Our city once again hosts the Hot Springs Rally Sept. 6-9 for a multitude of motorcycle enthusiasts. Not only is the rally a roaring good time
Hot Springs Rally
for bikers to ride the trails through the beautiful scenic mountain curves, but the Schedule of Events also offers entertainment all weekend from concerts to a parade to antique motorcycles in the park.
Two concerts this year feature Mustang Sally on Friday night, Sept. 7, and Foreigners on Saturday, Sept. 8. The festive parade starts on Friday evening and concludes with the Mustang Sally concert at the Convention Center.
If you’re tired just reading about the motorcycle rally and weekend full of events, consider escaping each evening by staying with us at Lookout Point Inn on Lake Hamilton to refresh your body and spirit. The inn is the perfect place to continue your conversations from the day, rest and take a break from all the motorcycle excitement.
Guests can soak in our wonderful whirlpool tubs and get a great night’s sleep in our luxurious beds. The view and sunset on the lake, which is visible from each of our rooms, is both relaxing and inspiring. We also have an added convenience for our motorcycle guests with covered parking. Did I mention the breakfasts are a gourmet delight – a perfect way to start the day!
Recently, a lone innkeeper in New Jersey has received lots of attention from social and traditional media for her vile comments against persons based upon their sexual orientation. It pains me to read some folks posting that they choose to NOT stay at a B&B/Inn out of fear that there will be some freaky crazy innkeeper! At Lookout Point, we join the thousands of other innkeepers across North America in the practice of genuinely welcoming all persons to the inn. We promise to provide exquisite hospitality, great rooms, and be professional!
Innkeeper, Kristie Rosset
It is my privilege to serve as the Chair of the Board of Directors of our industry association, The Professional Association of Innkeepers International (PAII). Yesterday PAII issued a press release condemning the actions of bigotry. Here’s the press release in it’s entirety (sorry, it’s long but just in case you are interested in reading…)
Innkeeping Association Condemns Innkeeper’s Facebook Rant
In response to the recent episode in Edgewater, New Jersey, in which the innkeeper at the Whitebriar Bed and Breakfast posted hateful remarks on their Facebook timeline about LGBT people, the board of directors of the Professional Association of Innkeepers International (PAII) made the following statement:
B&Bs and inns all across the world have been well-known to welcome all persons, including lesbian, bi-sexual, gay and transgender travelers. Many LGBT travelers have sought out the unique, warm hospitality offered by innkeepers as their preferred means of lodging.
While we believe in the First Amendment right to freedom of speech in the United States, we take issue with the extreme hatred displayed by the innkeeper at the Whitebriar Bed and Breakfast in Edgewater, New Jersey. The attack is not becoming of a professional innkeeper, and it is an embarrassment to our industry.
The board of directors condemns the action of this individual innkeeper, and encourages all innkeepers to maintain proper decorum when communicating with the traveling public. In addition, we urge all innkeepers, as proprietors of businesses open to the public, to create and support warm, hospitable experiences for all travelers, regardless of their sexual orientation.
“On social media web sites, we expect to see some form of bigotry almost daily,” said Jay Karen, President & CEO of PAII. “But I was honestly shocked to see such hatred from an innkeeper. My experience with the thousands of innkeepers I’ve met over the years has been quite contrary to the behavior we saw this week. I stand with our board in condemning the language expressed by this innkeeper.”
Kristie Rosset, chair of the PAII board and owner and innkeeper of the Lookout Point Lakeside Inn, Hot Springs, AR, concurred, “As professional innkeepers, our industry strives to provide all guests with an oasis from life’s demands and stresses. I am deeply saddened by this lone innkeeper’s actions. In an industry of over 20,000 properties in the U.S. and Canada alone, I hope travelers will give B&Bs and inns a try, and experience what many travelers already know – B&B’s offer the best experience of lodging and hospitality.”
About PAII:The Professional Association of Innkeepers International, founded in 1988, and headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina, is the innkeeping industry’s largest trade association. PAII provides education, communications, public relations, advocacy, networking, and research services to its membership and the greater industry. In addition, PAII has created and is spearheading the “Better Way To Stay”, an industry-wide campaign to help travelers discover today’s inns and B&B experience. For more information, visit www.innkeeping.org.
An added advantage of having our inn in Hot Springs is the close proximity to Little Rock. Often our guests add a day onto their Hot Springs vacation and enjoy visits to two of the national historic sites in Little Rock.
Every time I visit I learn something new! The library includes exhibits (such as a table set for a head of state dinner, and Mrs. Clinton’s inaugural gown). Regardless of your political perspective, this is an interesting outing. In addition to the history, including the archival collection and research facilities, the museum includes replicas of the Oval Office and the Cabinet Room. You can actually sit in the president’s chair.
Another part of our remarkable national history in Little Rock is the Central High School National Historic Site, recognized throughout the country for the role it played in the desegregation of U.S. public schools. Located in an old 50′s style gas station, the stories come alive describing the courage of the Little Rock Nine integrating the school, protected by National Guardsmen.
One of Lookout Point’s previous guests was a skinny 19 year old college student in 1957, called up to active duty for the Guards. He describes the fear, as first they were called by the governor to prevent the 9 students from entering. Shortly after, under Presidential orders, these same Guards were then called upon to protect the students.
At the museum I learned that the Arkansas governor actually shut down the high schools the following year, rather than allow integration. Thanks to the determination of mothers across the city, the schools were eventually reopened.
During your day in Little Rock, enjoy lunch in the River Market district, overlooking the wide Arkansas River. Bosco’s is a fav of ours, with their micro-brews.
Sometimes we just need to getaway, chill, and have some down time. When you come to our inn on Lake Hamilton, you’ll find there are LOTS of great things to do in the area. But you may be like our guests, Bo and Teresa, who needed some time to relax. Here’s some of the many ways they discovered at the inn to soak up some tranquility and pampering:
When Ray and I first talked about building Lookout Point Inn we discussed the possibility of incorporating a labyrinth
Lookout Point’s Labyrinth
into the landscape. Then, the more we planned the more it became a very necessary component of our design. The labyrinth is a beautiful part of our landscape sitting adjacent to the gardens and breathtaking yet calming view of Lake Hamilton.
The design is the Chartres 11 Circuit Labyrinth. It’s an old design that comes from the 13th century and the original can still be walked in the Chartres Cathedral in France. This design has been duplicated many times in many places all over the world. The experience of walking a labyrinth is meant for all faith traditions and is considered a form of walking prayer and meditation. For me, walking the labyrinth calms my mind and opens my heart.
We’ve had many guests walk our labyrinth during their stay at the inn. We’ve also had weddings, baptisms, Easter Sunrise, and other services held on the labyrinth. It is such an integral part of who we are, and it invites those who walk the labyrinth a quiet and reflective journey away from our busy lives. I’d love to have you walk the labyrinth on your next visit to the inn or use the labyrinth to celebrate a meaningful event in your life.
Walking the labyrinth does not demand a great amount of concentration in order to benefit from the experience. The sheer act of walking a complicated path …begins to focus the mind. A quiet mind does not happen automatically. But the labyrinth experience …helps us distinguish superficial extraneous thoughts from the ‘thought’ that comes from our soul level and that each of us longs to hear. —Dr. Lauren Artress,“Walking a Sacred Path”
No vacation is complete without a trip to the amusement, theme or water park in the area. In Hot Springs that special place is Magic Springs & Crystal Falls
Magic Springs Fun in Hot Springs
(What a great name for an amusement park – full of magic and fun!) And we’ll save you money with discounted tickets to the park.
Many of guests at our Hot Springs’ lakeside inn enjoy a special day at Magic Springs when they are visiting the area. This summer in addition to the Thrill, Family or Kids Rides and Water Park, guests can plan a trip around special concerts featured at Magic Springs.
Upcoming concerts include:
Kris Allen June 30
Gretchen Wilson July 7
Switchfoot July 14
Brandon Heath July 15
TESLA July 21
Creed July 28
The added bonus for all the concerts is that they are included with the price of the one-day general admission ticket or Season Pass. Free seating is on the lawn or VIP Reserved Seating can be purchased for $10 or Regular Reserved Seating is available for $5.
As guests of Lookout Point Inn, we’re always glad to help you plan a fun day!
Yesterday, Ray & I celebrated our 37th wedding anniversary, and I am so grateful to this patient and good man for his kind and generous spirit. Part of our anniversary traditions include expressing gratitude for our lives shared, and enjoying a nice bottle of red.
For years I’ve been interested to hear long-time married people tell the stories of creating a successful marriage. And now we are one of those “long-time” couples! I really don’t understand how it happened so quickly!
When my parents celebrated their 50th anniversary, I asked them the secret to their successful marriage. My mother said the typical answers: don’t go to bed mad, love each other, etc. My father bluntly replied: Do what SHE says! Of course, he promptly received the reaction he desired.
A few days ago, Lucian and Wanda
Wanda & Lucian (back), Tammy & James (foreground)
celebrated their 45th anniversary at Lookout Point. One morning they dined outdoors by the waterfalls, and shared conversation with James and Tammy, who will be married this fall at the inn. Lucian offered a great piece of advice to the upcoming groom. Whenever Lucian is asked how long he’s been married, he responds by looking lovingly & directly into Wanda’s eyes, and says “Not long enough!”
What a beautiful reply! It’s true: Ray & I have not been married long enough. Here’s to many more great decades together. And to all of you celebrating a June anniversary: congratulations!—Kristie
One of the most beautiful lakes in Arkansas is literally in our back yard. Lake Hamilton
Beautiful Lake Hamilton
is gorgeous and offers so much fun year ‘round but especially during the summer months. Guests at our Hot Springs B&B all have awesome views inviting you to sit and spend some quiet time gazing on the beauty of the lake. It soothes your soul and slows a racing mind.
In addition to slowing down and getting in touch with the natural beauty, the lake has opportunities for all water lovers. From July 6-31, guests at Lookout Point can receive a free boat ride for two with Captain Ray when staying four nights at the inn. If you haven’t had a boat ride with Capt. Ray you’ve missed out on a wonderful experience on the lake–and most of his stories are true!
You may also use our canoe free of charge and, of course, take a swim in the refreshing water. Beach towels provided, of course. We’re happy to help in renting kayaks, delivered to the inn for you. If you’ve never been in a kayak or SUP, this summer might be the time to add this exciting adventure to your repertoire.
For those who love to fish, we have different options to offer. Guests may fish off our seawall as often as you like, catching crappie, bream and bass. (Try saying crappie, bream and bass fast three times!) If you want more fishing adventure, we can arrange a guide who will assist you on an area lake, promising you’ll make some great catches. Advance reservations required for the fishing guide.
Another option on the lake is renting a pontoon boat from a nearby marina. We’re always eager to help guests make arrangements and send you off for a fun day on the prettiest lake in the area.
When we say crystal clear Lake Hamilton, we are serious! The lake is clean and really clear to seven feet. The bottom is shale and, therefore, not muddy! What more can water enthusiasts ask for from a lake?
Our lovely city is famous for outstanding visual and performing arts. Visitors to Hot Springs June 3-16 are in for an awesome treat with “The Spice of Life”, presented by the Hot Springs Music Festival. <a href=
With 20 concerts and 250 rehearsals open to the public, music spices up a trip to Hot Springs during the festival. One really unique concert, on Saturday June 9, features a moving concert along Bathouse Row in the Hot Springs National Park.
Lookout Point is proud to be a sponsor of the 2012 Music Festival. We hope you’ll come stay at the inn, and enjoy great music!
It’s been a busy spring here at Lookout Point, with our beautiful gardens sporting many signs of new life.
Just this week: baby robins, finches, and cardinals left the nests. A newly hatched duckling was feeding with mama under the bird feeder. And five young goslings visited the gardens during a wedding!
Of course, the flora provides eye candy in the gardens. Now blooming: balloon plant, hydrangeas, althea, roses, gardenias, lilies, and magnolias. It’s a sight for the soul! We’d love to welcome you to Lookout Point for your much needed R&R!
Music Fills the Air in Hot Springs in June
Romantic Dinners to Remember in Hot Springs
Thrills and Thrilling Concerts at Magic Springs, Hot Springs!
