
Built in the 1920s, The Country Cottage
is decked out in the style of, well, country.. Its Country Cottage
Room is a high-end level of a cottage with white and red walls. From
a king-size bed, guests can enjoy the corner fireplace or the
television or both. Once again, the Jacuzzi beckons two. The Country
Cottage also brags the Honeymoon Hideaway, protected by an ivy-laced
rock wall.. With a palette of the hues from the sea, this hidden
cottage brings the sea to your side.
Deep colors and substantial textures offer a regal setting fit for
royalty at The Carriage House Room. This was used as a Carriage
House into the 1920s. Heavy draperies laden in rich burgundy, a
large private deck and entrance, along with a grand Jacuzzi and
fireplace lend their white-gloved hand in delivering amenities fit
for a king (or queen!)
Now for my favorite place within the 5
Ojo Inn B&B. Oh, The Sweet House. The house was named after the
original owners, the Sweets. But I refer to The Sweet House for its
sweeeeeet dining!
The fare comes in three elegant courses. Served on the cherished
golden oak table passed down from Richard’s great-grandmother,
gourmet breakfasts are made and served with a big Ozark smile.
Richard, with a twinkle in his eye and a love for what he does in
his heart, talks about how he invents his signature dishes. His wife
Jan assists in the kitchen in order to perfect his
food-magazine-material breakfasts. Both husband and wife chat
heartily with the guests. A sampling of the sumptuous breakfast
creations includes:
Breakfast Menus
Fresh Apples with Honey Poppy Seed Glaze
Banana Nut Muffin
Eggs Morney
Crisp Smoked Bacon
Heavenly Hash Potatoes
Sour Cream Coffee Cake with Caramel
Blueberries & Cream with Seasonal Fruit
Marmalade Muffins
Baked Egg Casserole
Green Chile and Habanero Sausage
Oven baked Parmesan Potatoes
Chocolate Amaretto Cake
Cantaloupe with Blackberry Peach puree
Poppy Seed Muffins
French Toast stuffed with Apricots and Pecans
Sun-dried Tomato Sausage
Bread Pudding
Strawberries, Bananas & Strawberry-Mint Coulis
Pineapple Muffins
Baked Crème Brule French Toast
Peppered Bacon
Rum Bundt Cake
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It was hard to say goodbye to Richard and Jan and the 5 Ojo Inn. I
watched them say a personal goodbye to each guest and spend a few
last minutes with them.
They ask me to come back for another visit even before I left. I
could not wait to fill out the guestbook. I brought home a couple of
clay coffee mugs with the inn's picture and logo, many photos as
words can only say so much, and a rested spirit full of tranquility.
Visit the inn and the owners online at
www.5ojo.com then go see them in person.
Southern Pride Carriage Tours
stops right in front of the 5 Ojo B&B to provide an
elegant way to travel around town.
Although guests can enjoy a scene-filled walk with a
variety of things to view--flower gardens, an abandoned
child's merry-go-round, a polished-every-day motorcycle,
and restored homes--Ada Jensen and her horse Andy will
make the visit an event. Princeton, Ada's dog, joins
them as they deliver guests in gorgeous white carriages.
The owners of the B&B can arrange the rides upon
request.
You can speak with Ada Jensen about her carriage tours
or ask questions about Eureka Springs by calling
870.749.2665. Southern Pride Carriage Tours' address is
1408 CR 612, Green Forest, AR 72638.
What to do while in Eureka Springs?
Rather, the question should be what is there NOT to do? Succulent
dining, expert chefs, cuisines from around the world, one-of-a-kind
pubs, and therapeutic spas and bathhouses are just a smidgen of
activities to put on your “We have got to go here” list.
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