Love and marriage enveloped the inn this weekend. With 11-11-11,  the first wedding of the day was held at 11am, of course. The weather cooperated all weekend, with gorgeous fall colors and sunny skies.

Congratulations to all the couples who were married at our Hot Springs bed & breakfast (5 couples in total) this weekend, and to those that stayed with us while getting married at the Anthony Chapel of Garvan Gardens.  Many blessings to: Kristie & Corey, Hap & Melissa, Darnell & Kim G, Ritchie & Susie, Jason & Joie, and Tiffany & Chris.

Susie & Ritchie

Darnell & KimG

A stunning autumn day greeted Norris & Karla to Lookout Point for their wedding. As a surprise to Karla, her family arrived just in time for the wedding ceremony.

Dressed in handsome Harley Davidson attire, the lovely couple exchanged vows in our gardens with Lake Hamilton providing a calm backdrop. The Harley theme

Harley Cake Topper

carried to the cake, with a cute cake topper of a wedding couple on the motorcycle. Of course, the family tied a string of cans to the back of the motorcycle

Congratulations to Karla and Norris, a wonderful and happy couple. We wish you all the best in life.

Our Hot Springs bed & breakfast provides a beautiful setting for intimate lakeside wedding on Lake Hamilton.

We chose  Arkansas for the site of our bed & breakfast inn, because it’s an extraordinarily beautiful state. Every autumn

Early Autumn on Lake Hamilton

I am awestruck by the sheer goodness of being here: perfect temperatures with low humidity, stunning views across the lake, and a riot of color.

Peak fall colors for our area are predicted for early to mid-November. Yet guests were still enjoying breakfast outdoors on the patio this week, while overlooking the lake and Ouachita Mountains.

For stunning yellow, red, and orange foliage, come on to Hot Springs. We’ll steer you to fantastic drives and hikes for the best views.

Dressed in their wedding finery, Alicia and Michael decided to depart via Lookout Point’s canoe! It’s a bit tricky getting into a canoe while attired in wedding clothes, but this fun couple were determined, and no one got wet!

Just married!

Of course while out on the lake, Michael had to throw in a line.

Beautiful bride!

We specialize in intimate and unique Hot Springs weddings.  The inn’s lakeside gardens create a beautiful site. There’s even a stone altar in the gardens, for those wanting more of a “church” feel while outdoors.

Congratulations, Alicia & Michael! We wish all the best for you.

Labor Day Weekend, traditionally seen as the close to the summer season, finds lots of fun events in Hot Springs. Of course, water sports tops the list of a great way to relax and say farewell to summer.  If you’re planning to rent a boat, do so right away!

Friday evening check out Gallery Walk in the historic downtown. You’ll see gorgeous art in all prices, meet the artists, and sip a glass of wine. Fun!

Saturday morning our own “Capt. Ray” provides a 90-minute boat tour of Lake Hamilton for guests of our Hot Springs bed & breakfast. Hear the stories of the mansions, and history of the lake.

Fireworks over Lake Hamilton

Fireworks over Lake Hamilton explode on Sunday evening. I love to hear the resounding echoes of the fireworks, bouncing around the lake, off the docks, and the mountains! The best fireworks viewing is from either J&S Italian Villa (reserve early!) or the Bell Riverboat fireworks cruise.

The Sunset Room, a beautiful room on the second floor,

Great view from the Sunset Room

is offered Sun-Thur nights in August for $70 off per night. This Queen Deluxe Room with a whirlpool tub for two, an all-season fireplace, and lovely sitting area, is not our least expensive room for the remainder of August. Of course, a gourmet breakfast and daily Innkeepers Reception is included in the rate.

Beautiful room

The room is perfect for a  quiet retreat, business trip, or romantic getaway to our Hot Springs B & B. Why the special, you wonder? The room does not have a deck, so we’re making this offer to you!

Of course everyone knows of Hot Springs, Arkansas as the “The Spa City”. Hot Springs is ripe with day spas and massage parlors. Bathhouse row, located in the historic district downtown, is one of the town’s biggest draws with the historical significance in and of itself. But what about the lakes? Here in Hot Springs, we know how to spend the summer!

First, a little history lesson…

Hot Springs is home to one of Arkansas’s aptly named “Diamond Lakes”.

And oh how they sparkle! Look!

In addition to being truly beautiful, the diamond lakes are also useful! Who knew?! Lake Hamilton, for example, was created by Arkansas Power & Light in 1932 with the vision of harnessing the natural power of running water to generate hydro-electricity. This would ensure the town could continue to support growth. With the installment of Carpenter dam a success, Lake Hamilton was born!
Lake Hamilton is over 7,000 acres of fun and not to mention some of the best fishing in the state. Residents and tourist alike get out on the water to cool off during the summer. At any given time, one would see jet skis, inner tubes, pontoon boats and skiers taking advantage of the spacious lake. Off of the main channel, you can find residents floating along in their canoes, paddle boats, and even simple inflatable rafts. Much of the lake is lined with condos, houses, and restaurants.
Visit Hot Springs!  Relax! Experience the beauty of Lake Hamilton for yourself!

With the “heat bubble” hovering over most of the U.S., Hot Springs is a pretty good place to have fun and stay cool. Here’s our top five suggestions:

1. Rent a boat, and head to Blakely Dam. The water temp drops to about 48 degrees, creating at least a 10 degree drop in air temperature. Really refreshing on hot summer days. Plus the water is so clear you can see the fish swimming. Try Marineland for boat rentals.

2. The Gangster Museum of America. Spend time indoors at this fun and quirky museum, exploring the unique, checkered history of Hot Springs.

3. Star gaze from the lakeside hammocks of Lookout Point. With a cool beverage and a breeze off the lake, you’ll definitely feel cooler.

4. Crystal Falls Water Park.

Water fun at Crystal Falls

With a lazy river, wave pool, and lots more water fun, Crystal Falls is a cool way to spend the day. Get discounted admission tickets from the inn, and there is no waiting in line for tickets, too.

5. Explore Mid-America Science Museum. More than 100 hands-on exhibits delight by kids and adults of all ages.

Keep Cool!

This weekend, July 15-17, you’ll find some pretty cool stuff happening in our lovely city of Hot Springs, Arkansas. Not to mention that as I write this post, it’s raining and temp dropped 30 degrees. Sweet!

Here’s some fun stuff:

Tour Lake Hamilton

• Captain Ray provides a 90-minute boat tour of Lake Hamilton for guests of our Hot Springs B&B. Tour departs at 10 AM, and returns to the inn by 11:30.
• Antique Walk, this Friday July 15 from 4-8 pm in the historic downtown. Explore some unique antique shops, then dine at one of our fav restaurants. We suggest Rolando’s for delicious Nuevo Latino fare, or Central Park Fusion, both within easy walking distance of Antique Walk.
• Moonlight Stroll/Full Moon Hike. Great opportunity for a guided night hike, led by a National Park Interpreter. Yes, Hot Springs National Park is right downtown. Meet at the summit of West Mountain.  Fun!
• Miss Arkansas Pageant. See the crowning event on Saturday night at 7:30pm.

We’re delighted to have Lookout Point recognized by the Dallas Morning News and the trendy 360 West magazine of the Ft. Worth Area.

Lookout Point featured July 2011

In the DMN Honeymoon Guide, Lookout Point is included in their review of Romantic, budget-friendly honeymoon destinations in Texas and nearby.

360 West travel page “Near and Far” on page 81 features “Hot Springs Hideaway” with a gorgeous photo of the inn, and a wonderful description by travel writer Sophia Dembling. Thanks!!!

We’d love to welcome you to this slice of paradise, our Hot Springs bed & breakfast inn.