Yesterday I wrote about the cabin we rented for a Christmas getaway to Arkansas last year. We rented the cabin for four nights and were eagerly anticipating the stay, after staying home all years long.
Once we reached the cabin and explored it from top to bottom, we walked down the steps to the lake. The evening was dawning as we waded into the cold water. There were plenty of large rocks that made excellent seats as we chatted and took in the beauty of the evening. As darkness fell, we made our way to the house and assembled our dinner for the night. Then we played card games and board games until it was time to sleep.
The younger kids slept in the basement room, while the older ones chose the larger bedroom with two queen beds. We took the bigger bedroom while our friends used the smaller bedroom. The arrangement worked out well as everyone had the company they wanted and enough space to spread out in. Our room was cooler than expected, but we stayed well insulated with layered clothes and heavy comforters. The queen bed in the smaller bedroom wasn’t as comfortable for our friends.
The following day, we woke up and brewed fresh hot coffee before taking advantage of the patio. Every morning of our stay, this became a ritual with us adults. We were spending the mornings on the patio, relaxing with coffee and breakfast. With our usually busy lifestyle, it felt so soul-soothing to sit and take in the start of the day, to watch the birds fly from tree to tree or dry leaves flutter in the wind or watch the sun slowly make its way upwards, lighting the waters of the lake. Such simple pleasures that we usually do not have the time for. The patio, while screened-in, was by no means protected from the cold. We made sure to bundle up before settling down with cups of hot coffee. This patio would be the best place to start the day on a warm summer or fall morning!
Once the kids were awake, we spent an hour or more learning dance moves the following morning. One of our kids is a dancer, and she was patient enough to teach us some steps. Watching the pros on TV makes dancing look simple enough. It was all I could do to learn a couple of steps and put them all together. I watched as the other kids quickly caught on to the moves, and soon they were all dancing away as if they had been doing this routine all their lives!. I swear that day I used muscles and joints that haven’t seen much use before or since! We got a good workout and had a lovely time laughing at each other and with one another!
Before the trip, we had planned all our meals and shopped accordingly. We spent a good portion of the time gathering around the dining area/ kitchen, chatting, teasing, cooking, cleaning, and playing games. The first full day in the cabin, the weather was fair, and we spent some time by the water. In the evenings, we spent time watching movies and talking.
Once the kids were awake, we spent an hour or more learning dance moves the following morning. One of our kids is a dancer, and she was patient enough to teach us some steps. Watching the pros on TV makes dancing look simple enough. It was all I could do to learn a couple of steps and put them all together. I watched as the other kids quickly caught on to the moves, and soon they were all dancing away as if they had been doing this routine all their lives!. I swear that day I used muscles and joints that haven’t seen much use before or since! We got a good workout and had a lovely time laughing at each other and with one another!
We took walks down the access road. None of the neighbors were out, and there was no traffic on the street. But the sun was warm, and the views of the water from between the trees lining the banks were beautiful. The road wound its way around protruding rocks on one side and homes on the other, all the while climbing a gradual incline. That afternoon we spent dressing up and capturing photos along the lakefront. The decks overlooking the lake provide the perfect setting for photography.
Since we expected rain the following day, the four adults drove to Heber Springs, about 45 minutes from the lakehouse. Our first visit was to Magness Lake to view the trumpeter swans. The largest waterfowl in the US, trumpeter swans migrate to Arkansas for winter from the midwestern states, usually between late November through February. The swans are best seen in the late afternoons when they return from foraging for food. Trumpeter swans are named such for the trumpeting-like sounds they make. We parked right by the fence of the lake and spent some time watching these magnificent snow-white birds, their immense wingspans, and listening to their signature calls. Read more about trumpeter swans in Heber Springs here.
On the way back, we stopped at the trailhead to Sugarloaf Mountain. According to the display at the trail, this mountain was carved by the Little Red River over time. The Osage Indians called it Tonawanda, and the white settlers who came later called it Sugarloaf. For its resemblance to unrefined sugar loaves in use at the time. The community around it was called Sugarloaf and eventually changed its name to Heber Springs. The Arkansas State University-Beebe acquires 255 acres of land around this mountain for their Beebe-Heber Springs Campus, which is functional today.
There are several trails here, but the best known and most difficult is the Summit Trail. Others include the Tonawanda Base Trail and the handicap-accessible Hidden Ponds Trail. The ASU-Beebe and the Sugarloaf Heritage Council together maintain the existing trails and plan new ones. We visited the mountain too late in the evening to be able to hike. But this would certainly be on our list when we return in summer.
On the way back, we crossed the Greers Ferry dam and took a minute to visit the viewing area. Built on the Little Red River by the US Army Corp of Engineers, this dam led to the creation of the Greers Ferry Lake. The inauguration of the dam and the lake was the last public appearance for then-President John F. Kennedy in October 1963 before his untimely assassination.
Heber Springs offers many outdoor activities. Watersports like boat rentals, kayaking, canoeing, various forms of fishing like trout or fly fishing, golf courses, hiking trails, and waterfalls, visiting the Ozark country market are some other things to do while visiting this area. We did not have the time or the right weather to enjoy any of these, but it’s another reason to come back here another time.
Our stay at this waterfront cabin was relaxing and rejuvenating. Its ideal location, amenities, the time of the year, and the warmth of our friends made this a wonderful getaway for the JJ family. If you’re looking for a cabin getaway, give this one a try and share your experiences here.
A very nice run down memory lane. Enjoyed reading!