As usual, we crammed everything we could into a short time, but still couldn’t do all that Northwest Arkansas has to offer.

We started with a stop at the Fayetteville Farmer’s Market. It’s not a huge market, but the vegetables and flowers looked wonderful. We both wished Jim had an opportunity to cook – he would have created something delicious.

Then off to a tour of the Pratt Place Inn. The place is amazing. It’s largely furnished with antiques the Archer’s have brought home from Europe, including a two-ton marble bathtub, with matching pedestal sinks.

We didn’t make it to the art-museum-in-progress, but we did see Thorncrown chapel, a magnificent wooden structure with 425 windows and over 6,000 square feet of glass. It’s on the American Institute of Architecture’s list of the top buildings of the 20th century.

We spent most of the day in Eureka Springs, a well-preserved Victorian town that became a resort destination because of its hot springs. Today the town is full of “cute little shops” – think New Hope, PA or Cape May, NJ – nothing special in the shops, but the architecture is stunning, and there are some great old hotels. The trip out offers a good view of the Ozarks too.

And back to the reason for the trip – night two of the Pratt Place Bash. It was another wonderful night, starting with champagne and a jazz band during cocktails. Dinner was a multi-course event with two bands for entertainment – one another jazz band and the second a full orchestra -the Jack Mitchell Big Band. Jim and I faked our way through swing dancing yet again. I always say we should take dance lessons, but maybe we wouldn’t enjoy it as much as we do when we make up the moves.

We’re sorry to be missing the brunch today, but New Jersey and work await – hopefully we’ll have time to take a picture of the Univ of Arkansas razorback statue – you won’t see that in NJ!