HOT SPRINGS, AR: PRE-THANKSGIVING FAMILY RETREAT

Where can runners, holiday shoppers and extreme barbeque and light display fans all experience peace the weekend before Thanksgiving?  Hot Springs, AR offers an A+ answer to the perennial predicament of juggling family commitments, pleasing everyone and balancing the budget. 

Friday, 11.19.10

4-8p Girls Gotta Shop

Don you now your gay apparel for a relaxing evening of shopping and entertainment.  The 100-200 block of Historic Central Avenue in Downtown Hot Springs features fine art, dazzling jewelry, antiques, gifts, restaurants and more.  This is your Christmas Club account’s reason for being. 

http://www.hotsprings.org/events_calendar/default.aspx?id=1452

Saturday, 11.20.10

Breakfast

For stick-to-your-ribs, homestyle cooking, you can’t beat Phil’s.  You really can please all the people all the time with Southern standards such as: French Toast with powdered sugar and whipped cream; biscuits with sausage gravy; ham, eggs and grits; and more.  All you can eat: $6.75 adults, $5.75 kids 3-10, kids under 3 eat free.

http://www.urbanspoon.com/u/menu/964213?p=0

8-11a Spa Town Racers Sing This Song…

Nov. 20^th marks the 28^th Annual SPA 10K, 5K and Spa Squirt 1K.  The route meanders through nearby woods, Bathhouse Row, the Quapaw-Prospect Historic District and scenic downtown.  Walkers are welcome in the 5K.  Live music will accompany the race, which benefits Teen Challenge of Arkansas and Friends of the Parks.  Three awards will be presented per age group.  Additional honors include Overall, Clydesdale, Athena, Seniors, Masters, Grand Masters and 5K Walkers.  Come on out!  The weather and colors are fine.  It’s also a great way to rev up your pre-Turkey Dinner metabolism.

http://www.hotsprings.org/events_calendar/default.aspx?id=1901

11a-2p Lunch

The ladies will love Café 1217’s creative flavor combination and decadent desserts for lunch and dinner.  A seasonal menu and deli-style counter service set this Modern American-International experience apart.  The tomato soup will leave you begging for more.

Cafe 1217 on Urbanspoon

Guys, don’t miss the Half Spread Tamale Plate at McClard’s Bar-B-Q Restaurant.  This homemade tamale comes loaded with barbecue, chips, cheese and onions.  Have someone else at your table get the ribs, so you don’t miss them either.

McClard's Bar-B-Q Restaurant on Urbanspoon

2-4p Spas to Stay At

EDITOR’S CHOICE: Get into the spirit of the season with a Mud-n-Myrrh treatment at Swan Song. Bookended by refreshing showers with handmade peppermint soap, this unique spa experience blends a 50-minute massage with mud and myrrh, a roller bed and a spring-fed mineral water Jacuzzi bath for spellbinding bliss.  Highlights of their other services include facials, masques, salt glows and couple packages.  Reservations are available by email and phone.  Book a stay at conveniently located Dreamcatcher Cottage, where you can watch native Arkansan herbalist Juvonne Snider create her exclusive line of spa products.

http://www.swansongspa.com/index.html

In Historic Downtown: The Deluxe Rejuvenation Package at the Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa.  This pampering package includes two nights for two adults in a deluxe room.  Take two each of the manicures, pedicures, heated neck wraps, facials and body wraps.  Add a $30 food and beverage credit, and you won’t worry about much of anything.  Or when you shop, treat your hunk to a men’s inclusion, featuring a Vitamin C-aromatherapy facial , masque and head-neck-foot massage.  Only have time for one service?  Try a Passion Mango Tropical Body Wrap!

http://www.arlingtonhotel.com/spaexp.htm

5-9p Let’s Go See the Lights

It’s opening night for one of Arkansas’ most impressive holiday events, Lights on the Landscape.  The outdoor display of 1.7 million lights will only run you $6 per adult and $4 per child, ages 6-12.  Elves ages 5 and under admitted free.

http://www.hotsprings.org/events_calendar/default.aspx?id=1874

Sunday 11.21.10

See and be seen at Hot Springs’ best Sunday brunch – Windows on the Park at the Arlington Hotel.  Featuring breathtaking ambience and live piano entertainment, this brunch is the cherry on top of your pre-holiday weekend.  You’ll wish you had another award to add to their collection.

http://www.arlingtonhotel.com/dining.htm

(c) 2010 Belinda Y. Hughes

Austin for Felines, Finicky Foodies & Former Presidents

Verdigris loves Austin, and Austin loves Verdigris.  Verdi is my four month old kitten.  He’s been running away with me to Austin for the last three months.   In that time we’ve learned more than a few things worth sharing.
 

The Red Roof Inn charges no pet deposits or fees.  We get the best prices on Red Roof at Expedia.  The Business King gives the best value for your money, with spacious rooms, free in-room wifi, microfridge combo, iron & ironing board, blow dryer, in-room safe, executive desk and table for two.  With all the amenities in the room, you're ready for anything when you leave your door.  Service is outstanding, always a smile.

Freddie’s Place is my little man's fave lunch spot.  Verdi purrs at the friendly servers, bird-filled shade trees and creek in the outdoor dining area.  It doesn’t ruffle his whiskers one whit to be the minority kitty amongst the predominantly canine clientele.   On our first visit he bought a couple treats from the 25c vending jar for the German Shepherd at the next table.  While the instructions on the white picket gate address dogs, they don't say “dogs only.”  The servers knew Verdi by name in only a week or two.  Now they’re his devoted groupies, despite Tshirts proclaiming “Doggies do it Freddie-style.”  Freddie’s is famous for their bigger-than-both-hands burgers, generous sides and tall drinks.  I swoon over the veggie burger with jack cheese and barbecue sauce on a whole grain, oat-trimmed bun!  On our last visit, my friend talked me into sharing a brownie sundae before Verdi and I boarded 290 East for home.

For date night, you can’t go wrong with a flick at Alamo Draft House.  Dinner and a movie in one stop.  Arrive a half hour before show time to buy your tickets, find your seat, peruse the menu and receive your order before the lights go down.  Eye-popping murals will excite you en route to your respective theater.  Meals are served in genuine tableware, no paper or plastic here.  Once you see a movie at Alamo, you’ll write off mainstream movie theaters.  Basic courtesy rules regarding cell phones, conversation and behavior are played on the big screen and diligently enforced.  It’s a gloriously different experience.  Old black-and-white films tickle your fancy prior to previews and features.  Seats and climate control are comfy, and the volume is just right.  Their spaghetti squash with marinara and garlic bread will put you in the mood for love.  The iced tea’s not bad, either.

Words cannot begin to describe the romantic sensations of watching the sunset behind the Texas Capitol while dining at the Brick Oven.  But here goes.  Spy the multihued horizon as you toy with the tomato basil vinaigrette on the house salad.   As your heartbeat increases at the descension of the brightening orange orb into perfect position behind the rotunda, taunt your tongue with the artichoke hearts, zucchini and fresh herbs of Pasta Primavera.  Splash your palpitating tastebuds with a half-liter of Pellegrino.  At this point, the tiniest taste of tiramisu will induce whimpering.  More will make you moan loudly and bang on the table.  Don’t worry about the neighbors.  They’re under the spell, too.  The sudden vanishing of the sun amid a display of peach, aubergine and terracotta will leave you breathless and blissed out.  TIP: As you walk to your table, check the wall-mounted chalkboard for soup du jour and specials.  Gluten-free menu available.

Woo your paramour with the best potstickers in all of Austin at Mama Fu’s.  Pork, green cabbage, scallions and ginger meld in your mouth with a citrus soy dipping sauce.  Thai coconut soup is a must-try.  Lose yourself in this creamy tradition of chicken breast, lemongrass, lime, mushrooms and tomatoes.   Ready for the entrée?  First, choose your main ingredient: chicken, shrimp, beef, tofu or veggies.  Next, select a rice dish or noodle bowl by spice level (yum slow sizzle or whoa, mama!) and sauce contents.   Vietnamese Crunchy Noodles offer a mild yet flavorful fantasy come true with garlic-seared sweet sauce atop pan-fried egg noodles, snap peas and sprouts.  More Asian franchises should wok this way.  Sleek Zen feel, prompt service and upscale movie theater nearby complete the magnetic attraction.  NEW: Gluten-free menu. 
 

NEW in Austin: Kerbey Lane Café Southwest.  Kerbey Lane’s been around awhile, but this location is new.  Servers freely dressed to express their Austin weirdness contrast with classic diner decor for a distinctive ambience.  Scan the seven menus, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and seasonal, and create your own custom omelet.  Try artichokes and pecan basil pesto with a side of fruit, whole grain toast and fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice.  Tip: stow your recipe on your phone or in your pocketbook before you go.  Once you get there, the endless options can be overwhelming.

9/29/10, 12:30-2:15p (tickets go on sale Mon., 9/20): 

Former President Jimmy Carter will be signing his latest book, White House Diary (see below) at BookPeople on Lamar and Sixth.  While you're there, snag a “Keep Austin Weird” tshirt up front by the registers.  Jury a new journal to download your busy brain.  Succinctly state your case with a bumper sticker.  The ladies’ loo upstairs is a compendium of contemporary literature and notable quotes. 

On the subject of loos worth a look, Jerry’s Artarama also merits mentioning.  With their colorful illustrations and inscriptions, you know you’re on an Austin pot.  Afterwards, partake of the best art supply specials in Austin and artist events.  Don’t miss the info-decked lounge wall.  It’ll get your brain pumping with activity ideas for hobbies back home.  You just can’t go wrong at Jerry’s.

Last, but never least, stretch your legs at Lady Bird Johnson (formerly Town) Lake’s walk-run-bike trails. Dogs are welcome in some areas.  Verdi’s contemplating that, and lording about as reigning cat at the dog park.  As for myself, I’m eager to check out the yoga studios.  On my list: longtime Austin fave NiaSpace in South Central (same mall as Alamo Drafthouse).

Book your trip now!

(c) 2010 Belinda Y. Hughes

9-24-10: Lake Charles, LA

Love Cajun food and fine art?  Need quality couple or family time?  Pack your bags for Gallery Promenade 2010, Friday, Sept. 24 from 5-9p in Historic Downtown Lake Charles, LA.  19 participating galleries and well over 30 artists spanning two cultural districts promise plenty of eclectic eye candy.  Dress is casual with walking shoes for this superb evening stroll in a safe environment.  Great weather and fresh air are lagniappe (LAHN-yop, "a little something extra").


If you're coming to the Festival Capital of Louisiana from Texas, you'll also enjoy the unique Contraband (I-10) Bridge, trimmed in pirate pistols.  Below it is the sparkling clean North Beach, with a boardwalk leading to live alligators in an enclosed habitat.  Going South along the lakefront, New Orleans-style carriages drawn by Belgian mules await your party at Veterans Park.  NEW in Lake Charles: a vintage Huey helicopter (Veterans Park) and Lakefront Promenade (Civic Center) with marina and free wifi.

The first stop on Gallery Promenade is Associated Louisiana Artists' (ALA) Gallery by the Lake, offering four display rooms and three featured shows in a single structure.  Gallery by the Lake is home to about 20 artists, including founder Anne Dentler, illustrator of the children's books Clyde: the Cajun Calf  and Amos: the Artistic Alligator.  The gallery's featured artist for Promenade will be photographer Valerie Noland Smith, owner of downtown coffeehouse Stellar Beans (below).  In addition, this year's Gallery Promenade will be the debut of "Foot by Foot," a traveling exhibit of artistic commentary on coastal erosion.  The slated bimonthly back wall show will be "The Mechanics of Man."

Got kids?  We guar-on-tee they'll enjoy clambering about Shiver Me Timbers Millennium Park and cooling off at the PPG Interactive Water Park, located on either end of the Civic Center.  Don't miss the Gators on the Geaux, a themed collection of upright gators about town.  Two top the gates of Millennium Park.  Two more live inside the Civic Center.  Cruise in front of the Civic Center to spy two more on the patios of government buildings.  Let the kids touch everything at the Children's Museum. You'll have to haul them out when it's time to move on. 

No one has ever left Lake Charles hungry.  Her downtown eateries are also known far and wide for their live local music after dark.  The hardest part about dining in Historic Downtown Lake Charles is choosing restaurants and dishes.  The ambience and flavors are all impeccable.

Try the Shocker Chicken Sandwich with a side of Fried Green Beans at AJ's Bar & Grill.  Bacon-wrapped shrimp and crab cakes are the way to go at Booda's Bistro.  Cajun Cafe is known for its award-winning Southern and Soul food.  For lunch, grab a Roadkill Taco or Barbeque Brisket Sandwich at Happy Hippie Pizza.  The spectacular seasoning of their pizza sauce also leaves locals smiling.  Whether you dine indoors or out, you'll fall in love with the spinach artichoke dip and grilled tuna at Luna Bar & Grill.  The lunch and dinner traffic jam outside Sha Sha's of Creole is a testament to locals' devotion to their shrimp poboys and fried bread pudding.  For Monte Cristos that can't be beat, get a table at Pujo Street Cafe'.  If it's time for Lake Charles' best breakfast, tuck into a Stellar Beans Breakfast Casserole, loaded with sausage, veggies and salsa.  Wash it down with juice, herbal tea, Go-Gurt or fair-trade organic coffee.  Stellar Beans also features the Spudzilla Salad, free wifi, books, and tables hand-painted by local artists.

No visit to the center of this tropical tour de force would be complete without golf, gaming, shopping and some spa time.  L'auberge du Lac boasts the only public Tom Fazio-designed golf course in the state, 60 table games, 1,600 slots, and decadent Spa du Lac pampering.  Add 1,000 spacious rooms, suites and villas, and you've found bliss.  Just around the corner is Prien Lake Mall, home to more than 80 specialty shops; an indoor kids' Bungee Jump at the sumptuous food court; chair massage, dental whitening and threading kiosks; and a Cinemark theatre with digital technology and stadium seating.  Special Touch Massage Therapy, offering ear candling, waxing and cellulite treatments, is also nearby.  Your next stop is the Cottage Shop District, chock-full of proprietary purveyors of delightful gifts and decor items.  Simply cruise east from the Mall, along Prien Lake Road from Ernest to Kirkman, and wind in and out the area's side streets.

From art, music and food, to shopping, golf and gaming, Lake Charles will get your happy on.


Book your trip and save!


























(c) 2010 Belinda Y. Hughes