Fall/Winter
2017
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W • Nursing staff available 7 days a week • Assistance with medication and administration • Assistance with all activities of daily living (showers, dressing, etc.) • Activity room, shopping, transportation, games, etc. • 3 meals served daily, plus snacks • Transportation provided to Walmart, monthy trips and medical appointments • Housekeeping and laundry services • Safe and secure • 24 Hour Staff available • Daily activities to enjoy
1803 Cordie Drive, Mena
479-394-2600
www.peachtreemena.com
e m o c l e W Editor-in-Chief
LeAnn Dilbeck
Features Editor Melanie Wade
Creative Director Ilana Burk
Page Layout & Design Emmye Rowell
Marketing Specialists Debbie Frost Mark Hobson Melanie Wade LeAnn Dilbeck
Volume 1002 Issue 2 Fall/Winter 2017 Published by MULTI-MEDIA
1168 Hwy 71 South Mena AR, 71953 479-243-9600 | MyPulseNews.com KENA104.1 FM | KQOR 105.3 FM | 1450 AM
Welcome to the spectacular Ouachita Mountains and another issue of East to West, our staff’s favorite publication we produce because we get to showcase an area we are proud to call home and consider our own small piece of heaven! East to West features not only the incredible landscape that offers so many opportunities for both relaxation and adventure, but also the unique people and businesses that create the most memorable vacations and getaways! Fall is the season that brings tourists in from all corners of the country and from all walks of life! Whether they are enjoying our plethora of colors while cruising, hiking one of our abundant trails, or shopping in one of our many flea or antique malls, the cool crisp air amid our warm southern hospitality is a guaranteed hook that will keep you returning to our beautiful Ouachita mountains time and again. Unlike the famed Rocky or Appalachian Mountain, our rugged Ouachita Mountains run from East to West. Mena sits at the base of the second highest peak in Arkansas, Rich Mountain, and is the gateway to the Talimena Scenic National Byway as well as the Castle in the Sky – Queen Wilhelmina State Park. We invite you to experience our Ouachitas from east to west… or west to east!
- LeAnn
In one of the most unique places in North America, the Ouachita Mountains surrounding Polk County, Arkansas offers a variety of outdoor adventures that are sure to stir the adrenaline of even the most courageous. The ‘east to west’ layout of the Ouachitas Mountains is a unique quality of its own, but the trails and streams that are nestled here, are unequalled. Whether you are into mountain biking, hiking, canoeing, or kayaking, there are thousands of acres of national forest and hundreds of miles of streams and rivers that provide options to everyone from beginners to the most experienced.
Holly Springs Homestead words: Melanie Wade
Agri-tourism is one of the fastest growing niche tourism markets in the industry and is a bridge between rural and urban communities. In Arkansas, agri-tourism encompasses a wide variety of activities that promote the agriculture of Arkansas including farmers markets, u-pick it farms, farm tours, eco-tourism ventures and trail rides. Holly Springs Homestead, LLC., is a fun, family-oriented agri-tourism development just outside of Mena, Ark., created by Luke and Deedee Alston to bring some of yesteryears’ most rewarding activities to today’s generations. The heart of the Alston’s vision of Holly Springs Homestead was the desire to help people disconnect from today’s hectic, fastpaced world to reconnect to their roots. One of the best facets of Holly Springs Homestead is the homegrown vegetables and fruits they have daily. The on-site Farmstand offers up seasonally grown goodies or, in some cases, you can pick your own and show your youngsters what you, your parents, or grandparents used to do to feed the family.
Each Office Independently Owned and Operated
1118 HIGHWAY 71S MENA, AR 71953 1-800-394-6521 479-394-6500
CENTURY21PERRY.COM CENTURY21.COM WE CAN SHOW ANY PROPERTY LISTED!
Let us show you the beauty of the Ouachitas!
Vicki Agee Sales Associate 479-234-3626
Lana Coogan Sales Associate 479-234-3685
Norma Trammell Executive Broker 479-216-4313
Eudell Head Sales Associate 479-216-3544
Angel Ward Sales Associate 479-216-3526
Gary McMellon Sales Associate 479-637-6814
Rachel Lance Sales Associate 479-234-3594
Amanda Warrington Executive Broker 479-234-8114
Tiffany Lane Principal Broker/Owner 479-394-6500
In the Fall, Holly Springs Homestead features their Fall Fun on the Farm activities that include a six acre, one-ofa-kind Corn Maze, a Pumpkin Patch, Hay Rides, Sunflower Patch, and displays of the Crops of Arkansas. Mums, pumpkins, corn stalks, hay bales, and gourds decorate the property to bring the feel of harvest season, a tradition many families remember with fondness. Live music, demonstrations, fall food, and weekly events are also held to celebrate the season. The Kids Farm, another facet of Holly Springs Homestead, was inspired by a rich childhood filled with a sister-like friendship and two little girls, Deedee and her friend Lynelle, who knew how to use their imagination! Deedee said, “In today’s times, kids don’t always have the chance to enjoy down time. The very best times in childhood were those where imagination was all we had and we used things around us to create, pretend and discover. It was the best childhood a kid could have in my opinion. At The Kids Farm we’ve recreated a few of our favorite things for kids who may not otherwise have the chance to test their resourcefulness, play freely, imagine, dream and connect with the land.” She continued, “It’s our goal to provide kids with that chance, if only for a day. There’s no rushing. No deadlines. No lines.... just come as you are and spend the day for some good ole fashioned play… and just be a kid.” Holly Springs Homestead is an Arkansas Grown farm, where only products grown and produced in Arkansas are sold at their Market. They sell Heirloom seeds, Watkins products, pure raw honey, garden supplies, beeswax, hunt-
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“Where Pampering Comes Naturally” Acres of country relaxation five minutes from Downtown
Dine on ‘gourmet’ breakfasts
Huge patio and porch
Beautiful, comfortable rooms
tripadvisor.com
2205 Church Avenue • Mena, Arkansas 71953 • 479-394-8519 or 479-216-7644
www.abearsdenbandb.com
479-394-3650
309 S. Morrow, Mena
Supercenter 67 600 Hwy. 71 North Mena, AR
Perennial Winner of The Best of Polk County, as voted by readers of The Mena Star
HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS
WiFi
Mitch Sikes • Andy Brown • Tony Hooper
“Helping your dreams become a reality!”
OME DISCOVER THE BEST KEPT SECRET IN MENA. WE OFFER FINE AMENITIES YOU WOULD ONLY EXPECT TO FIND IN A LUXURY RESORT, AND OUR STAFF IS PREPARED AND EAGER TO TAKE CARE OF ALL YOUR NEEDS. • BANQUETS • BIRTHDAY PARTIES • CLASS REUNIONS • CLUB MEETINGS • CONFERENCES
Bobbie Himel Principal Broker/Owner 985-519-3972
Le-Ann Holmes Realtor/ Owner 479-234-7310
• CORPORATE RETREATS
Jan Atchley
Principal Broker/ Realtor 479-243-6475
• FAMILY REUNIONS • GRADUATIONS • HOLIDAY PARTIES • HONEYMOON • RECEPTIONS • WEDDINGS
Sandra Thomas Michael Looney Realtor 479-234-3952
Realtor 479-234-5582
Deana Dixon Realtor 479-234-7512
Serving AR & OK Areas • 2611 Hwy 71 S. • Mena, AR 71953 479-394-7676 • Toll Free: (877) 394-7676
Visit us online at www.MenaSelectRealty.com
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479.394.3110 OFFICE
479.394.3112 FAX
214.755.4425 24 HR LINE
2817 HWY 71 NORTH MENA, ARKANSAS
www.menamountainresort.com
ing and fishing licenses, and much, much more. They are also a Century Farm, meaning the same family has farmed the same land for at least 100 years. Luke’s father was born on the land that was originally homesteaded by his great-grandparents. Every aspect of Holly Springs Homestead is designed to educate its guests in agri-education, farm to table, Arkansas crops, canning, gardening, etc., and it’s interactive, providing activities fit for all ages. Due to their vision and implementation of their forward-thinking venture, the Alston’s were named Polk County’s Farm Family of the Year in May 2017 and District Farm Family winners in June 2017. They are strong contenders for Arkansas State Farm Family of the Year, with winners to be announced in December. Holly Springs Homestead is not just for individuals and families. They book school groups, church groups, clubs, and more for personalized tours and activities. For more information on Holly Springs Homestead, visit their Facebook page or give them a call at 479243-6525.
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The Perfect Way to Experience the Ouachitas... is to stay right in the middle of your vacation destination … and it’s convenient, too! Waking up with a panoramic view of the Ouachita Mountains or all of Mena’s downtown shops and restaurants within walking distance is the perfect way to start peeling the layers of stress away. Or maybe you prefer your own private cabin tucked into the woods… we’ve got those, too! With a range of accommodations—from elegant hotels with exceptional service to simple cabins—you’ll find the perfect place to settle in, surrounded by beauty second to none and being served with the best in southern hospitality!
Mena Mountain Resort One of Mena’s newer lodging and event venues remains one of the best kept secrets in Western Arkansas… the Mena Mountain Resort is a spacious, upscale facility that gives you the feeling of a true “mountain retreat” but is located only a few minutes from Mena on a state highway. The décor is an eclectic blend of antiquities mixed with modern design that leaves you wondering what treasure you will find in the next room. Every corner of the property is expertly appointed with everything you’d expect to find in a luxury, 4-star mountain top resort yet, just minutes from all the conveniences of town. You can commune with nature, enjoying the area’s plethora of outdoor activities by day and then look forward to being pampered in the evening by the resort’s attentive staff that is ready to exceed all of your expectations. Whatever the words “retreat” and “vacation” mean to you, you will find it at Mena Mountain Resort. If not taking advantage of the many adventures within the region, you can spend your time relaxing by their pool and strolling through their peaceful gardens.
Hometown Tradition Bibles & Christian Music
Serving Polk County and the Ouachitas since 1934, with
Store Hours: Thursday, Friday & Saturday • 10 am - 4 pm
Local Ownership and Local Decisions. Come visit our area... You’ll want to stay!
Antiques, Collectables, Fenton Glass, & much more! 479-394-1149 479-243-6817
519 Sherwood Ave.
479-394-2211 • www.unionbankofmena.com
Mena, AR, 71953
MenaPolkChamber.com
479-394-2912
524 Sherwood Ave., Mena, AR 71953
Photo Courtesy of Mandy Parks Photography
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Come a stranger, Leave a friend! Enjoy our accommodations
Serving the area for over 20 years 804 Hwy 71 North Mena, AR 479-394-6350
Join us at First United
Methodist Church 410 Sherwood Ave., Suite 4 Mena, AR 71953 479-394-3777 Hours: Monday - Friday 10:00am - 5:30pm Saturday 10:00am - 2:00pm
618 Mena St. • 479-394-5152
Apartments for Rent at our locations in Mena, Hatfield, Cove and Wickes. Our apartments are "Smoke Free" and you will find the following included in the rent you pay. Cooking and Heating are both Natural Gas and this is paid by the housing authority. Your water, sewer and garbage pick-up is also paid by the housing authority. You will be responsible for your own electric, phone and TV service. Rent amount based on income. Lawn mowing service is provided to elderly/disabled residents and the service is available for a fee to all other resident's.
Apartments are equipped with a range, refrigerator and central heat and air conditioning.
Interested??? Contact our office at 479-394-1569 or our website: www.polkarhousing.com 12
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Lunch Plate Specials Biggest Little Salad Bar in Mena Breakfast Served All Day Full Menu Served All Day Thursday - Tuesday 5:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Closed Wednesdays
Mena Mountain Resort is designed to accommodate a weekend stay or to host banquets, birthday parties, class reunions, club meetings, conferences, corporate retreats, family reunions, graduations, holiday parties, honeymoons, weddings and receptions. The event staff of Mena Mountain Resort can assist in planning and executing events both large and small. Regardless of how you want to enjoy the spectacular Ouachita Mountain region, you can expect to relax, retreat, and rejuvenate when Mena Mountain Resort is on your travel itinerary.
The Carriage House Inn Nestled in the heart of Mena is the historic and stately [The] Carriage House Inn. The welcoming Inn is within walking distance of the picturesque Janssen Park as well as the shops and eateries of the downtown. The Inn is one of the most well known historic homes of Mena, the Shaver house, which was built in 1898 by Judge Benjamin Shaver. Benjamin Shaver was the son of the famous Confederate hero; Fighting Colonel Shaver. Later it was bought by Dr. Redman and became the first hospital in Mena, Ark. Later it was converted to apartments until it was bought by the Scott and Ashley Vacca family and converted into an Inn. The house was originally surrounded by an orchard and was built with a water well and a horse and carriage house. The picturesque home is routinely used as a backdrop for bridal and prom photos. The Carriage House boasts one guest cottage and 3 guest rooms. They offer nightly rates as well as monthly corporate rates. The Carriage House Suite, The Parisian Loft, and The Rider’s Den are expertly appointed with everything you need for not only a comfortable stay but a memorable one as well. Complete with queen size bed, tuck into the cozy bedding for a night to remember. Enjoy a nice relaxing bath in your private bathroom, complete with claw foot tub or sit back and enjoy our flat-screen TV and DVD player or access to the wireless network. Of course, your stay would not be complete with out their scrumptious fresh baked cookies and other snacks! Rooms are also available in their Carriage House Cottage. This was the original carriage house and has been converted to a private guest house. This is perfect for extended stays or corporate housing. The house includes a living room, dining room, bathroom, and kitchenette area. Feel free to make your self at home with the fully equipped kitchen and is complete with a flat screen TV, Wii gaming system, and several board games. Again, make sure to save room for their delectable fresh baked cookies and snack basket. If you would like to learn more about The Carriage House Inn or to book a room, visit their website, http://www.thecarriagehouseinn.net/ or call 479-243-0957.
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Mena’s budding arts district is located in the center of downtown and features an art gallery, live theatre, a working arts and crafts studio, a Native American Trading Post as well as a new creative arts center. They are all surrounded with delectable eateries, boutiques, and a nt i q u e/ re s a l e stores.
Ouachita Arts Celebration words: Melanie Wade
Once a year, Mena’s Downtown Arts District is transformed to bring to life the Ouachita Arts Celebration, now in it’s fourth year. Bringing artists from a plethora of mediums together on one street to celebrate and share their imaginations and creations to the public at large, the event has garnered strong community partnerships that continue to help it grow in popularity. During the one-day event, North Mena Street is closed off to traffic and filled with color, dancing, and live music as tourists, artists, and locals collide to generate one of west-central Arkansas’ most up and coming festivals. Those artists sell items both big and small, from the smallest pine needle baskets and delicate hand-made jewelry to the largest wooden chairs and chests, and every type of art and craft pieces in between. Demonstrations line the streets as well with places such as the Ouachita Little Theatre that offer snippets of their productions, as well as ‘selfie photo booths’ where patrons can dress
in theatre costumes and have pictures taken. Musical artists’ tunes float through the air and the Vintage Tin Fall Tour Car Show brings a vibrant, yet old-timey feel to the festival. Kids and adults alike can enjoy face paintings, birds of prey, great food, and martial arts demonstrations. The event has garnered support in part by the Arkansas Arts Council, The Department of Arkansas Heritage, and the National Endowment for the Arts, proving its worth on your fall circuit calendar. Mark your calendars, book your hotel, and fill your tank as you plan your Mena fall getaway to include this festival on November 4, 2017 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., all held on North Mena Street, the heart of the Arts District. For more information, check out their Facebook page, Ouachita Arts Celebration.
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For a drive through some of the nation’s most beautiful territory, visit the Ouachitas during Fall Foliage Season. Brilliant red, yellow, and orange foliage mixed with the area’s evergreens provides picturesque scenes over every hill and around every turn. There are many ways to enjoy the beauty of Fall Foliage, be it driving through winding roads or hiking one of the area’s trails. Mena is well known as the gateway to the Talimena National Scenic Byway, a 54-mile stretch that leads to Talihina, Oklahoma. On the Byway, travelers go through Queen Wilhelmina State Park, atop Arkansas’ second highest peak, Rich Mountain. Stops along the way reveal open span views of the valleys below and create a portrait of color during the annual changing of the colors. While some prefer to take the drive in an automobile, others prefer the open air on their face experience and many motorcyclists often enjoy the natural beauty and winding curves. Bicyclists and marathon runners are drawn in as well. The season also sparked one of the area’s largest events of the year, Christian Motorcyclists Association’s Changing of the Colors International Rally. Just between Mena and Hatfield, the Christian Motorcylists Association International Headquarters sits atop Iron Mountain where thousands of CMA members and motorcycle enthusiasts from around the globe gather for their annual homecoming meeting each October. When attendees aren’t gathered in meetings and sessions, one of the riders favorite local activities is traveling the route. Other highways leading out of Mena also provide scenic drives. Highways 8 East and 88 East both have Arkansas’ twisty, winding highways that are flanked by forest lands, creating a plethora of color as well. Highway 375 East, leading to areas of the Ouachita National Forest such as Shady Lake, Little Missouri Falls, and Albert’s Pike, also provides an array of scenic beauty. The Ouachita Mountains are full of hiking and mountain biking trails as well. Delving deep into the National Forest Lands gives nature lovers a wide variety of flora and fauna to behold, with many being unique to the area. From Earthquake Ridge, Lover’s Leap, and the Reservoir Trail on Rich Mountain, to the Brushy Leaf and the River Corridor at Cossatot River State Park, to the Womble and Little Missouri trails in the eastern Ouachitas, trails and nature areas give everyone from, beginners to experts in every facet of outdoor adventure, something to enjoy. From driving, to riding, to hiking, or overnight backpacking, the Fall Foliage Season in the Ouachita Mountains is a memory maker, an experience, an adventure, waiting for you…
The Mercantile
RADIO • PRINT • WEB • VIDEO
General Store & Indoor Flea Market
622 Mena Street Mena, Arkansas
MULTI-MEDIA
THE POLK COUNTY
479-234-4990 Antiques * Gifts * Souvenirs Local Tourist Maps & Information At the start of the Talimena Scenic Drive.
Next door to the famous Skyline Cafe. Built in 1899, The Mercantile sits in the Historic Commercial and Arts District of Mena.
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Pulse Multi-Media is the area's first choice for news, events and entertainment... reaching potentially 40,000 through three radio stations, a weekly newspaper, an online publication and live-streaming video. Anywhere - anytime - we have our pulse on the community .... that's why we're proud to call this home and even prouder to be the heartbeat of our community!
PULSE MULTI-MEDIA
479-243-9600 • 1168 Hwy 71 S. • Mena, AR 71953
The Heartbeat of Our Community
Located in the heart of Mena, Arkansas 701 12th Street • Mena, AR 71953
The Carriage House Inn---at the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains in Mena, Arkansas. Located in the heart of Mena, walking distance to downtown and Janssen Park, this stunning 1898 colonial home and guest house is the perfect place to call home on your next vacation to Southwest Arkansas.
479-243-0957 Alternative reservation number 214-356-5137 Innkeepers: Scott and Ashley Vacca arts
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To enjoy the holiday season, the Ouachitas provides annual lighting displays, parades, and hot apple cider for tourists and locals alike. Most communities host parades in early December, with many being held at night filling the streets with vibrant floats and hearts full of cheer. The Mena/Polk County Chamber of Commerce hosts Mena’s Parade of Lights each year in downtown beginning on North Mena Street. The 2017 parade theme is Dreaming of a White Christmas and will be held on December 2 at 6 p.m. As always, following the Parade of Lights, the Mena Advertising and Promotion Commission hosts their annual Christmas Festival in Mena’s historic Janssen Park. A live performance of Christmas music fills the air as the crowd awaits the ‘lighting of the park.’ Janssen Park is known for it’s marvelous display of lights, that have a rich history themselves and the City of Mena adds to the display each year. Travelers come from miles around to view the large display. A spectacular fireworks show wraps up the event and signifies the start of the season for locals. Also in 2017, Mena’s historic Train Depot will welcome the Kansas City Railroad’s Holiday Express Train, a festive, six-car train that brings Santa Claus and his elves to communities throughout the KCS rail network. Guests to the train can visit with Santa Claus and walk through three cars of the cars, which are filled with holiday displays. The event is free, open to the public, and no tickets are required. The Holiday Express will arrive at 4 p.m. on December 7. Mark your calendars now and spend your Christmas in the Ouachitas.
Images: Arkansas.com
Southwest ............. Magnolia
El Dorado
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Ashdown/Little River County De Queen El Dorado Gurdon Historic Washington State Park
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Hot Springs Magnolia
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Smackover Texarkana
Mena/Polk County Nashville Prescott
Hot Springs
To plan your Trail of Holiday Lights Tour visit https://www.arkansas.com/travel-tools/seasons/winter/trail-of-lights/
George S. Davis ÂŽ
State Farm Insurance Agent
Welcomes you to Mena, Arkansas
You are going to love it here!
(479) 394-4521 Downtown Mena Hwy. 71 & Mena St. 410 Sherwood Ave.