The editor of Better Homes & Gardens Country Gardens magazine,

BHG Country Gardens editor James Baggett

James Baggett recently included Hot Springs, Garvan Gardens, and our inn in the  BHG blog.  It was our honor to welcome James to the inn!He’s been a magazine editor for 30 years, and he is full of life, and great ideas. Rarely one to sit still, when he had a few extra minutes James could be found in our gardens, deadheading flowers.

When James asked if he could re-pot our house plants, I was speechless! Within a week of his departure, our houseplants had all been lovingly tended.

Here’s James’ comments about our Hot Springs B&B:

But the highlight of my too-short visit had to be my impeccable accommodations at Lookout Point Lakeside Inn. Nestled in the Ouachita Mountains overlooking a serene bay of Lake Hamilton, the inn—built in 2003 in the Arts and Crafts architectural style—is surrounded by pretty manicured gardens and pathways and waterfalls that lead to the lake itself, where turtles gently paddle near the water’s edge. Innkeepers Ray and Kristie Rosset have created a labyrinth for guests to explore, above. (Remember, you get lost in a maze and find yourself in a labyrinth.) While I slowly followed the twists and turns of the labyrinth, hummingbirds were busy sipping nectar from the many flowering shrubs and perennials that line the paths that crisscross this idyllic getaway. Like I said, it’s especially comforting to reflect on just such an escape at precisely this time of year.

Thank you, James! We would love to welcome YOU to enjoy Hot Springs, Garvan Gardens,  our inn, and perhaps find yourself in our labyrinth.

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.

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!

Brilliant blue skies. Warm days, cool nights.  Early signs of fall colors.  These are just a few reasons for loving Arkansas in October & November.  The

Early fall colors in Arkansas

official fall color website for Arkansas predicts the best time for leaf peeping is late October through early November.

Lookout Point’s Fall Colors package offers the perfect opportunity for autumn lovers. Enjoy a two night stay at our bed & breakfast inn, admission for two to the awesome Garvan Woodland Gardens, the 21-story Mountain Tower, a 90 minute pontoon boat ride with “Capt. Ray”, plus use of the Lookout Point canoe.

Come enjoy the sheer beauty and splendor of an Arkansas autumn in the Ouachita Mountains.  We’d love to see you!

On March 29, 2010 Keith and Marla exchanged vows on the meditation labyrinth at Lookout Point Lakeside Inn.  With calm Lake Hamilton and the Ouachita Mountains as a backdrop, this happy couple began their married life.   It was a joy to officiate at their wedding!

Best wishes to Marla and Keith–two of the kindest and happiest people.  Thanks for gracing Lookout Point with your presence.

–Kristie

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.

Our 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

A hike in the woods and in town revealed that the leaves have not reached peak colors yet.  Many trees still are hanging onto green leaves, others are showing off yellows, reds, and oranges.  Ray and I hike the waterfalls trail at Lake Catherine State Park.  With all the previous rain, the waterfalls are running fast and strong.  Gorgeous!  We also walked the new Hollywood Park in town, following the Hot Springs creek.  It’s a beautiful multi-purpose path for bicyclists and walkers/runners. 

November is one of our favorite months in Arkansas!

Lots of great outdoors activities, and beautiful colors.  We’d love to welcome you at Lookout Point Lakeside Inn, and direct you to the best hiking trails!

20th annual Ouachita Jeep Jamboree

Guests Shelle & Alberto traveled from Dallas to participate in the challenging Jeep Jamboree held outside of Hot Springs.  With rocky vertical challenges, mud pits, water crossings, and various competitions, the Jamboree brought participants from around the U.S.    At times, Shelle and Alberto found the rock challenges not only thrilling, but nail biting.  With a jeep covered in mud, they had a great time!  Thanks for staying at Lookout Point Lakeside Inn!  We’re guessing the whirlpool tub at the end of the day soothed a few sore muscles.

The inn is only 4 1/2 hours from Dallas, so the guests were able to depart for Dallas and make it home in time to attend the Dallas Cowboys game.  Sweet.

spring 08 004
Originally uploaded by lookoutpointinn

With the official start of spring only one day away, the gardens at Lookout Point Lakeside Inn are changing by the hour!
Lake Hamilton ( the lake surrounding Hot Springs Arkansas in the Ouachita Mountains) water levels have returned to normal just in time for fish spawning. Every room at the inn overlooks Lake Hamilton and these gardens.