With Love

I don’t know that there is a better song for this month of love than “Endless Love,” the 1981 love ballad by Lionel Richie and Diana Ross. The beautiful ballad was ringing through my ears as we put the finishing touches on this issue, and I hope that the same sentimental spirit finds you as you read through it.

Of course, there is Valentine’s Day, and we brought back our annual Valentine’s Day Giveaway for the occasion. Make sure to visit aymag.com from Feb. 1-Feb. 14 to enter to win fabulous prizes from our amazing clients like Dr. Suzanne Yee, Tipton & Hurst and Fort Thompson. One of my all-time favorite restaurants, Red Oak Steakhouse at Saracen Casino Resort in Pine Bluff, is giving away a $600 gift card for you and your honey to experience its exquisite cuisine. These are just a few gifts that we will be giving away for the perfect Valentine’s Day.

Can you believe it’s already time to think about spring break? Our Spring Break Travel special section includes a few off-the-beaten-path places to take your special someone, your family or even yourself to retreat and escape the anxieties of the “real world.” We also have AY, About You Magazine’s incredible Travel Editor Joe David Rice exploring the Cossatot River State Park & Natural Area in southwest Arkansas. Rugged and remote, it offers excellent hiking experiences and photographic opportunities in our fantastic Natural State.

This month also brings the reflective celebration of Black History Month, and AY shares a journey down the Arkansas Civil Rights Trail by Dr. John A. Kirk. This feature covers Arkansas civil rights history in every corner of the state, from the Delta to Fort Smith. Points of interest in this story include Central High School/integration in other Arkansas schools, “Jet” and “Ebony” publisher/founder/Arkansas native John H. Johnson, Memphis/West Memphis/MLK assassination to Delta Rhythm & Bayous Highway (now runs into Mississippi) and so much more.

As we come out of the pandemic, last year’s pool craze in the “home” world is still in full effect. What else is hot and happening in home renovation and building this year in Arkansas? Well, you will have to read our story to find out. Our cover story by Julie Craig features several River Rock Builders’ homes. Then, we have a special feature on the 71st Annual Central Arkansas Home & Garden Show, from Feb. 11th to 12th. Produced by the Home Builders Association of Greater Little Rock, the Central Arkansas Home & Garden Show will take place at the Arkansas State Fair Grounds. Previously known as the Little Rock Home Show, the Central Arkansas Home & Garden Show features two days with experts in home improvement, remodeling, design and garden expertise. Mark your calendars!

And it wouldn’t be right to discuss the topic of love without talking about food. This month, we’ve created a Romantic Restaurants List with some of my favorite restaurants around the state. Make sure to tune into KARK every Wednesday at 6:40 a.m. and KARK’s “Arkansas Style” at 2 p.m. for “The Bucket List” food segment with Nichole Niemann and me. You don’t want to miss it!

As usual, the list goes on and on, and this issue is packed with great content that we are all proud to bring you. Enjoy!

Heather Baker, President & Publisher hbaker@aymag.com / heatherbaker_ar