Posts Tagged ‘Hot Springs’

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

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.

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.

High Teas Celebrate Christmas in Hot Springs

Friday, December 18th, 2009

English Guests (plus Adam) at TeaButter brickle scones, warm, with Devonshire cream.  Petite fours, Christmas style.  Curried chicken sandwiches.  Cucumber sandwiches.  Fine Portsmouth teas in 3 delightful varieties:  Earl Grey La Creme, Love Me Tender, and African Rooibus.  Friends at tea

High Teas at Lookout Point begin with selecting your teapot from our vast selection, and conclude with a tour of the inn and gardens.  Lots of laughter, conversation, and joy ring through the inn.

Hot Springs, Arkansas Named Top U.S. Travel Destination!

Thursday, December 10th, 2009

Hot Springs, Arkansas Bath House RowOur delightful and beloved town, Hot Springs, Arkansas was named one of the TOP FIVE travel destinations in the United States in 2010 by Trip Advisor!  According to Trip Advisor, the top consumer generated travel review site in the world, Hot Springs ranked #3 in their top travel destination for 2010, just behind Seward, Alaska and Hyannis, Massachusetts.   Completing the list of the Top Five travel destinations are Chinle, Arizona and Waimea, Hawaii. 

Although we’re obviously partial, we think Hot Springs is one of the most beautiful and friendly places on the earth.  At the inn, waking up to the calming lake views and the low lying Ouachitas Mountains, hearing the birds sing, and smelling the freshly ground coffee brewing starts the day perfectly.  Yes, we’re partial. And we are so grateful to live in this fantastic town!  It’s a pleasure to see Trip Advisor recognize this jewel of a city.

Kristie & Ray Rosset

Red Hat Luncheon at Lookout Point

Thursday, December 3rd, 2009

The Babes of Wine and RosesWafting through the inn today were the peals of laughter, carols sung in three part harmony, and the delicious scent of maple praline bread pudding baking. 

These wonderful women, The Babes of Wine & Roses, celebrated time together with a luncheon at Lookout Point.  The organizer, Kit, commented in an e-mail to Lookout Point: 

Dear Kristie & Ray, On behalf of The Babes of Wine and Roses, many thanks for a terrific luncheon today.  We all agreed that you have a charming Inn and it was so much fun to take your tour.  Our luncheon was a great success due to your gracious hospitality.  Thank you for making this one terrific Christmas party for our group. We will definitely be letting our neighbors know what a gem you have there and also other Red Hat groups in The Village.  Thanks again.

Fall Colors Peaking in Hot Springs

Wednesday, November 11th, 2009
Fall colors at Lookout Point

Fall colors at Lookout Point

Fall colors, according to the Arkansas.com website, for the Hot Springs area are at peak, or just peaked.  We’re seeing orange, yellow, brown, and some red leaves.  Many trees are stunning gorgeous, and some have lost most all of their foliage.  Bottom line, it’s not too late to experience fall colors here in Hot Springs.  The inn has a limited number of rooms still available for this weekend, including a couple of rooms available for the Friday night only. 

The weather should be gorgeous–a perfect time to visit Hot Springs and do some hiking.  Or napping.  Or exploring art galleries.  Or….the possibilities are endless.

Beautiful Lakeside Wedding at Lookout Point

Monday, October 12th, 2009

It it such a great feeling to be a part of a couple’s special day, and this day was very special for Stephanie and Rodney Gibbs.  According to the family of this recently married couple, their marriage has been a long time coming.  The couple has been dating since they were fifteen years old, which is a trend in the family, because Stephanie’s brother and his wife also started dating when they were fifteen.  An intimate ceremony took place on the peaceful labyrinth and the reception followed in the dining room.  A beautiful bride and her handsome groom both gleamed with joy as members of the family came forward and toasted the newlyweds.  It was a lovely wedding for this sweet couple and their loving family!

We wish you two the best of luck and a happy marriage filled with lots of love and gorgeous children.  Also, best of luck with the twin girls on the way!