Thought we'd cruise through Hardy early this morning on our way out of town to Eureka Springs, and saw a dulcimer shop. We stopped without much hope that it would be open so early. The shop was dark, but upon trying the door handle, it opened! Sure enough, Jeff Kames, the proprietor, came out from the back and greeted us. We had a nice conversation with him, and really enjoyed looking around his beautiful shop. About 30 minutes later, I walked out with a lap harp under my arm (aka a plucked psaltery, says Khrysso.) What fun!
Jeff Kames, Owner of Flat Creek Dulcimers, and member of the Bona Fide String Band. He plays a banjo.
Hardy is the place for local crafts, antiques, musical instruments and so much more. Loved it!
Next we moved on towards today's destination, and along the way stopped at a library in Melbourne. There was a book sale going on, so we both indulged. Next to the library was a small museum, and we spent some time there as well. Once again we digressed, but that's what we do. Onward. Next stop was another dulcimer shop. THE dulcimer shop, home of the famous McSpadden dulcimers. Here you can see dulcimers being made and talk to the local experts. It's a great stop!
The town of Mountain View, where the Dulcimer Shop is located is just a charming place. Lots of unique little shops and friendly folks. We stopped at another museum, and heard the story of the town's first stoplight. I guess the townsfolk just didn't take too well to it, and regularly shot at it as they drive by. Eventually the town just gave up, took it down, and eventually donated it to the museum. Now it hangs in the museum in quiet testament to the right of Mountain View citizens too drive through town unimpeded. Here I am pointing to a bullet hole.
Another Mountain View institution is Woods Drugstore, with a soda fountain and incredible homemade ice cream. Lunchtime!
We finally pulled into Eureka Springs on about dusk. Who knew Arkansas would be such a wonderful state?
We finally pulled into Eureka Springs on about dusk. Who knew Arkansas would be such a wonderful state?
Real live genuine old timey drug store scale.
Real live genuine, old-timey soda fountain.
Home of McSpadden Dulcimers. No, that's not the shop in the background. The shop sits to the right, but, alas, no picture.