Our History
The Writers’ Colony at Dairy Hollow is located in the historic arts village of Eureka Springs, Arkansas, in the Northwest corner of the Ozark Mountains. Our town is tiny – population 2,079 – but we are host to thousands of tourists who come for a slice of our unusual lifestyle. We are distinctly different from anywhere else in the world.
We may be unknown by many, but Eureka Springs is no stranger to writers. Our town is the center of the universe, a fact empirically proven, and since her naming on July 4, 1879, our town has drawn writers with something to say. All too often it’s prefaced by “Eureka!”
Our history is spiced with the likes of John Phillip Sousa, Cora Pinkley-Call, Otto Rayburn, Frank Stanford, and Crescent Dragonwagon. In modern times, Eureka Springs has welcomed Charlaine Harris of the Southern Vampire Mystery series and Jacquelyn Mitchard, author of The Deep End of the Ocean, which was the first selection for Oprah’s Book Club in 1996. Of course, we haven’t even begun to brag. (Remember – buy from your local bookstore. If they don’t have it, they can order it for you. Shop local.)
Eureka Springs is served by the Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport (XNA) in nearby Bentonville, Arkansas, home to Walmart headquarters, the largest retailer in the world, and Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, open to the public at no charge daily (closed Tuesday). Airport transportation services are available on request.
Learn more about the history of The Writers Colony at the CALS Encyclopedia of Arkansas
From Lodging to Residency
The Writers’ Colony at Dairy Hollow started out as the second Bed & Breakfast to open its doors in Arkansas, a project of love by cookbook author Crescent Dragonwagon and late husband, Ned Shank, a preservationist and writer himself. During its 18 years in business, the Inn was named an “Inn of the Year” by both Conde Nast Traveler and USA Today, and later, Dairy Hollow House Restaurant was covered in Gourmet, Bon Appetit, Self, the Wall Street Journal, and countless regional publications.
Converted to a place dedicated to writers of all genres, artists, and composers in 1998, The Writers’ Colony at Dairy Hollow opened for its first writers in 2000. The colony now offers eight private writing suites in two side-by-side houses, with residencies lasting from one week up to three months.
Each suite has its own personality and view of historic Dairy Hollow, with private bath, writing nook, and private entrance. All suites are equipped with mini-fridges and coffee makers. The culinary suite is fully equipped for cookbook writers and chefs. European-style gourmet meals are provided nightly Monday through Friday, and the kitchen is equipped with all the basics so writers can prepare their own breakfasts and lunches.
Our Residency Suites
The Culinary suite is located in the upper level of the main house (515). The entry is just off the street,…
Where a large sized desk, made from a door looks out over a lower deck where the sun is filtered, trees…
The Langston Hughes suite is in the lower level of the main house (515). Stone steps lead you down to the…
With a writing room with beautiful windows looking out over the landscape with a tree house view.*There is one step from…
The Maya Angelou suite is in the upper level of the main house (515). The entry is just off the street,…
A wonderful lower-level suite which enjoys a beautiful private patio.*There is one step from the sidewalk up to the landing and…
Where a large sized desk, made from a door looks out over a lower deck where the sun is filtered, trees…
An artsy feel and an honorary suite for a local artist, writer and one of Eurekas own.*There is one step from…
Our Vision
Our vision is to is to create a lasting contribution to the literary arts by providing a sanctuary where writing is nurtured, honored, and shared.
Our Mission Statement
The mission of the Writers’ Colony at Dairy Hollow (WCDH) is to nurture writers of all backgrounds, genres, and levels of experience in a supportive environment that builds community, stimulates new thinking, energizes creative expression, and optimizes productivity.
Inclusivity
The Writers’ Colony nurtures writers of all backgrounds, which means we want to ensure everyone considering coming to The Writers’ Colony and participating in our programming feel welcome, included, and encouraged. This goal is being realized by the following actions:
- We seek out feedback and participation from our Writers in Residence who come from marginalized communities.
- We seek out organizations who serve people from marginalized communities for collaboration and feedback.
- With the assistance of alumni DW McKinney, we have developed an Ambassadors program to connect potential Writers in Residence with our alumni from similar backgrounds.
For more information on our inclusivity efforts, please contact us