The 2025 GLA 250 SUV. More than a commanding view of the road ahead, the GLA offers a rewarding view of what’s next. With intelligent tech, thoughtful luxury and smart looks, it not only puts more sport in compact SUVs, it puts more you. Within its nimble length, the GLA gives you more space to ride, more room to shop, stow and be spontaneous. A hands-free power liftgate and 40/20/40 rear seats welcome your gear.
WONDERS OF WILDLIFE
DOGWOOD CANYON NATURE PARK
LOST CANYON CAVE & NATURE TRAIL
ANCIENT OZARKS NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM
WONDERS OF WILDLIFE
DOGWOOD CANYON NATURE PARK
Jungle cats at the Little Rock Zoo aren’t the only surprises awaiting visitors in them thar hills. To see more state treasures and hidden gems, turn to page 105.
Photo of Maderas the jaguar by Erin Love, courtesy of the Little Rock Zoo.
Igniting Imaginations PCSSD PRE-K
The Pulaski County Special School District is committed to providing an excellent education for all students in Pre-K - 12th grade. Pre-K is available at 14 of their elementary schools and is a free, standardsbased program that aims to build strong foundational skills to prepare students for kindergarten and beyond. Pre-K teachers across the District work hard to ensure a positive and loving learning environment for their students.
Oak Grove Pre-K teacher Mary Allen shares some of the top goals she has for her students. “I want them to develop a love for learning, feel confident in their abilities, and build strong relationships with their peers,” she says. Like many educators, her hopes extend beyond academics, “I also hope to inspire a sense of curiosity, kindness, and resilience that they carry with them long after leaving my classroom. Most importantly, I want each student to feel valued, supported, and encouraged to reach their full potential.”
Jessica Weaver, Pre-K teacher at Baker, shares Allen’s passion for instruction that extends beyond academics as well. “Social-emotional learning is one of my greatest passions to teach. Developing the skills to engage with others respectfully and empathetically is essential, both in school and in life. I take great pride in watching my students develop the skills to interact and problem-solve with their peers.”
Leah Green of Sherwood Elementary and Shelley Freer of Landmark highlight what sets PCSSD’s
Most importantly, I want each student to feel valued, supported, and encouraged to reach their full potential.
Pre-K program apart. For Green, it is the district’s focus on career and college readiness through AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) strategies. “The district helps students to learn strategies that they will continue to incorporate into their learning throughout their school career. It also fosters an understanding from a young age of career options,” she shares. Freer spotlights PCSSD educators, “We have several wonderful teachers and paras who have been working at PCSSD for many years. These employees are able to build strong relationships with families year after year with each child/sibling that passes through our program.”
Pre-K programs are available at 14 PCSSD elementary schools: Baker Elementary, Cato Elementary, College Station Elementary, Crystal Hill Elementary, Daisy Bates Elementary, Harris Elementary, Joe T. Robinson Elementary, Landmark Elementary, Lawson Elementary, Oakbrooke Elementary, Oak Grove Elementary, Sherwood Elementary, Sylvan Hills Elementary, William Jefferson Clinton Elementary.
In order to attend Pre-K within the Pulaski County Special School District, families must meet at least one of the eligibility requirements issued by the Arkansas Better Chance (ABC) program, which can be found at www.pcssd.org.
Registration for PCSSD’s Pre-K program is now open and can also be found at www.pcssd.org. If you have specific questions related to PCSSD’s Pre-K program, please contact the Pre-K Department at 501-234-2065.
About PCSSD | Pulaski County Special School District spans more than 600 square miles in central Arkansas and requires highly skilled and passionate personnel to adapt educational policies and personalization to 25 schools. Every school is accredited by the Arkansas State Board of Education. PCSSD has served schools across Pulaski County since 1927. PCSSD is committed to creating a nationally recognized school district that assures that all students achieve at their maximum potential through collaborative, supportive and continuous efforts of all stakeholders.
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Joe David Rice, born in Paragould and reared in Jonesboro, probably knows Arkansas as well as anyone alive. The former owner of an outfitting business on the Buffalo National River and the state’s former tourism director, his Arkansas Backstories is published by the Butler Center.
Steve Lewis is a proud graduate of Little Rock Central High who moved away a long time ago. His accomplishments include jumping freight trains through the Canadian Rockies in the summer of ’97, finally getting a bachelor’s degree and surviving more than 10 years as a photojournalist before returning home to contribute to AY Media.
Margie Raimondo blends culinary skills with storytelling. She specializes in Mediterranean cooking classes that emphasize healthy eating and has authored two cookbooks: Mangiamo and Finding Your Path Additionally, Chef Margie is a filmmaker. She produced the award-winning documentary The Soul of Sicily.
Lori Sparkman, owner of Lori Sparkman Photography, has traveled the globe to work extensively with beautiful brides and grooms, fierce fitness clients, and growing families, as well as high-profile and corporate clients. She prides herself in capturing their personalities with a sophisticated and lighthearted style.
Megan Blankenship is an Ozarker and writer living in northwest Arkansas. She holds an Master of Fine Arts in poetry from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville and has published in numerous literary journals. She has written professionally on topics from agriculture and real estate to finance and ad tech.
Jamie Lee is a freelance photographer originally from southwest Louisiana who now resides in Little Rock. With a strong focus on portrait, branding and food photography, she loves capturing people’s stories and cultures through the lens, helping businesses build their brands visually, and showcasing the local food scene and small businesses.
Periodicals postage
Justina Parker has a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from Arkansas Tech University in Russellville and is the creator of We Belong, a blog that featured women in leadership across Arkansas. She loves people’s stories of selfdiscovery and spending time with her two boys, and has never met a dog or potato she did not like.
Chris Davis was born and raised in Sherwood but now resides in North Little Rock with his wife and 7-year-old son. When his son was born, his wife asked for a new camera to take pictures of their little one. From there, his love of photography grew, and he is proud to be one of the contributing photographers at AY About You magazine.
Families help their child prepare for school from birth. Daily interactions with family and other caregivers promote learning. Talking, reading, and playing may seem simple but are critical activities that help children’s minds and behaviors develop.
If your child or grandchild is starting kindergarten this year, it’s time to focus on their readiness for school.
Kick off 2025 with your guide to kindergarten readiness
Better Beginnings provides hands-on kindergarten readiness activities for fun family learning.
The Getting Ready for Kindergarten Calendar guides families, week-by-week, with activities and suggested reading that help children learn literacy,
Better Beginnings is administered by the Arkansas Department of Education.
Written by Kelli Hilburn, Better Beginnings Program Administrator
science, and math basics. Creative projects help them develop the fine motor control needed to hold a pencil correctly and use scissors – essential skills for kindergarten. Activities in the calendar also encourage children to develop
Scan the code or click Kindergarten Readiness in our website footer for the tools to get
self-help, problem-solving and social skills.
The Kindergarten Readiness Checklist helps families discover areas of development their child may need help with before starting school. All resources are free and available online for download.
We encourage families to partner with their child’s early educators to help their child start kindergarten with confidence.
Looking for your early education partner?
Click the orange banner at ARBetterBeginnings.com to find Better Beginnings star-rated quality early care and education providers who help children get ready for kindergarten through age-appropriate and positive learning experiences.
Lots to Love
The weather in Arkansas can get mighty cold this time of year, but hearts are warm with Valentine’s Day approaching, a reminder this month of how precious love is.
We give lovers of all ages and descriptions lots to enjoy in this issue, starting with a look at some of the most romantic dining spots in central Arkansas. Each of them is a pretty hard table to get, especially during a year when the big day falls on a Friday, but any time is a good time to sample their delicious fare and soak up the delightful surroundings.
For music lovers, we bring you four incredible talents from right here in the Natural State who are making their marks in the world of music, from the stage to the classroom to the business world.
Those with a wanderlust will also find something to love because we preview some of the “in” places for taking that spring trip. Be it a staycation, quick weekender or a visit outside of Arkansas, we will give you the traveling jones for the new year.
This issue also offers an exclusive visit with a fascinating Arkansan and a woman we love, Paula Jones-McFadden. The trailblazing pioneer has an incredible story to tell about the twists and turns her life has taken, the trials she survived, and, ultimately, the happiness and well-being she has achieved today — an inspirational tale to be sure!
Finally, if you love your home as much as I do, you are always looking for ways to make it even more comfortable and fabulous than it already is. Our special section dedicated to the home will provide all manner of ideas, materials, builders and remodelers to help make your wildest dreams come true. We even throw in some organizational experts to help you declutter and reclaim your space.
I am fond of saying there is a lot to love about Arkansas, and this issue just scratches that surface. May all of you enjoy the loves of your lives as we enter the home stretch of winter and look forward to warmer days ahead.
Heather Baker, President & Publisher
hbaker@aymag.com / heatherbaker_ar
Photo by Jeff Fuller-Freeman
From still waters to shadowed valleys, David’s ascent to the throne is filled with towering giants, wild animals, and Philistine soldiers. After unprecedented victories lead to devastating failures, this passionate warrior will face the biggest battle of all: the one within himself.
With original music inspired by the Psalms, DAVID is a state-of-the-art theatrical experience the whole family will enjoy. Witness one of the most legendary Bible stories as it comes to life with spectacular special effects, massive sets, and live animals during this debut season in Branson, MO.
CONNECT
READER FEEDBACK INSTAGRAM
Heather, my wife and I returned to the great state of Arkansas (Hot Springs) after being gone for 40 years. Shortly upon our move here from ten years in sunny Florida in April 2022 to be near our son and [daughter-in-law], three grandchildren and four great granddaughters, I picked up my first look at AY at the San Francisco Bread Co. cafe here in Hot Springs. I fell in love with the magazine.
I just picked up the December issue, and want to compliment you on your letter as publisher. I am a retired minister, and your letter meant so much to me. Thank you for your unbridled testimony of how much your faith means to you. That made me like the magazine even more.
Keep up the good work and word.
Blessings,
Leo George, Ph.D.
Retired, but never quit!
AY WELCOMES RENOWNED CHEF, URBAN FARMER AS NEW RECIPE WRITER
Love our Arkansas Grown and Arkansas Made producers!
Beth Moore
DR. LOWRY BARNES: THE KNEES AND HIPS HAVE IT
He performed my total knee replacement surgery! Excellent surgeon and staff.
Sonya Etchemendy
SURGICAL ARTISTRY: DR. KRIS SHEWMAKE
One of the kindest men I’ve ever met. Congratulations! Jeanne Marie Gulledge
LITTLE ROCK TEEN CHOSEN TO PERFORM AT CARNEGIE HALL
Wow!!! This is incredible!!! Congratulations, Mitchell Cohen!
Christen Burke Pitts
MAUMELLE RESTAURANT OWNER TO HOST WATCH PARTY FOR APPEARANCE ON THE KELLY CLARKSON SHOW
We dined there on New Years Day morning.
Jasmine Ellis
GUIDE TO BOTOX, FILLERS & MORE: AGELESS AESTHETICS OF ARKANSAS
They are the best around.
Stacy Greene-Hunt
TRENDING ON AYMAG.COM
AY’s Best of 2025
Hit Show Landman Powered by Arkansas Talent
Maumelle Restaurant Owner Hosts Watch Party for Appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show
Arkansas Teen to Star in Film with Dylan Sprouse, Josh Duhamel
Little Rock Teen Chosen to Perform at Carnegie Hall
The University of Arkansas Razorback Dance Team made an impressive return to the Universal Dance Association College Dance Team National Championship after a 10-year hiatus.
RazorbackSpirit on X.
Photo:
Akira Crenshaw, owner and CEO of Southern Heaux in Maumelle, recently held a watch party at the restaurant celebrate her appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show.
Grammy Award-winning artist Clint Black will take the stage March 21 at Oaklawn in Hot Springs.
My absolute favorite treatment is BBL HEROic. It treats everything from rosacea, broken capillaries and pigment to fine lines, wrinkles and even hair removal. It treats skin cells on a molecular level and you can see huge results after as little as one treatment. It’s best in combination with Moxi!
Maria Kaufman Medical Aesthetician
Arkansas Plastic Surgery
I love Moxi because I have struggled with hyperpigmentation and melasma so this treatment is perfect for me. It stimulates collagen and elastin production so it’s also anti-aging. It’s fantastic in combination with microneedling and dysport!
Amber Ward Nurse Injector
Arkansas Plastic Surgery
At APS we offer a plethora of skincare treatments but for the best lasting results I always recommend an at-home skin care regimen. My two current favorites are Hydri-C Moisturizer by Hydrinity and AlphaRet Overnight Cream by Skinbetter.
Maria Kaufman
Medical Aesthetician
The Perfect Derma Peel has quickly become one of my favorite treatments due to the non-invasive manner to which it helps with uneven skin tone and texture leaving me with a healthy glow that I love.
Amber Ward Nurse Injector
Arkansas Plastic Surgery
Arkansas Plastic Surgery Call to book your treatment today at
FAVORITE BEAUTY TREATMENTS FOR 2025
5Top
you just can't miss!
LITTLE ROCK ANIME FESTIVAL
Feb. 1-2
Statehouse Convention Center — Little Rock
Little Rock Anime Festival is back, bringing with it a full slate of panels, events and cosplay for anime lovers. Speakers include Eric Vale, voice actor for Dragon Ball Z , My Hero Academia and more; Tekken: Bloodline voice actor Kaiji Tang; and Bill Farmer, the voice of Goofy since 1987.
TOBYMAC’S HITS DEEP TOUR 2025
Feb. 6
Simmons Bank Arena — North Little Rock
Fans of TobyMac will not want to miss TobyMac’s Hits Deep Tour 2025. An epic dance party like no other, the event boasts a starstudded lineup that includes TobyMac, Crowder, CAIN, Ryan Stevenson and Terrian.
FRANK BROYLES AWARD CEREMONY
Feb. 13
Oaklawn Event Center — Hot Springs
Since 1996, the Frank Broyles Award has celebrated excellence in assistant coaching and championed the legacy of famed Razorback coach Frank Broyles. Over the years, numerous Broyles Award winners have gone on to become renowned college and NFL coaches.
DANCING INTO DREAMLAND
Feb. 15
Dreamland Ballroom — Little Rock
Watch local community members dance their way to the top of the competition during Dancing into Dreamland, the annual fundraiser of Friends of Dreamland, which supports the historic Dreamland Ballroom in Little Rock, where jazz legends such as Ella Fitzgerald, Cab Calloway and Louis Armstrong once played.
THE BOOK OF MORMON
Feb. 20-23
Walton Arts Center — Fayetteville
The Book of Morman, a hit Broadway musical by South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone, will bring tongue-in-cheek humor and a roaring good time to Baum Walker Hall at the Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville.
14
days
Giveaways
of Valentine's
Tickets for Two: Ballet Arkansas
Value: $225
520 Main St. Little Rock
501-223-5150
balletarkansas.org
day
1
Attend a Valentine’s Day performance of this timeless tale as Ballet Arkansas presents Romeo & Juliet — The World's Greatest Love Story. With Prokofiev’s stunning score performed by the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, this captivating performance will transport audiences to Verona, where the fateful romance unfolds like never before. Ballet Arkansas' production promises an unforgettable fusion of exquisite choreography, evocative music and poignant storytelling.
Puppy Love: Platinum Goldendoodles
Value: $500 Valley Springs 501-514-1026
platinumgoldendoodles.com
day
2
Platinum Goldendoodles has adorable puppies to warm any heart — and $500 off a purchase of $2,500 or more only makes it easier to spoil a new four-legged friend this Valentine's Day. From mini-goldendoodles, mini-Bernedoodles and Cava-poos to yorkiepoos and shorkies, owner Mindy Wallace has the right pup for most any home, in addition to treats, toys and supplies.
Here's an extra sweet deal: AY About You readers can enter code “AYMAG” at checkout to receive an additional $100 off the purchase of a puppy.
How To Win — Each day of February leading up to Valentine's Day, visit AY’s social media platforms for the code word of the day. Enter it at aymag.com/contests for your chance to win. Items must be picked up in person.
W1
e at AY About You want to give you, our readers, the opportunity to make this Valentine's Day a memorable one. That is why we have brought back our annual Valentine’s Day Giveaway to help you spice up your special day.
Date Night: Cache Restaurant
Value: $300
425 President Clinton Ave. Little Rock
501-285-8381
cachelittlerock.com
There are romantic dinner dates, and then there is Little Rock's fine dining experience. With this dinner for two with wine, dinner and taxes included, all that is left is to show up and enjoy a one-of-a-kind meal prepared by award-winning chef Payne Harding. Renowned for his innovative dishes that blend traditional techniques and modern touches, Harding’s culinary expertise will turn Valentine’s dining into a truly memorable occasion.
3day
4 day
For Him: Jones & Son Diamond & Bridal Fine Jewelry
Value: $490 11121 Rodney Parham Rd. Little Rock
855-901-7464 jonesandson.com
Diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but the right piece of jewelry makes the man. This handsome TACORI ring from Jones & Son Diamond & Bridal Fine Jewelry is a smart way to complete a date night outfit or impress passersby on any occasion. To really make his Valentine’s Day, head to Jones & Son for expert advice on the best pieces to round out the look.
Spa Day:
Woodhouse Spa
Value: $150 (gift card)
5400 W. Northgate Road
Rogers 479-335-2800
rogers.woodhousespas.com
5day
Woodhouse Spa has everything one needs to craft the ultimate self-care experience. Hydrafacial treatments, therapeutic massages and signature services such as the holistic body detox are only a few of the offerings available. From a cup of warm tea on arrival to a glass of champagne in between services and even customized amenities courtesy of a spa concierge, every detail is meticulously and exquisitely designed to inspire whole-body rejuvenation.
For Her:
Jones & Son Diamond & Bridal Fine Jewelry
Value: $300
11121 Rodney Parham Rd. Little Rock
855-901-7464
jonesandson.com
One should never settle for run-of-the-mill bling, least of all during the season of love. Handpicked by an expert jeweler, these stunning earrings from Jones & Son Diamond & Bridal Fine Jewelry are sure to be a hit well after February. Jones & Son carries the top bridal and fashion brands on the market, so pairing this gift with other dazzling items will be a breeze.
7
8day
Love Well Couples Package: Beyond Wellness
Value: $400
Locations in Little Rock and Lonsdale
501-476-7171
beyondwellnessar.com
Fall head over heels for this "Love Well" couples package from the total health experts at Beyond Wellness. With two of everything — IVs, lymphatic compression, sauna, red light therapy and vitamin D sessions — this gift is a great way to rejuvenate together.
Look Good, Feel Gorgeous: The Skin Retreat
Value: $316
Let Love Bloom: Norwood-Day Floral Co.
Value: $150 (gift card) Little Rock 501-993-9845
norwood-day.com
6day
The classics are called that for a reason. On this most special occasion, there is nothing quite like flowers to make the heart sing. Send a timeless statement of affection with the help of this gift certificate from Norwood-Day Floral Co. A beautiful, creative arrangement of some of the freshest blooms around is sure to impress, and same-day delivery to Little Rock and the surrounding areas makes for a convenient way to show one's love.
9
11220 Executive Center Drive, Suite 201 Little Rock 501-492-8970
theskinretreat.com
The Skin Retreat utilizes state-of-the-art techniques and treatments to give clients a med spa experience like no other. The Get Gorgeous C+ Brightening Pads and Retinoid+ are an ideal treatment combination to address hyperpigmentation, refine pores and brighten the complexion. The winner of this gift will also receive instruction from the experts at the Skin Retreat by Shewmake Plastic Surgery on proper usage to maximize results.
A Charming Trio:
Dr. Suzanne Yee
Value: $326
12600 Cantrell Road, Suite 100 Little Rock 501-224-1044
drsuzanneyee.com
10 day
Good things come in threes — like this SkinMedica Even & Correct treatment regimen from the office of renowned cosmetic surgeon Dr. Suzanne Yee. Featuring SkinMedica’s Even & Correct brightening treatment pads, advanced brightening treatment serum and dark spot cream, SkinMedica uses concentrated botanicals and exclusive complexes to address discoloration and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
day
13
Turn up the Heat: Nooma
Value: $195 (month pass)
Locations in Searcy, Little Rock, Rogers and Fayetteville
501-492-9894
noomastudios.com
Made with Love: Hammer & Stain
Value: $150 (gift card)
825 Central Ave. Hot Springs 501-547-9411
11 day
hammerandstainhotsprings.com
Create a romantic masterpiece for the ages or personalize a thoughtful gift with this gift certificate from Hammer & Stain Hot Springs. From newbies to maestros, this ideal date night activity allows anyone to unleash their inner artist. Visitors can also skip the mess and head for the gift shop, where Hammer & Stain offers custom engraving on a wide range of items to create a heartwarming keepsake for that special someone.
Love is a burning thing, especially with one month of unlimited classes at Nooma. A distillation of yoga, Pilates, barre, weight training, cardio and dance guarantees to get the heart racing and the sweat pouring, all while building inner and outer strength. There is no need to wait for Valentine's Day, either; get started now with Nooma.
day
14
Lovely Scrubs: Soap Stop & Body Shop
Value: $200 (gift card) 15 Spring St. Eureka Springs 479-265-7054
eurekasoapstop.com
Timeless Timepiece: Miss Arkansas
Value: $175 Little Rock 501-321-3506
missarkansas.org
12 day
For the first time ever, Miss Arkansas’ Teen has gone on to win the title of Miss America's Teen. Commemorate this historic occasion with the exclusive Jones & Son x Miss Arkansas 2024 watch and a signed photograph of Miss America's Teen 2025, Peyton Bolling. The watch features a stainless back, Austrian crystals and a rose gold band, as well as a quartz movement and rose gold electroplating.
Move over, couples — this Valentine’s Day is for self-love. Take a deserved evening for self-care with a little help from the experts at Soap Stop & Body Shop in Eureka Springs. Use this gift certificate to create the perfect bundle of handcrafted bath and body products. Top-of-the-line ingredients make for an array of wonderfully scented soaps, scrubs, creams and more.
ith weathermen tossing around phrases like “arctic blast” and “polar vortex,” and the milk and bread aisles wiped out at every local grocery store, most everyone just knew last month’s bout of winter weather was going to be a memorable one. At the final tally, parts of the state saw as much as 14 inches of snow, and there were 9 dumped in the Little Rock metro area. According to reports, it was the most snow the capital city has seen in January since 1988. While those in the North might call that a balmy weekend, many Arkansans had the opportunity to get out and enjoy the blanket of fresh snow while it lasted — or at least until it turned into ice and slush.
We hope you got to make a few memories with family and friends during this year’s “Snow Daze.” Here is a collection of our favorite pictures to enjoy while we get ready to welcome back the warmer months.
Willa Sledding in Little Rock (Allyson Pittman Gattin)
Hutch Nichols first snow in Newport. (Hannah Nichols)
Highway 300 in Northwest Pulaski County (Scott and Lesley Nalley)
Sonora, Airedale terrier (Chanda Benson)
Henry Norwood hitting snowballs in Little Rock. (Andrew Norwood)
Cardinals in the snow in Searcy (Joyce Simmons)
Razorback snowman in Searcy (Joyce Simmons)
Drew, Amy, Hope and Liam Westlake sledding in West Little Rock (Amy Perry Westlake)
Ember and Jaime (Jaime Land)
Celebrating Black History Month
Black Family Expo
Saturday, February 1 | 11AM–2PM
Dunbar Community Center
1001 W 16th Street, Little Rock
Visit the Central Arkansas Library System’s Black Family Expo to learn about families with strong ties to Central Arkansas’s Black history, explore the CALS resources available to preserve your own family’s history, and sign up for a library card. Black History Month giveaways will be happening all day, so please stop by and celebrate our community’s Black History with the CALS team!
CALS Speaker Series presents Victoria Christopher Murray
Bestselling author of The Personal Librarian presents new novel Harlem Rhapsody
Thursday, February 27 | 6:30-7:30PM
Ron Robinson Theater
100 River Market Avenue, Little Rock
Victoria Christopher Murray is a New York Times bestselling author of more than thirty novels. With more than three million books in print, she is one of the country's top African American contemporary authors.
Her novels The Personal Librarian (a Good Morning America book club pick) and The First Ladies (Target's 2023 Book of the Year), both of which she coauthored with Marie Benedict, are beloved by readers and book clubs.
Murray's new novel, Harlem Rhapsody, is the extraordinary story of the woman who ignited the Harlem Renaissance.
Black family at Fair Park, 1959
Rock
Bosley Construction builds on generations of experience
By DWAIN HEBDA // Photos by STEVE LEWIS
Solid
T“My brother, Chip, and I are third generation in this business. Our grandfather started the company, started building houses in 1948 in Little Rock. We’ve actually got a fourth generation who has just joined us, Chip’s youngest son, Dillon.
— Brennan Bosley Bosley Construction
here is arguably no place on earth that Brennan and Chip Bosley feel more comfortable than on a jobsite where an elite custom home is being brought to life through the family company, Bosley Construction in Benton. Those who know them or have had their dream home built by them know there is a good reason for that — from their very earliest memories, building has been in their blood.
“My brother, Chip, and I are third generation in this business,” Brennan said. “Our grandfather started the company, started building houses in 1948 in Little Rock. We’ve actually got a fourth generation who has just joined us, Chip’s youngest son, Dillon.
“Our upbringing was the classic story, you know, growing up around this with my grandfather and my dad. Chip and I both worked on jobsites from when we were old enough, started working all through high school. We came home from college in the summers and worked. Our dad, Bill Bosley, pretty much made us work with all the different trades on a jobsite just to learn the business, you know. Then as we got a little older, we started learning the ins and outs of the business side of it.”
The brothers, who are joined in their partnership by Brennan’s wife, Keri, have carried those early lessons through to the present day. Through their custom homebuilding and development activities, they have elevated Bosley Construction to one of the elite homebuilders in the state, delivering meticulously crafted residences to meet the demands of today’s families through a largely bygone level of craftsmanship and design.
“We still like to do business the old-fashioned way. We’ve always said if our customer’s not happy, we’re not happy,” Brennan said. “We take a lot of pride in taking something that our customer brings to us, bringing it to life and making it work. We get a lot of special requests, and we have had the opportunity to do some really unique things, which took a lot of extra work behind the scenes to make happen. We take a lot of pride in being able to do that.
“Chip and I, and now Dillon, all three of us are on jobsites every day, sometimes multiple times a day. Something that we learned a long time ago is as a builder, you’ve got to be there. You’ve got to watch over things. You’ve got to stay on top of things personally. My dad and granddad taught us you can’t let things go too long, or something’s going to go wrong.”
Brennan said the majority of the company’s projects these days are middle- to high end, many built in some of the most exclusive neighborhoods in central Arkansas. Over the past decade or so, Bosley Construction has branched out into high-end remodeling, and that book of business has quickly grown into about 40 percent of the firm’s annual workload.
“The last several years, [remodels] have really gotten big,” he
From left: Dillon Bosley, Chip Bosley, Brennan Bosley and Keri Bosley
said. “I think more people are deciding they want to stay where they’re at and just revamp things a little bit instead of moving or building new. We love coming in and completely changing the look of the house, changing stuff around in the interior. We primarily focus on the larger projects, and it’s become a very important part of our business.”
As much as the company leans on the wisdom of the past, from business philosophy to materials and craftsmanship, its homes are equally distinguished for timeless design throughout. All four Bosleys have a hand in the layout and decor to produce something that is altogether unique, blending beautiful aesthetics with the ultimate in comfort and functionality.
“Here lately, we’ve seen a lot of people asking for home offices because a lot more people are starting to work from home, especially with technology getting the way it is,” Brennan said. “Outdoor living space, man, that’s big right now. We’re basically building living rooms outside, you know, with fireplaces, small kitchens, TVs, heaters — you name it. That’s become a really big thing.
“Believe it or not, we’ve been doing this long enough that we’ve seen some design elements go out of style, and now some of them are coming back in. It’s kind of interesting to see what is starting to come back around full circle.”
Brennan said a key to surviving in the custom residential business over the long term lies in listening to each client for the concept then
having the technical and design expertise to deliver that concept in a way that best suits the homeowner’s life, right down to the ideal finishes and decorating touches. Throughout the process, he said, treating the customer to an unmatched level of concierge service has been the company’s calling card.
“My wife, Keri, runs the office, as well as does all of our selections as far as decorating, interior and exterior,” Brennan said. “She meets with the customers on our custom builds. She’ll sit down with them at multiple different points to pick out all their finishes, colors, countertops — the whole nine yards.”
When talking about that element of the business, Brennan quipped about the company’s focus to detail that borders on the obsessive.
“We take a lot of pride in attention to detail — maybe too much sometimes,” he said. “My brother and I are both engineers from the University of Arkansas [in Fayetteville], and we’re very, very meticulous on foundations, footings, framing and the structural part of each project. That’s what has always fascinated us, the structural part of this business, and we’re on top of it all the time.
“At the same time, I think that attention to detail is what really sets us apart. We’re not ever going to just go and fly through something and miss the little things, which is easy to do, especially on a custom build where there are a lot of moving parts. We work very hard not to miss something; we don’t want the homeowner to call us a year later
Bosley Construction in Benton works to provide an emphasis on craftsmanship that never goes out of style.
High-end remodels have grown in popularity over the past decade as homeowners prefer to update their existing homes, rather than move.
and say, ‘Hey, you know, I wish I would’ve done this.’”
The company gives the same attention to detail to its development work. Developing beautiful neighborhoods and subdivisions has been part of the company’s expertise going back generations, but under current leadership, that segment of the firm’s portfolio has grown rapidly.
“Our dad and our granddad both developed, as well, on a little bit smaller scale,” Brennan said. “When Chip and I took over, we saw an opportunity and took a leap of faith with a pretty big piece of property here in Benton that we had dreams for. So far, those dreams are coming true, and it’s turning out to be good.”
The company’s current development is the Preserve at the Woodlands off Congo Road in Benton, which has been created with an abundance of amenities to complement the upscale homes. Phase 3 recently opened, featuring larger lots, available now for new builds, and ample greenspace areas.
“What we have found is that people here recently, especially since COVID-19, are more interested in what I call a livable neighborhood,” Brennan said. “They want to live in a neighborhood where people are going to get out and walk in the afternoon, where people know their neighbors, they talk to each other.”
Outdoor features are key to creating such a community, and not unlike with the homes the company has built there, Bosley Construction has not cut any corners in providing those features.
“We have a little over 3 miles of walking trails, nature trails through the woods. We have a paved walking track around the pond. We’ve got a swimming pool with a nice big pavilion,” Brennan said. “We’ve tried to create that environment of a neighborhood where people don’t just come home, put their car in the garage, shut the garage door and never come back out until it’s time to go to work the next morning. It’s a true community where people like to get out and connect with others.”
“Believe it or not, we’ve been doing this long enough that we’ve seen some design elements go out of style, and now some of them are coming back in. It’s kind of interesting to see what is starting to come back around full circle.”
— Brennan Bosley Bosley Construction
Mocha Madness
Pantone Color of the Year offers a world of possibilities for 2025
By CHRIS NORWOOD
provided by NORWOOD-DAY
FLORAL CO.
Every year, designers of all kinds look forward to the announcement of the Pantone Color of the Year, a hue that impacts everything from fashion and textiles to interior design and, of course, florals.
The 2025 Color of the Year, Mocha Mousse, was described by Laurie Pressman, vice president of the Pantone Color Institute, as “a mellow brown hue whose inherent richness and sensorial and comforting warmth extends further into our desire for comfort and the indulgence of simple pleasures that we can gift and share with others.”
As a florist, I like to take some time each year to determine what the Pantone Color of the Year means for our designs at Norwood-Day Floral Co. in Little Rock.
Mocha Mousse has been a popular color for the past 10 years, often paired with powder blue, pinks and other shades. The brown color palette has come to replace darker shades of black — brown really is “the new black,” in this case — and serves as a complement to a range of colors.
In the floral industry, the mid-range brown hues can be integrated into a variety of arrangements, from bridal bouquets and special event material to items for the
Photos
home. The brown tone serves as a base, and then florists work other palettes of color on top of it.
Mocha Mousse is a fantastic base for all pinks but especially the soft pinks, nudes and blushes that are popular for spring bridal. During the summer, mocha is a great complement to the vibrant yellows and bright oranges of the season. Mocha with lavender and burnt orange is a popular European-style mix.
Autumn brings bittersweet and golden hues paired with mocha and accented by a deeper color such as dark chocolate. Mocha even pairs well with the golds and silvers that define the Christmas season.
For a fresh look with natural appeal, blend in mocha with cherry red, vibrant red or orangey red, accented by dark greens and antique golds.
Our work at Norwood-Day Floral Co. tends to be pretty timeless — a French country look ubiquitous in the American South that never seems to go out of fashion. Mocha Mousse works well with the beautiful, opulent flowers and lush foliage found in such designs.
Of course, brown tones are a rarity in terms of flowers. Not many blooms fit the Mocha Mousse theme. Nevertheless, there are some contenders. Orchids are available in Charlie Brown and deep chocolate varieties, and brown scabiosas are a compelling addition to bouquets, as well. Toffee and teddy roses can also be found.
Various hues of brown are available, but it is important to layer brown blooms with other colors so that the arrangement does not look too dark and lose definition when viewed from afar. Layering mocha tones with other colors to make the unexpected hue pop or accenting mocha blooms with natural foliage provides the best impact.
From containers and textiles to furniture and accessories, there are plenty of accents available in Mocha Mousse. This Christmas, Norwood-Day Floral Co. used brown velvet as a base in most all our arrangements, especially those with white and green. We find the color is an easy complement that adds a special touch to most homes we visit.
Over the years, younger generations have become drawn to unique flower colors. To put it bluntly, these are not your grandmother’s florals. It has been a learning experience for me to reteach color theory with nontraditional palettes that never would have been paired together when I started in the industry.
Despite their popularity, availability remains a challenge when it comes to mocha and other unique flower colors. One reason is that toffee-colored roses are slower producers. Traditional red roses, such as a red freedom rosebush, produce 18 to 24 blooms during a nine-week growing cycle. During the same timeframe, mocha-colored roses produce only six blooms.
Couple that with the fact that each rosebush takes about five years to begin producing at a commercial level, and brown roses are a huge drain on grower land. Plus brown roses are only truly in focus between September and November. Then the red roses of Valentine’s Day take over.
That is not to say that toffee and teddy roses cannot be found. They may be a little more expensive and harder to get, but the blooms are a star in fashion magazines, wedding shows and other specialty uses.
Chris Norwood and Christina Day are co-owners of Norwood-Day Floral Co. in Little Rock. For more information, visit norwood-day.com.
An unconventional color choice, toffee and teddy roses are among today’s hottest florals, and they beautifully match the Pantone Color of the Year.
A Place for
Everything
Before After
Start the new year right by decluttering
By DWAIN HEBDA
On the list of New Year’s resolutions, losing weight and/or getting in shape is, year in and year out, far and away the most common, but not far down that list is the self-promise to get organized.
Most homeowners have places in their homes where they would like to channel their inner Martha Stewart to clear out and make things more livable and comfortable. Some people can reclaim entire rooms of their homes from years and even decades of being a catch-all of stuff.
As anyone who has tried to declutter and organize might attest, however, ridding oneself of excess possessions is often much easier said than done. Fortunately, an entire industry has grown up to help individuals who have trouble thinning things out, letting stuff go, and turning over a neat and tidy new leaf.
AY About You sought out such professionals — Hillary Jeter, who co-owns Clutter Away NWA in Bentonville with Megan Jones, and Jeremy and Kelley Holt at Bee Organized in Hot Springs — to lend some advice and insight.
AY ABOUT YOU: A lot of people say they want an organized home, but what is the actual payoff for decluttering? Are there tangible benefits to being organized? Why do this exercise in the first place?
HILLARY JETER: Time and time again, the science will support that your physical space is closely tied to the state of your mental and emotional health, especially for women who carry a mental load where everything is connected. The dishes in the sink very much impact her
Photos courtesy of Clutter Away
ability to get on the phone and make an appointment for the dentist.
There’s been studies that show that more organization creates more patience in moms and more peace in the home when everybody knows where their things are instead of digging through piles to find things. It’s a waste of time, and it’s a waste of energy, and it causes anxiety and pressure because we’re running late all the time. Once you have a system set up in your home, your mental capacity and your emotional capacity are very much increased, and that allows your mental and emotional space to be a little healthier.
AY: It would seem the easy part of addressing clutter is finding where stuff will go. The hard part is letting go of some things to begin with. Why is that such a hurdle for us as humans? Why can’t we toss a two-foot piece of rope that’s been out in the garage for five years?
JEREMY HOLT: Every person has different personalities and habits when it comes to their things, you know? We’re definitely consumers here in North America, and as Americans and over time, everything we have has a story. That 2-foot piece of rope has a story. Your son’s drum kit in the corner has a story, even though your son is now 48, and he’s been out of the house for 30 years.
JETER: I think the two main hurdles are emotional attachment and aspirational attachment. Decluttering is a psychology exercise; it really feels like an emotional transaction because you are essentially getting rid of part of your identity or part of somebody else’s identity. It’s hard to get past that.
AY: That sounds like a delicate process when you first start working with a new client.
KELLEY HOLT: Yes, and it is the biggest thing that we try and teach our clients. The most important thing about staying organized is to own less stuff, so part of our process is purging, and we do this hands-on with our clients to gently show them that holding onto this one thing is really not necessary. We ask them, ‘How does this make you feel when you see it? Are you sad? Are you happy?’ We walk through that, we take our time, we touch every item in whatever area we’re working in, and we help them make decisions.
AY: One word that seems to come up over and over in this process is “system,” meaning not just putting stuff away once but having a bigpicture view. How do you get people to stop looking at clutter as a onetime thing and adopt a mindset that maintains organization moving forward?
JETER: Systems are paramount. I tell my clients, ‘Your home is a living, breathing organism. It will be constantly changing.’ If we can set up the bones of the structure in a way that allows for long-term success, then things can change, and we only need to make small microcorrections rather than these big huge overhauls where everything just gets piled up and now we have a big, huge, monumental task to accomplish by putting everything away.
Setting up these systems, for example, in the kitchen, we’re looking to put your silverware drawer pretty close to your dishwasher, but also pretty close to wherever you are going to eat. We’re finding places where this makes sense, where you can stand in one spot and unload the dishwasher very close to the drawer. As humans, we want the path of least resistance. If the silverware is at the opposite end of where you eat and the opposite end of where the dishwasher is, then we’ve just set up a system that, in your mind, is very difficult. That’s just how our brains developed, how we have evolved.
JEREMY: Our process begins with a totally free assessment, which Kelley will do in person nine times out of 10, although she has done one or two virtually. She assesses the space, the scope of the job and goes over that. It could be something as simple as organizing a pantry to something as extensive as an entire family is moving and we have to pack the entire home and then unpack at the new house. Kelley will do all that and then basically work out with the client where things are going to go, handholding as much as necessary. The goal is to provide them more sustainable ways to stay organized. We’re not just necessarily coming in to transform a space; we want to give customers sustainable ways to keep that organization moving forward and keep it functional.
AY: Is there value in easing into this by, say, starting with one room and then migrating to others, or do most people want to just bite the bullet, get everything done and start completely fresh? Isn’t that a lot for some people to take in all at once?
KELLEY: We break it down to make it easier for them. Most of our clients start off like, ‘Hey, I want my whole house done. Come over,’ and it gets really overwhelming for them really quickly. The No. 1 thing I do is ask them if they had a magic wand right now and they could wave it in one room to make it the way they wanted it, which room would it be? That’s how we narrow down where to start. It is overwhelming, and so while a lot of them want to just do the whole house all at once, we try and encourage them to take steps and process this, and we’ll eventually get around to the entire house.
AY: Are there periods in life when people are more open to this process or when an existing system should be revisited? I’m thinking people who become empty nesters, for example.
JETER: Life transitions are big. For some people, that means when summer is over and all the kids are going back to school, that’s a great time to reset a system. Once the holidays are done, that’s a great time to restart your system. When you have a new baby come, when you move, when there’s big life transitions or even seasonal transitions in your life, that’s a great time to figure out what systems are working, what needs to be tweaked, what needs to be added to or taken away. We have what we call maintenance sessions with clients where we’re not coming in to overhaul a space again, but we’re just tweaking it.
Hillary Jeter, left, and Megan Jones Jeremy and Kelley Holt
WINNER
Clutter Away NWA is a luxury home organizing company serving Northwest Arkansas, including Bentonville, Fayetteville, Rogers, Centerton, Bella Vista, Springdale, Little Flock, Pea Ridge, and Lowell. Whether organizing a single room, multiple spaces, or your entire home, our team transforms chaos into calm. We also offer relocation services, including concierge move-in, unpacking, and move-out solutions such as staging, decluttering, and packing. Our customized solutions bring order to every room—from kitchens and pantries to closets and garages. By understanding your unique needs and lifestyle, we create efficient, sustainable systems that make daily life easier. Our goal is to ensure your spaces not only look beautiful but also work seamlessly, enhancing both form and function in your home.
Jenny Marrs
Co-Host - Fixer to Fabulous
We had an amazing experience! The entire team is professional and efficient and so kind. It was like having old friends in our home...I highly recommend Clutter Away NWA!
Feel free to contact us directly with any questions you have: clutterawaynwa.com | hello@clutterawaynwa.com | 479-516-2792
Tools, Tips, Tech & More
With a new year well underway, the home and garden world is already abuzz with the latest trends, techniques and tools for 2025. Better Homes & Gardens, for example, expects white and grey to give way to richer earth tones everywhere from the kitchen to the couch, and interest in organic design continues to bring nature-inspired elements indoors. Architectural Digest, meanwhile, recently noted the increasing prevalence of spa-like shower spaces and “wet room” remodels on the rise.
Everywhere one looks, designers and do-it-yourself renovators seem to be leaning into patterns and other personal touches. The shift has been spurred by a combination of factors, one of which is the large number of homeowners opting to stay in place. That has had a knockon effect on prices in the new-build market, pushing many families to spring for ground-up, customized builds rather than shop around for existing structures to be tailored after the fact. In both the new-build and renovation realms, people are also simply spending more time enjoying the comforts of home sweet home, leading to more demand than ever for both indoor and outdoor upgrades and amenities.
For those who are looking to sell a home, projects that improve curb appeal remain popular, as well. Houzz reported that among renovators improving their outdoor spaces in 2024, nearly half paid extra mind to upgrading the front of their homes. In the backyard, families are turning lawns into multipurpose lounging spaces with in-ground pools and areas for entertaining, such as outdoor kitchens. From win-
Feb. 21 & 22
Hall of Industry Arkansas State Fairgrounds
Little Rock
dows to solar panels, builders continue to incorporate more eco-friendly elements, not least of all because of the potential for energy savings.
It can be difficult to keep up with all of these shifts, to say nothing of preparing for whatever design developments are still in store. Even without an eye toward the latest home fashions, those merely looking for sensible upgrades and refreshed spaces can be overwhelmed by a bevy of choices and possible combinations. There is also something to be said about the in-person experience — seeing all those tiles, faucets, cabinets and finishing touches with one’s own eyes rather than flipping through an idea book or scrolling a design website.
Luckily, the Home Builders Association of Greater Little Rock brings together the best and brightest of central Arkansas’ residential home expertise for one cannot-miss weekend each year. The association’s wide membership covers every facet of the industry, from builders and remodelers to service providers and manufacturers. Suffice it to say if it is related to the home, inside or out, it will be covered at the 2025 Central Arkansas’ Home & Garden Show, making it easy for homeowners to tackle their projects with confidence — or find the ideal contractor to bring their ideas to life.
“What I’ve always said about our show is it’s all the places that you need to go to all under one roof,” HBA-GLR Executive Officer Meredith Townsend previously told AY About You. “Rather than spending time and weeks and a lot of hours going all over town, all those resources are in one place.”
Presented by Lumber 1 Home Center and Design1, this year’s Central Arkansas’ Home & Garden Show takes place Feb. 21 and 22 in the Hall of Industry at the Arkansas State Fairgrounds in Little Rock. Tickets are $5, and children 12 and younger get in free. Additional sponsors include Southern Bath & Kitchen, Stone Works in Maumelle, Ram Jack, and Summit Utilities. Proceeds from the show support the association’s work to promote and strengthen the local residential homebuilding industry, allowing members to continue providing central Arkansas homeowners with high-quality, knowledgeable service year-round.
Both days of the show include a panel discussion called “Buy it, Build it, Boost it.” Sponsored by Arvest, the discussion will equip homeowners with advice from a builder, designer and title company and mortgage lending professionals. No matter what stage of a project one is in — buying, building or boosting their home — the panel will give expert overviews of these processes and provide helpful insights for attendees. The “Buy it, Build it, Boost it” panels will take place at 3 p.m. on February 21 and 11 a.m. on February 22.
Show attendance has steadily climbed year after year, especially now that pandemic-era shocks are in the rearview. That booming interest in home improvements has only made the show a more popular destination, since there will be professionals on hand for every conceivable stage of homeownership. Prospective buyers and sellers can connect with real estate agents, while those looking into mortgages and home improvement loans will be able to meet with bankers and credit union representatives.
cover all of these topics and more, as well, and many local vendors will also offer special deals only for attendees. Even those without a particular goal in mind can peruse the latest designs, chat with builders and find inspiration for their next project.
Since adding the garden element to the show in 2023, the event has been able to offer attendees an even more comprehensive array of professional know-how. Vendors will have plants for sale, as well as decor and landscaping elements ideal for designing a showstopping garden this spring. Lawn and garden care is an area that particularly benefits from local expertise; visitors will be able to troubleshoot issues with professionals who know what grows best in their own community — and how to grow it.
For more in-depth revamps, contractors and designers can discuss weatherproof furnishings, in-ground pools and water features, and staycation-ready outdoor living spaces. The Arkansas Federation of Garden Clubs will present the Painted Garden flower show, a special celebration of floral artistry and creativity that is sure to provide inspiration for both budding gardeners and experienced green thumbs.
Also represented will be those elements of homeownership that, while not exactly done with aesthetics in mind, are essential for keeping one’s space fully functional. Visitors can talk shop about septic tank or gutter options, consult a professional about concrete driveways, and hash out the details of a new HVAC system with local tradesmen.
Whether one is considering a whole-home overhaul, turning the backyard into an outdoor escape, looking to spruce up old flooring or give a bathroom a fresh look, Home Show weekend is the time to take care of one’s 2025 to-do list. From the bank to the backyard and from the fence to the front door — no detail has been spared at the 2025 Central Arkansas’ Home & Garden Show.
Other industry professionals can give the do-it-yourselfer advice about specific projects, in addition to providing insights into the most recent design and construction trends. Guest speakers and demonstrations will Sponsored content
For more information about the Home Builders Association of Greater Little Rock and the Central Arkansas’ Home & Garden Show, visit hbaglr.com.
homes as more
Builders say outdoor spaces remain a priority
By MARK CARTER
Five years out, the COVID-19 pandemic sits firmly inside the cultural rear-view mirror, but its impact can still be felt in how people look at the spaces where they live and work. The lockdown helped expand Americans’ concept of home from simple refuge to part refuge, part office, part entertainment venue and more. The pandemic expanded a trend of homeowners prioritizing outdoor living spaces and wanting more functional homes that reduced the temptation to leave the house.
Some trends are becoming practices. Homebuilders in central Arkansas told AY About You that they are seeing an increased focus on outdoor spaces and home offices.
Bree Calley, founder and owner of BKC Home Builders in Hot Springs, has more than 20 years of experience in real estate, construction and building houses. BKC, so named for his initials, builds homes on the shores of Lake Hamilton and in town. Calley said about 75 percent of his builds are on the lake, but he has seen an increased focus on outdoor spaces regardless of the site.
“Outdoor spaces are a huge trend right now, on and off the lake,” he said. “Our clients put a large focus on outdoor spaces. Many have full kitchens, pools, hot tubs, spas, waterfalls, outdoor TVs with surround sound, built-in outdoor heaters and landscape lighting. Our clients devote a large percentage of their budget to outdoor spaces to build the oasis of their dreams.”
Calley said clients are looking to take full advantage of advanced technology as it comes online.
“On the smaller scale, we are seeing a lot of power blinds and window coverings and power outdoor screens on outdoor living areas,” he said. “All that can be operated remotely with apps on your smartphone. Of course, all of our heat and air components can be controlled wirelessly anywhere in the world from your smartphone, and this is standard in all our homes.”
On a larger scale, he added that full home automation is “definitely trending.”
“The technology is here to run all lighting, sound, climate, cameras and security, all from your phone and with low-voltage switches and also with tablets placed around the home,” he said.
“Home lighting and sound has really evolved over the past several years, and there are many things that can be done with the LED, low-voltage and wireless technology that we have access to. We use Omni Tech [Solutions in Little Rock] for all our home automation; Jasen Shamlin and his team always take great care of us and our clients.”
Most BKC builds include home offices these days, as well.
“Our clients often work from home or run businesses from home a majority of the time,” he said.
Zack DeYmaz, co-owner and president of construction at Little Rock’s HD Homes, said outdoor spaces have remained a priority for his clients, as well.
“Our clients devote a large percentage of their budget to outdoor spaces to build the oasis of their dreams.”
— Bree Calley, founder and owner of BKC Home Builders
From deeper molding to smart-home technology, abode investments are a priority for many homeowners. (Photos provided by BKC Homebuilders)
“It’s more than just adding a covered porch. We’re seeing strong demand for features like pool houses, outdoor kitchens and luxurious lounging areas,” he said. “One of the most exciting challenges has been designing these spaces for year-round comfort, especially in a state where temperatures can swing 100 degrees throughout the year. It’s all about blending functionality and style to create outdoor retreats that can be enjoyed in every season.”
Calley said most of BKC’s clients are retiring or planning to retire and building their second home “that’ll be their forever home.” That may explain why he is also seeing a resurgence of more classical, or traditional, design.
“There is a lot more crown molding, and we’re seeing a lot of clean lines, bigger crowns like it was in the early 2000s,” he said. “Clients are going back to three-, four-, five-piece crowns and real tall baseboards. Wallpaper is coming back. Four or five years ago, we’d have thought it would never come back, but people seem to be getting tired of simple and modern. There is also more demand for stained cabinets, glazing and more finishes.”
Given the local topography, BKC builds many of its multilayered homes on hills or bluffs that overlook the lake. Therefore, elevators represent another trend that Calley is seeing.
“Elevators are a big thing now,” he said. “You’d be surprised how
many houses have elevators. Some want elevators that look like those you’d see in a hotel. Some want them hidden behind a door.”
DeYmaz said he is seeing a trend among his clients toward oversized, highly functional, working pantries.
“Homeowners are transforming these spaces into minikitchens, complete with appliances — even refrigerators — designed to keep the cooking and prep mess hidden from their beautifully crafted custom kitchens,” he said.
For custom builders such as HD, clients’ wish lists can vary from following a detailed, predetermined plan to helping formulate a vision.
“Some clients come to us with fully developed plans and a designer already on board, ready to bring their vision to life,” DeYmaz said. “Others come with just a dream, a vision in its earliest stages, and we have the privilege of guiding them
Home offices have maintained popularity since the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photos provided by BKC Homebuilders)
Bree and Chelsea Calley
“Homeowners are transforming these spaces into minikitchens, complete with appliances — even refrigerators — designed to keep the cooking and prep mess hidden from their beautifully crafted custom kitchens.”
— Zack DeYmaz,
co-owner and president of construction at HD Homes
Over-the-top pantries and utility rooms allow homeowners to dedicate more kitchen space to entertaining.
(Photos provided by HD Homes)
through the process, helping shape their ideas into a stunning reality.
“Each project is unique, and we love being part of every step, no matter where the journey begins.”
DeYmaz said HD is currently working with a Nashville architect to create what he called “timeless designs” for a home the firm is building in west Little Rock.
“Together, we’re blending traditional elements with a fresh, modern twist, and we’re excited to showcase what’s possible,” he said. “This extraordinary home will be hitting the market in Chenal in the summer of 2025. Stay tuned.”
In Calley’s more traditional homes, clients are requesting larger, heavier trim, as well as large beams, traditional wainscoting, and three- and four-piece crown molding, he said.
BKC also sees clients with varying degrees of their vision in mind.
“These seem to be making a comeback, along with wallpaper,” he said. “We are using wallpaper in small areas like half baths and also very large areas, as well. I personally never thought we would see wallpaper make a comeback, but it’s not the wallpaper we remember from the ’80s and ’90s. The wallpaper selections are endless and can turn a boring small room into a focal point for the whole house.”
Zack DeYmaz
“Many times, our clients have already been working with architects or draftsmen at the time that they reach out to us, but we do have a fair amount of clients that we help with that process,” he said. “We work with several architects and draftsmen that are excellent at achieving our clients’ dreams.”
Both Calley and DeYmaz said the supply chain and materials shortages problems that plagued the construction industry during the pandemic aftermath are no longer an issue.
“We are not experiencing any supply chain or material shortages. We continue to follow the streamlined procedures we developed during the global challenges a few years ago,” DeYmaz said. “As a result, we’re back to building homes at a very good pace while maintaining the exceptional quality our clients expect.”
HD Homes in Little Rock seeks a timeless look with its custom builds.
Cancel Those Vacation Plans
GLuxury Pool & Spa creates backyard getaways for the ultimate staycation
one are the days when “vacation” was synonymous with cumbersome luggage, boring flights and so-so hotels. More and more families are saving themselves the headaches associated with travel as they rediscover the opportunities that exist in their own backyards — literally.
A custom pool is the ideal way to upgrade one’s home for the long-term, providing a space for unforgettable get-togethers and making memories for years to come. Before diving in, however, one should find a custom pool builder with the experience and know-how to create a beautiful, lasting backyard centerpiece.
That is where Luxury Pool & Spa comes in. The family-owned company has been helping people transform their outdoor spaces since 1976, and third-generation owners Shane and Jeremy Lawson take great pride in the craftsmanship and quality of their products. What is more, AY About You readers named the company’s swimming pools the best in the state during “Best of 2024” voting.
From consultation and design through construction and upkeep, Luxury Pool & Spa works closely with clients to bring their unique visions to life. A sleek, straight-edge pool makes a beautiful addition to a stylish modern home, while a freeform pool’s flowing curves will fit right in with a rustic-inspired space. From hot tub integration and water features to tanning ledges and slides, Luxury Pool & Spa guarantees tailored design and expert installation.
Regardless of the details, every Luxury Pool & Spa project combines functional beauty with durable construction for an outdoor space that performs at the highest level season after season. Superior materials and personalized service are the standard at every step to ensure total client satisfaction.
Luxury Pool & Spa is also available for all manner of services and advice. At its retail locations in Russellville and Conway, staff are trained in the latest maintenance methods and can recommend the right chemicals, tools and equipment. The company offers saltwater systems, chlorine alternatives and in-store water testing, in addition to automatic pool cleaners, winterization and much more.
Don’t wait for summer. Beat the Arkansas heat with one of the most valuable improvements a homeowner can make — turn the backyard into an oasis with Luxury Pool & Spa.
Photos by Sorrells Photography
homebuilder
Reality Transforming Dreams into
At 15 years, Hines Homes is coming into its own
Hines Homes : Kelly and Brandon Hines
Now entering its 15th year of operation building homes of distinction throughout the central Arkansas region, Hines Homes in Maumelle is in the business of bringing each client’s vision of a dream home to life. Co-owners Kelly and Brandon Hines lead a team of 16 employees in the daily pursuit of the highest form of exquisite design and quality craftsmanship.
“Brandon and I both have backgrounds in engineering and business and have always been fortunate to work exceptionally well together,” Kelly said. “Building homes is a shared passion that allows us to seamlessly combine our engineering expertise with our creative instinct and create beautiful homes where families can come together and build memories.”
Hines Homes’ projects commonly range from 2,500 to 9,000 square feet, depending on the client’s needs and preferences, and typically cost between $450,000 and $2 million, reflecting the level of customization and premium materials used. Kelly said they enjoy serving the custom home market, where they relish the chance to aspire to a higher level of skill and expertise.
“Custom-home clients tend to have very specific visions and high expectations,” Kelly said. “They’re looking for a partner who can bring their ideas to life while guiding them through the complex building process. Transparency, attention to detail and clear communication are key to meeting these expectations.
“This work not only fulfills our drive for precision and problem solving but also gives us the opportunity to design and create spaces that truly bring our clients’ visions to life and craft something uniquely theirs. We are passionate about transforming people’s ideas into efficient, beautiful spaces that not only reflect their vision but also enhance their daily lives. This line of work gives us the unique opportunity to bring together functionality, aesthetics and innovation in every project we undertake.”
By AY STAFF
munication and transparency. We’re committed to making the process as stress free as possible while ensuring the client feels heard and valued every step of the way.”
Kelly said this level of communication has a direct bearing on the finished product. Each build is a direct reflection of what matters most to the family, which helps the team keep designs fresh and innovative.
“We focus on creating homes that are as functional as they are beautiful. Our designs emphasize natural light, energy efficiency and smart use of space while incorporating the client’s personal style,” she said. “At the same time, each project is treated as a fresh canvas, ensuring that no two homes are ever alike.
“We draw inspiration from a variety of sources, including architecture trends, local styles and client preferences, and by staying open to new materials, design concepts and technologies, we maintain a portfolio that evolves with the times.”
The duo has also been in the development business for the past seven years. They said they see a lot of similarities between what goes into a beautiful home and what goes into a beautiful neighborhood. One of the couple’s developments, Stonebrook in Maumelle, reflects that philosophy to the fullest.
“Stonebrook is my favorite development because it offers an unmatched combination of natural beauty and thoughtfully designed amenities that create a truly special community,” Kelly said. “The gated entrance provides a sense of privacy and security, while the stunning lakes and ponds throughout the neighborhood enhance its serene atmosphere. With amenities like a dedicated pickleball court, parks and walking trails, Stonebrook fosters a sense of community and outdoor enjoyment for residents of all ages.”
The couple said while using the highest quality materials, finishes and craftsmanship are a given in their sector of homebuilding, what makes the company stand out is the level of personal attention and relationship building they deliver for clients.
“Our clients are at the heart of our business,” Kelly said. “From the initial consultation to the final walk-through, we prioritize clear com-
Kelly said while the important things never change — such as a strong team delivering superior results — she is excited about some of the things to come in 2025.
“We’re looking to introduce new sustainable building practices, expand our reach in Arkansas and continue delivering homes that exceed expectations,” she said. “There’s also a lot of innovation happening in materials and smart-home technology, which we can’t wait to integrate into our projects.”
Kelly and Brandon Hines (Photo by Chris Davis)
“Buy
Love” what you
Three Arkansas interior designers discuss 2025 trends, offer tips
By ALEX HARDGRAVE
Jared Mark Fincher Photography
Cozy cottage, transitional, dopamine decor — these are all styles one may have heard of, but staying in the know about what is in and what is out can be difficult. Trends come and go quickly, so incorporating them into something as longlasting as one’s home decor is no easy task. Luckily, three local designers weighed in with trends they are seeing and tips on incorporating them.
Amy Terry, owner of AC Designs in central Arkansas, noted a few of her clients’ recent trends, including a growing interest in warm colors, wallpapers, natural woods and stones, as well as layering antiques in with more modern items.
The popularity of warm colors is in line with what Pantone picked for the 2025 Color of the Year, Mocha Mousse, a rich, brown color.
Terry attributed the shift from a white, modern look to a more cozy look to the fact that the modern look has been popular for more than a decade now.
“People are just ready for a change,” she said. “They’re going back to the more traditional roots.”
Lisa Stagg, owner of LJ Interiors in Little Rock, has also seen a turn to a “cozy cottage” style and said it looks to be replacing the modern farmhouse trend that has been popular in homes for years now.
Stagg is still seeing a monochromatic look associated with a modern aesthetic but also what she calls a transitional style that blends classic and modern pieces by styling something like a traditional sofa style with a contemporary painting.
She also pointed out that red will be popular in interior design because it has been popular on the runway.
Terry said she is excited to incorporate the looks into her designs because she feels they align with her personal style but said she works with clients whose styles vary a lot from one another. She tries to stick to what the client wants but also encourages people to think outside of their boxes.
“The things I take a risk on that they trust me with end up being the favorite part of their house,” Terry said.
Lonoke-based Shine Interior Design Studio owner Natalie Biles has seen a new design philosophy take root in a trend known as “dopamine decor.” Dopamine is the chemical in the brain that is released when a person sees or does something that they like — such as admiring a cute decoration item or touching a really soft throw pillow.
“It’s about things that are happy and joyful and that feel good to you, but it’s also about being responsible in terms of sustainability in choosing things that last for
Lisa Stagg
Photos by Molly Anne Sandefur
Amy Terry
a long time,” Biles said. “I think that’s a lot of fun because I really believe that your space should reflect you and who you are.”
Biles has also seen the return to warmer colors.
Natalie Biles
“I think it’s a fine line of making sure that it’s warm and comfortable but that it’s not too trendy and that you’re going to be ready to change it later,” she said. She said she tries to incorporate the colors in small ways such as pillows, blankets and paint so that if something begins to feel out of style, it can be easily changed. One trend Biles said she enjoys incorporating in her personal style is a preppy aesthetic, which includes finishes such as plaid and houndstooth.
Similarly, Stagg said she has seen what she called a “Ralph Lauren look,” which incorporates plaids and checkered patterns. She said the style has been especially popular among young men.
A trend Terry said she steers her clients away from is sticking with all one metal hardware in a room. She also encouraged using custom art as opposed to mass-produced prints in one’s home when possible, noting Little Rock has many great local artists and that it does not have to cost a fortune to invest in a one-of-a-kind piece.
Stagg said accent walls are a thing of the past and suggested instead doing a whole room the same color. She said working with an interior designer can help someone nail down a personal style while also making sure the look will stay timeless.
“Any style, to me, that’s done correctly can be timeless,” Stagg said.
Designers can also help take away stress and help homeowners avoid costly design mistakes.
“I think even for somebody who has great style and taste, if you’re taking on a big enough project, I would recommend [working with a
Photos: Keith Tilley, Key Image Works; Builder: Jeff Fuller Homes
designer] just so that you can get that opinion and backup,” Terry said.
“It’s worth probably just a little bit to help make sure that, ‘Hey, yeah, all these things I’m thinking about buying and doing are going to actually fit and work.’”
While Biles said she understands it can be easy to get excited when working with a designer and want to change everything at once, she recommended being methodical. Start by decluttering to know what there is to work with in the space, and then let the design team go from there. Her team also thinks of the health and sustainability impact of pieces they bring into clients’ homes.
When designing a home, Terry recommended clients come up with a goal with their designer for the final look because that could affect design decisions along the way. She said it depends on budget if people redesign their home all at once or go room by room.
Stagg said clients have to consider if they will live in their homes while they are being redesigned. If so, she suggested going room by room.
“Usually one room leads to another, to be honest,” she said.
Any style, to me, that’s done correctly can be timeless. — Lisa Stagg, LJ Interiors “
For those looking to tackle a trend on their own, there are small ways to start incorporating a specific style into spaces, such as buying new bedding, throw pillows or throw blankets.
“That can be inexpensive but meaningful in terms of comfort and freshening up color and style,” Biles said.
Stagg said having a trained designer help rearrange the furniture and decorations a client already has is another easy way to transform a room.
“You’d be shocked at the difference that makes,” she said.
In the end, Stagg’s best piece of advice was this: “Buy what you love.”
All three experts stressed the importance of making sure that in the end, each place is a space to be enjoyed, no matter what is on-trend.
“Ultimately, I do look at trends, but personally, I think if something makes you happy and you love it, there’s a way to make it look pretty whether it’s on-trend or not,” Terry said. “This could be a favorite decoration, favorite color or favorite piece of furniture.”
Yennifer Lopez Photography
homebuilder
Adding On
Parkinson Building Group: Bill Parkinson
As many builders agree, construction is both an art and a science, but few have formalized that maxim into a formula for success like Parkinson Building Group in Little Rock. Founded in 1999, the company has developed a comprehensive system for walking clients through the various steps of a project, which addresses the science of the construction process without sacrificing the artistry and craftsmanship of the finished product itself.
“Most of our clients have never done this before, and it is often one of the most stressful things that have ever gone through,” said Bill Parkinson, owner and founder. “Their home is one of their biggest investments, and building one is a lot of decision making where every detail is important.
“When we build a house for someone, we go in there and say, ‘How can we serve this person best? What’s their goal?’ As we’ve climbed the ladder to building bigger and bigger homes, those conversations changed a little bit, but we still always look at it through that lens.”
Under PBG’s system, each detail of the process — from financing to finishes — is addressed in ways that reduce the client’s stress load as much as possible. The company boasts a larger-than-average team of in-house construction professionals to shepherd the process and maintains an even larger network of outside professionals, from architects to designers, by which the company connects clients to needed services.
This system of streamlining the myriad details that come with homebuilding is just another reason why Parkinson Building Group has grown to become one of the top luxury custom builders in Arkansas. The firm’s portfolio is jammed with projects that look straight out of a magazine, each one built to the highest standards of design, workmanship and decor.
By AY STAFF
kind of wanting to reengage and get going again. We’re very bullish on 2025.”
Parkinson Building Group finds itself in a prime position to make the most of that new momentum. Not only is the firm well entrenched in the Little Rock market; it has also expanded its reach into the Hot Springs market, where its proven process and amazing body of work has quickly paid off in Spa City.
“We’re excited about Hot Springs. We think it’ll be a good, natural fit for us,” Parkinson said. “It’s close enough that we can be down there to work with our team and clients and offers a lot of opportunity for that upper-end market that we serve.
Even so, the past few years have been rough on the homebuilding industry in general, from COVID-19 pandemic restrictions to material prices and runaway inflation. Parkinson said even the election had a dampening effect on demand. As many of those issues appear to have settled, people are greenlighting their dream projects, which has given him a fresh optimism entering the new year.
“There was a pause there leading up to the election, maybe starting about six, nine months ago,” he said. “Everybody seemed distracted or waiting to see what was going to happen. I do think there has been some shift of focus postelection of getting back to business. Our phone was ringing quite a bit, even through the holidays, with people
Bill Parkinson (File photo)
“We’re modeling that office after what we’ve done here in Little Rock, and people have responded to that. We’ve broken ground on our first project, and we’re talking to two other individuals down there about upcoming projects that’ll be ready for us to put pricing together for later this year. We’ve got a project manager that we have hired, and as we develop more opportunities down there, we’ll finish out the team.”
As business has picked up, so has the challenge of bringing ever more elaborate homes to life. Parkinson said the list of custom perks and high-end finishes is nearly endless, from the mundane to the over the top.
“I feel like everything is elevated a little bit,” he said. “You’ve got your golf simulators and things like that. Home technology is big as more people are plugging in now. Believe it or not, upgraded roofs have probably been the biggest shift we’ve seen this year. We’ve got more clients doing slate or metal roofs than we’ve probably ever had before. That’s been kind of a fun trend to see these homeowners add that level of detail to the house.”
Parkinson said trends in design and taste in finishes seem to come and go every season, driven in part by the variety of clientele the company serves.
“We’re still getting the good mix of people,” he said. “We have some people who are downsizing, the empty nesters. We have clients who we built for in the past who have decided they want to build again. We have people building a higher-end, smaller, cozier homes under 4,000 square feet, and we’ve got two 10,000 footers going on right now. Whatever our clients ask for, that’s what we try to deliver.”
New Materials, New Technology, New Horizons
Customers seeking next big things in home materials and technology
By DOUG CRISE
Smart appliances, bigger showrooms and … virtual reality? Brian Hagewood thinks so.
Hagewood has seen a lot of changes in home building technology since founding Southern Interiors in Sherwood. There is always going to be room, Hagewood said, for customers to visit his showroom and put their eyes on the floor designs, cabinets and countertops his company offers, but now, Hagewood’s customers can also strap on an Oculus VR headset and take a walk through the room of their dreams, open the cabinets and visualize the countertops.
If VR is not their thing, customers at Countertop World in Bryant can take advantage of software that allows the business to create 3D renderings of what the proposed remodel would look like and send them to the customer’s phone or tablet.
The industry is not just about hammers and nails anymore.
“We can literally show a customer what their remodel will look
like, with all the finishes, in 3D,” Hagewood said. “We can take a photo of a customer’s desired slab and show them exactly how it would look on their countertop.”
David McDougall is newer to the game, having founded Countertop World in 2017. He too has seen consumers gravitate to new technology that can eliminate guesswork and help them find the perfect fit for their homes.
“Customers are increasingly looking for unique, one-of-a-kind designs,” he said.
To help meet the demand, Countertop World rolled out laser measuring technology to ensure those unique designs fit flawlessly during the instal lation process. There are also state-of-the-art water jets and computer numerical control routers —
gering scars from COVID-19 and how the resulting economic downturn hit suppliers, builders and customers in one fell swoop. Consumer demand has grown — not quickly, but steadily — and suppliers are happy to be back in the groove of meeting those demands.
“It’s been a weird time since COVID,” said Adam Wells, president of Lumber1 Home Center, “and by weird, I mean we’re continuing to evolve.”
Wells, who took over running the company from his father-inlaw in 2017, now oversees three store locations in Little Rock, Mayflower and Stuttgart. In a nod to the improving economic outlook, Lumber1 also recently opened a distribution center in southwest Little Rock.
computer-controlled cutting machines — that can create material with exacting specifications in half the usual time.
“By incorporating these advanced tools, we can achieve intricate design and flawless finishes that are unmatched in the industry,” said McDougall, who recently expanded his business into northwest Arkansas with a new showroom and production facility.
Speak to nearly anyone in the home materials business, and optimism is in the air — hard-won optimism at that. There are still lin-
Wells said demand has been high in Little Rock and the surrounding areas, but high interest rates made home projects fiscally prohibitive for some. As those interest rates have started to go down, more and more homeowners are jumping into projects that previously had been just a dream.
— Brian Hagewood, Southern Interiors “
“We can literally show a customer what their remodel will look like, with all the finishes, in 3D. We can take a photo of a customer’s desired slab and show them exactly how it would look on their countertop.”
Brian Hagewood (Photo by Jamie Lee)
David McDougall
Digital technology such as this virtual walk-through available at Southern Interiors in Sherwood has revolutionized the home industry. (Photo provided by Southern Interiors)
“We’re very optimistic about the housing stats in Little Rock,” Wells said. “Demand is there, and suppliers will meet that as interest rates continue to come down.”
Wells will never shortchange the value of good lumber — “a two-by-four is still a twoby-four,” he said — but it is Lumber1’s inventory of smart appliances that has him excited for the future.
“Like with everything else, you certainly see a lot more automation and connectivity, smart-home types of things,” Wells said. “Appliances are a big category for us. Just being able to control, let’s say, ovens via an app on your phone, or washers and dryers.”
Wells sees a shift in the homebuilding landscape with smart appliances. What used to be high-end gadgets for deep-pocketed homeowners are now more widely available as the technology has gone mainstream.
“We’re not there yet, but I think that’s where we’re headed,” Wells said.
If it seems odd hearing the president of a lumber company talk about smart-home technology, get used to it. To meet new demands and industry trends, suppliers are quickly diversifying their offerings, and they are all more than happy to be doing so.
“Outside of us being a manufacturer, we are trending more toward being a building material company rather than a brick company,” said Chase Crabtree, district manager at Acme Brick, Tile & Stone.
Crabtree said he wished more homeowners knew about Acme Brick’s tile and floor inventory, since interest in those materials has peaked across the country. Rest assured he has the data to back it up; Acme Brick’s home office in Fort Worth invests heavily in studying consumer data. This means the company — with more than 200 stores, including ones in Little Rock, Texarkana, Jonesboro and Springdale — can pivot its inventory to emerging demands.
“Things are trending more toward inert and red-tone colors,” Crabtree said of external building materials. “People like seeing a different variety of accents now. Large-format tile is a huge thing right now, and everybody seems to be looking into sustainable-type material.”
Indeed, if one were to get together with everybody involved in the home materi-
World’s state-of-the-art Sasso K-LUX polishing and finishing machine is the only one of its kind in Arkansas.
(Photo provided by Countertop World)
“
By incorporating these advanced tools, we can achieve intricate design and flawless finishes that are unmatched in the industry.
—
David McDougall, Countertop World
als business, one would hear “sustainability” fairly quickly and often.
“Consumers are becoming more and more conscious about sustainability,” McDougall said. “This has impacted the materials they choose for their homes. We’ve noticed a growing demand for eco-friendly countertops, such as those made from recycled materials, or sourced sustainably. We are actively exploring these options to offer our clients more sustainable choices that don’t compromise on aesthetics.”
Wells agreed, saying sustainability and efficiency are the buzzwords right now, and added that customers want to know the materials in their homes are sustainable and also capable of lowering utility costs.
“There’s an increase in energy-efficient buildings in ways that bring heat or air costs down,” Wells said. “We’re seeing a lot of builders doing that. You used to have a handful of builders who knew how to build with energy efficiency.”
Windows, Wells said, are typically the primary battleground in the fight to lower energy costs, and Lumber1 works with nine different window suppliers to find an efficient option for each home.
It all can be a little confusing. Wells oversees lumber stores that also sell windows. Over at Southern Interiors, Hagewood has seen a solitary focus on
Countertop
“
With better interest rates, we’re finding people are choosing to update their homes instead of moving.
— Brian Hagewood, Southern Interiors
and red-tone colors, as well as large-format tile and sustainable materials.
floor installment bloom to offering full-room designs with cabinets, countertops, blinds and shower glass.
Meanwhile, McDougall has not just expanded Countertop World geographically with the northwest Arkansas location; he has also led the charge for new and different manufacturing processes. Countertop World has invested deeply into technology, he said, including a Sasso K-LUX polishing and finishing machine that is the only of its kind in Arkansas.
While it is not exactly an adapt-or-die situation, all seem to agree that the home materials world is experiencing accelerated change and new demand to match it. Prospective customers have been easier to come by and have more discretionary income. The challenge — and the fun part — has been integrating new technol-
ogy and cutting-edge employee training to meet the new demands.
“These technologies, combined with the skill and dedication of our craftsmen, ensure that every countertop we produce is not only functional but a work of art,” McDougall said.
It is a time of diversification for area supply companies, since everyone seems to be expanding what they offer and how it is made.
“With better interest rates, we’re finding people are choosing to update their homes instead of moving,” Hagewood said. ‘Over the past 10 years, we have become a one-stop shop for consumers that are looking to remodel their home. We get more positive feedback from our remodel clients about how much they appreciate the simplicity of working with one company that does all the work in-house, which creates better quality and a more efficient timeline.”
Customers at Acme Brick, Tile & Stone have been gravitating toward inert
(Photo provided by Acme Brick, Tile & Stone)
Southern Interiors
Not just a brick company
Acme Brick, Tile & Stone delivers its namesake and more
Whether a homeowner tackling a do-it-yourself job or the professional homebuilder handling a multimillion dollar project, Arkansans know Acme Brick, Tile & Stone is the state’s premier source for all manner of building products. The company has continued to innovate in response to the needs of its customers, providing a bevy of stylish and durable options across tile flooring, metal cladding and stone, in addition to masonry fireplace systems and hardscape products. The 10,000-square-foot Maumelle showroom boasts one of the most extensive selections of porcelain, natural stone and glass mosaic in the area.
The latest addition to Acme’s lineup of premium products is metal siding vendor Quality Edge. With the most in-demand styles and colors at competitive prices — not to mention a lifetime warranty and 50-year transferable warranty to
the next homeowner — Quality Edge siding is the ideal choice for new builds and remodels alike. The company is also still a prolific dealer of MAC Metal Architectural’s prepainted siding products, which are renowned for their durability and design versatility.
Even with the bevy of offerings available, Acme has not sacrificed quality for quantity. The company remains the only manufacturer of brick in the Natural State and continues to proudly sell Arkansas-made brick to its customers. Acme has also developed a stellar reputation for customer service, employing dedicated and knowledgeable staff to lend assistance from design through project completion. From starter homes to mansions and from indoor to outdoor applications, Acme Brick, Tile & Stone remains the clear choice for homeowners and builders statewide.
Sponsored Content
Taking Things
Prepping personal outdoor spaces for warmer weather Outside
By ALEX HARDGRAVE
Studies show Americans are putting more energy and time into their outdoor spaces than ever before. The 2023 Outdoor Living Report showed that more than 3 in 5 American homeowners say they would prioritize investing in an outdoor living space.
That uptick in the outdoor-living trend is also likely linked to the COVID-19 pandemic, during which people hung out with friends outdoors to social distance and protect themselves from COVID-19. Though pandemic fears may have subsided, the popularity of an outdoor get-together has not.
However, prepping an outdoor space for a spring party or just to boost aesthetics is no small feat, from mowing to cleaning the gutter to making sure there is comfortable seating for family and friends. Homeowners who are unhappy with the condition of their green
Although the country has largely recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic, the ensuing rise in outdoor living is a trend that has not abated. (Photos provided by Arkansas Luxury Lawns & Greens)
spaces need not stress, though, since there are plenty of resources to help with any outdoor makeover.
A great outdoor living space starts with a great base of a lawn. One Arkansas company, Arkansas Luxury Lawns & Greens, offers the ultimate: grass that can withstand the Arkansas weather and never has to be mowed or watered.
What is more, the company’s turf products provide a year-round look and feel that mimics the real thing without all the maintenance, making it ideal for children and pets to run and play.
“It just becomes an extension of the house,” said Jason Bermingham, owner.
The turf can withstand the state’s rainy springs with a design that is made to drain 45 gallons of water per minute, meaning the turf will never flood. Even if it has been raining for weeks before a garden party, chances are the show can still go on
Bermingham said the turf also helps protect indoor spaces by stopping children and dogs from tracking in mud.
“A lot of my clients built beautiful new homes, and they come to me and say, ‘The best thing we did was put in a turf in the back-
yard,’” Bermingham said. “Today’s homes, a lot of them have white furniture.”
Another reason the turf is good for kids and pets is because it is allergen free because it eliminates pests and weeds, thus minimizing the need for harmful pesticides. No pesticides equals protection for both family members and local water sources.
While the turf is a great option for families, it can mean fun for everyone. For golf fans, Luxury Lawns & Greens can install a golfing green in the backyard so duffers can practice their putting skills at home.
The turf has an 18- to 20-year lifespan but
if it does start to look like it needs a refresh, owners can call Bermingham’s team for a routine routine maintenance call. He said this is only needed about once a year, if that. The products are also backed by a 15year warranty if anything goes wrong.
The lawn can also be quickly cleaned by the homeowners with a rake or leaf blower, water or eco-friendly chemicals, according to the company’s website.
The installation process can usually happen in just 24 hours. The process is fairly simple and includes installing a base of crushed rock and granite to provide a foundation and compacting the base. After the turf is laid out, it is shaped, and infill material is applied to enhance stability. A final brushing of the turf is applied to encourage all the fibers to stand upright, followed by a light watering to help the turf settle.
Luxury Lawns & Greens has service areas in Little Rock, North Little Rock, Conway, Maumelle, Benton, Bryant, Hot Springs, Fayetteville, Bentonville and more.
Even though the turf is not real, it looks real. Bermingham said he has had clients watch passersby stop and touch their lawns, trying to figure out if the grass is artificial.
“This is not your Razorback ball-stadium type of turf,” Bermingham said. “They don’t know if it’s real or fake, and that’s the beauty of it. It looks real.”
Outdoor spring cleaning should include making sure gutters are clean of leaves, twigs and other debris that will clog during heavy spring showers. Having properly functioning gutters ensures that water moves
“
away from the foundation to safe drainage spots, saving the homeowner from costly damage over time, LeafGuard of Arkansas president Bradley Wright said. Cluttered debris can also be a breeding ground for pesky mosquitoes.
Unfortunately, getting on a ladder and cleaning out gutters is a hassle and can also be dangerous. Thousands suffer disabling injuries every year from ladder-related accidents, the National Ladder Safety Month website states.
All of that has helped make the LeafGuard gutter system one of the most popular options on the market today. The LeafGuard system keeps gutters free of clogs and homeowners off of ladders. The company’s patented design keeps everything, including pine needles, out of the gutter, promoting free flow of runoff and eliminating the need for spring and fall cleanings.
The LeafGuard install team arrives with special machinery that custom shapes and fits the one-piece, aluminum gutter system to the home. The material is lightweight, strong and does not rust, and is 20 percent thicker than regular gutters. The ScratchGuard paint finish means the system stays looking fresh on the house for years.
“Our mission is to help homeowners protect their homes,” Wright said. “We do that by providing the best one-piece covered gutter system available and by using trained and experienced employees to assure the best installation possible.”
Once the lawn looks beautiful and the gutters are clean, it is important to complete the outdoor oasis with outdoor furniture.
This is not your Razorback ball-stadium type of turf. They don’t know if it’s real or fake, and that’s the beauty of it. It looks real.
— Jason Bermingham owner of Luxury Lawns & Greens
Artificial lawns provide a low-maintenance option ideal for families with pets and children.
Ken Rash’s of Arkansas, which has sold outdoor furniture since 1970, carries highquality brands that can fit a variety of looks and budgets, said owner Lawrie Rash.
Rash said the company saw a rise in demand during the pandemic, and people are still coming in wanting to expand their outdoor spaces and make them even better because of the positive effects outdoor living has brought to their lives.
“It increases their happiness,” Rash said. “It provides an area of relaxation.”
For those starting to design a patio from scratch, Rash had one piece of advice.
“Quality over quantity,” she said. “If you can only afford a nice sofa and a chair, then start with that.”
For households with families, Rash suggested looking into an outdoor dining set. For one person or a couple, she said, consider investing in seating options, such as sofas and chairs, for entertaining.
Even for families that have already invested in outdoor furniture, there is still work that can be done to get the pieces ready for a new season.
Rash recommended sprucing up areas with an outdoor area rug coordinated with new pillows and a new umbrella for a fresh and fun look.
“You can bring in new colors and textures,” Rash said. “Some people might tend to use a bit more color than they would inside or go a bit more contemporary than they would in a traditional home. They can treat the area differently.”
Along with the outdoor living craze comes outdoor cooking. Ken Rash’s offers a range of outdoor cooking options for all styles and budgets, from gas and charcoal grills to smokers.
Rash says if you have a large budget you could invest in a built-in outdoor kitchen. If not, opt for one of their many traditional grill options, which Ken Rash’s sells in various sizes and price points. Those who move more often should target something smaller.
Another thing to consider is how to increase the hours outdoors even when days grow short and evenings get chilly. The addition of a fire pit or a heater outdoors can keep guests warm and allow use of the patio long into the cooler months.
Whether splurging on a full renovation of the outdoor space before spring or just making some small improvements, the payoff comes with an intentional and functional space to be enjoyed with family and friends.
“Whether you’re coming home from the office or even if you work from home, it’s nice to get outside and get some fresh air,” Rash said.
Artificial turf has come a long way over the years, and today’s options can be indistinguishable from natural lawns.
homebuilder
Welcome H me
Noah Treat did not have very far to go to find his path in life or stray very far to put it into practice. The owner of Noah Treat Construction in Sherwood, he took the lessons he learned early in life and applied them to great success right there in central Arkansas, where he was raised.
Along the way, he built a successful company the right way, one expectation-exceeding project at a time and graduating from one satisfied client to the next. Today, he serves an almost exclusively high-end clientele, but it did not start out that way. In fact, economic conditions forced him to the sidelines altogether during the housing crisis that began in 2008. When he returned in 2016, he poured everything he had into projects to create a buzz.
“We’ve grown mostly by word of mouth and, of course, social media,” he said. “Whenever we were building spec houses, we kind of made a point to build a nicer, higher-end spec house and put nicer stuff in it. We gave them a little more curb appeal, made them a little flashier because we were trying to build a social media following and build some good rapport with people.
Treat has since grown to become one of the most in-demand builders in the highly competitive custom homes market. Much of what got him there was his success in mining a profitable niche servicing customers looking to build their dream homes in smaller and off-the-beaten path communities. His work is all over his hometown of Sherwood, and he currently has projects going in Vilonia, Cabot and Scott, as well as North Little Rock.
“I would say that there’s probably some slight differences [among customers in those markets],” he said. “One of the main differences that I see, and this might be kind of an off-the-wall thing, but people that are outside of the city limits tend to be more minimalistic in what they want and need in a home.
By AY STAFF
them,” he said. “We spent a lot of time working with Dad. My uncle would use us to lay sod or to pick up trash, whatever. I spent so much time around job sites, it just felt comfortable, you know? I loved the building process.”
During college, Treat took a side job installing manufactured stone products, and felt a renewed pull to the trades, even as he pursued a degree in kinesiology. He continued that work after graduation until one day noticing the general contractor on a site and deciding that was where his future was. He got his contractor’s license in 2008.
“They also tend to want to do more work themselves or at least think they can. Sometimes I have to tell them, ‘Hey, that’s not really realistic,’ but other times, if somebody wants to do their own landscaping or wants to pick up trash, hey, I let them do it.”
Treat learned the science of building and the art of customer service early in life by watching his father, a Sheetrock hanger and finisher, and his uncle, a full-time homebuilder.
“Growing up with three older brothers, we were cheap labor for
“I’ve always been kind of entrepreneurial and wanted to be the guy in charge,” he said. “I think it was just kind of a natural fit for me to start building houses on my own, having a good support system and a good network. There was always somebody I could call if I didn’t know what I was doing or had a question or needed some help with something.”
Today, there is seemingly no project Noah Treat Construction cannot handle. The company has a portfolio of richly appointed, well-built homes to its credit ranging from 1,800 square feet up to a current project that is 8,000 square feet, the bulk of his work coming in between 2,500 and 3,500 square feet in size. Half of his builds are in Sherwood proper, and half are within a 30-mile radius, each one built with the same time-tested attention to detail and construction skills that have made his reputation.
“Some of the things that haven’t changed in this business, I would have to say, starts with communication. We have to keep good communication with our homeowners and with our subcontractors,” he said. “The method of communication has changed greatly, of course. In fact, I often wonder how they built back then without cell phones and email, but they did somehow.
“The other thing that hasn’t changed is setting a standard for the quality of craftsmanship. Houses are different. The design, the stuff that you put in them, that stuff is wildly different, but the baseline of the quality of the craftsmanship is as important as ever. You’ve got to keep that standard high because at the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about.”
Noah Treat Construction: Noah Treat
Noah Treat (Photo by Sarah Oden)
House a AY ABOUT YOU 2025 INTERIOR DESIGNER AWARDS Making a Home
The right look, the right color, the right arrangement — these are the benchmarks of a beloved space, the kind that brings ease and relaxation to the occupant by functioning as beautifully as it looks.
The interior design industry is more than just pretty paint and throw pillows. According to market.us, the global home decor market reached nearly $700 billion in revenue in 2023, and some sources project the industry to reach $1 trillion by 2033. The number of interior design professionals is expected to grow correspondingly at 4 percent growth annually, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states.
As the demand for such services continues to multiply and the marketplace grows more and more crowded, it can become harder and harder for homeowners to know where to turn to find true professionals, the practical artists who transform any living space into a living, breathing slice of home.
AY About You’s annual Interior Designer Awards are a wonderful resource for finding the best in interior design services in Arkansas. The professionals listed here have demonstrated their skill and expertise at elevating spaces, managing traffic patterns, solving storage problems, and all other aspects of the interior designer’s art and science.
These trusted firms come in all shapes, sizes and approaches while sharing in common the critical aspects of experience, ethics and attention to detail. Combine that with an unwavering commitment to customer service, and AY About You’s 2025 Interior Designer Award honorees represent the cream of the crop in a growing, vibrant industry.
We invite you to explore the companies on this year’s list for all design needs in residential and commercial spaces, and we congratulate this year’s class of honored companies.
Established by Amy Terry in 2018, AC Designs in Little Rock helps clients in any step of the home design process — from home interiors to remodels and new constructions. The company also offers window coverings, custom draperies, and pillows and seasonal decorating. Terry works as lead designer alongside a talented team to help curate her clients’ dream space from start to finish. The design team helps to guide clients on what will look best in their rooms while also making sure the owner’s style still shines through. “We love working with our clients,” Terry said. “We feel so blessed to get to do what we love for a living and create beautiful spaces.”
Central Arkansas-based Debi Davis Interior Design gained renown for creating beautiful functional spaces. The company works within a broad range of design styles to bring out the clients’ individuality in each project. Working with families with children, families with pets and those with grandchildren, the team designs for every chapter of one’s life. What sets Debi Davis Interior Design apart is that the team puts their own spin on the projects they work on, not getting too deep into trends or fads. “I want things light, livable and timeless,” owner Debi Davis said. Davis first fell in love with interior design 27 years ago thanks to a good friend of hers who was popular in the design world. “Four years later, I went out on my own,” she said. “The rest has been an occupation that I absolutely love.” Now three of her own past assistants and interns have gone on to start their own design firms, as well. The 2025 AY Interior Design Award adds to many accolades, including from Southern Living, AmericasMart Atlanta and numerous Arkansas “best of” lists.
Lamb’s Interior Design in Little Rock is a full-service, family-owned, residential and small commercial interior design firm specializing in creating casually elegant living and working spaces for real people. From space planning to accent pillow fluffing, Lamb’s Interior Design’s commitment is to create functional, gorgeous home and office spaces that fit the personalities and tastes of the people who fill them. Mara Lamb Malcolm, owner of Lamb’s Interior Design, was born into the world of design. Her mother, designer Retha Wyatt Lamb, instilled in her daughter a love for beauty, balance and gracious living, all hallmarks of the spaces designed by Lamb’s for the past 55-plus years. According to Malcolm, “A good interior designer can change your life. Interior environments impact mood, behavior, energy level and productivity. Good designers find that sweet spot — a space with both optimal functionality and comfortable, gorgeous, inspiring interior elements. It’s a game-changer.”
Photo by Keith Tilley, Key Image Works Builder: Jeff Fuller
Photo by Jason Masters Photography
Lori Carpenter Designs in Ash Flat is home to the only custom design showroom in north central Arkansas, offering the finest furniture, fabrics, window fashions and accessories. Owner Lori Carpenter leads a team of top-tier professionals, including painters, contractors, electricians, flooring specialists, and kitchen and bath experts, ensuring seamless execution of her designs. Carpenter is an award-winning designer whose expertise spans project management, space planning, custom window treatments and furniture selection. She’s been an IDS-Arkansas Designer of the Year honoree for Holiday Design and a recipient of the prestigious Houzz Service Award, as well as being recognized by AY Magazine as one of Arkansas’s top designers. As a founding member of the Interior Design Society of Arkansas, a National Kitchen & Bath Association member and a certified window fashion professional, Carpenter has continually stayed ahead of industry trends. Carpenter’s award-winning work is more than design—it promises beauty, functionality and a home that truly reflects her clients’ individuality. “I aim to provide a wow factor in every project,” Carpenter said. “Clients want and deserve something different — personalized and individualized. That’s what I create.”
Though Kimberly Mannis began her career in computer programming, she found her true calling in interior design while designing personal construction projects. She left her corporate job in 2018 and worked her way up in the design world. She purchased Little Rock-based Providence Design in 2023 and is honored to be a part of the business’s next chapter. Mannis and her team understand that design decisions can feel overwhelming, so they aim to alleviate that stress for their clients. They begin each project by gaining an understanding of the client’s personal style and budget to help ensure that the final design is something everyone loves and is comfortable with. “A designer helps to ease the stress of making each important decision, and we oversee the project to make sure that every detail works together to create a space that will reflect our client’s vision,” Mannis said. In addition to its design services, Providence Design boasts a beautiful showroom at 2314 Cantrell Road.
Shayla Copas founded Shayla Copas Interiors in 1997, guided by a simple yet profound philosophy: Home should be one’s most cherished sanctuary. It is the place where one unwinds, nurtures family, rejuvenates the spirit and finds solace. That guiding principle has blossomed into a multifaceted lifestyle brand, allowing Copas to share her discerning design vision and approachable luxury with clients across the U.S., internationally and in her beloved Little Rock. Whether she is crafting vibrant textiles or infusing spaces with her signature Southern glam, each project is driven by the unique needs of her clients. Copas and her team are renowned for their integrity and dependability, prioritizing clients’ time, budgets and individual styles. As a proud Southern girl and sweet tea lover, Copas’ innate sense of hospitality ensures that her clients feel instantly at ease. They trust her to transform their visions into professionally curated spaces that remain deeply personal. For Copas, it is not about creating designs for magazine spreads. It is about crafting spaces that help clients rediscover the love for their homes.
Photo by Rett Peek
Photography
Photo by Jason Masters Photography
Amber Doggett
Established in 2019, Lonoke-based Shine Interior Design Studio creates beautiful, functional and empowering spaces in homes and businesses that reflect each client’s unique personality and style. Co-owners Stacey Breezeel and Natalie Biles formed their business with the goal of providing balanced and thoughtful spaces. Shine always thinks about the impacts of health and sustainability in their designs. “How long is it going to last? What impact is it going to have? Does it make your life easier? Does it make your space calmer? The studio runs everything through that filter,” Biles said. With more than 60 years of combined experience, Shine’s award-winning design team specializes in new construction, remodeling and full-service interior design for homes and commercial interior spaces of all types. From building to remodeling, the talented design team is ready to meet each goal with hands-on efforts and achieve the space each client wants and needs. “Hiring a designer can really reduce your stress. It can help you achieve your goals and support what you’re wanting to do with your life,” Biles said.
At Stacy Sheid Interiors in Fayetteville, clients can depend on founder Stacy Sheid-Epps and her years of experience to make smart decisions in timeless decor. Her family owned a furniture store growing up and her mother was an interior designer, which led Sheid-Epps down the same path. “Needless to say, it’s in my genes,” she said. Her grandmother taught her to always ask clients questions and get to know them. That has been her MO ever since — understand the client to understand what they want their home to become. Through her experiences with clients she hopes to make their lives easier. “There are so many choices, especially on a new build — it’s absolutely overwhelming and the choices are all expensive” Shied-Epps said. “I think an educated designer can simplify decision making and make life much easier.” To her, there is no better compliment than someone walking in saying how comfortable a space feels. She and the SSI team do their very best to give every client the attention to detail necessary to create that feeling.
Tom Chandler has owned Tom Chandler and Associates in Little Rock since 1980, and in 1981 he began teaching interior design, opening the Chandler School of Interior Decorating in Little Rock two years later. The firm’s clients span the country, running from Arkansas to Hawaii and all the points in between. Chandler and his dedicated team offer a wide range of services, from one-day home makeovers to complete home move-ins and holiday decorating. Dedicated to his work, Chandler begins each work day bright and early, greeting the day with one of his famous quotes, “Get up early and be the best that you can be.” His team emulates that each day in their work, too.
Photo by Yennifer Lopez Photography
Vivid Designs in Little Rock is an interior design company that assists with remodels and interior design projects. In addition to the company’s interior design services, Vivid Designs offers a gift shop that provides a wide array of jewelry, apparel, gifts and furnishings. Owner Amber Doggett, the third generation of her family in the furniture business, started the company in 2002. She assists clients with all aspects of their home remodels. From kitchens to bedrooms to entryways, Vivid Designs is available to assist clients with their interior design needs. For the project pictured, Doggett helped her client make the space tranquil and inviting. “Getting to know my client’s sweet personality truly reflects the space with light tones, refreshing accents and colors which pulled the space together,” she said.
Photo by Chasity Brighton, CBrighton Photography
Lori Carpenter, Founding Principal Designer
Love, Plated Four spots to treat The One to dinner
As one glance around a neighborhood will show Americans are in love with their food. Throughout traditional and social media alike on TV competitions and through food-related content via YouTube and TikTok, gastro is the new sexy.
Among human urges, the demand for food is the close kin to the drive for love and sex. Both give moments of satiation, turn loose feelgood endorphins and satisfy cravings. Both also have the capacity to fuel unhealthy habits, be they overindulgence or obsession, that, if left unchecked, can turn into the kind of toxicity that can ruin lives.
The psychology of food as a component of love and courtship, therefore, involves the commingling of two very potent elements of the human psyche. As millions of starry-eyed couples approach Valentine’s Day 2025, they do so as part of a highly ritualized and psychologically complex dance that speaks to millions of years of human evolution.
As famed illustrator and Peanuts cartoonist Charles M. Schulz once said, “All you need is love, but a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt,” and boy, was he on the money. Psychology publications burst with essays and studies seeking to unlock how humans interact through symbolism and dynamics during a meal.
By DWAIN HEBDA
National Public Radio noted in prehistoric and huntergatherer periods, food was not easy to come by, and so the act of sharing it showed affinity between people, as well as the hunter’s status as an ideal mate with the ability to provide. Modern couples, having moved past having to bring down a mastodon or bison to survive, nonetheless reenact this by buying a fancy dinner to show one’s ability to provide better than another suitor.
Even more complex mind games are at play, reported Psychology Today, as familiar foods and the process of being served evoke the soothing images that go all the way back to earliest memories. The bottle one was offered as an infant, the ice cream reward Dad sprang for in the wake of a good report card or the cupcakes Granna made on birthdays all equate to feelings of comfort and safety, emotions that are awakened during romantic dinners and comfort-food Sundays alike.
None of that research is very sexy, but it is essential and inescapable to who humans are as a species. With Valentine’s Day falling on a coveted Friday this year, bet that restaurants from Rogers to Little Rock’s River Market will be jammed with lovers of all ages and descriptions moving in time to the age-old dance of love, fortified by a good meal.
As consummate romantics, the editorial staff at AY About You has provided a starter kit of four alluring restaurants to explore this year, if not on Valentine’s Day (the wait list is long and time is short, people) then at some point in 2025. May these serve as the setting for important life moments, from prom to proposal to many anniversaries and special occasions thereafter.
Draft + Table, situated on a prime corner in the Argenta Arts District of North Little Rock, is more than a fantastic night out. The spot’s combination of chic ambiance and delectable food is a litmus test for relationships, meaning if the vibe, vino and fare does not awaken butterflies, then he or she ain’t the one.
Scott Landers, who opened the place, wanted to create a spot unlike anything to be found in central Arkansas, if not the state.
“Draft + Table is one of the more unique restaurants in Arkansas,” he said. “Many of our customers have come in and talked to us about it. They feel like they’re in a corner in New York City or some much larger city spot. Yet at the same time, everything about it from the decor to the way the staff greets folks just makes them feel so much at home.”
For the record, Landers said the inspiration for the restaurant came from a place he dined at in Kings Cross in London, which skillfully combined old wood and stone with modern materials and lighting to create an unforgettable atmosphere.
“They had done such a fantastic job in marrying the old with the modern,” he said. “[In Argenta] we had the bones here of a former Irish pub and this amazing mahogany that would’ve been criminal to get rid of. We took [the London spot] as the inspiration for our concept.”
The same new-twist-on-old-favorites mentality is evident throughout Draft + Table’s menu, said Landers, who developed many of the dishes in concert with Executive Chef Kevin Doroski.
Draft + Table North Little Rock
“I’ve had the privilege to get to travel all over the world, and chef has worked in some amazing different spots, and we became friends and started cooking together,” Landers said. “When we sat down to discuss the restaurant, neither of us wanted this super-elegant white-linen style of place. This would be a place where friends and family come together and enjoy a meal, so we took my good old Southern boy and his palate out of Montana and put it together, with the help of my wife, Ruth. I’m quite proud of where it’s ended up.”
Landers recommended a great sparkling wine from the restaurant’s curated list or one of the 23 beers on tap. Either can be expertly paired with the meal by the attentive and sophisticated waitstaff.
Eat
Eat
Valentine’s Day will have a preset menu, but those who can’t get in on that day should try the braised rabbit. Also recommended are the mushroom stroganoff or any of the dry-aged steaks.
Drink Drink Cannot Miss Cannot Miss
The fried half chicken stands up to any Meemaw recipe out there. Locals know to precede it with the borracho shrimp appetizer, one of the most popular items on the menu.
Photos
Sonny Williams’ Steak Room
Little Rock
Located in Little Rock’s River Market, Sonny Williams’ Steak Room is one of those places so devoted to what it does, it has seen its old-school steakhouse fare survive well after many of the fickle whims of here-today-gone-tomorrow restaurant concepts have shuttered and crumbled.
“We’ve kind of come full circle, you know?” said Jimmy Young, owner. “We’re kind of off that old Vegas, Rat Pack, crushed-velvet type of decor, and just recently, I had a design group come in and take a look and see what I might
Steak, duh. The filet is the best seller, and Sonny’s version is as good or better than anywhere in town — any town.
Eat Eat
need to change to avoid things being kind of old hat.
“They were like, ‘Jimmy, we just opened a restaurant in Vegas that paid $4 million to get the look you have right now. Don’t change a thing.’”
Young is not much of a wise guy, but the vibe the famed steakhouse captures hits all the right notes, starting with the piano music and extending all the way to the menu. There’s something very comforting about sticking to something until it’s mastered — Ol’ Blue Eyes, Frank Sinatra, never sang reggae and reportedly despised rock ‘n’ roll, for example — and when it comes to steak, Sonny Williams’ is cut from the same philosophical cloth.
“We serve only Angus steaks aged 35 to 41 days, and we’ve used the same beef purveyor since we started. That hasn’t changed in 25 years,” Young said. “We butcher everything in-house. My chef is a butcher, as well, so we cut all our steaks, even our bone-in cowboy ribeyes, and we can also cut to order.”
One misconception a lot of people may have is that everything is served a la carte there, just as it is at other highend steakhouses coast to coast. It is a belief that, when he hears it, Young is happy — and quick — to correct.
“Our steaks come with a choice of starch and a choice of vegetable,” he said. “It has always been that way, and it’s one of the things I will never change. People love the fact that when they order a steak, they get a meal, and that is one of the things that has kept us here as long as we have.”
Drink Drink Cannot Miss Cannot Miss
It is fair to say one does not go to Sonny Williams’ Steak Room for the latest in fru-fru mixology. Order one of the fine whiskeys neat, on the rocks or in one of the city’s best old-fashioneds. Ring-ading-ding, baby.
Regulars know the crab cakes rival those found in the nation’s northeastern reaches, and the French onion soup is another sleeper on the menu.
Photos courtesy of Sonny Williams’ Steak Room
RŌBER :: Cocktails + Culinary Benton
It is neither unkind nor unfair to say that Benton and Bryant, for all of their respective qualities, have traditionally lacked options in the finer dining department. That might explain why RŌBER :: Cocktails + Culinary has been so slam-packed practically from the day it opened two years ago.
Those not getting in on Valentine’s Day should not take umbrage — the date was sold out by Christmas, and besides, getting a table during a regular weekend is becoming harder and harder too.
“I’m very grateful for it,” owner Heather Baber-Roe said. “Sometimes I feel like I’m just waiting for people to be like, ‘Just kidding. We hate it.’ I get so emotional talking about it because I really am grateful.”
Baber-Roe is the culinary dynamo behind RŌBER and its sister spots, Baja Grill and Revival :: Restaurant + Beer Garden. She earned her spurs with Baja Grill in the Heights neighborhood of Little Rock and, in 2022, circled back to take advantage of the burgeoning downtown scene in Benton. In addition to wowing locals, she towed some of her Little Rock regulars in her wake. The crush of popularity, while gratifying, makes for some delicate situations.
“I’ve had regulars say, ‘We’re very happy for you, but we’re mad that we have to fight for a table,’” she said.
The same dynamics hold sway over the menu, which requires careful curation owing to a surprisingly small kitchen.
“The kitchen is only about 10 feet long. It’s smaller than a food truck,” she said. “If I add anything to the menu, I have to take something away because we just don’t have the space.”
Those lucky few who can get in, be it on Valentine’s Day or an ordinary weekend, are treated to dishes straight from Baber-Roe’s heart, not to mention her family’s table.
“These are all dishes that I’ve made my family, you know, for Sunday dinners,” she said. “The short rib, in fact, is the first thing I ever made my husband when we started dating. When guests hear that, they’ll sometimes say, ‘Well, I see why you’re married now.’”
Eat Eat
Indulge in the surf and turf: an 8-ounce filet and three red Argentine shrimp accompanied by a garlic Parmesan cream sauce.
Cannot Miss Cannot Miss
Management does not guarantee matrimony, but the aforementioned short rib — braised five hours and served with a red wine and tomato reduction over curry mashed potatoes — will at least open the conversation.
Drink Drink
Get out of any rut with Death Before Decaf, an espresso martini, or the blueberry lemondrop, another crowd-pleaser.
The OAK room & bar
Hot Springs
For a destination as established as Oaklawn in Hot Springs, surprises are often hard to come by. Over the course of its century-plus existence, generations of guests have watched the attraction grow up from just horse racing — albeit one of the best and most respected tracks in the country — to now include a casino, hotel, concert venue, world-class spa and convention center.
Many might even say they have seen and done it all at Oaklawn, but unless they have sampled the first-class ambiance and delicious food at the OAK room & bar, they would be sadly mistaken. Often overshadowed by the praise heaped on The Bugler, the property’s other fine dining restaurant, the OAK room & bar has maintained an almost speakeasy-esque mystique that regulars know well and hope out-of-towners do not discover.
“The thing about the OAK room & bar is the format of service that’s given,” said Rebekah Fleming, manager. “When a couple comes in, they really want for nothing because of the higher-end, luxurious service that we offer.”
The OAK room & bar will offer a special fixed menu for Valentine’s Day. Appetizers will include a choice of shrimp hamachi or braised pork belly and a strawberry salad with goat cheese and lemon curd. Choice of entree includes steak and lobster claw, Cajun red grouper, or a duck duo entree of smoked duck breast with apricot glaze and confit duck quarter. Each entree includes specially paired vegetable sides. A special dessert will also be included in the price, but Fleming kept details close to the vest.
She said the special menu, along with the service and the cozy decor, ensures a memorable meal in a quiet, intimate space.
“The intimacy of the restaurant and the fact that the room doesn’t have any windows, so you’re not really exposed to the casino and noise, is a big part of it,” she said. “It’s like a velvet envelope, for lack of expression. You also have those really rich colors, the crystals with the candles, the actual environment and the ambiance of the room, which is all tailored to romance.”
Drink Drink
Eat
For those not making Valentine’s Day, get the Arctic char or the elk osso buco for a truly decadent experience.
The maple old-fashioned puts a new spin on a classic cocktail.
Cannot Miss Cannot Miss
Do not let the humble-sounding name mislead — regulars highly recommend the harvest pasta
Photos by Chelsey Sinclair, Oaklawn
Puddin’
By MARGIE RAIMONDO
Photos by MARGIE RAIMONDO
Impress a special someone with this strawberry dessert
Get ready to celebrate Valentine’s Day with Sicilian strawberry pudding, also known as gelo di fragole, a delightful Mediterranean-inspired pudding that is sure to impress. This Italian-style strawberry pudding recipe is all about fresh flavors. It starts with a simple, delicious strawberry puree lightly sweetened with raw sugar, adding molasses. To take it up a notch, this recipe adds some lemon zest, honey and fresh basil for an aroma that is simply irresistible.
This pudding can be made without dairy, but adding a dollop of creme fraiche on top really takes it to the next level. It adds a creamy touch that makes the dessert feel extra special without overpowering the yummy fruit flavors.
Loved ones will adore it.
Sicilian Strawberry Pudding
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 minutes
• Resting Time: 3 hours
Ingredients:
• 1 pound of strawberries
• Juice of 1⁄2 lemon
• 6 tablespoons granulated sugar (or more, to taste)
• 1 cup cold water
• 5 tablespoons cornstarch
Instructions:
1. Remove the stems from the strawberries and wash them thoroughly.
2. Cut the strawberries into quarters and place them in a bowl. Toss with sugar and lemon juice.
3. Transfer the mixture to a food processor and puree until fairly smooth.
4. Taste the puree and add more sugar if necessary, since the sweetness can vary depending on the strawberries.
5. Pour the strawberry mixture into a saucepan.
6. Mix the cornstarch with the cold water until smooth in a separate bowl. Use only cold water to prevent clumping.
7. Stir the cornstarch and water mixture into the saucepan with the strawberries.
8. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir until the mixture comes to a gentle boil and thickens, which should take about 3 minutes.
9. Remove the saucepan from heat and transfer the mixture into glasses, cups or dessert plates. Let it cool, then refrigerate until set (about 3 to 4 hours).
10. Serve chilled with or without garnishes.
Optional Garnishes
• Whipped cream
• Fresh fruit
• Chopped pistachios
• Chocolate shavings
Serving Suggestions
This pudding can be served as is or enhanced with options such as:
• Whipped cream and mint leaves
• Chopped pistachios
• Fresh fruit such as strawberries or blueberries
• Chocolate shavings
Yield: 5 servings
At Last ong
Moody Brews makes it from vision to reality in Pettaway
By MEGAN BLANKENSHIP
Photo by Josiah Moody
Nestled in the heart of Pettaway, a small but growing neighborhood in south Little Rock, Moody Brews is more than a craft brewery. It is the realization of founder and award-winning head brewer Josiah Moody’s longest-standing dream.
With a passion for creating exceptional beer and a desire to cultivate community, Moody has transformed a small section of Pettaway Square into a vibrant gathering place where residents and visitors come to enjoy unique brews and good company.
Moody’s path to opening his own brewery began in 2011 at Vino’s Brew Pub in Little Rock, one of Arkansas’ oldest and most influential craft breweries. Driven by a biology background and a fascination with home brewing, he “begged and pleaded” for a gig cleaning kegs, a humble beginning from which he eventually grew to head brewer. Vino’s was the ideal environment to learn the ins and outs of commercial production. It also provided him ample leeway to explore and develop creative new beers.
“I got a crash course in how to work really hard and make a lot of beer on a little system,” Moody said. “What was great about my time at Vino’s was that the owner and general manager encouraged experimentation. I did a ton of wild beer there. The handshake deal was keep our four beers on plus some seasonals, and then whatever else you want to do is up to you.”
Even during those years spent honing his craft, Moody said, he always dreamed about opening his own brewery, a glimmer in the eye that started when he was a home brewer.
Moody’s career led him to a variety of collaborations across the state, including a stint in the northwest Arkansas brewing scene, where regional growth drove innovation in hospitality. However, it was not long before the search for the right opportunity to start his own business brought him back to his roots in Little Rock.
Following a series of partnerships and developments that did not pan out, he reached a conclusion.
“I thought, ‘You know what? I’m just gonna figure out what I can do with what I have,’” he said.
Moody initially considered a location in Little Rock’s SoMa district, but the risks of setting up shop there were a little too high, and COVID-19 closures soon put many business’s plans on hold anyway. Fortunately, an opportunity arose in nearby Pettaway, where residential builder Michael Orndorff was looking to expand to small-scale commercial projects.
“He had been working over here for several years, lot by lot, building affordable homes in Pettaway,” Moody said. “The more I talked
about it with him, the more I liked what he was about.”
Pettaway also offered Moody the chance to live in the area where he worked, another part of his lifelong dream. With its blend of affordable housing, a growing commercial district and a burgeoning sense of identity, the neighborhood felt like the right fit.
Moody said he feels a sense of camaraderie with other establishments at Pettaway Square. A coffee shop, bookstore and barbershop all lie within yards of Moody Brews, and he likes it that way.
“It’s a community of very small businesses started by normal, everyday people — no chains, no franchises,” he said. “That’s a really powerful experience for the community. It’s a throwback, in a sense, to how it once felt to go shopping.”
For a while, construction delays caused by the pandemic kept the opening date a moving target. Long awaited not just by Moody himself but also by an enthusiastic crowd of supporters and beer lovers, the brewery finally opened its doors in March 2024. The emotional payoff was enormous.
“The first soft open, with friends and family, really got me,” Moody said. “That was definitely a
“I am very passionate about making really good and different beer, but we’re not waxing our mustaches over here. We’re not snobbish. We try to keep a balanced board so that whoever comes in feels welcome.
— Josiah Moody, owner
night I’ll remember for my whole life.”
After pursuing and sharing his vision for so long, suddenly, it was real. The well-attended grand opening affirmed Moody’s faith in the communityfocused model.
“As a business owner, I’m betting that people will show up daily, and they are,” he said. “It’s an absolute trust fall.”
Soon, it was time to get down to the fundamental business of providing great service. Moody aims
Josiah Moody
(Photo by Caroline M. Holt)
“We’re small, but we’re in the neighborhood, and we try really hard to provide interesting beer and excellent service. We take pride in both of those things.
— Josiah Moody, owner
craft sodas with the help of his daughter, the self-appointed head of quality control. Visitors can try them plain or incorporated into batch cocktails such as the Ginger Bug, which features Moody Brews Ginger Ale and sour mash bourbon from local Rock Town Distillery. Rounding out the menu are several wines as well as some quality nonalcoholic beer options.
“It’s really important to me to be able to offer a beverage, wherever a person is at in their preference,” Moody said.
The brewery also recently began offering food options. After testing out many iterations of snacks and bites, Moody settled on a selection of toasted sandwiches made with locally sourced ingredients. While
Moody's venture features tasty food, a community feel and grain sourced from local farmers such as Harrison Jones of Isbell Farms (above, left), who grows rice used in its New Ground Pils. (Photos by Moody Brews)
they’ve been a big hit, extra-hungry patrons can always grab a smash burger from Smashed N’ Stacked, the popular food truck right next door.
The most important thing on offer at Moody Brews is not listed on the menu — community. The space is cozy, offering both upstairs and downstairs seating and patio areas that face the square. With its deep connection
The brewery offers a selection of sandwiches made from locally sourced ingredients, and plenty of experimental brews and other new offerings are in the works.
to Pettaway, it is a great place for visitors and locals alike to strike up a conversation.
Moody said he hopes the business can be a force for cohesion in the growing neighborhood, a haven where folks can slow down and enjoy the corner pub atmosphere.
“We’re small, but we’re in the neighborhood, and we try really hard to provide interesting beer and excellent service,” he said. “We take pride in both of those things.”
Reflecting on the 12-year journey to opening his business, Moody said he feels a strong sense of gratitude. Seeing neighbors and visitors come in every day to participate in what he is building gives him “a really profound feeling to be on the receiving end of that,” he said.
Looking to the future, Moody said he plans to continue experimenting with new beer styles and other offerings while staying true to the small-scale, peoplefocused ethos that defines his brewery. For beer enthusiasts and first-timers alike, Moody Brews’ standing invitation is to pull up a chair, grab a pint and become part of the story.
Achieving a
Flawless Smile
Materials and technologies improve, boost physician’s skill
By DWAIN HEBDA
In the constant march of improving one’s appearance, more people than ever are investing in their smiles to promote health, self-confidence and aesthetics. The dental industry has responded with better materials and new technology to assist dentists and oral surgeons in servicing their patients.
“I would say over the last two to three years, there’s been a pretty sizable increase in demand or interest in smile makeovers, whether that be veneers or complete mouth restorations,” said Dr. Jahon Zehtaban at Smile Arkansas in Little Rock.
“I would say the last three or four years, we’ve definitely seen more interest, whether that be due to social media, seeing famous people and their smiles or because we’re all taking more photos on our camera phones. I’m not sure what the reason is, but I would definitely agree that it has increased here in the last couple of years.”
Dr. Samaria Mascagni at Arkansas Family Dental in Little Rock agreed, saying her practice has also seen an uptick in aesthetic and restorative work.
“People are coming in, wanting to fix their smile, all the time, with different things going on,” she said. “We see minor issues, like where they just want to change the shape and color of their teeth, which we’re doing with veneers.
“Then we have all the way on the other end of the spectrum where people are coming in who have lost teeth over the years, and it’s too far gone to try to fix what they have. For them, we’re removing the remaining teeth and restoring their mouth with a prosthesis that is attached to several implants.”
The American Dental Association’s latest report on national dental expenditures bears out what local dentists and oral surgeons are seeing in practices across the state. It reported that dental spending in 2023 topped $174 billion, $4 billion more than 2022. It was easily the most money spent in the category since 2000 with the exception of 2021’s $182 million, which was inflated by pent-up demand carried over from the COVID-19 pandemic year of 2020.
Interestingly, the ADA reported the year-over-year increase in spending came entirely from government program spending, which was up 18 percent between 2022
and 2023. Of the $4 billion year-overyear spending jump, $3 billion came from Medicare, and the remaining $1 billion came from Medicaid. The ADA credited the rise of Medicare Advantage plans and an expansion in Medicare dental benefits in 2023 for fueling the higher spending.
By contrast, private health insurance spending decreased by 0.4 percent year over year, while out-ofpocket spending decreased comparably by 0.7 percent. Overall health spending in the U.S. increased by 3.8 percent in 2023 compared to dental spending, which increased by 2.5 percent.
Whatever the source of financing, it is clear more consumers are putting that money where their mouths are, and when they do, they are finding a wide range of options for building a flawless smile.
“The options vary from patient to patient,” Zehtaban said. “If there are people with pretty broken-down teeth or hopeless teeth, implants are usually the way to address that, but I would say what we see mostly, at my clinic at least, is an interest in veneers. Specifically, we’re seeing interest in something called no-prep veneers, which are these really thin veneers. That’s the majority of what we get.”
Dr. Jahon Zehtaban
Photo by Faith Alexander
We can also make [veneers] look a lot more lifelike now because we can make them ultrathin. We’re able to reduce or take away less tooth structure, and because the veneer is very, very thin, they’re more translucent, and light can pass through them to look more natural and lifelike.
— Dr. Samaria Mascagni, Arkansas Family Dental
According to Healthline, no-prep veneers are thin shells often made from porcelain or composite material adhered to the front of teeth to improve appearance. Unlike previous versions in which the underlying tooth enamel had to be ground down, no-prep veneers are just that. Dentists make digital impressions of the teeth and can fabricate and install the veneers much faster than in times past.
“The materials we’re using now are just superior,” Mascagni said. “We’re able to mill most of the restorations in our office, which means we can place a lot of these same day. Patients aren’t having to go with temporaries and having to worry about those falling off while they’re waiting on us to make their veneers for them.
“We can also make [veneers] look a lot more lifelike now because we can make them ultrathin. We’re able to reduce or take away less tooth structure, and because the veneer is very, very thin, they’re more translucent, and light can pass through them to look more natural and lifelike.”
Oral surgeons are also benefiting from new technology, both for what goes into the mouth and for the tools that help them plan and place things properly, especially when it comes to dental implants.
“Implants themselves have been around for quite a while, back to the 1950s and ’60s,” said Dr. John Batson at Capitol Oral Surgery & Implant Center in Little Rock. “They’ve progressed a lot over the decades. We do a lot of immediate implant restorations. Say someone wants to basically redo their whole smile. We’ll come in and do an evaluation with 3D modeling, which has made it so much better.
“We can do 3D imaging of the hard and soft tissue structures, do the surgery, put the implants in, and restore it the same day. The patient basically comes in with 30 years of neglect and really upset with their smile and leaves feeling like a new person.”
Dr. Samaria Mascagni
Photo courtesy of Arkansas Family Dental
Dr. Ernie Woodard
Dr. Tacy Sundell
“ Say someone wants to basically redo their whole smile. We’ll come in and do an evaluation with 3D modeling, which has made it so much better.
— Dr. John Batson, Capitol Oral Surgery & Implant Center
Dr. Ernie Woodard at Woodard & Sundell Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Implant and Periodontal Surgery in Little Rock also praised the new imaging technology, which is referred to as cone beam computed tomography. The advanced imaging system improves upon traditional X-ray in that it creates detailed 3D images of skeletal, dental and soft tissue structures.
“[Cone beam CT] is almost the standard of dental care overall, and for sure in oral surgery practices,” he said. “It helps with planning for implant placement, including single implants, multiple implants and replacing somebody’s entire arch. It helps create very precise guide stents that we use for implant placement. I can put an implant in the bone, but if it’s not the right position or angle, then the restoring general dentist may not be able to utilize it, or you may have a tooth that’s off angle or off position. The CT scan has really helped with that a lot.”
Sundell’s wife and practice partner, Dr. Tacy Sundell, said the imaging system is also very useful in her work helping patients deal with periodontal disease, but beyond that, she prefers the tried and true tools over most new technology.
“Sometimes the new, the latest and greatest isn’t always the best,” she said. “The cone beam is definitely an exception, and it’s the newest thing I use as far as periodontal treatment. There’s laser devices out there, but I don’t use the laser because I still use more conventional treatments. We’ve been doing things for 22 years, and we do it a certain way, and we know how things work.”
The future is sure to hold more advancements, such as stem cell therapy, Batson said.
“These are really exciting and are going to revolutionize what I do,” he said. “There’s some new guidelines that are actually going to be coming out under [Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services] Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who’s really fasttracking a lot of the stem cell techniques and modalities that have been held up by the [U.S. Food and Drug Administration]. They will improve so many procedures in so many ways.”
Dr. John Batson
Photo by Laura McCullough
dentistry
Wisd m Teeth
Dr. DJ Dailey Smile Dailey Modern Dentistry
By AY STAFF
As one of the most heralded dentists in Arkansas, Dr. DJ Dailey is a name that has become synonymous with compassionate dental care delivered with a high degree of expertise. Even though the days can be long, the same things still have him charging into work every morning as on the first day of his practice.
“The profession of dentistry is challenging,” he said. “There are so many technical aspects to it on the business side and on the clinical side, as we say. On the clinical part of it, the kind of reward that I get is just being able to help somebody be healthy and help somebody feel more confident about smiling. I could be at the grocery store or at a Christmas party, and I’ll run into somebody I helped in the past year or eight years ago or 20 years ago, and they’re still loving the work that was done for them.
“I also like having the ability to create an environment where people are comfortable in a place that most people would rather not go. I like creating that environment with my team, one that’s as welcoming as possible. Another part, on the business side, is the challenges and opportunities I give my team to grow and become not only better at their position within my office but also give them opportunities to grow as people. All of those things are very rewarding, even though there’s constant challenges.”
Dailey has executed those efforts flawlessly and has many awards and accolades to prove it, including multiple AY About You Best Of and Best Health Care Professionals awards. Not one to rest on even those lofty laurels, Dailey is constantly on the lookout for new technology and new protocols to make one of the best dental practices in Arkansas even better.
“Just like everything else in our world, the dentistry profession is becoming more digitalized,” he said. “Today, we’ve got products where we’re seeing [artificial intelligence] technology starting to come in. It’s more in the realm of practice management right now, with other available systems that are still so cutting edge, it’s not tried and true at this point. If I jump ahead a little bit into the future, I think AI will provide assistance in reading X-rays and giving us the ability to communicate what is seen on those X-rays to our patients in a more user-friendly format.”
At age 55 and with more than 20 years in practice under his belt, Dailey has long since crossed from newbie to mentor in the local dentist community. One of the things he preaches when asked is to engage in lifelong learning no matter how accomplished one gets in their career.
“I guess one of the secrets of my success has been that I have worked with practice-management consultants, and how they have influenced my practice can’t be lauded enough,” he said. “They have other doctors as clients, and so you get a feel for what’s going on with different doctors in different practices, and that can influence some of the decisions that you make.
“That’s been an important part of my practice and will continue to
be, as I like to be able to grow and feel connected. If you’re kind of just on your own doing things, you lose out.”
A fourth-generation resident of Little Rock, Dailey graduated from Catholic High School for Boys and then served two years of active duty and four years of reserve duty in the United States Navy. He attended the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and in 1997 he earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center College of Dentistry in Memphis. The allure of cosmetic dentistry is as strong now as it has ever been, he said.
“I have a passion for aesthetics,” he said. “There is a level of artistry that goes into creating the perfect smile that fits each patient, and I spend a lot of time with each patient deciding what best matches their needs.
“With everything that’s changed in our industry, when I think of what’s exactly the same, it’s being able to help people benefit from a healthier and, let’s say, more rewarding smile. I still love helping people with their smiles and their health.”
Dr. DJ Dailey (Photo by Katie Childs of Katie Childs Photo)
T th TECH
New devices, scans streamline orthodontics like never before
By SARAH DECLERK
New technology facilitates progress in most every industry, and orthodontics is no exception. Digital setups and the capacity for remote monitoring combined with advances in aligners and custom braces have helped make orthodontics more precise and efficient in recent years.
“The latest technologies and treatment mechanics have made treatment more comfortable and easier than ever,” said Dr. Charles Vondran,
Dr. Charles Vondran
(Photo by Jamie Lee)
orthodontist at Vondran Orthodontics.
He added that clear braces, aligners, tooth scanning and 3D imaging have all left their mark on the world of orthodontics.
“Virtual treatment planning and improved technologies, like digital scanning and X-ray technologies, have made customizing treatments for patients less invasive and offer the greatest in safety and accuracy,” he said.
Dr. Natalia Hodge, orthodontist at Hodge Orthodontics, named digital technology as one of the most impactful new tools for orthodontists.
“Technology has revolutionized orthodontics in the past decade,” she said. “The use of 3D imaging and 3D printing has made treatment more efficient and convenient. We can now capture a very accurate 3D representation of a patient’s teeth to fabricate custom braces made to fit the unique shape of each of their teeth.”
The technology allows orthodontists to place brackets virtually and with enhanced precision, reducing the need for manual adjustments which means fewer office visits and faster progress for patients, she said.
Other technology allows for remote monitoring of orthodontic treatment by having patients scan their teeth using their phone cameras and an attachment provided by her office, she added.
“This allows us to track progress weekly and schedule office visits based on individual needs, minimizing the number of trips to the office,” she said. “These advancements mean shorter treatment times and fewer disruptions to people’s schedule while maintaining, if not improving, the outcome of treatment.”
Dr. Rebecca Trieu, orthodontist at Northwest Orthodontics, said 3D imaging has not only allowed her practice to improve its techniques when it comes to braces but made the practice one of the top Invisalign providers in the country.
“We are now able to diagnose and treat problems earlier for our patients, which has allowed us to proactively prevent them from becoming more significant issues as they get older,” she said. “Our practice also been able to broaden our scope of treatment beyond just straightening teeth to also providing thorough airway assessments for our patients. This has allowed us to help our patients improve their quality of eating, nasal breathing and sleeping, which can prevent future problems with a person’s oral and systemic health.”
3D imaging has also helped make impressions a thing of the past, she added.
“Our diagnostic methods are more accurate, comfortable and efficient now more than ever due to the advancements in 3D scanning technology,” she said. “It’s fantastic that our practice never has to subject someone to an uncomfortable mold or impression. We’re even able to take fewer X-rays that give us more valuable information for each patient.”
Trieu added that the advent of temporary anchorage devices, which are miniature implants that help move difficult teeth, and implant-supported expanders allow orthodontists to better treat complex dental and skeletal problems that would have previously required invasive surgery using tools such as lasers.
Aligner therapy has come a long way, Hodge said, and orthodontists can now address almost any problem using aligners instead of braces. Hodge said devices such as Invisalign are popular because they are more discreet than braces, typically cause less discomfort, and allow patients to maintain their regular dining and oral hygiene routines because the devices are removable. In addition, aligners eliminate emergencies such as broken brackets or wires, she said.
“There’s an obvious cosmetic benefit to Invisalign that lots of
The use of 3D imaging and 3D printing has made treatment more efficient and convenient.
— Dr. Natalia Hodge, Hodge Orthodontics
patients love and prefer, especially my adult patients,” Trieu added. “The technology has advanced so far that sometimes you can get a result that is as good or even better than traditional braces if it’s used in the right situation.”
Vondran said custom braces with clear, silver and gold brackets are available to patients, and many patients of all ages find aligners a good fit for their lifestyle. He added that clear aligners such as Invisalign can be a good option for children who play sports because they can protect teeth, in addition to straightening them.
Despite the rise in the popularity of aligners, do not say goodbye to traditional braces and retainers just yet. Trieu said they remain some of the most efficient and beneficial ways of treating
Addison Keen demonstrates a remote tooth scanner at Hodge Orthodontics. (Photo courtesy of Hodge Orthodontics)
Photo courtesy of Hodge Orthodontics
a patient’s bite and creating an ideal smile.
“We choose to use Damon brackets in our practice because they continue to innovate and advance their systems to allow the most comfortable and efficient experience for our patients,” she said. “My office makes our retainers custom per patient to ensure they have the most comfortable and ideal fit. This allows us to ensure that our patients are getting a highquality retainer to maintain the longevity of their smile.”
Photo courtesy of Northwest Orthodontics
Hodge said orthodontists continue to use braces primarily for younger patients who still have baby teeth because the devices continue to provide a reliable option in specific cases. In addition, retainers are essential to maintain alignment after active treatment, she said.
“One common misconception is that you should wait until all baby teeth are gone to see an orthodontist,” she added. “In many cases, early evaluation allows us to address issues proactively, leading to simpler treatment and better outcomes.”
Trieu said she advises parents to bring children in for an evaluation as young as 5 or 6 years old.
“It gives us the opportunity to diagnose any problems early on and share our knowledge on how we recommend treating them,” she said. “Most of the time, we get to watch our younger patients grow and mature for years before we feel any treatment is necessary.”
Children and adults have different needs when it comes to orthodontics, Hodge said, adding that treatment in children often addresses problems such as crossbites and problems with tooth eruption that can cause complex problems down the line.
There’s an obvious cosmetic benefit to Invisalign that lots of patients love and prefer, especially my adult patients. The technology has advanced so far that sometimes you can get a result that is as good or even better than traditional braces if it’s used in the right situation.
Dr. Rebecca Trieu, orthodontist at Northwest Orthodontics
“Children’s bones are softer and shapeable, so we can take advantage of that to make room for teeth and to modify the direction of growth in a way that will make the jaws fit properly,” she said. “For adults, the focus is on repositioning teeth within fixed jaw structures. Since their jawbones are no longer growing, treatments often involve working within the existing anatomy, which may limit certain corrections compared to children.”
The decision between braces and aligners is a personal one based on patients’ needs and preferences, she added.
“The best option is the one that fits their lifestyle and personality,” she said. “Some patients thrive with removable aligners, while others benefit more from fixed braces because they struggle to keep up with something removable. I always educate my patients and their families on both options and help them decide what’s best for them.”
The new technologies provide a more streamlined treatment process and shorter treatment times with fewer office visits, Hodge added. In addition, the devices are more comfortable due to their custom designs. While the new treatments can be costly, Hodge said the reduction in in-patient visits helps offset the expense.
With new technology driving faster, more precise and more patient-centered techniques, the future is bright for orthodontics, she added.
“Custom braces and aligner technology are continually improving,” she said. “Future advancements will likely enhance their efficiency and effectiveness even further.”
Aligners are popular because they are discreet and removable, and they can even protect teeth for children who play sports.
Where great smiles are made
We serve everyone from pediatric to seniors, we always welcome you with open arms. Whether you need a simple checkup and cleaning for the whole family, replacing missing teeth with dental implants, or wanting a new smile with veneers, you can trust our dental team to always deliver.
GENERAL
• Teeth Cleanings
• Oral Cancer Screenings
• Tooth Fillings
Providing the Best in Dental Care for Families throughout Little Rock and Stuttgart HEATHMAN
COSMETIC
• Teeth Whitening
• Veneers
• Dental Crowns
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• Partials
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Dr. Monty Heathman DDS
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The Man
Dr. Payton Seelinger: Arkansas Maxillofacial Surgery Center
By AY STAFF / Photo courtesy of DR. PAYTON SEELINGER
Reached late on a busy midweek workday, the fatigue in Dr. Payton Seelinger’s voice was palpable — anyone who does not think oral surgery can be physically and mentally taxing has never hunched over a patient for hours, removing stubborn wisdom teeth.
Even in those moments, however, Seelinger never loses sight of the importance of what he does in the lives of his patients. “I’m doing exactly what I want to be doing, taking care of patients when I can and as soon as I can,” he said.
A native of North Little Rock, Seelinger earned his Bachelor of Science in biology from the University of Central Arkansas in Conway in 2010, and his Doctor of Dental Surgery at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in 2016. He completed his oral and maxillofacial surgery internship and oral and maxillofacial surgery certificate at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, where he also served as chief resident in 2020 and 2021.
A skilled oral and maxillofacial surgeon, he has extensive experience in a myriad of procedures, including wisdom teeth removal and dental extractions, dental implants, preprosthetic surgery, bone and gingival grafts, orthodontic surgical bonding/bracketing, oral cancer screenings, oral pathology, surgical biopsies and facial trauma.
For everything he has formally studied, he said one of the most important elements of his repertoire is something that was developed on the job.
“It’s 100 percent communication and being able to quickly connect with the patient,” he said. “I’m in a consult for four or five minutes, and in that time, I have to gain their respect, gain their trust. That’s a skill that they cannot teach you, and it’s a tough skill to learn, but it’s something I consider to be one of the important elements of a successful practice.”
with a lot of after-hours work. That’s not my priority, and you can’t be in two places at one time. It was either late-night surgeries or tucking my kids in. My family is my priority.
“I want to build a career in a way that my family would be proud of me, meaning I don’t want to work my life away. I try to be efficient with my hours so that when I’m at work, I work hard, and when I go home, I dad hard, you know? I play hard. I try to have energy for the kids.”
The pressures and demands of his chosen field are things he can share with his wife, Chelsea, a fellow dentist who works at two different local clinics during the week.
Dr.
Payton Seelinger
“It’s a lot with Chelsea working five days a week right now,” he said. “Parenting is a team game, and when we show up at the house, you know, it’s all about taking care of the kids. I think that’s what life is supposed to be about.”
Seelinger has had ample role models to emulate in creating the kind of career and home balance he wants through Chelsea’s family, who comprise a long line of dentists.
“In my wife’s family, her brother is an oral surgeon in Wisconsin. Her dad’s a dentist. Her uncle’s a dentist. All these people are dentists,” he said. “I had a good idea of how I wanted my practice to be by watching them. They live a good life. They’re able to spend time with their family.”
Seelinger’s commitment to his household does not mean he has not gone above and beyond in his career. In addition to his patient caseload, he has been very involved in his industry and the community at large. He is a member of the Arkansas State Dental Association, the Arkansas Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, and the American Dental Association. He has also been very involved as a Mission of Mercy volunteer, has led Give Kids a Smile screening events in the Memphis area, and is a member of the Bellevue Baptist Church Christian Mobile Dental Clinic in Tennessee.
Seelinger splits his time between the Bryant and Little Rock locations of Arkansas Maxillofacial Surgery Center. He said his decision to go into private practice instead of hospital work boiled down to some very fundamental priorities.
“I’ve got five kids ages 10 years to 3 months,” he said. “In a hospital setting, doing a bunch of trauma and operating room cases, that comes
He said he sees those aspects of his career as informed and rooted in matters of faith, which moves him to help others.
“[Volunteering] is something the public doesn’t always hear much about in dentistry, but it’s something where we get to do a lot of good things,” he said. “It’s enabled me to share my faith when I can.”
Specialty Dental Care by Dr. John Batson
Dr. Batson is an oral and maxillofacial surgeon serving patients throughout Arkansas. He is board certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and is a member of the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.
Oral surgery involves diagnosing and treating issues in the mouth, jaw, and face. Common procedures include tooth extractions, dental implants, and corrective full mouth reconstruction.
Dental implants effectively replace missing teeth with a titanium post embedded in the jawbone, anchoring a custom crown.
I have been putting off oral surgery for years, but Dr. Batson made me feel comfortable and confident in my decision. His expertise with dental implants is unmatched, and the results speak for themselves.
— Robert L.
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Kid Stuff Pediatrics flourishing under Rock Dental Brands
By TODD TRAUB // Photo courtesy of Rock Dental Brands/Leap Kids.
As a kid, Dr. Sean Seabourn’s only perspective on dentistry came from his seat in the big chair as a patient.
Thanks to family friends, however, Seabourn was allowed to see the practice from the dentist’s point of view. Two of Seabourn’s young friends had a father who was a dentist (they would follow him into the field), and Seabourn became enchanted by his insights into the work.
“Growing up with them, I got to see what it was their dads did,” said Seabourn, now a dentist at Leap Kids Dental, a pediatric dentistry brand that falls under the expansive, dentist-owned management group Rock Dental.
“It’s real hands-on. If I see a problem, I can fix that problem,” he said, explaining his love of pediatric dentistry. “It’s pretty straightforward.”
Little Rock-based Rock Dental operates 108 offices in Arkansas, Tennessee, Missouri, Alabama and Florida. The group originated in West Plains, Missouri, in 1986 as an orthodontic practice founded by Dr. Mark Dake, who partnered with Dr. Bryan Hiller in 2009 to form a specialty group.
In 2015, they brought in Mark’s son, Merritt Dake, to create Rock Dental, an organization centered on orthodontics, oral surgery and pediatric dentistry.
“I think early on, it was all ortho, strictly orthodontics, so Rock Dental grew out of that, branching into different specialties,” said Seabourn, who first worked at Rock Dental in 2015.
Today, the group has more than 90 clinics and more than 800 dentists and staff. Under its banner, Rock Dental has 15 specialty brands that include Arkansas Oral Surgery, Westrock Orthodontics, Rock Family Dental and Leap Kids, which is where Seabourn comes in.
“Pediatrics and orthodontics go together,” Seabourn said. “I think kids, it’s important for them to see consistent care and be able to, you know, they’ve got to grow. They’ve got to eat. These kids have got to have their teeth. If you don’t have that, you’re not going to grow to your full potential.”
The idea is to keep kids’ teeth healthy and then pass them on to adult care or, first, if need be, straightening, which goes hand in hand with keeping teeth healthy, Seabourn said.
“It’s hard to take care of teeth if they’re not straight. Straight teeth are easier to clean,” he said.
Seabourn, 42, earned his pediatric dentistry certificate and his Master of Science in Dentistry at the Louisiana State University School of Dentistry in New Orleans. It took him until his fifth-year residency to settle on pediatrics, but he found he had an affinity for the specialty.
“I have a lot more patience with children, and I’m just drawn to them, and I guess they’re drawn to me because I’m goofy looking or whatever,” Seabourn said.
Seabourn served his residency in New Orleans and has also worked in Hawaii, and he has had more than one go-around at Rock Dental
“It wasn’t a continuous employment with them, but I’ve always come back to them, which says a lot, and they’ve always taken me back,” Seabourn said.
Leap Kids clinics treat patients ranging from infants to teenagers
Dr. Sean Seabourn
and offer restorations, extractions and emergency care, along with basic pediatrics.
Seabourn practices at My Village Pediatric Dentistry in Bentonville and at Leap Kids Dental locations in Little Rock, Cabot, Conway and Fort Smith. In all, Leap Kids has 19 team members, including Seabourn, and also has clinics in Hot Springs, Bentonville and Bryant.
He said Rock Dental began its foray into pediatrics when it set out to buy one of its many clinics, which, in that case, was a pediatric-orthodontic clinic.
“It was like, ‘What do we do with all these pediatric patients?’” he said, “and it was, ‘Well, we’ll just see them.’“
Rock Dental is a dental support organization, which means it has its own support center to handle things such as marketing, payroll, human resources, finances, accounting and legal issues, which leaves dentistry up to the dentists.
“I get to stay in my lane,” Seabourn said, adding that mitigating administrative and financial distractions is better for his patients.
“I just ask them how we did at the end of the day,” he said. “Especially with kids, you can’t let [back office functions] guide you.”
Thanks to its size and scope, Rock Dental offers Seabourn and his colleagues an opportunity to consult with orthodontists and oral surgeons when the need arises.
“A group practice this big means I have access to specialists that some pediatric services don’t,” he said.
all in the FAMILY
Family dentistry a key player in improving oral health
By DWAIN HEBDA
It does not take much to see family dentist
Dr. Luke Fruchey loves his work. The Little Rock native and father of three purchased his practice, Two Rivers Dental Care in west Little Rock, in 2022 and every day, he lets his inner child come out as he connects with patients of all ages, especially the youngsters.
“My go-to trick, which sometimes works and sometimes doesn’t, is I’ll take a glove, and I’ll blow it up and make a little balloon out of it and give it to the kids,” he said. “I would say nine times out of 10, they really like that. I’ll also show them some tricks with the little overhead lamp on top of my glasses. It changes colors, and that really helps take the edge off — anything to get them to laugh and have fun before we start doing anything.”
The playful patter may seem superficial, but the cause behind it is decidedly serious. As a family practitioner, Fruchey is the first exposure children have to dentistry, and so calming fears and making them look forward to trips to the dentist is a key first step on the road to lifelong oral health.
“Of all the questions I get asked by friends and people out in the community, probably the most common question that I get asked is, ‘When should I bring my child in for the first time?’” he said. “I think the answer tends to be
40 percent of Americans fear the dentist, and that, along with lack of access in many rural parts of the country, keeps them from getting regular care.
Forbes Advisor/Talker Research
surprising for people because I tell them they should bring them in when they get their first tooth, around 9 months, and sometimes earlier.
“That’s confusing to them because they’re like, ‘Well, what are you going to do with one tooth?’ and the answer is, honestly, not that much. What’s super important though is that we’re addressing the fear and the anxiety and the uncertainty about a dental office and all these scary people very early. Once it becomes very familiar, it’s not a big deal, you know, and by the time they’re 3, they’ve been to the dentist 10 times, and they’re very comfortable with us.”
There are more than a few adults who probably wish they had a dentist like Fruchey growing up. Despite the emergence of new materials, more and better understanding of dental health, and the ready availability of dental care and products, the number of Americans taking advantage of all the above is nothing to smile about.
Dr. Luke Fruchey launched Two Rivers Dental Care in 2022, offering patients a blend of high-tech and high-touch dentistry. (Photos courtesy of Two Rivers Dental Care)
Two Rivers' bright, modern treatment areas increase patient comfort while reducing anxiety.
Overall, people in the U.S. are spending more on dental health, per the latest statistics from the American Dental Association, but it appears the bulk of that spending is on implants, veneers and other restorative dental work. Other polls show why that number continues to climb — for as willing as Americans are to pay to improve and repair their smiles, they remain reticent about taking care of their teeth in the first place.
Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show 1 in 4 American adults ages 20 to 64 have at least one untreated cavity; 90 percent of U.S. adults 20 and older have experienced at least one cavity overall; and more than 4 in 10 have gum disease.
A Forbes Advisor/Talker Research poll
found nearly 40 percent of Americans fear the dentist, and that, along with lack of access in many rural parts of the country, keeps them from getting regular care. Arkansas residents know that fact well, since the Natural State is tied with Kentucky for last among states on the percentage of adults who visit the dentist at 57 percent.
Dr. Monty Heathman, a longtime family dentist with clinics in Little Rock and Stuttgart, is a second-generation practitioner. His workload mirrors that of national trends, since cosmetic procedures among adult patients are up, along with ways to combat dental fears, such as sedation dentistry.
“Patients are wanting to keep their teeth longer than in the past, and so they’re opting for more cosmetic and restorativetype procedures,” he said. “That has led to the development of better alternatives than, say, regular dentures or traditional crown and bridge. People are doing more implants whereas, you know, 20, 30 years ago, you didn’t see that as much.”
Fruchey said multiple options exist today to help those fearful of visiting the dentist.
Heathman said the dental industry has met this new demand with better materials going into the mouth and better technology helping dentists and oral surgeons achieve superior results.
“The technology’s gotten a lot better as far as you can scan things now,” he said. “New techniques for surgeons are making outcomes more and more predictable. The success rates are incredibly high for implants. It makes a big difference when you’ve got a good team that you can refer out to and you know they’re going to do good work.
“Also, the materials are a lot better now, anywhere from better plastics, better acrylics, better labs. Technology has taken dentistry to the next level to where it makes my job, if we’ve planned correctly, pretty much a slam dunk.”
One thing Heathman sees as a market challenge in the dental arena is the increased presence of corporately run clinics, environments he said erode the patient experience.
“It comes down to customer service, communication,” he said. “What we like to think sets us apart from most is our ability to communicate with our patients, to listen to what they have to say, hear what they want and then explaining what their
Patients are wanting to keep their teeth longer than in the past, and so they’re opting for more cosmetic and restorative-type procedures.
— Dr. Monty Heathman, family dentist
options are. In the corporate setting, a lot of times, you’re treated as a number, and more things are not necessarily based on what the patient wants but what the quotas are for a corporate business-type model.
“We educate people, on the other hand. We sit down, and we talk to them. The financial piece, for example — there are better insurances out there that have better coverage. We can help our patients find an insurance or private indemnity policy that will help lower their out-of-pocket expense and make [dental care] more affordable. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had a patient say, ‘Nobody’s ever sat down and really spoken to me about this.’”
Fruchey agreed and said his approach as a
young dentist is decidedly hybrid — a throwback to the days of high-touch, individualized customer service and personal attention while still deploying the latest in technology.
“Dental offices, in general, fall on two ends of the spectrum,” he said. “You either have an old office that’s been there for a long time and you love it because it feels like family and it’s comfortable, or you have the corporate offices that are very nice and new and cutting edge. My vision for this practice was that I wanted to live in the middle of those two: up to date, cutting-edge technology but also family oriented and welcoming. I believe that combines to provide the best in dental services, which is the standard I hold myself to and the standard I hold the practice to.
“The most common reason that people avoid dental care is because they’re scared. I tell patients every day, don’t be afraid — we’ll take good care of you.”
Heathman said independent dental practices often deliver a higher degree of communication and customer service for patients.
(Photos by Lori Sparkman)
dentistry
Going Family-minded dental practice has served Rogers for decades
Back a Ways
By TODD TRAUB // Photo by WISENER, COOPER & FERGUS
Rogers-based dental practice Wisener, Cooper & Fergus can tout the most up-to-date methods, techniques and state-ofthe art technology as reasons for its long-term success.
Another foundational element that helps make the practice unique has to do with lineage and community.
“Taking care of people, doing really good, quality dental work,” said Jeff Wisener, who has operated the practice since 1998, “being honest and just taking good care of people, treating them like family — that’s kind of our secret.”
From its location in the Pinnacle section of Rogers, Wisener, Cooper & Fergus offers digital 3D imaging to reduce radiation dosage, intraoral cameras, advanced treatment planning, CT scanning, low-radiation X-rays, high-tech lasers, sedation and the custom-made aligner Invisalign.
“It’s a high-tech environment but still a family atmosphere,” Wisener said.
The technology is important to the practice’s reputation, Wisener said, but equally important are the facts the clinic, one of the oldest family-owned clinics in Rogers, can trace its lineage through two dentists to the early post-World War II era and the sense of family that comes with it.
“I started in 1998. I bought an existing practice, and it’s kind of cool,” Wisener said.
Like the Pittsburgh Steelers, who have had only three coaches since the late 1960s, Wisener, Cooper & Fergus can boast a similar, slightly longer continuity.
“I’m the third guy in the lineage,” Wisener said.
a combination of being in the right place at the right time, the way northwest Arkansas has flourished, and we’ve kind of grown with it.”
Chris Fergus came on board a few years after the new building opened, and he eventually bought the remaining third of the practice. Close to two years ago, Wisener, Cooper & Fergus welcomed Wisener’s nephew, James Wisener, making it a family practice in name, as well as reputation. There is also retired dentist Jeff Miles, who has helped out for roughly five years.
The original family practice belonged to John Robert “Bob” Bland, who was born in 1925 and came to Rogers to begin his 37 years of dentistry in the early 1950s. By the time of Bland’s passing in 2008, Jack Luker had owned the practice for several years. Wisener bought out Luker in 1998, and Luker stayed on for a time, the two working together.
“It made for a good personal handoff,” Wisener said, recalling that Luker introduced him to almost every patient the clinic treated.
Wisener practiced solo for a time and then brought in eventual partner Darron Cooper. They tripled their space with a new building in 2007, just before the bottom fell out of the economy. The practice grew quickly nonetheless being smack in the middle of the rapidly growing northwest Arkansas region, the local economy of which largely survived the recession in one piece.
“When I bought the practice we had … three chairs. Now we’ve got 16. We just kept having to grow and move around,” Wisener said. “It’s
Jeff Wisener, 54, graduated from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville in 1993 and the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry in 1997. He said it was his need for braces in high school, an uncomfortable experience for many youngsters, that awakened his love of dentistry and helped make a role model of his family dentist, among other mentors.
“It really transformed my life,” Wisener said. “It did something to me that said, ‘Hey I want to do that for other people.’”
Wisener, Cooper & Fergus offers general and cosmetic dentistry and includes a range of services falling under those headings. A big draw, Wisener said, is that the clinic does not necessarily have to outsource or do referrals; it has the means to provide some patients the full range of whatever might be needed.
“In a lot of cases, we can do it, start to finish, in our clinic. That’s a big selling point,” Wisener said.
Another selling point is the IV sedation for patients who may be apprehensive about a procedure.
“We do dental implants. We take out wisdom teeth. We do cosmetic,” Wisener said. “All this, if the patient chooses, we can do under IV sedation. That’s really what’s made our practice boom and grow, other than treating people right and doing good work.”
Wisener, Cooper & Fergus’ longevity, family atmosphere and community spirit have also fostered the kind of trust that makes for long-time patients, including some who prefer to drive in from nearby states rather than see someone closer. In the same way the practice has stuck with the community through the years, so have many patients stuck with the practice.
“We have patients that are literally 90 or 100 years old that have gone to the same practice,” Wisener said.
Dr. Jeff Wisener
&
Treasure Arkansas offers new things to discover around every corner Gems
For a small state, Arkansas sure holds its share of surprises. In just about any category one can name, the Natural State offers something unexpected.
Music lovers can see where the Rolling Stones hung out, where the Beatles passed through and where a giant of country music, Johnny Cash, grew up.
History buffs can explore the ghostly footsteps of time, from early explorers Hernando de Soto and Henri de Tonti to Quapaw Chief Saracen to the legendary U.S. Marshal Bass Reeves. Natural grandeur? Nothing touches Arkansas. OK, there is no ocean, but where else can a person find a state so closely compacted with natural splendor that one can rise in the mountains, drive through a forest, get dinner in the Delta and go to sleep to the song of the swamp?
Throughout a network of state parks and along pristine lakes and rivers, the wonders of Arkansas can sneak up on a person. Round a bend in Ponca, and there are elk; find yourself outside Eureka Springs, and there are lions and tigers; steer toward Murphreesboro, and dig for real diamonds; saunter to Fort Smith, and tour the only former brothel on the National Register of Historic Places.
None of that begins to scratch the surface of what can be found on the state’s charming main streets, at fun community festivals, and in terms of delicious food and inherent hospitality.
At AY About You, we have always bragged about our home state, a place we consider unlike any other spot on earth for all the above reasons and more. This month, we are proud to highlight a sampling of what makes the state special, from the nation’s first national river to unique shopping and services to lovely lodging options and more.
Our list is not exhaustive of the things to be had within our borders — some familiar, some not so much. The state is constantly reinventing itself, so consider this an Arkie Starter Pack of the things to be had, held, tasted and savored in the wonderful place we call home.
Here’s to you, the modern Arkansas Traveler, experiencing the culture and majesty of this great land. Happy trails!
Slaughter Pen Mountain Bike Trails
2400 N. Walton Blvd. • Bentonville 479-271-9153 • visitbentonville.com/bike
Slaughter Pen Mountain Bike Trails stands as the city of Bentonville’s premier mountain biking park, where purposebuilt single-track trails welcome riders of every skill. This free trail system thoughtfully integrates progressive features while ensuring accessibility for all abilities through award-winning trail building. For local riders seeking daily adventure or visiting cyclists exploring Bentonville’s world-class trails, Slaughter Pen provides the ideal gateway to the city’s mountain biking community. Find easy access at 2400 N. Walton Blvd., just south of the Bark Park.
Bentonville Square
The Bentonville Square is the heart of the historic downtown area and features upscale restaurants and bars, stylish boutiques, delicious bakeries, inviting coffee shops and unique public artwork. The Square is bustling year-round with exciting community programs such as first Fridays, farmers markets and art markets presented by Downtown Bentonville; cycling and running races presented by Bentonville Parks and Recreation; and more. The community also gathers on the Square each winter to see it illuminated with dazzling holiday lights. No matter what time of year, the Bentonville Square offers a warm welcome to longtime residents and first-time visitors alike.
1 E. Central Ave. • Bentonville 479-271-9153 • visitbentonville.com
Bobrook Farms and River Bottom Winery
13810 Combee Lane • Roland 501-519-5666 • bobrookfarms.com
BoBrook Farms is a hidden gem — but not a distant one. Located just 15 minutes west of Little Rock in Roland, a trip to BoBrook is an ideal way to enjoy a day in the country a little closer to home. While most know BoBrook for its famous pumpkin patch, which has welcomed scores of pumpkin pickers young and old for the past 15 years, the farm has much more to offer. Home to River Bottom Winery, guests can enjoy live music every weekend and taste more than 20 different wines made right at the farm. From all-ages Easter egg hunts and murder-mystery dinners to local vendor markets and private events, there is plenty of reason to visit BoBrook Farms and River Bottom Winery year-round.
Owners Karen and Bobby Bradford
Astral Spa
Escape to the ultimate wellness retreat at Arkansas’ only Forbes-fourstar-rated spa — and one recently named the No. 12 spa in America and No. 1 spa in Arkansas by Spas of America in its “Top 100 Spas of 2024” showcase. Astral Spa the first new full-service spa to be built in the historic resort town in more than a century. A contemporary, Roaring ’20s-inspired interior evokes the glamour of Hot Springs’ heyday with art deco design details and framed black-and-white photos of glitterati from days gone by. Relax and be pampered by the spa’s professional service team while indulging in luxurious signature treatments. Engage the senses with the vitality pools, heated pool loungers, needle showers and infrared saunas, alongside a robust menu of therapies to please any modern-day spa goer.
2705 Central Ave. • Hot Springs 501-363-4670 • oaklawn.com
Oaklawn Hot Springs
Oaklawn’s eight-story Forbes-recommended hotel offers unparalleled views of the racetrack or surrounding Ouachita Mountains. The resort seamlessly blends high-end finishes with historic touches that allude to its illustrious past. The state’s first casino resort opened in 2021 with gray and navy accommodations that pay homage to the track outside, while imagery throughout the marble-clad corridors showcases notorious Hot Springs visitors like Al Capone and Lucky Luciano. Luxurious amenities include 100 percent cotton Frette bed linens, in-room tablets, quartz vanities with lighted mirrors, rain shower heads and more. Book a trackside room for even more excitement on race days.
2705 Central Ave. • Hot Springs 501-363-4625 • oaklawn.com
Mainline Sports Bar
Come visit Oaklawn’s newest family-friendly sports-themed experience, Mainline Sports Bar at the Oaklawn racing grandstand. Guests can watch their favorite games on one of more than 90 largescreen TVs, and those looking to get in on the action can try their hands at ax throwing or challenge friends to a game of shuffleboard. Mainline Sports Bar also features three Topgolf Swing Suites offering simulated golf, baseball, hockey, soccer and more. Feed your appetite with the best wings in Arkansas, along with burgers, pizza and other classic sports bar fare. Mainline Sports Bar is a watching — and playing — experience like no other.
2705 Central Ave. • Hot Springs 501-363-4770 • oaklawn.com
AY’s Arkansas Treasures
Cockrill’s Country Critters
2703 Ed Haymes Road • Austin 501-351-4521 • cockrillscountrycritters.com
As one of the largest petting zoos in central Arkansas, Cockrill’s Country Critters is on a mission to give children and families unforgettable experiences with a variety of animals. Founded by Janice Cockrill-Griffin and her husband, Eddie Griffin, Cockrill’s serves central Arkansas, Texas and Louisiana, and for guests who cannot host an event at the farm, Cockrill’s can even bring the animals to them with setup taking as little as 15 minutes. From camels and kangaroos to reptiles, miniature cows, lemurs and more, Cockrill’s exposes children to the wonders of creation in a safe, educational environment.
Gadberry Financial Group
425 W. Capitol Ave., Suite 3500 • Little Rock 501-975-7100 • gadberryfg.com
Gadberry Financial Group has forged lifelong relationships with highnet-worth individuals, corporate entities and foundations with the goal of creating wealth for the betterment of the current generation and beyond. As fiduciaries, Gadberry Financial Group works to guide clients through the investment process step by step and help them make wise, informed financial decisions.
Villainess Alchemy
The SPEAKEASY! Lipstick Apotheclass is a bespoke lipstick creation experience in the heart of where goddesses and gangstresses unite: Hot Springs. This is a one-of-kind soiree where guests roll the dice, shuffle the cards and gamble on colors, flavors and finishes. Amid the sultry glow of the Villainess lair, the lipstick “Godmother” initiates her guests as a creatrix, while pigments, shimmers and foils as rich as a mobstress’s vault melt together with flavors inspired by the era — imagine champagne, absinthe and smoked roses. This beauty lair offers intimate, communal seating for up to eight creatrixes per session. It is the cat’s meow. Book a class by texting 501-318-8087 or emailing charlene@bathhousesoap.com.
364 Central Ave. • Hot Springs 501-525-7627 • villainess.net
Dan Fry
Jay Gadberry
Pam Gadberry
Kyle Kullander Levon James
Blue Cake Co.
315 N. Bowman Road • Little Rock • 501-868-7771
6800 Cantrell Road • Little Rock • 501-613-7950 thebluecakecompany.com
This family-owned Little Rock business is renowned for its scratch-made desserts and beautiful baking creations. Whether the occasion calls for a one-of-a-kind wedding cake, precious baby shower petit fours or even a spontaneous box of treats “just because,” Blue Cake Co. makes sweet dreams into mouthwatering realities. The bakery makes it easy to place orders over the phone, online, through DoorDash and over email. See what is available for same-day pickup, put in a custom order ahead of time, or drop by for a take-and-bake pie to finish off at home. There is no wrong way to enjoy the cakes, pies, cookies and more from Blue Cake Co.
Little Rock Zoo
1 Zoo Drive • Little Rock 501-661-7200 • littlerockzoo.com
Nearly a century on, the Little Rock Zoo continues to be one of the capital city’s must-see experiences. More than 400 animals, many of which are threatened or endangered species, call the zoo home. To fulfill its mission of inspiring people to value and conserve the natural world, the zoo provides educational, interactive and engaging experiences for guests of all ages. The historic Over-The-Jumps Carousel and Arkansas Diamond Express Train offer other great ways to keep the kids entertained. As a leader in conservation learning and the only facility in Arkansas accredited by Association of Zoos & Aquariums, the Little Rock Zoo is committed to giving people and animals alike the best experience possible.
The Buttered Biscuit
This locally owned and -operated breakfast restaurant is passionate about scratch-made Southern dishes done right. Founded by Anna and Sam Russell, the Buttered Biscuit began with a dream to bring people together with fresh food that feels like home. Every plate — from fluffy, golden biscuits and house-made butters to jams and savory sausage gravy — is made with care. Gluten-free options such as biscuits and fried chicken make it easy for anyone to enjoy a satisfying meal. The Buttered Biscuit values genuine hospitality, community connection and excellence in every detail. Now serving guests across six locations, including its most recent addition in the Heights in Little Rock, this spot works to make every guest feel right at home one scratch-made dish at a time.
Arkansas Treasures
The Momentary
Located in downtown Bentonville, the Momentary is a venue for the music, art and food of our time. The Momentary is an extension of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and serves as a “living room” where the community gathers to find inspiration, connection and joy. Its commitment to cultivating arts and cultural experiences provides more opportunities for education, engagement and enjoyment in the northwest Arkansas region. The Momentary welcomes all with free general admission. Additional offerings include live music; visual and performing arts; an artist-in-residence program; culinary experiences such as Onyx Coffee Lab and the sky-high Tower Bar; indoor and outdoor gathering spaces; an outdoor festival space and a retail shop.
507 SE E St. • Bentonville 479-367-7500 • themomentary.org
Cosmic Cavern
Between Eureka Springs and Branson lies Arkansas’ largest privately owned show cave, discovered in 1845 and developed in 1927. Cosmic Cavern stays at 64 F and has 96 percent humidity year-round, making it the warmest in the Ozarks and comfortable enough to tour in any season. Couples can even book weddings at the cavern for a truly unique matrimonial experience. What really secures its place as a must-see Arkansas destination, however, are its two “bottomless” lakes, both so deep that their floors have yet to be discovered. The second, the North Lake Passage, is one of the most pristine and untouched views one is likely to encounter.
6386 Arkansas 21 N • Berryville 870-749-2298 • cosmiccavern.com
Cotter Trout Dock
Whether one is an Arkansas native or a visiting outdoor enthusiast, Cotter Trout Dock’s guided fishing trips are an ideal way to drift down the White, North Fork or Buffalo rivers, taking in the scenery and leaving the world’s worries behind. Cotter Trout Dock has been perfecting the art of the fishing float trip since 1954 and is the guide of choice for anglers of all experience levels. Every trip is fully outfitted with everything guests need to enjoy some of the country’s best fishing. Cotter’s well-trained guides are not only full of stories and know-how — they are great cooks to boot. Visitors come from all over to enjoy their famous shore lunches and camp meals.
321 Big Spring Parkway • Cotter 870-435-6525 • ctd@southshore.com • cottertroutdock.com
Chambers Properties
1170 Circle Acres Road • Shirley Chambers Properties • chambers-properties.com
Escape to the Ozarks with Chambers Properties in one of several fully-stocked cabins at Greers Ferry Lake. Each cabin can be enjoyed year-round and boasts vaulted ceilings, wood beams and wood details throughout, plus floor-to-ceiling windows and expansive decks with gorgeous surrounding views. From intimate, couple-friendly cabins to larger spaces for families and groups, each cabin and tree house is designed, built and furnished with care by the Chambers family. Lake access for boating, kayaking and fishing, as well as ATV trails and nearby hiking and golf, ensure ample opportunities for outdoor adventure. Resort-style amenities provide the ideal way to relax at the end of a fun-filled day.
Camp Taco
822 E. Sixth St. • Little Rock 501-353-0884 • camptaco.com
Camp Taco has set up camp in Little Rock’s East Village neighborhood to create a unique place for play, snacks, live music and experiences to rival even the best summer camp memories — with the welcome addition of beer and tequila. Head to Camp Taco to experience experimental smallbatch beers from the award-winning Lost Forty brew crew, expertly crafted cocktails, and an exciting menu featuring tacos, Mexican ramen and house-made pops.
The Elms Lodge
400 W. Elm Plantation Road • Altheimer 501-690-0164 • theelmslodge.com
The Elms Lodge, also known as the Elms Plantation, is a historic landmark located in Altheimer. The 160-year-old historic home sits in the middle of beautiful Delta farmland. Passed down through generations, the Elms Lodge is owned and operated by Kimberly Freeman, making it the largest woman-owned and -operated duck hunting operation in the South. As an idyllic setting with prime duck hunting, the Elms Lodge makes for an unforgettable Southern-style experience.
AY’s Arkansas Treasures
Machine Gun Grotto
Hot Springs’ only indoor firing range and one of the largest gun ranges in the state is conveniently located downtown. Friendly staff help visitors craft their dream shooting experience — like the chance to shoot a 1928 Tommy gun or World War II-style machine gun. The 11-lane range and large conference room is great for family reunions, team building, birthday parties and more, and range safety officers are available to ensure everyone has a good time. Aficionados can bring their own gear, and the upstairs armory has new and preowned firearms and supplies. Beginners and old pros alike are guaranteed to come away with a “machine gun grin” after a trip to the Grotto.
325 Olive St. • Hot Springs 501-701-4373 • Machine Gun Grotto
The Gangster Museum of America
510 Central Ave. • Hot Springs 501-318-1717 • tgmoa.com
Fifty miles southwest of Little Rock lies a sleepy valley in the Ouachita Mountains that is abundant with hot and cold springs. Native Americans believed the water had healing powers and considered the area sacred. Settlers poured in, and hotels and bathhouses were built to accommodate the bathers. Saloons and gambling establishments soon followed and Hot Springs became America’s first resort. While a lot of people came to get in the hot water, some came to get out of hot water. The city became a sanctuary for outlaws, bank robbers and gangland luminaries like Al Capone, Lucky Luciano, Bugsy Siegel, Meyer Lansky, Frank Costello and more. That history is told in vivid detail at the Gangster Museum of America in Hot Springs.
Hammer & Stain Hot Springs
825 Central Ave. • Hot Springs 501-547-9411 • hammerandstainhotsprings.com
Whether one’s definition of a good time includes making a custom hat, crafting a ceramic masterpiece or expressing ideas on canvas, Hammer & Stain Hot Springs can make that dream a reality. The doit-yourself crafting studio is great for bachelorette parties, corporate team-building and more, and customized engraving also makes it a destination for gift shopping. Most items are made in-house, allowing guests to personalize the ideal items for their friends and family. Through workshops, private parties and drop-in sessions, family, friends and strangers find that Hammer & Stain is more than a place to create — it is a place to connect.
Buffalo Camping & Canoeing
1 Frost St. • Gilbert 870-439-2888 • gilbertstore.com
Floating the Buffalo National River is practically a rite of passage in the Natural State. Whether one is a seasoned kayaker or a firsttime floater, Big Ben and the experienced team at Buffalo Camping & Canoeing have everything travelers need to embark on a river adventure. Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of lodging, floating and shuttle options, and all accommodations are within walking distance of the river. The Gilbert General Store is also a historic landmark all its own, established in 1901 and featuring an array of nostalgic Ozark finds. From a quick day trip to a multiday camp and canoe excursion, Buffalo Camping & Canoeing is a floater’s best friend.
Ads paid for by state and Ozark Mountain Region funds
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
The mission of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville is to celebrate the American spirit in a setting that unites the power of art with the beauty of nature. Since opening in 2011, the museum has welcomed more than 13 million visitors across its spaces with no cost for admission. The collection spans five centuries of American masterworks and is enhanced by temporary exhibitions. Crystal Bridges also offers lectures, performances, classes and teacher development opportunities. Additional amenities include a restaurant, gift store, library, and 5 miles of art and walking trails. In 2026, Crystal Bridges will complete a 114,000-square-foot expansion that will allow the museum to expand access for all.
600 Museum Way • Bentonville 479-418-5700 • crystalbridges.org
Best Friends Pet Resource Center
Best Friends Pet Resource Center in Bentonville is communityfocused and designed to bring pets and people together. Visitors can play with adoptable cats in the free-roaming cat rooms and meet adoptable dogs visiting from their foster homes. There is also a vegan cafe, a do-it-yourself dog wash and a pet food pantry, as well as weekly free vaccine and microchip clinics and a host of family-friendly activities. Drop by for a cup of coffee, and visit the cats while enjoying free Wi-Fi service. Bring the kids and participate in hands-on craft activities to benefit shelter pets, or even check out an adoptable dog for the day. Want to get more involved in Best Friends’ life-saving mission? Sign up to volunteer or foster a rescued dog or cat.
Celebrating 75 years of exhilarating opera and the grand opening of its brand-new, multimillion-dollar theater at Inspiration Point — just 5 miles west of historic Eureka Springs — Opera in the Ozarks proudly presents its 2025 summer season June 27 through July 25. Featuring singers and musicians from across the nation, the season’s lineup includes 22 performances of three fully produced operas: Georges Bizet’s Carmen, Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods, and Franz Lehár’s The Merry Widow. A not-for-profit organization, Opera in the Ozarks has been a prominent training ground for young professional artists since 1950. Singers are selected annually from national auditions, and the organization has launched the careers of many talented singers who have gone on to perform in premier opera houses around the world.
16311 U.S. 62 W. • Eureka Springs 479-253-8595 • opera.org
Jones & Son Diamond & Bridal Fine Jewelry is more than a jewelry store — it is an active member of the community. Jones & Son has been a presenting sponsor of the Arkansas Children’s Miracle Ball since 2010 and has served similarly for the 20th Century Club’s Hope Ball and the Angels of Hope program through the years. The store has also spent a decade as a presenting sponsor at the Miss Arkansas Pageant. Jones & Son carries the top bridal and fashion brands on the market and promises unmatched customer service in a friendly, local atmosphere. A commitment to fair prices, quality products and the people it serves makes Jones & Son an Arkansas gem in the truest sense of the word.
11121 N. Rodney Parham Road • Little Rock 501-224-3433 • jonesandson.com
Rock Town Distillery
Nestled in Little Rock’s vibrant SoMa district, Rock Town Distillery is more than just Arkansas’ first grain-to-glass distillery — it is a celebration of local flavor and craftsmanship. Since 2010, Rock Town has earned international acclaim for its award-winning bourbon, rye whiskey, vodka and gin, making it a must-visit destination for spirit enthusiasts and curious adventurers alike. Every bottle at Rock Town tells the story of Arkansas, crafted with locally sourced grains and distilled on-site in small batches. Visitors can explore the artistry behind their premium spirits through immersive distillery tours, guided tastings and expert-led cocktail classes. The cozy cocktail bar serves up signature drinks that showcase their handcrafted spirits, while the gift shop offers take-home treasures and unique Arkansas-inspired gifts. Whether one is savoring award-winning bourbon or learning the secrets of mixology, Rock Town Distillery promises an unforgettable experience.
1201 Main St. • Little Rock 501-907-5244 • rocktowndistillery.com
AY’s Arkansas Treasures
Stetson’s on the White
Stetson’s on the White is the lodging of choice for scores of travelers thanks to its prime location and excellent amenities. A mere 45 yards from the river, Stetson’s log cabin vacation rentals are great for families and group trips, but they also make for a couple’s getaway like no other. Each cabin is fully furnished and offers a river view, a large deck, linens, towels, toiletries, cooking utensils and access to a variety of first-class activities. Whether it is relaxing by the fireplace on a cool evening, cooking out alongside the river or taking a boat out for a spin, Stetson’s on the White has all the makings of a wonderful Natural State trip.
906 Marion County 7002 • Flippin 870-453-8066 • stetsons-resort.com
Museum of Native American History
202 SW O St.• Bentonville 479-273-2456 • monah.org
• Journey 24,000 years into the past at the Museum of Native American History.
• Explore more than 10,000 artifacts across five time periods.
• Shop unique indigenous artisan creations.
• Great for school trips and bus tours.
• Free admission and ample parking Visit MONAH today!
Townsend Spice & Supply
Townsend Spice & Supply in Melbourne is a must-visit destination. Established in 1978 by Richard and Catherine Townsend, Townsend Spice & Supply has a history of providing custom blends and unique seasonings. Previous owner John Hatfield is responsible for many blends still used today. Current owners Shane and Lawson Linn are both involved in everyday operations. Townsend offers a variety of items for all manner of cooking and grilling needs, as well as butcher supplies and everything needed to process meat at home. The store is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and they have an online presence and ship daily. With a rich history and commitment to quality, Townsend spice is a treasure trove for home chefs seeking a wide variety of high-quality spices and blends.
Ads paid for by state and Ozark Mountain Region funds
AY’s Arkansas Treasures
Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge
Nestled in the Ozark Mountains near Eureka Springs, Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge is a haven for big cats and offers an unforgettable experience for visitors. As one of the nation’s largest accredited sanctuaries for rescued exotic animals, TCWR is home to more than 100 tigers, lions, cougars and other wildlife, each with a unique rescue story. Stroll along pathways to witness these majestic animals thriving in spacious, natural habitats. Join the guided tour to learn about the refuge’s mission to provide a lifetime sanctuary for neglected and abused animals while learning the individual histories of each creature that calls Turpentine Creek home. TCWR is an inspiring destination for nature lovers, wildlife advocates and families in search of an adventure, leaving every visitor awed.
239 Turpentine Creek Lane • Eureka Springs 479-253-5841 • turpentinecreek.org
Scott Family Amazeum
Looking for a spring break that lights up the kids’ faces? Head to the Scott Family Amazeum in Bentonville — it is worth the trip. Enjoy hands-on exploration, playful learning and unforgettable moments. From tinkering activities to outdoor play and interactive exhibits, there is something for every curious mind. Spark creativity, embrace messy science fun and make memories together. Bring the family, and the Amazeum will take care of the rest!
1009 Museum Way • Bentonville 479-696-9280 • amazeum.org
Park Plaza
6000 W. Markham St. • Little Rock 501-664-4956 • parkplazamall.com
Opened in 1960 as the first major retail center in what was then west Little Rock, Park Plaza is a dynamic community hub that is iconic to generations of Arkansans. Home to more than 60 retailers – including Dillard’s flagship store – with offerings across fashion, jewelry, specialty goods, home furnishings, dining and personal services, Park Plaza is also the ideal place to find unique local items. Beyond shopping, Park Plaza hosts events year-round, including the annual RazorRock Tailgate, Touch-a-Truck, the Mall Walkers Club, and educational programs with partners such as Museum of Discovery in Little Rock and CHI St. Vincent. With a broad array of exciting retailers and a vibrant calendar of community activities, Park Plaza is a worthwhile visit time after time.
Blending luxury with natural charm just outside Little Rock, the Pine Hill Ranch offers guests the chance to relax, connect and celebrate amid the beauty of a working horse farm. The ranch spans 250 acres and features a small horse barn, rolling pastures, groomed trails and a luxurious lodge. Pine Hill is a premier destination for equine enthusiasts and wellness seekers and an idyllic setting for events and retreats. Starting in October, Pine Hill Ranch will open reservations for its first lodging options at its retreat center. The transition to an immersive full-service experience supports the ranch’s equine wellness retreats and provides a vacation destination for horse lovers from all over the world. 906 Marion County 7002 • Flippin 870-453-8066 • stetsons-resort.com
Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe
Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe has become a cherished part of Arkansas’ food scene under the leadership of the Keet family — Jim, Tommy and Jake. With eight thriving locations across the Natural State, the familyowned enterprise brings fresh, healthy Mediterranean cuisine to local communities. The Keets have built their reputation on a commitment to scratch-made dishes prepared daily with a focus on the quality of every meal they serve. What began as a vision for bringing wholesome Mediterranean fare to Arkansas has blossomed into a beloved local restaurant group. The Keet family’s hands-on approach and dedication to quality are evident in every aspect of their operation. From fresh-cut produce to hand-prepared proteins, each Taziki’s location maintains the same high standards that made their first Arkansas restaurant a success.
Stetson’s on the White
No matter the season, there is great trout fishing to be found on the scenic White River and no better place to do it than at Stetson’s on the White in Flippin. Cabins set right on the river allow guests to start fishing in no time at all, and seasoned guides are available to lend their expertise to first-timers and avid outdoorsmen alike. From family get-togethers to corporate trips, from bank fishing to fly fishing and from rainbow to cutthroat, Stetson’s on the White is the place to be for a world-class fishing experience. There is a reason for the motto, after all: “Think trout — think Stetson’s.”
Tommy, from left, Jim and Jake Keet
Fun Short Drive,BIG
Local destinations offer a great Natural State spring break
By
S
pring break — it is an opportunity to shake off the frost of winter, spread one’s wings and explore new places while spending quality time with family. Such adventures do not have to happen at the beach or some exotic locale, however. The Natural State offers an abundance of rivers, lakes, wooded areas and unique attractions that beckon families outdoors to embrace the beauty of spring.
Whether short on time, saving for a summer vacation or simply curious about the fascinating attractions just around the corner, there are plenty of places to check out new experiences close to home. This is just a sampling of locations where families can make Natural State memories this spring break.
SARAH DECLERK // Photos provided by OZARK MOUNTAIN REGION, MOUNTAIN HARBOR RESORT AND SPA and DAN FEUER, MANAGING EDITOR AT LAKE AREA WEEKLY
THE OZARKS
The Ozarks are one of Arkansas’ most famed outdoor areas for good reason. Winding highways, forgotten towns and dramatic bluffs framing the iconic Buffalo River create a sense of wonder and majesty that draws visitors back time and again.
“I would describe the Ozark Mountain Region to a new visitor as God’s Country,” said Joe DeVito, executive director of the OMR. “The region is full of mountains, rolling hills, lakes, rivers, waterfalls and tons of wildlife.”
Blooming dogwoods herald the spring season, when cool mornings warm to 60 or 70 degree by afternoon and local waterways provide some of the best fishing to be had during the year, he added. Springtime tourists can catch glimpses of deer, elk, turkeys and bald eagles, as well as occasional sightings of river otters, bobcats, coyotes, foxes and black bears.
A trip to the Ozarks is one of the ultimate budget-friendly spring break experiences. DeVito said costs can be minimal if visitors camp and prepare their own food, and there are plenty of attractions that are inexpensive or free.
“So many adventures await,” he said. “Hiking and cycling are perfect at this time of year. Fishing is prime everywhere this time of year. [It is a] great time to sit and sip coffee while you watch the sunrise from your cabin’s porch or lawn chairs at your campsite.”
Norfork Lake in Mountain Home is one of many places to boat and fish in the Ozark Mountain Region this spring.
Beautiful highways such as the Arkansas Scenic 7 Byway make getting to and around the Ozarks a true delight.
The region offers nature-based attractions such as the Arkansas Grand Canyon, Bull Shoals Caverns, Bull Shoals Lake, Norfork Lake, North Fork River, the White River and Horseshoe Canyon Ranch in Jasper, and there are also gems such as the Kenda Drive-In in Marshall.
Last year, Buffalo River Air Tours opened in the area, offering guided flights over the Buffalo National River and surrounding areas, DeVito said. Visitors can access tours in Marshall or Harrison.
Spring offers ideal water levels for floating the Buffalo River and inspiring views of waterfalls flowing at peak levels, DeVito said, plus mild temperatures for hiking the more than 100 miles of trails surrounding America’s first national river.
“All four seasons are great times to visit OMR region,” he added. “Even though it warms up a bit in the summer, it is great, too, for camping, hiking, fishing, boating, floating and sightseeing. Fall brings cooler temps, with beautiful fall foliage arriving between mid-October to early November. Winter still has most days mild enough for hiking, fishing and back-road sightseeing.”
DeVito said there is no problem finding a cabin, resort or Airbnb in the region. Gilbert provides a lovely outpost near the Buffalo River and boasts an art gallery and general store, in addition to camping, cabins, and opportunities for hiking and floating. Stargazing is a must, since Gilbert was one of the first designated Dark Sky Places, DeVito said.
More adventures can be found in Ponca, which he said is a prime spot for viewing elk. The town also offers zip-lining and off-road cycling, as well as a nature center, floating, and cabins and resorts.
Those looking for a traditional hotel need look no further than Mountain Home or Harrison, he said, adding that the larger cities offer mom-and-pop cafes, fine dining and farm-to-table establishments.
Camping spots along the Buffalo River include Steel Creek, Tyler Bend, Dillard’s Ferry and Buffalo Point. DeVito advised campers to dress for the weather, since temperatures can vary throughout the day and drop overnight.
Getting to and around the Ozarks is half the fun, and inspiring drives include Scenic 7, Arkansas 14, Arkansas 21 and Arkansas 43. For even more excitement, check out the Sowbug Roundup in Mountain Home March 27 to 29 and the Chocolate Roll Festival in Marshall, which takes place each March.
MOUNTAIN HARBOR RESORT AND SPA
Lake Ouachita provides a great option for those who hope to spend spring break on the lake. Perhaps one of the easiest and most luxurious ways to spend a vacation at Lake Ouachita is at Mountain Harbor Resort and Spa in Mount Ida, which celebrates its 70th anniversary this year.
“Our guests love just being with each other in a safe environment that inspires bonding and relationships,” said Bill Barnes, owner and CEO. “From family games in Harbor’s courtyard to experiencing the wilderness beauty of Lake Ouachita — Hey, was that a bald eagle I just saw? — the importance of enjoying and strengthening family ties is something Harbor guests have enjoyed and celebrated for almost 70 years.”
He added that the resort offers easy access to about 50,000 acres of pristine water, about 700 miles of mainline shoreline and about 300 miles of island shoreline at the lake, which is owned and operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
“Famous for its legendary fishing, Lake Ouachita is an amazing lake for skiing, tubing or just toolin’ around,” Barnes said. “This is a wilderness lake, and except for the Corps concessions, like Mountain Harbor, there are no homes or construction on the shoreline to spoil its beauty and crystal-clear waters.”
The resort offers accommodations to meet most any need, including signature log-sided cottages, lakeside guest rooms, houses, condos and kitchenette units. For a unique throw-back experience that is budget friendly, check out Joplin Inn, an updated motor lodge that even has an electric vehicle charging station.
Harbor Lodge Restaurant is open seven days a week and serves Southern-style comfort food and weekend
Ozark waterfalls such Twin Falls — also known as “Triple Falls” — flow at peak levels during the spring.
FAIRFIELD BAY
The ideal spring break trip offers something for everyone in the family, from young children and teenagers to parents and grandparents. In that regard, Fairfield Bay is hard to beat. Nestled on the shores of Greers Ferry Lake, Fairfield Bay not only offers most any water sport one can think of but also provides indoor and outdoor attractions to suit most any interest.
“It’s a great place to visit, and it’s a wonderful place to live,” said Syrena Price, marketing coordinator at Fairfield Bay Resort& Community. “Our tagline here is ‘living the life.’ We feel like we’re living the life right here that people dream about.”
With seemingly endless acres of sparkling water and no shortage of coves and islands to explore, Greers Ferry Lake is ideal for boating, canoeing, water skiing, tubing, paddleboarding and more. Fairfield Bay Marina can outfit visitors with motorized and nonmotorized watercraft rentals, and there are plenty of fishing spots around Fairfield Bay, as well.
Hikers and mountain bikers can choose from a variety of gorgeous trails punctuated by one-of-a-kind sights, including Indian Falls Trail, Cobblestone Trail and the Ed Leamond Garden Trail, a peaceful pathway ideal for observing spring flowers.
What really sets the city apart, however, are more than 90 miles of ATV and UTV trails ranging from easy to challenging. ATV Excursions offers guided tours that provide even rookie riders with an exciting experience.
During warm weather, families can swim in the lake, of course, but Price said the city also offers three outdoor pools that are manned during the summer, along with an indoor pool at the Hart Center, which also boasts a hot tub, a sauna, workout equipment and an indoor basketball court.
One of the most unique features of Fairfield Bay is Sugar Loaf Mountain, a picturesque island landmark accessible by boat. Price said the city runs a shuttle boat to and from the island throughout the year. Once there, visitors can hike Sugar Loaf Mountain Nature Trail to catch a birdseye view of the water from Love Rock.
brunch. Barnes recommended the Harbor Burger, hand-cut steaks and craft dinner specials. For a quick treat, the marina — the state’s largest — offers ice cream bars and more.
From guided fishing trips, boating, canoeing and kayaking to volleyball, half-court basketball and tennis courts, families can find much to do at Mountain Harbor. Visitors can spend evenings around the stone fireplace and firepit in the courtyard, Barnes said, adding that the award-winning Turtle Cove Spa is a must-visit.
“While the Lake Ouachita hot stone massage is probably, hands down, our most sought-after experience, you’ll find indulgent facials, body treatments and other services in a unique lake setting with the industry’s most luxurious products,” he said.
The resort offers trail rides, as well, and guests can access nearly 50 miles of hand-cut forest trails on the Lake Ouachita Vista Trail. Also in the area are the Womble Trail and Ouachita National Recreation Trail, which promise hours of outdoor recreation amid natural scenery.
“Hot Springs is just 30 minutes away, with all of the family fun attractions and activities you can imagine,” Barnes said. “We are in the heart of the quartz crystal capital of the world. Local mines offer great family fun where you can mine for your own crystals and learn more about the geology of our unique area.”
Golfers can delight in three golf courses in the area. The 18-hole Indian Hills Golf Resort provides a scenic setting adjacent to the historic Indian Rock Cave and Indian Rock Trail. The resort’s restaurant, the Little Red, boasts some of the best barbecue in the area, Price said. In nearby Drasco, Mountain Ranch Golf Club offers the highly ranked Mountain Ranch and Tannenbaum golf courses.
Fairfield Bay has miniature golf, too, and other sporty activities include tennis, pickleball and disc golf. The city recently remodeled its bowling alley and added a state-ofthe-art arcade center connected to a bar and restaurant, Price said.
Fairfield Bay Lion’s Club offers painting and build-an-animal classes for children, she said, and at the library, youngsters can rent backpacks for activities such as fishing and rock painting.
Club Wyndham Resort and Cobblestone Inn & Suites offer wellappointed accommodations within easy reach of all the activities, and near the marina is a campground fit for both tent camping and recreational vehicles.
The city hosts events year-round that can be found at visitfairfieldbay. com/events. Spring break is undoubtedly a convenient time to visit, but the city also helps beat the heat during the summer, hosts a Christmas Extravaganza for the holidays and comes alive with color each autumn.
“I love spring,” Price said. “Green is my favorite color, and when everything starts turning green, I just love it. It’s so beautiful, but I have decided that I think I like fall almost better than I do spring because the colors here, I’m telling you, they’re just a myriad of colors, and you cannot describe all of the brilliance of them.”
An outdoor pool in Fairfield Bay
Accommodations at Mountain Harbor Resort and Spa
BUFFALO CAMPING & CANOEING
Buffalo Camping & Canoeing has operated since 1970, and all that time has made for scores of precious memories — remember the historic flood of 1982, or catching that trophy bass in ‘95? Maybe it was a grandchild’s first experience with the gentle waters or watching the older kids learn to navigate the river.
Buffalo Camping & Canoeing remembers all these moments and countless more. Established in 1901, the Gilbert General Store is a living landmark. Through its weathered doors lies Big Ben’s curated selection of Ozark antiques, river relics and nostalgic novelties, making it easy to leave the present behind and embrace the timeless beauty and thrill of the Buffalo.
Whether it’s float No. 1, 100 or 1,000, floating with Buffalo Camping & Canoeing means floating with family.
Canoe like it’s 1972 in Gilbert, Arkansas!
NATURE’S LOFT
Nature’s Loft offers a variety of rentals in the middle Buffalo River area. Luxurious yet roomy tree lofts are designed with couples in mind, and the modern rustic cabins at Brush Creek offer families a cabin stay without sacrificing luxury. For more privacy and spa amenities, try the adult-only Mudita Vacation Spa. Nature’s Loft retreats are centrally located to everything the Buffalo River has to offer.
SEARCY
spring travel
Arkansans got their snow fix in midJanuary, when some areas received as much as 10 inches of the powdery stuff. Of course, February in the Natural State often supplies the most winter weather of all months. Spring beckons from just around the corner, however, and we await word from Punxsutawney Phil about the details of its arrival. Regardless, the time is nigh to begin planning for spring travel.
Spring Break Close to Home
By MARK CARTER
Arkansas is home to a multitude of topnotch staycations, but sometimes one needs to stretch the legs, and surrounding states have long provided Natural State travelers with enticing options.
Looking to get out of town and state for a quick spring break trip? Keep reading for a look at six destinations that may fly under the radar when Arkansans look at spring travel but offer anything a traveler could want for an outstanding spring getaway.
NASHVILLE: THE GAYLORD OPRYLAND
Nashville has grown into what many consider the jewel of the South, and Opryland in the home of country music is about as iconic as it gets. The Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center sits on the banks of the Cumberland River in downtown Nashville and provides easy access to the Grand Ole Opry, the legendary Ryman Auditorium and the Gen. Jackson Showboat.
A straight shot up Interstate 40, Nashville in north central Tennessee represents roughly a five-hour drive from Little Rock.
The Gaylord may be the city’s best-known hotel, and it offers a multitude of opportunities to treat oneself. Of course, they begin with Opryland itself, the show that helped propel country and western music into the American mainstream. The Ryman Auditorium still buzzes nightly with performances from newcomers, chart-toppers and living legends.
The Gaylord Springs Golf Links, an 18hole, par-72 Scottish links-style course carved from the banks of the Cumberland, are bordered by federally protected wetlands, and guests at the resort enjoy free access.
The European-inspired Relâche Spa offers massages, body treatments, facials, manicures, pedicures, salon services and more.
SoundWaves is an upscale water park offering thrilling slides, a lazy river, a children’s play structure and cabanas for relaxation, among other amenities.
Plus the Gaylord Opryland offers a signature nightly light show, which can be viewed from the resort’s atrium or from the balcony of select atrium-view guest rooms. The show is harmonized to music and considered a not-to-be-missed activity at Opryland. Nightly shows begin at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.
The resort also offers rides on the Delta Riverboats, which take passengers down a scenic river that runs through a 4.5-acre indoor garden; a virtual safari with 12 endangered animals hidden throughout the resort waiting to be found by guests; and the Gen. Jackson Showboat, which cruises down the Cumberland, offering some of the best views of the Nashville skyline. The 300-foot paddleboat is one of the largest of its kind in the country. Cruises include a Southern-style meal and a live musical show. Midday and evening dinner cruises are available.
For more information, visit gaylordhotels.com.
For a Florida getaway convenient to picturesque beaches and neat attractions, check out Perdido.
PERDIDO:
FLORIDA’S LOST KEY
On any given spring or summer afternoon the Redneck Riviera, that stretch of beach along the Gulf “of America” coast, is home to multitudes of vacationing Razorbackers.
For those Arkansans wanting to hold off on Destin, 30A and other Florida hotspots further down the coast, Perdido Key represents the Sunshine State’s front porch. Offering all the same attractions and activities to be found in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach or Pensacola, Perdido Key is all that yet is much more accessible.
About a 10-hour drive from central Arkansas, Perdido Key offers access to the beautiful white beaches that make the coast from Fort Morgan to Panama City Beach so popular.
Aside from access to some of the country’s best beaches, Florida’s “lost key” offers a multitude of family activities, including dining, shopping and outdoor recreation.
Like being on the water? Name a water sport, and Perdido has it, including chartered fishing trips, dolphin tours, snorkeling and pontoon rentals.
For inland adventurers, Perdido offers access to the nearby National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Pensacola Lighthouse
& Maritime Museum, a host of golf courses, kids parks and more.
One cannot visit Perdido without a trip to the iconic Flora-Bama Lounge, Package, & Oyster Bar, located right on the beach just on the Gator side of the Florida-Alabama state line. With casual dining, live music, shopping and other attractions, the Flora-Bama is a popular spot that regular visitors frequent with each trip.
The Lost Key Golf Club in Perdido includes its own hotel and is one of many courses in the area. The par-71, 18-hole course was redesigned by Arnold Palmer Design Co. in 2006 and was the first golf course in Florida to be certified as an Audubon International Silver Signature Sanctuary.
For more information about what to do or where to stay in Perdido Key, go to visitperdido.com.
Country fans can experience Nashville in style at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center.
GREENWOOD: THE HEART OF THE DELTA
The Greenwood that helps anchor the north end of the Arkansas River Valley may be a football factory these days, but there is another Greenwood close by that increasing numbers of Arkansans have discovered.
Greenwood, Mississippi, located in the heart of the Mississippi Delta about 96 miles north of Jackson and 130 miles south of Memphis, is an under-the-radar getaway spot for those who want to immerse themselves in the culture of the Delta.
Greenwood’s historic downtown is home to restaurants and shops, as well as the boutique Alluvian Hotel built by the hometown corporation Viking Range in 2003 to help drive tourism in the area. It includes a destination spa, a cooking school and a restaurant.
Greenwood also is home to Mississippi Blues Trail markers at the site of the former WGRM radio station, where the legendary bluesman B.B. King made his first live broadcast in 1940. Nearby find the gravesite of blues pioneer Robert Johnson, the site of the old Elks Lodge which served as an important Black organization and a spot on the Yazoo River dedicated to another famous hometown blues guitarist, Hubert Sumlin.
The city’s Grand Boulevard was once named one of America’s 10 most beautiful streets by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Garden Club of America. In 1950, 1,000 oak trees were planted along the street.
The city that bills itself “The Heart of the Delta” has a strong Hollywood connection as well. Not only is it the hometown of iconic actor Morgan Freeman; it served as the filming location for the 2011 movie The Help
For more information about what to do and see and where to stay in Greenwood, go to visitgreenwood.com.
FORT WORTH: THE ‘UNEXPECTED CITY’
When Arkansans think of the DallasFort Worth metroplex, the images that come to mind generally revolve around Big D. The western anchor of the metroplex, however, takes a back seat to no one.
Billing itself as the “unexpected city” and the “modern west,” Fort Worth packs a punch beginning with the famous Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District, complete with original brick walkways and wooden corrals.
Cool events include the Fort Worth Herd, the world’s only twice-daily cattle drive. The Herd was created in 1999 as part of the city’s sesquicentennial celebration,
Step behind the scenes of iconic film and radio in Greenwood, Miss.
and it entails a herd of 17 Texas longhorns (older Hog fans, look away), each steer representing one decade of Fort Worth’s past. A team of drovers dressed in authentic 19thcentury attire lead the cattle into the Stockyards twice a day. The first Fort Worth Herd in 1999 drew 15,000 spectators.
The district is filled with activities, events and must-see sights, including year-round championship rodeo at the historic Cowtown Coliseum; the Stockyards Museum in the historic Livestock Exchange Building; and cannot-miss hotspots. They include Billy Bob’s Texas, the world’s largest honky tonk, and classic saloons the Rhinestone Saloon, the Cantina Cadillac, Pearl’s Saloon, PR’s Saloon and the White Elephant Saloon.
The Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure turns downtown and the Stockyards neighborhood into giant game boards, combining the excitement of The Amazing Race with a city tour that uncovers hidden gems. Players are guided from any smart phone, and the hunt is available from sunrise to sunset 365 days a year. The annual Django Reinhardt Festival FW celebrates the late, great classical guitarist with three nights of film, music and ambience.
Fort Worth also is home to the legendary Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, the Texas Motor Speedway, the Fort Worth arts, opera and music festivals, and the Lone Star Film Festival.
With several high-quality arts museums and even Power 4 college sports at hometown Texas Christian University, Fort Worth has more to offer than many may realize.
Any trip to DFW is incomplete without a few days in Fort Worth. For more information about what to do and see, visit fortworth.com.
A chance to see the Fort Worth Herd is just one reason to visit the lively Texas city.
SAN ANTONIO: TEX-MEX, MISSIONS AND MORE
The Alamo and River Walk are two of San Antonio’s biggest attractions, and for good reason. Each is worthy of its own vacation plans, but the nation’s seventh-largest city offers so much more. As the Tex-Mex capital of the world, San Antonio is a must-visit for foodies, and the city has a vibrant arts scene.
The undisputed star attraction of the city is the Alamo, which has a stirring backstory of the historic 1836 battle that made Davy Crockett a household name. An UNESCO World Heritage Site, the former mission is located right downtown and represents one of the country’s most iconic buildings. Inside, visitors will find interactive tours and exhibits and even a living history encampment. The Alamo is undergoing renovation but remains open, and admission is free.
The iconic River Walk, winding along the San Antonio River downtown, features food, drink, shopping and plenty of attractions to keep a family on the move. Must-see stops on the River Walk include Selena Bridge, named for the late, beloved Tejano singer Selena Quintanilla; the Red Tunnel known for its eye-popping color and striking architectural features; the La Villita Historic Arts Village; and the Arneson River Theatre.
Learn about San Antonio’s historic missions, built between 1718 and 1731, at San Antonio Missions National Historic Park; catch the NBA’s Spurs at the Frost Bank Center; or take in college or UFL pro football at the Alamodome.
More information is available at visitsanantonio.com.
Remember the Alamo? Visitors certainly will not forget a trip to San Antonio.
BRANSON: THE NEARBY NEIGHBOR
Arkansans could be forgiven for feeling as though Branson and its environs were a part of the Natural State. Just over the border and nestled into the Missouri version of the Ozarks, Branson speaks Arkansas as much as any Natural State attraction.
From outdoor activities in the hills, on the lakes or at middle America’s great amusement park, Silver Dollar City, to indoor fun at any of Branson’s Vegas-like theaters or the plethora of dining and shopping opportunities available, Branson always delivers.
When it comes to food, that is especially the case. With so much to do, see and eat in Branson, it may be easy to miss some of the best the city has to offer. That includes Mr. Gilberti’s Place in nearby Hollister.
Mr. Gilberti’s has been dishing out genuine Chicago-style pizza for 64 years. Why have deep dish mail-ordered from Lou Malnati’s in the Windy City when Mr. Gilberti’s is so close? Wayne Gilberti started in his family’s pizzeria on Chicago’s north side. He and his wife, Susan, brought the family’s authentic pies to Branson in the 1990s, and Mr. Gilberti’s quickly be-
came one of Branson’s best-kept secrets. The Gilbertis eventually sold the business, but the new owners kept everything the same, including all the old family recipes.
When one is not eating in Branson, the more than 100 live shows in town make for entertaining options. Dinner shows are available at the Showboat Branson Belle, Dolly Parton’s Stampede, the Hughes Brothers Theatre, the Shepherd of the Hills Farm and more.
Do not forget Silver Dollar City, a theme park, water park, resort, dinner cruise and campground all rolled into one. Located on 61 acres just off Table Rock Lake, Silver Dollar City is open from March to November and dressed up to show what an authentic 1880s Ozarks village looked like. The park annually attracts between 2 million and 3 million visitors, many from Arkansas.
For more about what to do and see in Branson, visit explorebranson.com.
With shows and attractions galore, Branson is a prime vacation spot just above the state line.
Songs of
Praise
Winter Jam headed for Simmons Bank Arena
By
JUSTINA PARKER // Photos courtesy of WINTER JAM TOUR
NewSong
Created by the Christian brand NewSong almost 30 years ago, Winter Jam has become the largest annual Christian music tour in the country. Arkansas audiences will once again get to experience the event during a stop on its 2025 Tour. The all-ages concert will play North Little Rock’s Simmons Bank Arena March 14.
The event remains one of the best values in music, since promoters have continued to work to keep ticket prices low. A $15 donation at the door gets fans access to 10 bands, and a range of available Jam Nation passes allows various upgraded perks, such as early entrance, swag, exclusive artist Q&A and various concert items.
Performing artists include Skillet, Anne Wilson, KB, Colton Dixon, NewSong, Micah Tyler, speaker Zane Black and more. All artists perform every night of the show, making the run time about 3 1/2 hours.
Many youth groups and Christian music followers have been longtime regulars of the tour through the years.
“I remember seeing my favorite bands Relient K and Switchfoot at Winter Jam 20 years ago,” said Arkansas native Lauren Greenleaf. “We begged my dad to take our youth group because we were so excited about them being headliners that year. I always look forward to seeing the lineup each year and still think it’s such a fun event for everyone to attend. The price staying low is a big factor in so many people being able to go. I’m thankful they continue to come to Little Rock each year.”
Asked about his favorite part of Winter Jam, NewSong co-founder Eddie Carswell said, “There’s a lot of my favorite things about it. I look forward to seeing a lot of the people I work with annually when planning and seeing people hear about Christ and what he’s doing in our lives and what he wants to do in their lives.
“We often go back to the same cities and have gotten to know the people that work in those venues. We bring in breakfast and lunch for the artists the day of the show and offer the employees the opportunity to eat with us so it becomes a big reunion.”
Skillet lead singer John Cooper echoed those sentiments when reflecting on his favorite part of the tour.
“We first became part of Winter Jam in 2008. It’s always felt like a big family,” he said. “The camaraderie among the artists is a huge part of it. It’s so diverse, and fans get all sorts of pop, rock, rap and gospel music. It speaks to the diversity in the Christian music market and the fact that we can all come together and introduce fans to music they may not have heard before because it’s not in their go-to genre.”
Skillet has headlined periodically since its first performance at the festival.
“In 2008, we had our album Comatose, but it was more of an underground album,” Cooper said. “It wasn’t played on the radio a lot but was big on Myspace and selling successfully. It’s been hard work for our family to
Skillet
Anne Wilson
tour together. We just released a book that tells our whole story, and as I looked through old photos, I remembered how hard it was, traveling with a newborn. It was so exhausting but amazing.
“My daughter got married six months ago, so she’s off the road with us. She actually had the Skillet production crew throw flower petals at her wedding to ‘Back in Black’ with black sunglasses and black suits. Our son graduated from high school, as well, so this is our first season without kids touring with us in a long time. That’s playing a role in our rebirth, as well.”
Fans may be wondering what they can expect from this year’s Winter Jam that is different from years past. In addition to NewSong performing, Carswell said the variety of artists is always a highlight.
“This year, we have a really solid lineup. You’re not going to want to skip any artist, and we do a pre-jam party each night that may be a lesser-known band, but oftentimes, they end up on the main stage next year because they gain popularity throughout the tour.”
Cooper said Skillet has some new things in store for the crowd, as well.
“We changed our set list and production for this tour in a way that we haven’t done in six or seven years, so it’s an updated Skillet,” he said. “We’ll be playing songs off our new album, Revolution, but also the classics the fans love, as well. It’s exciting.”
Both musicians said Christian artists are enjoying an uptick in popularity these days, building back from the halcyon attendance days of 2011, when Winter Jam reported more than half a million people in attendance at their events. Those numbers outshined artists such as Bon Jovi, U2, Lady Gaga and Justin Bieber.
“
The Christian music business is strong, and we’re trying to present it in an honest way that encourages the body of Christ and the opportunity to show people how to come closer to him.
— Eddie Carswell, NewSong
Colton Dixon
“We were knocked down a bit with COVID[-19], but we’ve seen growth each year since,” Carswell said. “We have some really great new artists in the industry, but we have a lot of household names that people look forward to seeing. The Christian music business is strong, and we’re trying to present it in an honest way that encourages the body of Christ and the opportunity to show people how to come closer to him.”
Cooper said current events are also driving more people to embrace the messages of Christian music.
“All over the nation, expanding religion and politics, there seems to be a recognition that things aren’t going great,” he said. “Whether that’s through social media or school shootings, there’s a feeling that we need to try something new. People are having religious discussions for the first time ever.
“I’ve always believed the thing that can change evil is a recognition of God and what we’re willing to stand for. Our new record is about loving people again and not judging people on petty things. We’re excited to share that.”
Authenticity is another factor in the music’s popularity and the success of events such as Winter Jam. As bands that have stayed consistently on message over long periods of time, Skillet and NewSong have enjoyed undying loyalty from their fans.
“We went to a high school and did a concert that had a huge response to the gospel. After seeing that happen, we came home and decided to quit our jobs and do this full time,” Carswell said. “We did concerts for love offerings and watched it continuously grow. We all started in different day jobs, some involving church ministry. We still do a meeting with the youth pastors that bring groups into the tour before the show each night to hear from the artists and pray over the show and their students.”
“I’ve always believed the thing that can change evil is a recognition of God and what we’re willing to stand for. Our new record is about loving people again and not judging people on petty things. We’re excited to share that.
— John Cooper, Skillet
“Next year will be the official 30year anniversary of Skillet as a band. I never expected us to be a household name at all, much less one 30 years later,” Cooper said. “I always joke by telling people we’re the biggest-selling band you’ve never heard of. We came from such humble beginnings and thought we’d play for as long as we could, maybe five years, but we’ve grown so much, and we’re coming into our rebirth era the past few years since releasing our first independent record.”
To the band’s fans, who dub themselves Panheads, Cooper added, “We still see a lot of devoted fans. We’re being authentic and something about that gives people hope through our song lyrics and the spiritual vibes drawing them to God. We’ll always play some of their favorites.”
In order to keep prices affordable, the tour has major sponsors, including World Vision International. Cooper said the low ticket price is meant to encourage people of all backgrounds, especially families, to attend.
“Winter Jam is an amazing event for families to attend,” he said. “We need more places in the world that are fun for all ages. Even if you’re not religious, it’s a safe and affordable place to bring the whole family.”
For more information about Winter Jam, visit jamtour.com.
AR&B
Black entertainers help define the sounds of the state
In its food, its politics, its people and its culture, perhaps no single state better represents the triumphs and foibles of the United States at this moment in history than Arkansas. Its struggles are a microcosm of problems coast to coast; its wins are the fruits of the American Dream that people everywhere seek to emulate along with a generous spirit from which the nation was born and grew into what is considered the most influential and benevolent on the planet. In short, Arkansas is America.
The state’s remarkable musical legacy is, in no small way, a leading proof of that fact. From Delta blues to metal and country to R&B, Arkansas has produced or greatly influenced some of the seminal figures of American music.
Last month AY About You profiled several rising artists on the country side of the ledger, musicians who, on stages small and grand, continue to carry the state’s legacy forward.
This February, in recognition of Black History Month, we profile four exceptional musicians of color. These outstanding individuals are lending their own unique spin to the world of entertainment, a field that today transcends mere musical genres to include pursuits in acting, social media influence, brand building, activism and other areas of entrepreneurism.
The talented quartet features individuals reaching people on the national radar, locally and even in the classroom. It is not an exhaustive roster, obviously, but a representative one reinforcing the unique voices that continue to grow out of the mystical Arkansas landscape.
To all who harbor similar dreams and talents, AY About You salutes you
Smooth OperatorBijoux
By DWAIN HEBDA // Photo by DAZZMIN MURRY
Little Rock chanteuse Bijoux can remember the moment she woke up to the power of her musical talent, and it was not as early as one might think. Although she had been immersed in a musical household and singled out throughout her growing up for choirs and other performances, it did not sink in that her musicality was a gift.
“I’ve always been very book smart, but street smarts were at an all-time low,” she said. “I signed up for choir, ninth grade, my first time ever singing in front of people. It never occurred to me that I was talented, I just assumed that I was getting picked for ensembles and solos because I was being a good student.”
Bijoux’s laid-back view of music did not change until she started singing professional gigs in college and only then after a fellow musician, Oliver Thomas, a bass player in the Rodney Block Collective, sat her down for some straight talk.
“All of a sudden, I’m showing up to sing, and I’m getting paid, and I’m just, you know, bopping through life,” she said. “One day, O.T. was like, ‘You need to take this seriously. People came out here to see you.’ I was like, ‘No, they didn’t,’ and he looked at me with all the severity that he could muster, and he said, ‘Bijoux, yes, they did. People got dressed up and paid their money and came out here to see you, and you need to take it seriously.’
“It’s not that I wasn’t being serious about the material; it’s that I wasn’t being intentional about that seriousness. That was an epiphany for me, literally, in that moment.”
been an avid reader or you get into a TV series and you just feel encapsulated by everything, and then one day it’s over, and you do it again with the next series, that’s kind of how I approach songs.”
Bijoux’s attention to a song’s lyrics provided one more illustrative building block of musical expression.
“Shout out to Mariah Carey, who was very consistent about putting vocabulary words in her music. There was something about interpreting her music for myself as a kid,” she said. “When I was growing up, rap was storytelling. To hear those stories and understand them, interpret them but not internalize it was something I became well practiced at. I’ll put it that way.”
For Bijoux, music has always been within easy reach. Her parents immigrated from Cameroon in west Africa and not only brought with them their native music genres but a love for other forms of music, from the sacred to various American popular styles.
“My mom sang in church, so there were hymns,” she said. “There was various folk music growing up: makossa, which is like the west African version of reggae, and also what I call American folk music, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Simon & Garfunkel. Listened to a lot of Dolly Parton, and my dad loves Kris Kristofferson. That’s what played in my house almost exclusively. The only R&B I ever heard at home were the Isley Brothers and Anita Baker.”
Once she had her musical epiphany, Bijoux was able to tap into this mix of styles and, combining it with her own penchant for study, began to learn how to take jazz and soul and make them her own through phrasing and expression.
“My interpretation, first, is imitation,” she said. “Growing up singing by myself, nobody explained to me the mechanics of singing. In my mind, I was like, well, if you sound exactly like the person on the record, then you’re doing a good job, so I learned how to very easily emulate, and I got really good at exactly replicating that thing that other people were doing.
“I was also a bookworm, and I’m used to being thrust into some fantasy where I don’t even know where it’s going until we get there. If you’ve ever
The final element in any Bijoux performance is each individual audience’s energy. Never quite knowing what a performance holds in store not only keeps the gig interesting but invariably reveals nuances in song delivery that change with each retelling. It is then, she said, that she finds music at its most enjoyable.
“When I think about somebody like Celine Dion performing, who might do 16 cities and sing the songs the same way every city, I think about how boring and monotonous that would be for me,” she said. “The work that I do is based a lot on improvisation and energy in the room. We play the songs differently. The interpretation is different. To cut a record and then release the record and then sing it for the rest of my life, I was just disinterested in that.”
Fortunately, she has gained plenty of opportunities to pursue projects that indulge her love of live performance and showcase her talent in interesting ways. Recently, she appeared at Pops on the River with her mates in the Rodney Block Collective, sang some Christmas compositions in the style of Ella Fitzgerald with the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, and appeared in A Very Merry Motown Christmas at the Arkansas Repertory Theatre, as well as other theatrical productions.
Today, she manages the nonprofit Healthy Families America to pay the bills, working with pregnant and parenting families of children younger than 3 while letting the universe drift musical opportunities her direction. She does not know exactly what those will be, she said, so she stays open to everything and grateful for all things.
“I have been very, very fortunate a theory I have keeps working for me, and that is luck favors the prepared,” she said, “so if I prepare and prepare and prepare, and then I get an opportunity, my plan is to always do the absolute best I can. What normally ends up happening is once I get one opportunity, I continue to get them.
“It is never lost on me that people keep coming to see me, and I like to be careful to remind people I know that. My life wouldn’t be as fun if it wasn’t for the people of my hometown.”
arts & culture
Count me in
By DWAIN HEBDA // Photo by KATIE CHILDS
Rodney Block, founder and front horn of the Rodney Block Collective, never wanted to play trumpet. The Dumas native had his eye on the trombone, but the pragmatism that reigned in his childhood household had other ideas.
“My older brother started off in band, and he played the trumpet. My parents purchased his brand-new trumpet. My brother stuck with it, I think, for a year, and then he gave it up,” Block said. “My parents told me, well, if you’re going to play in the band, you’re going to play your brother’s trumpet. They were not going to buy another instrument.
“I really wanted to play trombone, but since I had to play trumpet, I told my younger brother, ‘Hey, when you get in band, tell the band director you want to play trombone.’”
Block’s plan to co-opt his preferred instrument off his brother Tyrone backfired because of talent. Both became so proficient on their respective brass that they landed music scholarships at the University of Arkansas at Monticello, from which both would go on to becone professional musicians.
In Rodney Block’s case, that meant forming the Rodney Block Collective, one of the more famous groups in Arkansas playing a mix of soul, R&B and jazz. More recently, he formed other groups, Rodney Block and the Love Supreme, the Rodney Block Trio, and all-female band Bernie Luvz.
“There’s definitely a different repertoire in different fields for each group,” he said. “The Rodney Block Collective, we pretty much do everything. That’s my main ensemble. That’s the band that you’re going to see at corporate gigs, weddings, at festivals. Rodney Block and the Love Supreme is more of a younger kind of hip. We’re doing some popular music. We’re doing grooves. It’s geared toward a younger listener. The Rodney Block Trio is straight jazz.”
outside of my parents, I would say she was the one that really got us excited and made a huge impact.”
Block’s musical horizons expanded from there with each chapter of his development. After college, during which he and Tyrone were routinely called upon to play for campus functions and special events, Block took a job at the admissions office at the University of Kansas, a short drive from Kansas City. There, he took in all the touring acts he could while gigging smaller venues as part of Four Man Jam, a local group. During a brief career stop in New Mexico, he played with a Latin-infused group, and he brought all of those influences back home to Arkansas.
That two successful musicians would come from a community the size of Dumas, where formal instruction was limited and exposure to performance even more so, is impressive bordering on the unlikely. Block said he and his brother were immersed in music through church, where they crossed paths with an important mentor, the late Lawanna Hunt-Walker, the minister of music at West Dumas Church of God in Christ.
“Gospel music is my first love. I love all kinds of music, but gospel music is my first love,” Block said. “We had so much fun playing music in school, but then to go to church and play the latest gospel song in the church band, I mean, we had a great time.
“[Hunt-Walker] taught me and my brother and countless young people about music, and she would teach us parts and dynamics. We were in the school band, learning, you know, scales and the fundamentals of our instrument, but she taught us how to use our ears. She took us places where we could hear music and hear other artists and hear their musicianship on their respective instruments. She was very impactful;
The Rodney Block Collective not only refers to this diversity of sound but the changing cast of players that have come in, gone out and, in some cases, come back.
“When I think of collective, I think individuals coming together,” he said. “They’re all professionals, all standalone, you know, and they do their own thing. They can front their own ensemble if they want to, but we get together, and it’s just this group of like-minded professionals good at their craft. We’re getting together to share great music.”
One of the things that has sustained Block through the years and now allows him to earn a living solely through his music has been his connection with audiences, he said. The group worked steadily throughout the COVID-19 pandemic by throwing porch parties in neighborhoods, and Block does not miss an opportunity to connect with the audience in other ways.
“I’m really not one of those musicians where you play on stage and then let me go back to my green room, I don’t want to talk to anybody,” he said. “I love being able to meet people and shake their hand and look them in the eye and say, ‘Hey, thank you for coming to hang out tonight.’ I love making connections, whether it’s sharing music or building relationships, you know? People remember that. They remember the experience, and I think it has just definitely contributed to our success.”
Block entered 2025 with new music in mind, compilations he said are inspired by the state’s rich and varied musical history, as well as turning on the next generation to their musical heritage.
“I’m working on new music right now, and my goal is to have a new album out by April,” he said. “I’m excited about more collaborations because I like all types of music. I’m excited to collaborate with some of the country and western artists that we have here, some Afrobeat musicians, hip-hop musicians.
“In February, we’re also going to be in some of the area schools in southeast Arkansas, doing these mini-concerts that are kind of tailored around Black history. We’re going to highlight Arkansas musicians who’ve had a huge impact on music. I’m really excited about going into the schools and sharing that and talking about what it means to be a musician but also, ultimately, being the best person that you can be.”
Visionary The
By DWAIN HEBDA // Photo courtesy of MAC ROYALS
Mac Royals’ moment on The Voice came early in his appearance on the 2023 version of the singing reality show competition. A few bars into his rendition of John Mayer’s “Gravity,” all four judges’ heads spun, and their chairs followed, each lobbying for the Wrightsville native to join their respective stables.
Judge Reba McEntire was among them, and she, along with much of the rest of America, was shocked when Royals chose the country legend over judges with a more direct connection to his soulful musical genre.
Back home in Arkansas, Royals chuckled at the memory of McIntire’s stunned face, saying he knew all along who he would choose and why, if given the chance.
“As a child, my grandmother was, like, legitimately my best friend,” he said. “Where I lived in Wrightsville, I stayed in a mobile home, and on the property that I lived on, my grandmother also lived on that same property. I literally saw my grandmother every single day. When I used to get off of the bus after school, you know, my mother would still be at work, and my grandmother is the one that would get me and my cousin Daniel off the bus.
“One of the things that, you know, we bonded over, me and my grandmother, was television. The Reba show used to be one of the shows that my grandmother absolutely loved. My grandmother thought that Reba was one of the funniest women on the planet; she used to say, ‘I just like that little old redheaded girl.’”
Caught up in that memory, Royals echoed the laughter he heard so often from his late grandmother. Choosing McEntire was his way of connecting with his roots, if not musically, on a much deeper and more spiritual level.
“If I’m being completely transparent, I pretty much knew already that Reba probably had no idea what to do with my artistry,” he said. “I was like, ‘I’m going to do it anyways.’ I’ve always been a risk-taker, always, which is why I’ve been in so many of these amazing situations. I was like you know what? I’m going to go to Reba, and I don’t know what I’m going to learn, but I mean, she’s the queen of country. I’m sure she could teach me something.
“She did — not necessarily vocally, but she made me really realize that it’s OK to just be, you know, just from the country, just be who you are. You know what I mean? Like, don’t get into this industry and try to change the person that you are.”
What Royals is, frankly, is a mosaic artist anointed with a silky-smooth voice and a boldness to fashion himself in the model of his role models in music, entertainment and business. If his star turn on Season 24 of The Voice felt familiar, it is because it was a musical second helping following his come-from-nowhere TV debut on American Idol in 2014, when he bowled over judges with an a capella audition built around Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition.”
One could be forgiven for not connecting the career dots; a decade younger and still appearing under his given name of Malcolm Allen, about the only thing that binds the two moments is the talent. The evolution and maturity that has followed as his career has blossomed over subsequent years is striking even to the man himself.
“Was I ready? Absolutely not,” he said of the American Idol experience. “The experience was so much different for The Voice in comparison to Idol. I was still a kid; the first time that I ever got on an airplane was to go to Hollywood [for the competition].
“Musically, I continued to grow. My vocal ability got better, but what is overall better was the fact that I matured as a person, and that just goes back to my mom. I was raised in
the manner that it was a lot easier for me to stay really grounded. Even when I was in those spaces, I never let it, like, just swallow me. I just was never that person.”
Royals’ sense of self is never more apparent than when he is talking about where he wants his career to go and how he wants it to reflect on where he comes from. Known for his outspoken love for his home state, he is investing in the youth of Arkansas through his nonprofit 365 Arts Foundation.
“When I moved to L.A., I saw all of these programs for children, all of these musical schools,” he said. “Coming from a place like Wrightsville, Arkansas, there weren’t a significant amount of people that I saw who lived the lifestyle that I wanted to live. One of the only fine art schools that we had here in the city at that time was Booker Arts Magnet [in Little Rock], and now it’s no longer in operation. It made me so sad. It genuinely hurt my heart because these babies deserve an opportunity to go to a place that can mold their creativity in a positive manner.
“The purpose of 365 Arts Foundation is to create diverse opportunities for students of the arts so that they can realize a lot earlier than I did that they have the capacity to take their art and do whatever they choose to with it.”
Professionally, Royals is looking for big things out of 2025, including releasing his first EP to continuing to branch out into other businesses, from fragrance to fashion to food.
“The Mac Royals brand that I’m building is essentially what you think about when you see the word ‘royal.’ You think about luxury, right?” he said “The brand I’m pushing is all things luxury, you know? I see music just as my introduction, but my overall level of business sense is that of a real entrepreneur. I’ve got a go-getter spirit, and I’m determined to one day be one of the richest Black men to ever come out of Arkansas.”
arts & culture
Rojay Moore
Leader of the band
By DWAIN HEBDA // Photo by STEVE LEWIS
Musician, educator and author Rojay Moore has a plan for music to take over the lives of his current and future students — by any means necessary.
Moore, a 20-year music educator from North Little Rock, is in his third year as director of bands at Jacksonville North Pulaski School District. During that time, he has revived the once-proud program, as well as birthed the nonprofit RockTown Community Performing Arts, which places an emphasis on jazz studies and performance, along with other groups focusing on teens and leadership for young males.
Everything he has done during his oneman crusade to promote harmony through melody over the past two decades, he has done with the unyielding belief in the salvific power of music.
“I told my students the other day: In 2025, there really is no excuse for failure,” he said. “You have everything at your fingertips because of technology. You’re able to research things. You’re able to listen to musicians. You’re able to watch a person play and demonstrate how to improve on your instrument.
“So the exposure is there, but whether or not they’re tapping into the right mediums or the right resources, I still see them struggle. I think they’re more distracted, with the advancement of technology, and it’s limiting and restricting how much they explore the arts, even through social media.”
Moore said the issue becomes compounded when opportunities for live instruction or performance are limited, a condition he sees locally.
“I find we are still behind here in Arkansas in terms of exposing kids to what music is all about,” he said. “There’s a level of exposure, but it’s not what you would get in Louisiana or in Atlanta, Georgia, or in Texas or in Memphis, you know? The musical culture is just much broader there.
“What we’re trying to do is incorporate grassroots music programs at the elementary level, and I’m trying to start an initiative here where we give them basic instruments, lightweight instruments made of plastic, that are designed for younger kids. I want to do something like that just to get something in their hands to expose them to music early.”
Moore’s own passion for music developed growing up in a household infused with music and musicians in all directions.
“I grew up in the church, in the Black Baptist church in North Little Rock, and I got a lot of experience with gospel music, blues sounds, jazz and soul. That was always in my blood,” he said. “My brother and sister played in the band initially, but that was not their strong area, and by their high school years, band kind of dissipated for them in favor of other things.”
Moore, on the other hand, was a hopeless music addict starting in middle school, when he played the baritone and was turned on to the music of Duke Ellington. By sophomore year, he switched to the trombone with the dream of becoming a professional jazz musician, a goal that led him to the University of New Orleans on a full music scholarship.
During college, he studied under a world-renowned music family,including jazz musician and educator Ellis Marsalis Jr. and his son jazz trombonist Delfeayo Marsalis, younger brother of acclaimed jazz artists Branford and Wynton Marsalis. Moore left the Big Easy with a Bachelor of Arts degree in jazz studies and jazz performance.
By the time he returned to Arkansas, his drive for a life in performance had cooled, replaced by a burning desire to teach.
“I’ve always been a mentor,” he said. “Even when I was in high school, I would always have those younger kids around me that were two or three years younger than me. I was always attracting people because of my personality. Later on, I began writing lessons for music classes that I would volunteer to teach. While I was doing that, mentoring and writing lessons, I started discovering the skill and talent I had, and I started really seeing a call on my life to be an educator.”
His first teaching gig in 2005 came as a substitute at a North Little Rock middle school, which led to other jobs in the North Little Rock and Little Rock school districts prior to landing in Jacksonville. In addition to building a resume, he also fortified his own education, earning a Masters of Education in secondary education from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock and expanding his repertoire to include proficiency in eight musical instruments.
Moore’s success goes beyond his considerable virtuosity and academic achievement thanks to a mastery of reaching people on their level. He stays on top of popular music trends to better connect the dots with young people. He has authored multiple books on topics ranging from music to navigating the teenage years and raising boys to become responsible men.
He has also branched from music to multimedia, launching video and recording programs to give students multiple ways to express themselves. His strategy has paid off handsomely as more kids look at band as a primary activity, resulting in a better overall product. Still, after two decades in education, he knows there is more work to be done.
“Everybody in school likes music because they’re listening to it, but a lot of times, you see it taper off from middle to high school,” he said. “They don’t know that when they get to high school, band music changes drastically. You’re traveling more, you’re performing at bigger events and wider audiences, and you get better through the high school years.
“We have to develop that love for music within them in those earlier, more impressionable years. Many kids have musical talent but are walking around the school having never tapped into it. That’s the job of those in positions of leadership to see that in a person and help them to tap into it so they can fully maximize it.”
Cabot dynasty looks to pick up more state titles
Nathan Brown is not a bowler. Yes, he has bowled, and “last Christmas, with my family, I bowled a 197,” he said.
That he is not a regular bowler is not news unto itself except that Brown is the head bowling coach at Cabot High School, which, between its girls and boys teams, has won 19 state championships since the first one in 2009.
That 197 Brown rolled satisfied him to the point that “I told Brodie [his son, an all-state senior bowler for Cabot] that I was retiring after I bowled it.
“I haven’t bowled since,” he said. “I leave it to the kids. They are a lot better than me.”
Not only are the Cabot High School bowlers better than their coach, but they are obviously also better than almost everyone else, as their trove of titles attests. Not that they are invincible; sometimes they finish second. The Cabot girls won nine state championships in a row, and “they lost the 10th by one pin,” Brown said.
Brown has been the Panthers’ head bowling coach for six years after serving 18 years as a Cabot High School assistant basketball coach. He
With 19 state championships under its belt, the Cabot High School bowling teams have no plans of slowing down anytime soon.
let it roll, baby, roll let it roll, baby, roll
followed Clark Bing, whose teams also racked up multiple state championships during his four years at the helm of the bowling program. The program was started by Mike Nash and the late Ralph Pridmore in 2008.
What makes Cabot bowlers so good, year after year, through the tenures of all three of these coaches? Brown — who also teaches physical education and health at Cabot Junior High North — attributed it to the bowlers’ work ethic and their parents’ pocketbooks.
“They put a lot of time into their craft, weekends and nights,” he said. “They also put a lot of money into being good at what they do.”
It takes money because the only time Cabot High bowlers play the sport for free is the one hour a week each team practices at the Allfam Bowling & Entertainment Center in Cabot, home base for all there who bowl.
“I tell them, ‘If that one hour is the only time you bowl that week, you’re not going to be very good,’” Brown said. “There’s a youth league that bowls every Saturday, and 90 percent of my team grew up bowling in that league. It’s a good farm system.”
Allfam also has a $250 “all you can bowl” deal in the summer, and many of
Cabot sophomore Brittany Weever shows great form during practice.
By KELLEY BASS // Photos by CASEY CROCKER
the Cabot High bowlers’ families sign them up for that unlimited opportunity.
Being a successful bowler is “a lot about technique and a lot about putting in the hours,” Brown said.
“According to what pin [i.e., what you’re trying to hit], you have to know where to stand. It’s also really a mental game,” he said. “You’re playing against people, but they are not beside you. It’s just about bowling for hours and hours and hours. If you average over 200, it’s not an accident. It’s the hours you put in.”
Practice is not just about trying to throw strikes with every roll either, Brown said.
“Sometimes all they do is shoot 7s and 10s,” he said, referring to the pins that occupy the rear left and rear right positions that can be the toughest to knock down. “It gets to be like a habit to them because they’ve done it so many times.”
Freshmen Ethan Lynn (left) and Parker Renner are part of the latest generation of students vying to continue Cabot High School’s winning tradition.
It’s a skill that’s totally developed through hard work and hours and hours of practice.
— Coach Nathan Brown
Cabot assistant coach because he wanted to be free to go watch Ashley’s collegiate matches. Plus, just to be clear, Ashley’s brother is more than an average bowler himself.
Josh helped lead the Cabot team to three state championships and was a rare male bowler to get a scholarship, signing in 2018 with Oklahoma Christian University. In 2021, he became the first OCU bowler to qualify for the national singles competition after finishing fifth in the sectional quarterfinal. He won two tournaments that year and was ranked seventh nationally in traditional scoring average at 219 per game.
Brown attested to a strong — and growing — bowling culture in Cabot. One of the shapers of that culture is the Imhoff family, headed by father Corey Imhoff, who until this year served as an unpaid assistant to Brown for the Cabot girls and boys teams.
Imhoff is a multiple 300-game bowler whose name is on the wall at Allfam in the area that recognizes those who have bowled perfect 300 games and 800 threegame series there.
“Anything I know about bowling, I learned from him,” Brown said of Imhoff.
There are several Imhoffs on the wall at Allfam, in fact, including Ashley, Corey’s daughter, who was a multiple state champion for the Cabot girls team and now bowls as a freshman for Louisiana Tech University as the beneficiary of a full scholarship. Ashley was a bowling star from the get-go, topping the field in the 8-and-younger division at the Arkansas State Pepsi Tournament in 2014 and then going on to win her age group competition for five consecutive years.
“When I grew up, both my parents bowled,” Ashley said. “My brother and my uncle are also bowlers.” Corey, a mechanical engineer by trade, is no longer a
A two-time all-American, Josh has since graduated and bowled professionally. He cited his grandmother as a good bowler, meaning the Imhoff bowling legacy goes back a generation before Corey.
Ashley pointed out that there is plenty beyond just rolling balls to excel at the sport. Not unlike golfers who learn how to read greens, bowlers have to read the lanes.
“We walk every lane,” she said. “Oil is invisible; you can’t see it, but you can throw a bowling ball and find out [how the oil has been applied]. Bowling balls tell us the lane conditions.”
Brown noted that in the earlier years, there was less competition, but today, 90 high schools in Arkansas field competitive bowling teams.
“When you get to our level, every 6A and 7A school in the west and central [parts of the state] have bowling teams except Bryant,” he said. “Little Rock Central came back last year.”
It may seem like weightlifting to build strength, running to build endurance or yoga to increase flexibility all would make sense to help bowlers get better, Brown said that is really not the case. Nor do freakish athletic skills or a super-stocked gene pool make a big difference in who is and who is not a great bowler, he said. It is just practice, practice, practice, and regular folks can take heart in that.
“In bowling, you can’t tell when they walk through the door if they’re any good or not,” Brown said. “It’s a skill that’s totally developed through hard work and hours and hours of practice. Great bowlers aren’t born with the measurables.”
Entering his 23rd season leading the Arkansas baseball program, Dave Van Horn had done his fair share of adapting to the times.
With the transfer portal and NIL now part of the equation, though, that is harder than ever for coaches of his generation. However, the 64-yearold has seen what’s unfolded across the country and has tried to get out ahead of a common criticism of his era.
Rather than keeping his pitchers and position players separate through the offseason, Van Horn told reporters that he had his strength and conditioning staff bring them together near the end of the fall semester and add a competition aspect to the workouts.
That all sounds like coach-speak, but the result is one emotionally scarred Arkansas fans will be glad to hear.
“I think it advanced us a little bit,” Van Horn said.
“You see all that’s going on all over the country, you have teams that are super talented in other sports, it’s semiprofessional now — call it what it is — so I feel like our job as coaches is to find a way to develop these guys physically, but mentally, we’ve got to find a way to get them to bond and care about each other and care about the University of Arkansas and the fans, and not just in and out of here. I don’t feel that way with this team. I feel this team, they’re on a mission.”
even admitting in the past to being outbid for certain players and instead getting players who fit the culture.
Still, the Arkansas baseball program has not completely avoided criticism on that front. One local radio show host infamously went on a “rental player” rant in 2022, but that actually fueled a run to the College World Series semifinals in 2022.
Of course, that was the last time Arkansas made it to Omaha. The Razorbacks being knocked out of a home regional each of the last two seasons is a fact not lost on Van Horn, his staff or his players.
“There’s been some things go down the last couple of years at the end of the season that have been hard to swallow,” Van Horn said. “Honestly, behind closed doors, the coaches, we knew we weren’t, maybe, quite as good as we were ranked or whatever, but we were just finding ways to win. Credit to the players for that. This team wants to make sure we get to the end.”
The team seems to understand that expectations in Fay-
“There’s been some things goww down the last couple of years at the end of the season that have been hard to swallow.”
— Dave Van Horn
Money and the transfer portal can certainly help — just look at Ohio State’s $20 million football roster — but Dave Van Horn is more aware than ever of the team-building side of things.
He’s navigated that aspect rather well so far,
etteville are higher than just contending for conference titles and top-8 national seeds. Seeing six different SEC foes reach the mountain top over the last seven postseasons — with Arkansas coming agonizingly close to making it seven in seven — has only added to the desire for the Razorbacks to win their first national championship.
That journey officially gets underway with a four-game series against Washington State beginning Feb. 14, but three weeks of preseason practices, which started on Jan. 24, leading up to that date come first.
2025 RAZORBACK BASEBALL SCHEDULE
Feb. 14-17 — Washington State
* Feb. 21 — Kansas State – Arlington, Texas
*Feb. 22 — TCU – Arlington, Texas
*Feb. 23 — Michigan – Arlington, Texas
Feb. 25 — Grambling
Feb. 28-Mar. 2 — Charlotte
March 4-5 — ULM
March 7-9 — Portland
March 14-16 — Ole Miss
March 18-19 — Oral Roberts
March 21-23 — South Carolina
March 25 — Missouri State
Mach 28-30 — Vanderbilt
**April 1 — UAPB
April 4-6 – Missouri
April 8 — Arkansas State
April 11-13 — at Georgia
April 15 — UAPB
April 17-19 — Texas A&M
April 22-23 — Little Rock
April 25-27 — at Florida
April 29 — at Missouri State
May 2-4 — Texas
May 9-11 — at LSU
May 15-17 — Tennessee
Home games in bold
* College Baseball Series at Globe Life Field
** at Dickey-Stephens Park in North Little Rock
Strictly Ballroom
January is often called resolution season, and people looking for a way to get in shape, challenge themselves or try something new are increasingly turning ballroom dance.
Ballroom dance is currently experiencing a renaissance. USA Dance, a recognized sport organization under the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee, reported “explosive growth” in interest from people of all ages over the past few years.
Major studio chains, including Fred Astaire Dance Studios and Arthur Murray International, have opened locations across the country as a result, while independent studios and clubs such as Dance With Me Studio by Aura in Rogers, Arkansas Dance Connection in Springdale, and Ballroom, Latin, & Swing Social Dance Association in Little Rock have introduced rising numbers of Arkansans to the elegant activity.
What is driving the increased interest?
“We tend to see an influx when we get a
Adult dance classes continue to grow in popularity
By MEGAN BLANKENSHIP
big movie,” said Dolores Sims, who recently rotated off a term as vice president of the BLS Association. “Suddenly, people are calling. ‘Where can I go? Where can I learn this?’”
It is almost impossible to overstate the impact of the reality competition Dancing with the Stars on the recent phenomenon. Now in its 33rd season, the show still inspires wouldbe dancers with its dramatic performances, elaborate costumes and celebrity guests.
Layer that on top of a couple years of the COVID-19 pandemic, which had people cooped up with nothing but screens to keep them company — during which time many may have stumbled onto nonstop viral dance videos via social media — and it seems people are ready to get on the dance floor.
Ballroom dancers say there is no better way to socialize and build genuine community. An alternative to bars and nightclubs, various types of “social dance” are performed with a partner or in groups. That forces interacting but in a structured way, which many people crave after spending so long in isolation.
Ballroom dancing may seem niche or old fashioned, but it has never truly disappeared. Prior to the 1960s, partner dancing was considered a matter of etiquette, a crucial
Dancers cut a rug at the Ballroom, Latin, & Swing Social Dance Association in Little Rock. (Photo by Richard Davis)
component of a well-rounded education.
With the recognition of ballroom dance as an Olympic sport in 1997, the activity has gradually reappeared in school and college curricula. Many young people get a taste of the sport in cotillion or a long-forgotten gym class, or maybe they remember seeing their parents or grandparents dance and want to try it for themselves.
Some people seek out the activity on their own in hopes of making new friends or meeting someone special. A couple may be looking for a fun date night or want to learn a first dance for their wedding. It may be as simple as getting lessons so as not to embarrass oneself at an event.
Sheila Graham, who founded Arkansas Dance Connection in 1995, said the interest comes in waves.
“Ballroom dance isn’t necessarily making a comeback; it just keeps coming back,” she said. “The music changes, but the beat’s still there.”
For many folks who get involved, ballroom dance is a way to stay in shape. It is physically demanding, but it does not have age or ability limits, said Brandy Bangs, who took over for Graham in 2020.
Unlike ballet and some other forms of dance, ballroom is accessible to people at every decade of life, even at the competitive level, as well as to people with disabilities.
There is even a genre of ballroom dance for wheelchair users.
The health benefits also go well beyond fitness. Ballroom dance has been shown to boost mental health and even reduce the risk of illnesses like Alzheimer’s disease.
“The physical, mental and emotional benefits are really unparalleled,” Bangs said. “Then add to that the connection with another person that you get from partner dance, and it’s healing. People get that.”
Whatever the initial reasons for getting involved, experts said the ballroom dancing bug is an easy one to catch. With just a lesson or two, dancers often naturally progress, some to the level of performing in regional showcases and competitions. Many competitions are
Casey Barker and Dolores Sims compete at the 2024 Lonestar Invitational in Austin, Texas.
open to amateurs, making it easier for folks who start out pursuing dance as a hobby to find themselves joining the competition circuit.
The nature of the activity also means dancers are able to practice and advance while living full-time lives, and that is what happened to Sims. A layperson who originally explored dance for its mental health and social benefits, Sims is now a champion dancer, as well as a leader in central Arkansas’ ballroom dance scene. She said she has gained a rich community that spans the entire country.
It is worth noting that while “ballroom” is often used as an umbrella term, it is not just one thing. There are countless styles of dance, from country dance and West Coast swing to Argentine tango and flamenco. Ballroom is yet another specialization, and it is the variety in styles that is another draw for would-be dancers.
Aura Maurice-Figueroa started Dance With Me Studio by Aura in 2016 but has been a leader in the Arkansas dance scene for nearly two decades. A performer and instructor originally from El Salvador, MauriceFigueroa built up her clientele by offering a wide variety of classes, starting with Zumba and salsa. She has also seen recent ballroom dance events in northwest Arkansas sell out as more people show up for public dances each month.
Some of the most active dance scenes in the U.S. today are driven by immigrant communities for which dance is a way
Ballroom dance isn’t necessarily making a comeback; it just keeps coming back. The music changes, but the beat’s still there.
to maintain their cultural heritage. Here again, Maurice-Figueroa is on top of the trend, since her extensive training in Latin styles, as well as ballet and ballroom, allows her to reach people from different cultural backgrounds, including those of Mexican, Cuban, Puerto Rican, Salvadoran, Argentine and Hawaiian lineage.
There is a sense among both professionals and aficionados that despite its recent resurgence, social dance is still in need of active preservation.
When Bangs assumed operation of Arkansas Dance Connection, she converted the studio to a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in order to raise funds to make the space more accessible to other instructors and dance clubs in the area.
She attests to the struggle of dancers and teachers to make dance a way of life. There is abundant interest from the public, but today’s economic conditions make it difficult to build a career out of a time- and training-intensive art form such as dance. She said the studio is about supporting the artists who help keep dance alive in the community and supporting the community members who keep coming back.
The pandemic was a difficult period for ballroom dance, which, by nature, precludes social distancing. Most studios and clubs shut down for at least a year, if not longer, costing many dancers an important source of movement and social connection. Undeniably, ballroom dance’s postCOVID-19 comeback is one of its biggest yet.
Sims said while impromptu social dances, which require a grassroots effort to organize, have yet to rebound, competitions have seen a flood of sign-ups well above pre-COVID-19 numbers.
“It’s been mind blowing,” she said. “Even our small country dance circuit saw almost a one-third increase over past entries.”
Despite the recent boom, ballroom dance is not without its challenges, starting with very specific spatial needs — plenty of space, a hardwood, preferably floating floor, and a decent sound system — a trifecta that is not always easy to find in one place.
BLS, one of several dance associations
in central Arkansas, has had at least three homes over the course of its 31 years. One of them was lost to tornado damage in 2023, just as the association was recovering from the pandemic’s forced slowdown. In spite of those setbacks, the group still hosts social dances several times a month at Let’s Dance Studio in Little Rock for any and all who are thinking about giving ballroom dance a try.
One thing the instructors all agree on is that ballroom dancing is transformative. Students get healthier, come out of their shells and develop confidence, they said, not just on the dance floor but in their whole demeanor and outlook.
“I’ve seen lives completely changed,” Graham said. “That’s the extra, unknown benefit of sharing ballroom dance with the public. We seek out dance for personal reasons, sometimes buried deep in our memories or in our soul’s longing.”
Maurice-Figueroa concurred and said most folks who get inspired have an alternate motivation.
“About 90 percent of [dancers] come with something behind just wanting to dance,” she said. “That’s not something I learned during my training.”
For those desiring to meet people, get fit or experiment with something new, 2025 may be the year they discover their inner ballroom athlete, waiting to be asked to dance.
The BLS Association hosts social dances several times a month at Let’s Dance Studio in Little Rock. (Photo by Richard Davis)
Aura Maurice-Figueroa (Photo courtesy of Dance With Me Studio by Aura)
Rehabilitative
After coming out against one of the world’s most powerful men and an ugly hour in the spotlight, Paula Jones-McFadden is living the life she always wanted.
#MeFirst
Paula Jones-McFadden looks back over the highs and lows of her life — and likes what she sees
By DWAIN HEBDA // Photos by LORI SPARKMAN
The first time Paula Jones-McFadden can recall swimming against the tide of her surroundings was when she made up her mind, come hell or high water, that she would get her high school diploma.
In today’s context, that may sound like a meager triumph, but in JonesMcFadden’s world, it was a distinguishing accomplishment. Neither of her sisters did it for a variety of reasons, and likely, no one would have batted an eye if she had not either.
Yet there was something about one day holding that piece of paper that brought out the fight in the sassy-yet-sheltered church girl from Lonoke.
“I never had any help with any of my schooling ever,” she said. “My parents were the kind of folks that you just work, you go to church, and that’s it. They didn’t know how to help me with math and algebra and all this stuff. I just said there is no way I’m not going to graduate. I’m going to get my diploma regardless of what I have to do to figure it out.”
Jones-McFadden showed the depth of her resolve when officials at Lonoke told her she would be a half credit short of graduating with her classmates and, she said, were unwilling to offer any accommodation. She took a meeting with officials in nearby Carlisle, which, she discovered, required fewer credits to graduate and offered her summer school, and walked with the class of 1985. For the first time in her life, she had vindication — come hell or high water.
“I’m not a follower,” she said. “I can be my own person. Some people say I’m a leader, kind of, but I’m really not. I just do my own thing. People want to follow me, they can, but I’m not asking them to, you know what I’m saying? I just kind of did my own little thing.”
In 1972, mathematician and meteorologist Edward Norton Lorenz illustrated the interdependence of all things on earth by introducing the butterfly effect, an element of chaos theory whereby a very small change in conditions results in significantly different outcomes. Thus the minute air disturbances of a butterfly flapping its wings on one continent sets off a chain of events that ultimately manifests as a tornado on another.
Jones-McFadden was born such a butterfly, someone who, but for one encounter, might have lived a life indistinguishable from all others. Instead, her simple life turned upside down, catching her between forces far removed from small-town Arkansas using her to advance their agendas. She sat down to share a life shaped by all that yet still retains a surprising amount of the simplicity of her childhood.
“I was raised in a really sheltered home, which was good. [My parents] did that for us because of the world and how things were,” she said. “We didn’t grow up with a TV, so we played outside, rode on our bicycles. I made mud pies. I had a little mud kitchen outside under a tree. I had fun.
“I wanted to grow up to be just a stay-at-home mom with the little white fence and the little white house, you know?”
Life after high school led her to jobs in retail, then to northwest Arkansas and trucking behemoth J.B. Hunt and then back to central Arkansas and Dillard’s. The social code of her youth eased, and she lived the life of a typical 20-something.
“I met my first husband when a group of us girls, my friends, went to BJ’s Honky-Tonk [in Little Rock]. I know you remember that, don’t you?” she said. “Hey, that was an awesome place. It had that big semi truck in there with the DJ booth and Bob Robbins, and oh my gosh, those were the fun times.”
the governor’s hotel room, escorted by a state patrol trooper.
There, she further testified, the future president made unwanted sexual advances, including at one point exposing himself, at which she refused and left. Clinton has consistently denied the alleged incident happened.
Over the following days, Jones-McFadden said she wrestled with what to do. Not only was she shocked by what she said happened, but she did not know how her boyfriend-later-husband would react or what it meant for her career to come forward. Looking back, she surmised her very naivete might have been something that a person in power would prey on.
“I wasn’t worldly then,” she said. “Yeah, I was living with my boyfriend, but I had no idea about politics or anything, you know what I’m saying? The first time I’d ever seen a governor was the day of [the incident]. I had no idea about stuff like that.
“It was a total shock, and I’m like, I’m scared for my life here. What were they doing? What was going on? Why would he do that to me? Why would he choose me? I’d seen a new part of life that I’d never seen before, and it scared me.”
Jones-McFadden sat on her story for three years until an article in The American Spectator by David Brock, a hit piece about Clinton’s alleged dalliances while governor, mentioned an incident involving “a woman known only as Paula.” She responded by filing a suit, Jones v. Clinton, on May 6, 1994. Her court papers accused Clinton of sexually harassing and assaulting her and then defaming her with his denials, reported The Washington Post
I wanted him to acknowledge that it did happen and to get an apology. It had nothing to do with money to me.
While dating her first husband, Steve Jones, Jones-McFadden took a job as a document examiner at the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, where her responsibilities included data input and making several rounds to the state Capitol to deliver and retrieve mail from then-Gov. Bill Clinton’s office. The job provided career potential, and with her relationship in bloom, the idyllic existence envisioned in childhood appeared to be coming together.
“I would just go with the flow,” she said. “I had my little group, you know, people who were nice to me. I wasn’t someone that would ever start trouble or get into drugs. I wouldn’t even hang out with those kind of people if I knew they were doing that. I would rather be alone.”
It was from there that Jones-McFadden’s life would become a matter of public record, debated, dissected and, at times, denigrated in ways few ordinary citizens can imagine. As she would formally testify in a declaration sworn under penalty of felony, she was working the registration desk at the 1991 Governor’s Quality Conference at the Excelsior Hotel in downtown Little Rock when she was summoned to
“I wanted him to acknowledge that it did happen and to get an apology,” she said. “It had nothing to do with money to me. I didn’t need no money, you know what I’m saying? I don’t care. I’m not a greedy person. I would’ve probably given part of it away.
“Then he goes and says it never happened, it’s a lie, blah, blah, blah. Well, I want an apology, and I want you to admit what you did to me because when people tell me I’m a liar, that pisses me off. Don’t call me a liar.”
Jones-McFadden may have felt like she held the moral high ground, but she was now crossing swords with the most powerful man on the planet. Elected president in 1992, Clinton, though reviled by conservatives, held generally high approval ratings consistently over two terms. In fact, he left office with the highest approval rate (66 percent) of any president in history, besting Ronald Reagan by three percentage points and both Dwight D. Eisenhower and Barack Obama by seven.
It did not take long for Jones-McFadden’s suit to generate backlash that went beyond denial to ridicule and character assassination. Not only was Clinton’s legal team in full roar, the president’s friends on the left swung into attack mode, many from unexpected corners. Feminist groups, which had barely caught their breath from howling their support for Anita Hill’s allegations against then-Supreme Court justice nominee Clarence Thomas three years earlier, recoiled at Jones-McFadden’s conservative politics and sneered at her humble pedigree. Groups that included the National Orga-
nization for Women, the National Women’s Political Caucus and the Feminist Majority Foundation, among others, widely and publicly dismissed her claims as merely smear tactics and gold digging.
Legal scholar and former Democratic strategist Susan Estrich perhaps summed up the elitist attitudes best when she declared on CNN it was healthy for feminists to remember “not all women necessarily are telling the truth, and not every complaint deserves to be used in a way which destroys a man.”
While political opposition was probably par for the course, Jones-McFadden also became a running punch line for latenight television hosts up and down the dial due to her physical appearance and Southern twang. Being the butt of jokes night in and night out often cut deepest, Jones-McFadden said, and while discussing them, it was clear the wounds of public mockery are still raw.
“I’m going to cry because I always do when I tell you it crushed me the way people made fun of me,” she said. “They made fun of my nose and made fun of me as a person and said that I was trailer trash. I’ve had anxiety for years and years and years where I didn’t even want to go to a restaurant or anywhere because of how I thought people were judging me because of how I looked or if I had a hair out of place or I’m looking older, you know what I’m saying?
having a brief affair with Flowers, a former news reporter and Arkansas state employee, but he famously denied an improper relationship with White House intern Lewinsky. That statement was seized upon by federal prosecutor Ken Starr, who was conducting a lengthy and wide-ranging investigation into the Clintons, from alleged improper investments to mishandling official duties to the death of White House attorney Vince Foster.
I had a right to get it out there and to say what happened, and if they have a right to make fun of me, then I have a right to defend myself.
“People would even say, ‘Well, she did that with that guy, Bill Clinton.’ No, I didn’t! People would get me confused with Gennifer Flowers and, of all people, Monica Lewinsky. I don’t even look like her. I’ve had letters, I mean, ‘Why would you do this? Why won’t you just shut your mouth and sweep it under the rug and let it go?’”
She took a minute to compose herself, two ragged breaths of sorrow and rage. Then JonesMcFadden spoke up in a steady voice.
“I didn’t do anything wrong,” she said. “You’ve got to speak out, take care of yourself. They’re the ones who did it. They caused it. I had a right to get it out there and to say what happened, and if they have a right to make fun of me, then I have a right to defend myself.”
Jones-McFadden’s case did that and more, albeit in ways no one likely expected. In late 1994, District Court Judge Susan Webber Wright declared Clinton immune from prosecution until after leaving office, but the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit disagreed. Clinton’s legal team appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court via the landmark Clinton v. Jones on which the high court ruled unanimously that a sitting president could be held liable for actions prior to taking office that were unrelated to the duties of the office.
While being deposed in Jones-McFadden’s case, Clinton admitted, after years of denial, to
Always fight for the truth, and it will always set you free. That’s how I feel about that.
The comment on Lewinsky was the thread that unraveled a cover-up of his relationship with the 22-year-old intern and a linchpin for Starr’s final report, which laid out 11 possible grounds for impeachment, including perjury, obstruction of justice and abuse of power. Clinton was impeached by the U.S. House of Representatives (the measure failed in the Senate), agreed to temporary disbarment and paid various fines. Throughout the entire matter, which made for salacious media coverage, his approval rating among voters barely wavered.
In 1998, Jones v. Clinton was thrown out by Wright, this time on grounds that the plaintiff failed to show she had suffered professional or reputational harm by the actions of the defendant. The matter finally concluded that November, when Clinton agreed to an out-of-court settlement, paying Jones and her lawyers $850,000 to drop the suit while acknowledging no wrongdoing and offering no apology.
That amount should have been enough to set up JonesMcFadden with her white picket fence for life, but legal fees gobbled up the vast majority of the settlement, and the end of her first marriage in 1999 meant her survivor mettle was still being tested. She took whatever earning opportunities she could, from the undignified — a 2000 pictorial in Penthouse magazine — to the exploitative world of daytime talk show appearances to the downright silly, a television celebrity boxing match versus disgraced Olympic figure skater Tonya Harding in 2002.
That invited even more scorn from her detractors, but with bills to pay and children to feed, she remains unapologetic about them to this day.
“Well, it was out of my comfort zone,” she said, “but you have to remember, where was I going to get a job at this point in time? Who would hire me? I figured I’ve got to take every opportunity that comes my way as long as I can do it. Well, my first big opportunity was the Penthouse thing.”
As for the boxing match, she said, feistily, “I could fight Tanya Harding today and win,” then unleashed another honest, robust laugh.
She has been getting in a lot of those laughs, at last, over the past two decades. In 2001, she found love again, marrying Steven McFadden who she credits with her current state of bliss. In 2024, AY About You named her one of its “Intriguing Women.”
In 2021, FX aired the limited series Impeachment: American Crime Story, which focused on the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal and its preceding incidents, including a portrayal of
Jones-McFadden by actress Annaleigh Ashford. During interviews, the actress struck a tone regarding the woman she portrayed that echoed how history might be beginning to reevaluate her impact on American justice and the plight of women in the workplace.
“When we look at the mountain that is the patriarchy, we sort of think we are conquering it, and we’re reminded every day that we’re still not at the top of that mountain,” Ashford told Newsweek, “and I think Paula Jones, whether people know it or not, was absolutely one of those mountain climbers trying to be heard, be seen and have her accusations be acknowledged.
“I do think that she was a piece, an unlikely piece, of the women’s rights history. … We just so often lump her with right-wing causes, so we forget that that really, her case against the president, was one of the most famous sexual harassment cases to have ever gone through the American court system.”
Jones-McFadden said she finds such comments nice, if a few decades late, and pointed out how things still have not changed when it comes to her experience. No one from the series consulted her about the project, she said, resulting in her assessment of her portrayal as mostly “inaccurate. It was almost cartoonish-y.”
She also did not mince words when it came to the double standard of the #MeToo movement, which she sees as something the media and the left hold open for some and slam in the face of others.
“Let me just tell you, they have blackballed me completely from ever doing a book, ever doing a movie and a story of my life.” she said. “Nobody has ever been able to follow through with that, even though I’ve had a couple of contracts. It just dwindled away because nobody could get past a certain point, even though I had so much to tell.”
Jones-McFadden could be forgiven for thinking herself a victim, be it of past lovers, of the powerful on both sides of the political spectrum, of an insatiable media, or of the social hypocrisy that deems one experience valid and another unworthy based on agenda. Yet for everything she has been in her life, victim is not one of them.
“You know, I’m so content with my life,” she said. “I love my family. I have a wonderful, wonderful husband. I got my four beautiful grandbabies. I cook for them every Wednesday night. My three sons are good, kind men, and two of them are great fathers. I’ve just got a full life of beautiful kids and family, and that’s what my life is. I just love my life.”
At that, Jones-McFadden took a long, lingering pause, as if to search for something to justify the pain of the hard times as much as the largesse of blessings she has now. Outside, her favorite spot on earth — the porches she always wanted, of which she has three — turn golden in the fading afternoon light. Life has never looked better than what she sees from out there, and even when clouds gather, she knows her grit and her family will pull her through.
“Well, you know what? Here’s my motto,” she said at last. “The truth will set you free. If you’re telling the truth and you’re telling others about what happened, yeah, it’s going to eventually come out. You don’t give up. Always believe in yourself, and don’t ever let someone tell you that you’re lying and that it didn’t happen or whatever it is. Always fight for the truth, and it will always set you free. That’s how I feel about that.”
Briar wood Nursing and Rehab is a 120-bed skilled facility located in an urban setting within the heart of Little Rock, in the neighborhood of Briarwood. We are located just minutes from downtown Little Rock and are only one block off interstate 630.
We provide long-term care and short-term rehab care. All residents are monitored throughout the day with assistance in providing daily care as is needed: bathing, dressing, feeding and providing medications. Briarwood staff also work at ensuring the best care for residents through individual care plans of residents' needs, as well as daily activities, which allow for a variety of interests and abilities.
Nearly all - 98 percent - of our rehab residents return to the community as a result of positive, caring therapists. Briarwood's approach has provided healing to many people in the community.
At Briarwood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, we are committed to ensuring that the best possible care is given to you or your loved one in an atmosphere that is calm, quiet and focused on healing. We endeavor to ensure that all aspects of your well-being — mental, physical and spiritual — are cared for in a peaceful and safe environment. Our staff strive to promote dignity, respect, and independence as much as possible, in a beautiful, soothing enviornment that was designed with our residents' comfort in mind.
Briarwood's service-rich environment is made possible by its dedicated staff, from our nursing staff and therapists, to our operations and administrative employees. At Briarwood, our residents enjoy three generations of staff and families. That is over 30 years of service to the community!
A Silent THREAT
Central Arkansas gala raising funds to battle T1 diabetes
By DWAIN HEBDA
Jillian Pate of Little Rock does not remember being diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes because it came when she was just 18 months old. However, now that she is a mother herself, the challenges that the disease has brought into her life and, potentially, the lives of her children are stark indeed.
“The things my parents sacrificed and did for me as a kid are just incredible to think about now,” she said. “They pricked my finger. They gave me shots. They managed my diet. I see all that now, and I understand it better. It’s scary. It’s so scary, and it just makes me grateful for my parents, who took care of me.”
Type 1 diabetes is an often-overlooked condition of the autoimmune system. It frequently takes a back seat in the media to Type 2 diabetes, for which Arkansas ranks very high in the nation in terms of incidence. Unlike Type 2, which is brought on by such things as obesity and a sedentary lifestyle, Type 1 is largely genetic, states the Breakthrough T1D organization, formerly known as the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
Commonly diagnosed in childhood or adolescence, Type 1 diabetes can lie dormant until adulthood or even one’s senior years before appearing, but when it does, the effects can be life-threatening. The disease turns the body’s immune system against cells that produce in-
sulin in the pancreas, which are critical for managing glucose levels in the body. Once Type 1 diabetes sets on, individuals must take insulin by injection or insulin pump to survive, the organization states.
In Pate’s case, life growing up was very similar to that of a Type 2 diabetic — constant monitoring of what she ate and when, as well as learning to inject herself with insulin from age 5.
“In my school years, at that time, the insulin management was so poor that if we had an event, I couldn’t have a cupcake. I couldn’t have cookies,” she said. “It was very isolating at the time and really restrictive at an age where candy was really cool and birthday parties were really cool.”
Pate adjusted to the point that Type 1 diabetes was just a fact of life and one she did not think about much at that — that is until she and her husband, Pug, started a family of their own.
“The way diabetes kind of worked for me was you feel like you’re doing fine. Even if your blood sugars aren’t great, you’re like, ‘Oh, I’m still okay. I’m alive. I’m not at the hospital,’” she said. “Then after having it for 33 years, when I was pregnant with my second child, I started really having a lot of complications. It’s always this invisible disease.”
Michelle Summers is another mother who understands the hardships of Type 1 diabetes but from the perspective of helping her now 8-year-old son cope with his condition, having been diagnosed right after his first birthday.
“There are subtle symptoms that start to happen with Type 1 diabetes, including drinking a ton of water because
Michelle Summers
the body’s trying to flush out all the extra sugar that it can’t absorb,” she said. “That leads to frequent urination and also leads to severe weight loss because without the insulin, you can’t take the sugar, the cells can’t get energy, and the body becomes very acidic and can’t function properly.
“In my son’s case, he essentially stopped walking, stopped talking, was throwing up, couldn’t eat. They thought it was the flu. I took him to a bunch of doctors, and finally they said, ‘Let’s prick his finger,’ and the blood sugar reading was high. We immediately had to go to the [intensive care unit].”
Today, Summers leverages her personal experiences into helping others as director of T1D Breakthrough’s Arkansas market. The organization is devoted to raising funds for research and assisting other individuals and families living with the disease. At the global level, T1D Breakthrough has helped to develop assistive medical technology for patients and is leading the way in clinical research into the condition, which affects about 9.5 million people around the globe.
“One of the reasons I really believe in this organization is because they’ve helped to bring to market these closed-loop [insulin] systems, and the technology is a game changer for people,” she said. “The discovery of insulin in the 1930s meant people could live nice long lives, but you have all these complications that can happen if you don’t have really good control. These systems, along with insulin pumps, which have also come a long way, have really helped to improve people’s lives.”
Even more exciting is the progress being made in the lab, which is so significant it is allowing individuals and families dealing with Type 1 diabetes to consider what was unthinkable just one generation ago.
“One of the big projects that was just announced by the organization is called Project ACT, which stands for Accelerate Cell Therapies,” Summers said. “This is a push to bring beta cell technology to market, beta cells that are insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. We’ve figured out how to create those from stem cells and are working to mass produce them so that we have a functional cure in 10 years.
“The issue right now is they require immunosuppression, but just last week, a really exciting study came up from Sana [Biotechnology], which is one of the companies that we have helped fund through research projects. They were able to genetically modify beta cells and not require immunosuppression, and it was not rejected by the body. This is a huge breakthrough.”
The Arkansas chapter, which is based in Bentonville, organizes 12 fundraising events per year, the largest of which are two galas. The central Arkansas gala, Party with a Purpose, is slated for March 1 at Rusty Tractor Vineyards in Little Rock. The northwest Arkansas version, slated for April 26, will be held at Osage House in Cave Springs. Both events will feature dinner, drinks, music, and both live and silent auctions, as well as a “Fund a Cure” moment during which attendees can donate money on the spot to support T1D Breakthrough’s mission.
Pate, who will speak at the event as the Fund a Cure family, said the research, as well as the new technologies Breakthrough T1D is funding, has created an atmosphere of hope for patients and their families.
“When you have lived with this for this long and have seen the negative side of it, you see the urgency of it. This is a very harmful disease that people need to know about,” she said.
“It’s no longer juvenile diabetes; it’s now older adults who are being diagnosed, and the number of cases are increasing. If there’s some way for us to be able to prevent this or stop this, it would be huge.
“I never thought a cure would happen in my lifetime, and all of a sudden, it’s been like, ‘Oh wait, this is actually very tangible now.’ I want that for my kids. I want that for the people that I know and the people I love.”
Jillian and Pug Pate and their children, George and Audrie, are the 2025 Fund a Cure Family at Party with a Purpose, which supports Breakthrough T1D.
(Photo by Katie Childs)
When you walk into the Robinson Nursing & Rehabilitation Center you will feel a comfortable atmosphere different from any other facility you have visited. We feature tall ceilings and an open floor plan. We have a lovely dining room and a covered outdoor patio area.
When you walk into the Robinson Nursing & Rehabilitation Center you will feel a comfortable atmosphere different from any other facility you have visited. We feature tall ceilings and an open floor plan. We have a lovely dining room and a covered outdoor patio area.
We specialize in short-term rehabilitation and long-term care services. The short-term rehabilitation area has its own dining area and day room. From the moment you enter our facility, we want you to experience the difference our facility has to offer. From our light-filled day areas to our beautiful outdoor areas, we want you and your loved one to feel comfortable and safe when staying with us. You will also notice the pride we take in our facility by keeping our building sparkling clean from the inside out.
We specialize in short-term rehabilitation and long-term care services. The short-term rehabilitation area has its own dining area and day room. From the moment you enter our facility, we want you to experience the difference our facility has to offer. From our light-filled day areas to our beautiful outdoor areas, we want you and your loved one to feel comfortable and safe when staying with us. You will also notice the pride we take in our facility by keeping our building sparkling clean from the inside out.
Our team is dedicated to providing a safe and comfortable environment. Robinson Nursing and Rehab offers modern conveniences in a gracious setting. We provide daily planned activities led by certified activity directors, like social events and outings and pastoral services with spiritual care for all religions. We strongly encourage family participation in group activities, meals and celebrating family birthdays and special days.
Our team is dedicated to providing a safe and comfortable environment. Robinson Nursing and Rehab offers modern conveniences in a gracious setting. We provide daily planned activities led by Certified Activity Directors, like social events and outings and pastoral services with spiritual care for all religions. We strongly encourage family participation in group activities, meals and celebrating family birthdays and special days.
To help you plan your visits, we provide a monthly event calendar and a monthly meal planner. Robinson Nursing and Rehab does not have set visiting hours. We view this facility as the “home” of each resident.
To help you plan your visits, we provide a monthly event calendar and a monthly meal planner. Robinson Nursing and Rehab does not have set visiting hours. We view this facility as the “home” of each resident.
We try our best to communicate with patients and families to help alleviate the anxiety that accompanies this journey. Our team of nurses, therapists and support staff work closely together to develop a plan based on the individual needs of each person. We recognize that rehabilitation involves not only the patient but the entire family.
We try our best to communicate with patients and families to help alleviate the anxiety that accompanies this journey. Our team of nurses, therapists and support staff work closely together to develop a plan based on the individual needs of each person. We recognize that rehabilitation involves not only the patient, but the entire family.
SHERWOOD
We are devoted to providing high quality care which celebrates the dignity and grace of every person who enters our facility.
At Sherwood Nursing and Rehab we are committed to providing the highest quality of patient care. Our qualified staff is here giving support for the tasks of day-to-day living, allowing for the enjoyment of more pleasant and carefree activities.
We specialize in Short-Term Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care services. 245 Indian Bay Drive Sherwood, AR
Phone: 501.834.9960 Fax: 501.834.5644
Murder Mystery
Anyone’sChild
Her name is Morgan Nick. On June 9, 1995, the 6-year-old was abducted from Wofford Field in Alma as she played by the bleachers. Her mother, Colleen Nick, had taken her watchful eye off the youngster for just a moment, and that moment of distraction was all that a stranger in the shadows needed. Just like Nick’s frantic cries for her and those of the fellow parents from the small, close-knit community, Morgan evaporated into the summer air and was gone.
Coaches called the Alma Police Department, and onlookers reported seeing a creepy man in a red truck that night, a tall white man of medium build with a mustache and a close beard. He was possibly 23 to 38 years old, according to description. The community also responded — more than 10,000 tips poured in to investigators, resulting in more than 8,300 leads. Nick kept her daughter’s story alive — and served the needs of other families of abducted children — through the Morgan Nick Foundation. Morgan’s story was even broadcast on Dateline, Unsolved Mysteries, The Oprah Winfrey Show and, in 2023, Still Missing Morgan, a docuseries directed by Arkansas native Devon Parks.
Part Two
By SARAH RUSSELL
Thanks to her efforts and the dogged determination of the Alma Police Department, progress finally started to be made in the case after years of flatlining. While reviewing the case file, APD found a 1995 tip in which a Van Buren man indicated his neighbor, Billy Jack Lincks, had a vehicle matching the description. Lincks had been questioned at the time and officially declared “truthful,” but something compelled investigators to take another look.
Incredibly, they tracked down his red 1986 Chevrolet Scottsdale pickup that had been impounded and was ultimately auctioned in the wake of Lincks’ arrest on other charges. Using the latest in the FBI’s analysis tools, the vehicle surrendered a trove of evidence — blood, green fibers and blonde hair similar in color to Morgan’s — from the side of a seat, underneath a floor mat and lodged in interior metal.
DNA sourced by the FBI genetically linked the findings to either Colleen Nick or one of Morgan’s two younger siblings,
meaning unless one of them had left DNA in that truck, it was highly probable that it was Morgan’s. The bonus was the green fibers were consistent with those of the Girl Scout shirt Morgan wore the night she disappeared.
None of the Nick family knew about Lincks prior to this turn in the case, but law enforcement sure did. In December 1992, Lincks had been arrested for the sexual assault of a girl younger than 14, and it was later revealed to be part of a pattern of behavior whereby Lincks had repeatedly victimized the girl over 10 months.
Lincks faced Class C felony charges, which carry a mandatory sentence of three to 10 years; however, through a plea deal, he served no jail time, was required to undergo counseling for anger issues and paid $630 in court costs. Beyond that, he was free to
Billy Jack Lincks
Morgan Nick
do as he pleased, and so he did.
The new DNA evidence was not the only thing in investigators’ growing arsenal. At the same time as Morgan’s abduction, another Alma mother reported to police a man had attempted to abduct her 4-year-old daughter. The next day, June 10, the Fort Smith Police Department was alerted that a man had unsuccessfully tried to force a 9-year-old girl into a public restroom. Their descriptions mirrored those in Morgan’s case.
Then, on August 29, 1995, just 8 miles from the Alma ballpark, an 11-year-old girl was approached by a man near the Sonic Drive-In in Van Buren. He would give her money, he said, if she came home with him. In response to her telling him no, the man, now outside his truck, dropped his cigarette and told her to pick it up. She decided to take off instead, screaming for help as she ran.
During his quick exit from the scene, the man backed his truck into a light pole, leaving behind red paint. Witnesses provided a good description of the man: white male, salt-and-pepper beard, sunken cheeks, red ball cap over light brown hair, wearing a brown uniform shirt. They also got a license number.
for work, family or vacation? Any knowledge of Lincks or of his personal connections in Booneville or Spiro, Oklahoma, could prove key.
Any information should be reported to the Alma Police Department by calling 479-632-3333, the Morgan Nick Foundation at 479-632-6382 or the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 800-843-5678. The
Lincks was again in court, and this time, the judge did not play around, sentencing him to six years. It was while serving that sentence that Lincks died of a medical issue in prison in 2000.
For many people, the events marked the end of the incident but not for Colleen Nick, who remains adamant in her belief that Morgan is alive until proven otherwise. Likewise, the Alma Police Department intends to keep their teeth in the case until closure is reached. The final outcome of this story is now in the hands of the community. Help is needed in the form of information, as well as in pushing the update out on social media.
Foremost among law enforcement’s needs for putting the remaining puzzle pieces together is information on Lincks to put some meat on the skeleton of facts they already have. What they know is this: Lincks, raised in Crawford County, served in the Army during World War II. From about 1962 to 1974, he lived in Dallas, working at the former Braniff International Airways, before moving back to Van Buren in the 1970s.
Any further information about him, no matter how insignificant it might seem, could move this case forward. Where has he lived? What was his source of income? Who made up his circle — family, friends, associates — and who might know more? What activities or organizations was he involved in? Has he been known to use aliases or had previous charges? Was he known to travel to certain locations
Mother Colleen Nick established the Morgan Nick Foundation to help other families of missing children.
latter was co-founded by Revé Walsh, whose husband, John Walsh, used his television show America’s Most Wanted to take cases further than law enforcement were able to.
The Morgan Nick case stands as a warning to parents everywhere of the dangers that lurk in communities large and small. Arkansas ranks high in the nation on the list of states with the most registered sex offenders with thousands of current residents listed on the mandatory sex offender registry to help keep track of their whereabouts. That number has increased considerably over the last few years but law enforcement officials admit there are likely many more sex offenders living in the state whose location is currently unknown.
Predators target children in their own neighborhoods, shopping areas, school grounds, churches and areas where activities are being held. Organizations such as the Morgan Nick Foundation can provide learning tools to help community members become proactive about children’s safety.
Over the years, Morgan Nick has become Arkansas’ child. We want her home. Until then, her abduction remains as a reminder that the unspeakable can and does happen. There is no safe zone. Predators are out there, waiting and watching on the edges of the light for a child — anyone’s child.
For information about the state’s registered sex offenders, including whereabouts and assessed level of danger to others, visit sexoffenderregistry.ar.gov.
Watson State Park
By Joe David Rice
Chances are readers have not heard of Watson State Park. The fact is it no longer exists.
During the Jim Crow era, recreational opportunities for Arkansas’s African American citizens were severely limited, since mixing of the races was not encouraged and, in many cases, was not tolerated. During the 1930s, African Americans were not welcome in Arkansas’s fledgling state park system, which included Arkansas Post, the Buffalo River, Crowley’s Ridge, Devil’s Den, Lake Catherine, Mount Nebo and Petit Jean.
In early 1935, federal and state officials drafted plans for a nearly 1,640-acre “Proposed Pine Bluff Regional Negro Park” about 7 miles west of Pine Bluff. Located at the headwaters of Bayou Bartholomew, the tract of gently rolling lands featured several springs and big stands of pine and gum trees. Part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal, the demonstration project was designed to provide training, create jobs and improve recreational opportunities for the state’s African American residents. According to the plan’s summary, “within a 50 mile radius of the area, there are approximately 130,000 Negroes.”
John Brown Watson, president of Arkansas Agricultural, Mechanical & Normal College in Pine Bluff, the state’s college for Black students, sent a letter to Arkansas Gov. J. M. Futrell on Jan. 26, 1935, regarding the project.
“As you know, probably, there is not a park for Negroes in the state,” Watson wrote.
Seeking Futrell’s support for federal assistance, he made this request: “Please write me a short letter, simply stating you favor such a park for colored people and that your acquaintance with the Negro race convinces you that they are worthy.”
Parks Commission formally accepted Watson’s offer the next month, the Atlanta Daily World reported the project would be “the nation’s first all-colored state park.”
By early 1938, African American school children across the state had raised $5,000 to match a $15,000 grant from the federal government for Watson State Park, named in honor of the project’s benefactor. With assistance from the National Youth Administration, the Arkansas Department of Education and AM&N College, construction began in May that year. Nearly 100 African American youths between ages 18 and 25 participated under the supervision of a dozen vocational instructors.
The third annual report of the Arkansas State Parks Commission, published on Dec. 5, 1939, noted that a caretaker’s residence, a barn, outbuildings, barracks, a dining hall and a kitchen had been installed. Even though Watson State Park was not yet complete, 1,000 visitors passed through its gate that year.
Futrell, along with dozens of other prominent individuals and groups from across the state, endorsed the proposed park.
The land program division of the National Park Service was moving forward in the spring of 1935 to buy the property at an average cost of $10.45 per acre when plans suddenly changed. A June 10 letter from the Department of the Interior informed the state’s sponsors that federal polices had shifted due to a reorganization, placing the future of the park in jeopardy. The proposal was resubmitted to the Resettlement Administration later that summer but within weeks, it was dead.
Watson was not ready to give up. He offered to donate 100 acres of land he owned within the original tract for a scaled-down version of the park. Gov. Carl Bailey, who replaced Futrell following the 1936 elections, went to Pine Bluff on May 10, 1937, and met with AM&N’s board to finalize the details of the revised proposal. When the State
The New Farmers of America, an association of young African American farm men from eastern and Southern states, held its annual convention at Arkansas AM&N College in August 1940. The Arkansas hosts proudly entertained their guests at Watson State Park.
“Negroes of Pine Bluff and the surrounding cotton country throng Watson State Park, which is being fitted with swimming and athletic facilities and dormitories,” wrote the editors of Arkansas: A Guide to the State in 1941. Baseball fields, a community hall and other facilities were scheduled for completion that year.
The death of Watson in 1942 signaled the days of Watson State Park were numbered. Two years later, his widow sued the state, alleging the Arkansas State Parks Commission had failed to develop the property according to the stipulations of her husband’s donation. The court ruled in favor of the plaintiff and ordered that the 100-acre plot be returned to Mrs. Watson.
Meanwhile, other Southern states began constructing African American state park facilities. By the mid-1950s, eight of the states had a single park that allowed Black visitors and several — to include Georgia, Florida and South Carolina — had built more than three. The only Southern state not offering state park experiences for its African American citizens was Arkansas.
Nearly 90 years have passed since construction first began on Arkansas’s ill-fated Watson State Park. Its history remains largely unknown, and any evidence of buildings, ball fields and dreams vanished beneath the stands of pine trees years ago.
Joe David Rice, former tourism director of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, wrote Arkansas Backstories, a delightful book of short stories from A through Z that introduces readers to the state’s lesser-known aspects. Rice’s goal is to help readers acknowledge that Arkansas is a unique and fascinating combination of land and people — a story to be proud of and one certainly worth sharing.
Each month, AY will share one of the 165 distinctive essays. We hope these stories will give readers a new appreciation for this geographically compact but delightfully complex place we call home. These Arkansas Backstories columns appear courtesy of the Butler Center for Arkansas Studies at the Central Arkansas Library System. The essays have been collected and published by Butler Center Books in a two-volume set, both of which are now available to purchase on Amazon and at the University of Arkansas Press.
John Brown Watson
February is American Heart Month
According to the American Heart Association, 80% of heart disease and stroke events are preventable through lifestyle changes and proper medical care, including regular check-ups and managing conditions like hypertension and diabetes
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Left to Right: Ronak Soni, MD, Don Steely, MD, Rimsha Hasan, MD, and Yalcin Hacioglu, MD of Conway Regional Cardiovascular Clinic
