Historic Eureka Springs
EUREKA SPRINGS, ARK. – Just off the twisty, curvy, beautiful scenic Highway 62, there is a sharp turn onto adequately appointed Hillside Avenue. On the right-hand side of the steep incline is a glorious historic home in which guests have delighted staying since the early 1990s. The home is called Arsenic and Old Lace Bed and Breakfast Inn. It is lovingly owned and managed by Rob and Brenda Fryman.
What sets this Bed and Breakfast apart from so many others in the area is the absolutely mouth-watering gourmet-style breakfasts. No simple eggs and pancakes here. The breakfasts at this B&B are home-cooked and there is nothing frozen or pre-prepared allowed on the table setting at Arsenic and Old Lace. Rob Fryman prepares the food and his wife, Brenda, lovingly serves said food, along with fresh juice and an ever-flowing abundance of coffee, served in specially ordered, uniquely designed clay coffee mugs.
The original owner, a quaintly dressed Victorian lady, Jeanne Simpson Johnson, erected the home in 1991. Arsenic and Old Lace Bed and Breakfast Inn is the original name, which has stood the test of time though no less than five previous owners. The Fryman’s purchased the business in October 2021, after leaving corporate America. The couple upon retiring, decided to do something drastically different. The Fryman’s combined years of numerous travel adventures adequately prepared them to own and manage the type of hospitable accommodations enjoyed upon their own enviable travels.
The busiest time for Arsenic and Old Lace is the fabulous few ‘Ber’ months of the Ozarks’ glorious Autumn. Eureka Springs is a wonderland of vibrant color in the fall and folks enjoy a weekend get-away before the holidays take precedence over travel. In addition, there are local fall festivals each weekend, which add to the allure of historic Eureka Springs and the surrounding area.
The large rambling old southern-style home resides within walking distance of the town’s most famously haunted hotel, The Crescent. The couple denied any guests feeling a ghostly presence at Arsenic and Old Lace, despite the name painting a gruesome picture of the popular 1944 play-inspired movie of the same name.
Fryman shared that the home was built on the grounds of a sanitarium, which was torn down in 1930. The patients were treated with cocaine, which was apparently the treatment of the day. Upon construction of the stately old home, many artifacts were unveiled from the Magnetic Springs Sanitarium.
The Fryman’s are noticing a change in the guest population at their beloved Bed and Breakfast. “We are starting to see a younger clientele. They are very respectful. The last three years, we have had a young couple stay to celebrate their anniversary. They stay in a different room each time.” shared Rob Fryman. While it is not heavily advertised, owners of Arsenic and Old Lace Bed and Breakfast Inn do host weddings in the carefully tended garden-esque backyard of the establishment.
The Fryman’s occupy a homey apartment in the basement. They close the bed and breakfast mid-December through mid-February and take off in August for family travels, personal vacations, and holidays spent with their children and grandchildren. “It is easier for us to go to the children and we look forward to spending time with our kids and grands each year.” said Brenda Fryman.
“Eureka Springs is incredible. It is a small town with a large town feel. The food service is amazing. There is a noticeably diverse population of folks, which all get along. It is very eclectic and welcoming.” shared Rob Fryman.
A handful of the amazing breakfast/brunches served while I stayed were chicken and waffles, a divine southern staple, which the couple loves, having lived in Memphis for years. They serve unique sandwiches in the spring and a skillet breakfast inspired by a similar restaurant recipe Rob thoroughly enjoyed on one of his many travels. One of the most delicious foods that ever touched my tastebuds was a light and fluffy lavender puff pastry. It was even better than it sounds and was truly an unmatched delight I yearn to taste again. There was a quiche served that is Rob’s original recipe and it was truly a quiche to end all other quiches. Chef Fryman and Brenta cater to food allergies and will happily provide vegetarian dishes upon request. They ask for this information at the time of booking to have adequate ingredients on hand when guests arrive.
From an entrepreneur perspective, Brenda Fryman shared that if one was considering a life in the hospitality and tourist industry, “Just do it. Don’t let the fear of the unknown sway you.” Taking their own advice, the Fryman’s did just that. They have learned many lessons along the way, but have not, for one second, regretted their retirement/second season of life running a historic and well-loved bed and breakfast in Arkansas’ most divine little community of Eureka Springs.
Several guests have shared reviews of their stay at Old Arsenic and Lace Bed and Breakfast Inn. It has been called ‘impeccably clean’, the location absolutely breathtaking, with wildlife just outside the back doors, and guests unanimously rave about the unconventional, artisan breakfasts by in-house Chef and host extraordinaires, Rob and Brenda Fryman.
While I tried diligently to paint a picture of this accommodating, welcoming, and beautiful home away from home, please do not take my word for it. Check out Arsenic and Old Lace Inn Bed and Breakfast for yourself at: https://eurekaspringsromancebb.com/. You may gain a few extra pounds from the delectable daily breakfasts, but your tastebuds and treasured memories will no doubt thank you for years to come.
