Options for autumn when Canada was "closed" (2 of 2)…read more
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You may not know Thorncrown Chapel by its name, but you've most likely seen photos of it. It's a major example of "less is more" and "good things come in small packages."
Thorncrown Chapel is a latticed timber structure - a nondenominational chapel that is Christian in its inspiration - sitting in the hilly, wooded terrain just outside of bohemian Eureka Springs, Arkansas. You will have to look for its small roadway from the highway to visit it.
To say that it might resemble a popsicle stick model would be reductionist, but there is this affect in the way it looks. The difference is that the chapel is all about carefully selected, shaped, and connected wood members that make it a significant place in the world of American architecture. It was designed by the states's native son E. Fay Jones. He was the recipient of numerous awards, as is Thorncrown Chapel.
The chapel is enclosed in glass. This brings in and keeps out the surroundings and elements, respectively. Sitting in here is a very serene experience. One could worship if they want - its scheme is a Christian one - or could just savor the silence. However, there is soothing instrumental music playing in the background that could intersect with today's new age variety. I thought that was humorous.
They do not charge an entrance fee. They didn't when I visited. However, they do ask for donations and, if you visited, you should make a donation. There was a person on hand to answer questions. There might be events here, causing the chapel to open and close for short periods. One typical event might be a wedding. Closer to the entrance and away from the chapel is an office that tends to such affairs.
Whether to visit Thorncrown Chapel garners the answer, "It depends." It is at the northwestern border of the state, just outside of Eureka Springs and below the Missouri border. However, it is far from Little Rock and Hot Springs, though not absurdly far from Fayetteville, home of the University of Arkansas. You will inevitably combine your visit with a visit to Eureka Springs. Eureka Springs is an artsy community shoehorned into a hilly mountain town that has restaurants, coffeehouses, gift shops, and the like ... and most likely garden variety stoners who work at these places. Think Nevada City, CA, Sedona, AZ, Galena, IL, Saratoga Springs, NY, and similar granolafied towns thrown into the middle of rural (and more conservative) America.
I got derailed discussing Eureka Springs and its hippie vibe. If, to you, the distance is reasonable and doable, do visit Thorncrown Chapel. It's an interesting and unique mix of contextual, transparent, simple, and yet complex.
