Date: March 18, 2021 |
It’s time to look ahead to summer getaways! Planning a weekend (or longer) at one of these family-friendly local destinations is a natural choice | A Special At Home in Arkansas Promotion
Lake Ouachita
Experience the natural beauty of one of Arkansas’s largest lakes, Lake Ouachita, with a stay at Mountain Harbor Resort & Spa. Founded and family-owned since 1955, Mountain Harbor has served as the backdrop for generations of gatherings; because of that history, creating a family-friendly atmosphere is a priority. The resort’s luxury cabins are complete with kitchens, hot tubs, and large decks offering breathtaking views of the lake, and the opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors are endless. At the Mountain Harbor marina, you can store your boat or rent one to spend the day out on the water. Because of its size, the lake never feels crowded, leaving plenty of space to slip into hidden coves to swim, tube, and ski. There are also mountain biking trails, horse stables, and kayaks available for rent, meaning even more opportunities to get outside and make memories. Need a parents’ retreat? Enjoy a break from the kitchen at the Lodge restaurant, or book a relaxing couples massage at the resort’s Turtle Cove Spa. After your visit, you’ll understand why Mountain Harbor has become a home away from home for generations of Arkansans. Find more information and book your stay at mountainharborresort.com.
A bedroom in Mountain Harbor’s new four-bedroom cottage.
Lakeside lodging at Mountain Harbor offers sweeping views of Lake Ouachita.
The White River
Nestled in the Ozark Mountains, the White River is considered a world-class destination for trout fishing. That’s no surprise, given the nearby Bull Shoals Dam makes for consistently cold waters and the perfect conditions for fishing year-round. For ultimate comfort and convenience when visiting the White River, plan to stay at Gaston’s White River Resort. Here, you can book a fishing trip with one of Gaston’s guides, rent a boat for a half or full day to enjoy the waters on your own, or fish from the banks on the resort’s 400-acre property. Gaston’s provides equipment rentals, too, as well as fly-fishing school for aspiring anglers. A range of accommodations means you’ll find something to suit any size group, from cozy one-bedrooms to the large River Villa cottage, which offers 10 private bedrooms, a kitchen, meeting room, patio, and more—so whether you’re planning an intimate getaway or your next family reunion, Gaston’s is a fit. Additionally, the 60-year-old resort has grown to be so much more than a fishing destination: You’ll find an award-winning restaurant, tennis court, playground, nature trails, and swimming pool on-site, too. Find more information and book your stay at gastons.com.
Fishing on the White River.
The restaurant and marina at Gaston’s.
Hot Springs
While Hot Springs National Park celebrates its centennial in 2021, the city of Hot Springs has been attracting visitors from all over the United States for well over 100 years. To see why, visit Bathhouse Row and tour the historic Fordyce Bathhouse, which now serves as a museum and visitor’s center showcasing the Spa City’s heyday in the early 20th century. While several of the bathhouses are still operational spas, a couple have been repurposed, such as Superior, home to Superior Bathhouse Brewery, and Lamar, which houses the park’s gift store. Another reason for the town’s reputation as a summer getaway is its proximity to Lake Hamilton, one of the most popular residential and recreational lakes in the state. Here, houses and condos are available for rent right on the water, so you can enjoy swimming, boating, tubing, and skiing, or simply taking in the view. Whether you’re in town to explore the city or stay close to the lake, Hot Springs Condo Rentals has properties that will suit your location and party size. Find more information and book your stay at hotspringscondorental.com.
Photos courtesy of Gaston’s White River Resort and Mountain Harbor Resort & Spa. Photo of Hot Springs by Molly Anne Sandefur.
