Fall Foliage Forecast

The predictions are in and the Farmers Almanac predicts that Arkansas will see its fall color from October 19th thru November 5. Experience tells me that the October 19th date will be for the higher elevations with our best color coming perhaps as early as October 26th. It seems we are about a week behind the higher elevations. However, please remember that Mt. Magazine is the highest elevation in the state so the color up there will be a week or more ahead of what we have down here on the farm. We had a great show of colors on Short Mountain for our guests to enjoy while relaxing on our front porch that faces the mountain. It is also an easy drive up the 'Pig Trail' scenic highway into the Ozark mountains so you should be able to find some good color anytime during late October and early November.

Also, this year we are changing our inn policy a bit. We are offering full breakfast only on weekends. For our weekday guests, we have a nice continental breakfast with coffee bar, juices, fresh fruit, cereal, and breakfast breads. In response to our many guests who are staying with us while visiting local family, guests may also request a room rate without any breakfast. Let us know your needs and we will gladly try to accommodate them.

Changing

August has been one for the records! In July, we had two weeks of over 100 degree temperatures only to be followed by nearly two weeks of highs in the 70s and low 80s in August. All of the old timers were making the same comments, "We will pay for it this winter." I think that is based on an old saying that for every fog in August, there will be a snow. Well we are in deep trouble because there have been few, if any, mornings without serious fog!

Something that I have noticed of late is how ratty the birds are looking! They are in full molt and the remaining old feathers are so few that I wonder how they fly. The new ones are unseen as of yet but the process makes me aware that seasons are changing and the crisp days of Fall are not far away. I wonder how this odd weather with plentiful moisture will effect the color change and degree of richness this season.

We just had two rain filled days thanks to the remnants of hurricane Gustav. Having lived in Florida for 10 years, I am accustomed to the squalls and wind driven rain of outer bands around these storms. It almost made me homesick for the Sunshine State but a look out the front windows at the beautiful mountain and pastures reminded me of why I am here. The love of gorgeous countryside, streams and lakes, and varying topography, particularly mountains, inspires me and nourishes my soul. It is part of why I decided to open my old farm as an inn where people can sit on the porch, relax, and enjoy the view. Let the stress of work, business, family and live in general wash away while listening to the birds or watching the horses graze. I consistently call my farm the Garden of Eden. I hope my guests find the peace and relaxation here to be a bit of Eden as well.