Arkansas 2017: Wednesday

Wednesday April 12

Travel To Arkansas / The First Day

Today was the day we'd been looking forward to for two years - a return to Hot Springs and our favorite Bed & Breakfast, the Lookoutpoint Lakeside Inn.  I was a bit concerned when on Monday's news they talked about how Delta flights were STILL backed up, delayed, and some canceled from last week's severe storms throughout the southeast, and in particular the Atlanta area.  I checked the flights we were on and was dismayed to see that the flights on Sunday had been delayed several hours.  But fortunately, Tuesday's flights were on time and so were ours today.  Left actually a touch early, arrived in Atlanta early and arrived in Little Rock about twenty minutes early.  Because we only had carry on luggage we walked right over to the car rental, got our car and within twenty minutes of touchdown we were on the road.  We were VERY excited to see the view from our room this year, "The Calico Room" which is on the ground floor.  

We got this room specifically because it has a third bed for our buddy Keith who will join us Friday.  Both of us remarked as we sat in our rocking chairs overlooking the beautiful lakeside vista, while enjoying the happy hour wine, cheese, and crackers - it was "Chocolate Day" - note the chocolate covered strawberries - that the view and this place was every bit as special as we remembered.  AND we agreed, that like Alaska we need to make regular returns here.  

We spent about an hour and a half on our back porch and then we headed out for dinner.  I had researched the area for dinner reservations over the last couple of months.  We knew where we wanted to eat after the Derby on Saturday, the same place we'd been two years ago - Central Park Fusion.  We made dinner reservations at an Italian place for Friday after the Apple Blossom race based on recommendation of the owners of the Inn.  But for the two nights Kim and I were here alone we were kind of up in the air.  I found a place called "The Back Porch Grill" online and contacted them about reservations.  They replied they didn't take them and wouldn't need them if we came Monday through Thursday; but Friday and Saturday, especially Derby weekend we could expect an hour or two wait.  From what I could determine this place was known for superb steaks and seafood.  And the short video they had showed literally a "back porch" that overlooked the lake.  THAT appealed to me.  It was also interesting to me that the owner is a thoroughbred owner.  We decided we'd go there the first night and if it was as good as advertised consider going back a second night.  When we walked in there were big, framed photos of the owner's winning horses at Oaklawn.  We asked to sit on the porch and OH MY....the view was exactly - if not BETTER - than what I'd hoped for.....

Our waitress, Megan was great and when she showed us the "specials" I was immediately intrigued by their new main entree, the "American Pharoah - Triple Crown Champion."  It was a filet cut of steak (first leg of the Triple Crown), topped with a crab cake (second leg) and that was topped by two grilled shrimp (third leg).  As I told the waitress, we'd been HERE two years ago when American Pharoah won the Arkansas Derby and went on to become the first Triple Crown winner in 37 years, so I ordered that, with a side salad and a "baked potato casserole."  

Kim had a small filet and steamed vegetables.  The food was outstanding and halfway through the meal Kim remarked she'd love to return here the second night and try something else while enjoying the view.  And the weather was excellent:  mid-70s with a gentle breeze as the sun was setting.  WOW.  I had noted on the menu that under the dessert heading there was bread pudding!  There was no way I could have it at the restaurant, but Kim remarked that she'd get the Snicker Pie to go and we could eat it on our porch except for one problem.....we had no utensils!  When Megan returned I had three questions for her:  (1) was the bread pudding warm; (2) could we get it to go; and most importantly, could we get some utensils to go?  Yes, Yes, and certainly she'd find us some.  I immediately corrected her on the first one - I would prefer it cold and she said that would work even better "to go."  When she returned with our desserts and check she asked if we'd like a "to go" cup for our drinks - yes of course.  We drove back to the Inn and sat on our porch watching the sun set while we enjoyed the desserts.  What a great ending to the day!

Tomorrow, we've decided to just spend the day around the B&B, enjoying the view and the birds/scenery from the porch.  We have an appointment in the afternoon at a Hot Springs Spa - I mean, that's what the town is known for! - and then out to dinner.

Horseracing Themed Wreath In Restaurant Lobby