The Big Jesus

Wait…don’t go…I promise that I’m not going to get all preachy on ya…actually, I don’t mind preachy, but I know some folks do…anyway, I digress…

This weekend, while you were patiently reading my daily dual vacation posts so that I could remember what in the world we did for summer vacation scrapbook vacation memories for posterity, the hubby and I drove 4-hours south to the town of Eureka Springs, Arkansas nestled in the hills of the beautiful Ozark Mountains.

We enjoyed a relaxing weekend at Eureka Sunset Cabins while our kiddos stayed with Grandma.  While we were there, we did a couple of sight-seeing trips including to see the Christ of the Ozarks, or as my two little ones affectionately referred to Him as “the Big Jesus”.  We also visited the beautiful Thorncrown Chapel, somehow, just as spiritual in an “understated” sort of way!

Enjoy the pictures of our weekend get-away.  And for more information about the Ozark Mountains click here Or go to Eureka Springs to learn more about this fabulous art-loving community!

 

This was our cabin upon arrival down in Eureka Springs.  Most of the places all have twinkle lights.

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On Saturday night, we ate at a fantastic restaurant called Ermilios.  We have never been able to get a table as the wait is always and hour plus, but this time we toughed it out…it was well worth the wait!

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In the parking lot of Ermilios is this cool replica of the Mona Lisa completely made out of tiles.  (I said this was an art-loving community!)

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Finally, what you’ve all been waiting for…The Big Jesus (according to Mary and Ben).  You can see why they called Him that!

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This view of the Ozark Mountains is Jesus’ view!

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I have no idea why there is a piece of the Berlin Wall at the Christ of the Ozarks location, but it was also fascinating to see.  Does it seem weird to anyone else that our children only know of German as ONE country?!!!

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The beautiful view of the forest you must enter to find the Thorncrown Chapel.

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This was as close as I could get.  A gentleman was stationed outside of the Chapel asking visitors not to get any closer unless they planned on attending services. 

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This image is from inhabitat.com and has all sorts of incredibly beautiful interior photos of the chapel.


Comments

  1. Sounds like a great trip. We used to go to Eureka Springs a lot when we lived in Fayetteville and Little Rock. Our oldest son loved, loved, loved all the junky souvenir shops.

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  2. Wouldn't it be spectacular to attend a service here! I think it would be VERY easy to feel the presence of God here!

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  3. Valerie---

    Ken and I vacationed in Eureka Springs several years ago--loved it.
    We stayed at the Land of Nod--
    the pink hotel on the corner hope it's till there and we saw Big Jesus too and the Passion play in 96 degree temps. Well worth the heat though!

    Melinda

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  4. Kathy,
    Still have lots and lots of junky souvenir shops, but there are also TONS of beautiful artisan crafts and galleries. I don't know if it was always that way or maybe something that emerged in the 90s and beyond. Very eclectic community!

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  5. I agree wholeheartedly, Sares! I think one could definitely find God or spirituality in those mountains and at that Chapel!

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  6. Melinda,

    How funny...I pointed out Land of Nod hotel as we were driving past it...I looked so sweet...all in its pinkness! I thought the name was so clever!

    I've always wanted to do the Passion Play, just never have time. Chris and I need to plan a trip when we can stay for several days (not a whirlwind overnight) and put it on the agenda!

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  7. Hey again, Valerie! I'm following now. Told you I'd be back. By the way, I live in Fayetteville, AR, just over the mtn. from Eureka.

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  8. Also, one of my daughters was married there at the Crescent Hotel and we ate once at Ermilio's. Great food!

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  9. Hi Janie B. Thank you so much for your return visit and for becoming a Front Porch Follower!

    You literally are "just over the mountain" from Eureka. We've traveled thru Fayetteville before on our way to Gulf Shores, AL from KC. What a beautiful part of Arkansas that you live in!!!

    Wow, a wedding at the Crescent Hotel...I'm sure it was beautiful. Our dinner at Ermilio's was GREAT!

    Take care and GO HOGS!!!

    Valerie

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  10. I have this childhood memory of visiting a HUGE statue of Jesus. But I could not, for the life of me, remember where it might have been.

    Had I been atop 2,343-foot Mount Corcovado in Rio de Janeiro, and just didn't remember our family flying there? Did I dream the whole thing up? False memory, like the time I was abducted by aliens?

    No...

    Now I know: it was our trip to the Ozarks, six kids stuffed into the back an old station wagon, piloted by 2 hapless parents, circa early 1970s...

    Thanks for clearing that up :)

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  11. That is amazing. The pix are wonderful.

    I enjoyed the big Jesus :)

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Thank you so much for taking the time to comment. Your kind words are appreciated! As Mother Teresa said, "Let us always meet each other with smile, for the smile is the beginning of love."

Valerie

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