Carriage Square

User Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Mark Twain once said that Helena, Arkansas is located on the prettiest situation on the Mississippi River. Helena-West Helena is not just the Jewel of the mighty Mississippi but the Jewel of the Delta. Home to KFFA's King Biscuit Blues Hour, the Arkansas Heritage and Blues Festival (formerly the King Biscuit Blues Fest), and the Civil War Battle of Helena, few places in Helena capture its beauty and heritage like Carriage Square.

Carriage Square is the vision of entrepreneur Virginia Burroughs of Seal Beach, California who was instantly captivated by the property when she stepped foot off the Delta Queen Riverboat for a tour of Helena. After loving restoring the property and creating a masterful Victorian Garden to complement the two National Registry homes, she opened Carriage Square to tourists and guests.

Carriage Square includes a 1925 plantation-style home known locally as the Solomon House. Large and small events are held on the first floor of the home which has been lovelingly restored and furnished to its original splendor. On the second floor, one can spend hours treasure-hunting and reminiscing through the home's five shops. The shops are currently a collector's dream boasting unique collections of Disney puppets, dolls, rare china and chrystal, silver tea services, jewelry, furniture, and much more. A 100 year-old Magnolia graces the Solomon House garden, along with french apple trees and a lovely fountain.

Carriage Square also includes an 1895 Victorian Bed and Breakfast, featuring 7 guest rooms and a Honeymoon Suite- all with period furnishings and modern amenities, including wireless Internet. Guests enjoy wine and hors d' oeurves in one of the two parlors, relax with coffee on the wide, screened porch, and are treated to a gourmet breakfast in the morning. The home has all the warmth and charm of the Victorians of its time, but also has an interesting history. During WWII, it was used as military academy housing, hosting dances in the homes parlors on Sundays.

The Victorian Garden is a fairyland of meandering paths, colorful blooms, and whimsical plants studded with occassional benches and equisite antique lampposts. The central garden remains open to accomodate up to 300 guests for all kinds of events. The brick stage is shaded by a wisteria-draped Pergula- perfect for live music, weddings or MC'd events. Adjacent to the stage is a quiet, yet spacious gazebo that creates an intimate setting- perfect for small ceremonies - or for use as buffet/bar area. The Garden also comes equipped with fully-operational restrooms.

Carriage Square is a must-see destination in Helena, Arkansas and can be found on the corners of Perry, Columbia, and Market Streets just four blocks from Cherry (Main) Street.

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