From Caves to Camels

So, Saturday September 1st we got up and drove a small distance to Mystic Caverns and The Crystal Dome.  Mystic Caverns was discovered in the 1800s and was used as a place for the locals to party and make liquor.  Because of this, the cave has lots of damage, however, it's still quite a sight to see.  In the mid 1900s the adjacent Crystal Dome was discovered when a road was being created.  The man on the bulldozer broke through a hole in the earth, looked in and found the second cave.

Next, we stopped at the Daisy Queen for a quick treat.  This is typical of a "burger joint" that has seemingly stood still in time.  Going here makes you feel like you're back in the 1960s.

After this we drove to the eclectic town of Eureka Springs.  We ate lunch at The Local Flavor.

The girls really liked Eureka Springs.  It's a very interesting place to visit, with strange and wonderful shops and places to eat.  We didn't get to stay very long, unfortunately, but we did take a drive through the whole city and up to the haunted Crescent Hotel so that at least they could say that they'd seen it.  The Crescent is featured on most documentaries exploring the "ghosts" of the United States.  It's said to be one of the most haunted places to visit.

Eureka Springs is a town of winding narrow streets through odd and unique shops.

Eureka Springs has a very eclectic crowd of dwellers.  Most decorate their houses in very bold colors... and somehow, they're beautiful!

The Crescent Hotel is said to be one of the most haunted places in America.

After Eureka Springs, we headed to The Promised Land Zoo in Eagle Rock, Missouri.  It is a petting and drive-through zoo where you are encouraged to feed any animal that approaches you.  And they DO approach.

These animals were not shy at all!

Jule made lots of animals happy!

These animals (North American Buffalo) are extremely dangerous... but they were hungry!

After the zoo, we had a one-hour drive to Branson to get ready for our big day on Sunday... Silver Dollar City.

Upon entering the city of Branson, Jule realized what we'd been telling her.  It's like a small Las Vegas.  Here's an example of things you'll find on "the strip" (the main street down the middle of Branson.)

The Hollywood Wax Museum

Ripley's Believe It or Not

 We checked into the hotel and went to bed for the night.  It had been a long day.