Archive for the ‘Arkansas Getaway’ Category

7th Annual World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Friday, March 5th, 2010

A sense of humor and the ability to laugh at ourselves.  Enjoying sheer silliness.  Truly that’s the nature of the people of Hot Springs.  The World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade is testimony to this fun-loving town. 

 The parade lasts a total of 99 ft–the entire length of Bridge Street.   For a High School band, that means only 99 feet of the band can play at one time!

The gold at the end of the rainbow may be found in Hot Springs, Arkansas, along with celebrity Grand Marshal Bo Derek, green fireworks, Irish belly dancers, floats, Irish Order of Elvi (a group of Elvis look-alikes), marchers, Irish Wolfhounds, and the Pub-Crawl. 

  Previous grand marshals include Mike Rowe (of TV’s Dirtiest Jobs), Mario Lopez, and Norm from “Cheers”.   Come enjoy a good laugh, green fireworks, and perhaps a pint of green beer.  Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Gallery Walk, March 5, Hot Springs

Sunday, February 28th, 2010

Gallery Walk, held the first Friday of every month, welcomes visitors and local folks to the amazing art galleries in downtown Hot Springs.  This Friday, March 5, from 5-9pm, the art galleries will be open.  Stroll the downtown, sip a glass of wine, nibble on refreshments provided by the galleries, and visit with the artists. 

One of our favorite local artists is Richard Stephens, a nationally recognized and award-winning watercolorist.  He recently visited Lookout Point gardens, and captured the peaceful feel of our gardens and Lake Hamilton.  When you stay at Lookout Point, you’ll see several pieces of his original art.   Some of our favorite galleries include Blue Moon, Alison Parsons, Justus Fine Art, Gallery Central, and the Fine Arts Center.

Hot Springs, Arkansas was named the 4th best arts community in the United States (right behind Santa Fe).   Who knew?  Come on to Hot Springs for a lovely, almost springtime evening at Gallery Walk.

Daffodils Days at Garvan Woodland Gardens

Thursday, February 4th, 2010

Nothing heralds the beginning of springtime like the first blooms of spring!  Last week on a walk in the park, Ray & I saw a proud, yellow jonquil and I immediately felt more hopeful. 

Hundreds of thousands of daffodils stand in full glory at the Garvan Gardens Daffodil Days.  From February 15 through March 7th, bask in the glorious display of color as more than 175,000 daffodils are showcased. Take a walk to the Three Sisters of Amity Daffodil Hill and see Mother Nature at her best with this magnificent showcase of yellow and white daffodils! 

Of course, the Lookout Point gardens will be soon bursting forth with color also. We look forward to seeing you in the spring.

Kristie

Mountain Biking at Cedar Glades Park, Hot Springs

Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010

Hot Springs has been chosen for the second year in a row to host a USA Cycling Mountain Bike National Race Calendar event on February 27 – 28, 2010 at Cedar Glades Park.   The event is part of the USA Cycling Ultra Endurance National Race Calendar. 

Saturday’s event (2/27) features a six-hour endurance ride, while Sunday’s event is a duathlon called Du It In the Dirt.  A whirlpool tub may be needed by the end of these races!

Last year’s events attracted 220 competitors and more than 300 spectators attending from 14 states, with greater crowds expected this year.

Cedar Glades park is one of the finest mountain biking trails in the world, according to our recent guests from New Zealand and avid international cyclists.

Winter’s Beauty Arrives in Hot Springs

Saturday, January 30th, 2010

Winter scenes from the inn.

Photo on left, a few days before the winter storm came through Arkansas.  The grass almost looks like a sandy beach!

Last night a lovely dusting of snow fell, yet the roads were in great condition around the inn and to the south.  The birds are hungry and crowding the many feeders, but the cardinals wouldn’t stay still for a photo op.    Winter provides great bird watching.  This morning during breakfast, our guests enjoyed cardinals, blue jays, juncos, mourning doves, mockingbird, woodpeckers, sparrows, and chickadees just outside the dining room.

Book Signing at Lookout Point Lakeside Inn

Friday, January 22nd, 2010

becoming a Justice Seeking CongregationWhat an honor to host our friend, the Rev. Dr. Bill McElvaney for a book signing at Lookout Point on January 18!  His 8th book, Becoming a Justice Seeking Congregation, is an invitation and challenge to wrestle with the Church’s God-given justice vocation. 

Dr. McElvaney is a long time peace and justice advocate in both the local church and academy.  He served for years as a pastor of United Methodist congregations, president of St. Paul School of Theology, and professor of preaching and worship at Perkins School of Theology, SMU, Dallas.  In addition, he was one of my favorite professors when I was a ministry student years ago! 

All proceeds from his book benefit two charities.  If you want to struggle to make the connection between faith and social reality, get a copy of his book at Barnes & Noble.com or Amazon. com.  What an amazing man.

–Kristie

Willie Nelson Coming to Hot Springs, Feb 21

Wednesday, January 20th, 2010

American icon Willie Nelson will perform live at the Summit Arena in Hot Springs on Feb. 21, 2010.  The arena is a smaller, more intimate venue to see and enjoy this concert.  Of course, you’re invited to stay at Lookout Point while in Hot Springs for the concert!

“Nelson is widely recognized as an American icon. His distinctive music and other social and political activities sometimes take a backseat to his pop-culture public image, marked by his red hair, often divided into two long braids partially concealed under a bandana. He has been active in social and political causes ranging from tax protests to support for a Democratic effort in the mid-2000s to bust up a Republican gerrymandering attempt in Texas.”  HotSprings.org. 

Currently Willie Nelson is performing in Austin to raise funds for Haiti earthquake relief.

And They’re Off! Live Thoroughbred Racing at Oaklawn Jockey Club

Sunday, January 10th, 2010

Live Racing Begins Jan 15, 2010

Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, Arkansas launches the 2010 race season with four days of live racing, beginning Friday, January 10.   The annual back-in-time Saturday features bargain 50 cent corned beef sandwiches (Oaklawn has GREAT corned beef) and 10 cent soft drinks.  Such a deal, if you don’t mind waiting in line! 

Oaklawn has the highest attendance of any live race meet in the U.S., with enthusiastic fans, trainers, and owners coming from all over the country.   Since I know nothing about racing, I enjoy watching the horses, jockeys, and people studying the racing forms.   While we serve breakfast at the inn, guests pore over the morning’s guides, circling in on their favs. 

Come visit Lookout Point and Hot Springs during the race meet!  We’ll be happy to make reservations for you at Oaklawn Park.

Jan. 15 Birthday Celebrations at Lookout Point

Saturday, January 9th, 2010

CMartin Luther King, Jr.ome celebrate birthdays with cake and refreshments on January 15!  It’s a big day:  the hero of my childhood, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. would have turned 81 on January 15.  That’s reason enough to celebrate.  His life and his death had a big impact upon me and our country!

As a child moving to Arkansas during the days of segregation, I felt in my soul the pain of separation and prejudice based upon color.  I didn’t understand the separate drinking fountains and entrances.  Hearing Dr. King speak, stirrings of hope and truth rang clear. 

Believing that all life is a gift, I think the day of our births are worthy of celebration.  January 15 is also my birthday, and I’m honored to have been born on Martin Luther King’s day! 

I invite you to come stay at Lookout Point, have a slice of celebratory cake and a glass of wine or tea, and share a dream.  I hope to see you on my birthday.  :)

Kristie

Southern Living Magazine “Best of the South”: Hot Springs and Lookout Point Lakeside Inn

Sunday, December 20th, 2009
Photo selected for the Southern Living article

Photo selected for the Southern Living article

On Thursday we received a call from a guest, congratulating Lookout Point for selection in Southern Living Magazine’s “Best of the South”.  What a delightful phone call to receive!

The January, 2010 edition of Southern Living includes articles featuring the “Best of” from many states.  Southern Living named the Best Attraction in Arkansas–Hot Springs National Park.  And the place to stay:  Lookout Point!  Also included is McClard’s Bar-B-Q for lunch (yummy) and relaxing at the Quapaw Baths & Spas, with dinner at Rolando’s Nuevo Latino Restaurant. 

We’re truly honored and humbled to be recognized by such a great magazine.  Check it out–get a copy of the new Southern Living.