Kayak Party Planning

Lori Sparkman photography

According to Hollywood, Bachelor and Bachelorette Parties have a wild raucous reputation ...

but parties seem to be a bit different

 as lots of soon-to-be-weds 

opt for a more acceptable style of partying these days. 

Whether Little Rock is home for you or you just want to make it a Destination Wedding Party, you can plan a perfect Party Weekend and one that will make you want to come back for another trip to Little Rock and Rock Town River Outfitters.  

 A trip on the Arkansas River should be on 

everyones bucket list especially 

when you are trying to make a 

successful and memorable trip

 for a few of your closest 

friends and family. 

This party will be fun and appropriate for 

even dad to tag along, 

especially if dad is the Best Man.

 A trip through downtown Little Rock 

might not have been on your radar before, 

but Rock Town River Outfitters 

will make sure it is the perfect way 

to send off a groom into happily ever after. 

 Relax and laid back..catching up with friends...

Typically the Best Man is the one responsible

 for planning a fun last night out with the boys, 

and a kayak trip does not have to kill the budget.

 It is really especially nice if all of the friends

 don't know each other well...

they will have an easy time getting to know

 each other on the river with this kind of a party. 

 The highlight of the evening might be a Sunset Tour

 ending in the city lights of downtown Little Rock. 

 Both boats and people 

are dressed in lights too for safety. 

 A few instructions make it easy 

for beginners and novice paddlers 

before leaving the dock.

If there is still time to make the whole weekend a party, 

bike rentals and biking the Arkansas River trail is an easy plan.  Located in the downtown River Market 

right on the River Trail !

Lori Sparkman Photography

Rock Town River Outfitters has been featured 

in many magazine articles along the way

 as it is so creative, relaxing, and simply fun. 

 The lights on Little Rock bridges

 are spectacular at night. 

 Not all Bachelor parties are just "the guys" 

for seemingly co-ed parties are becoming popular 

and this party will be fun for both

 the guys and the gals!

Bachelorette party? The girls like to kayak too!

This is not a sponsored post, but the owner 

is our son and I might be a little proud of him!

Click on Rock Town River Outfitters 

for more info. 

 Making sure the groom has a good time, 

he won't be tempted to pull out

 the cell phone except for pictures!

Favors for your favorite people !

Note to the groom....For a memorable keepsake and groomsmen gift, a RTRO tee shirt is just perfect!

Click on Rock Town River Outfitters 

for more Kayak Tour info . 

Party planning made easy...A no fail inspiring party with Rock Town River Outfitters! 

hugs!

Pssst: Did you know Alda's Magnolia Hill  is on Instagram? 

You’ll find me on Instagram here:  Alda's Magnolia Hill 

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The Boathouse and a Water View

There is something about water that seems to draw people near. 

The sun sets behind our mountain and lake, 

and just a few steps from The Farmhouse, Buddy has built a Boathouse.   

The sun goes down, and the twinkle lights come on. 

Last week, we had company from Dallas, a friend I had not seen in years....While passing through, he wanted to stop and say hi, but more than anything, just to walk around the lake. 

Over 60 years passed, and as a young boy, he had been fishing here with his dad.  

A walk around the lake helped to relive a few moments in time with his father.  

He remembered an old barn and was quite surprised 

with our Farmhouse and Boathouse.

The Porch on The Farmhouse is lit up for a reception. 

Just a few steps away from the reception is The Boathouse. 

A little liquid refreshment is served from the Boathouse. ..whether it is a "bar" 

or Hot Cider Bar,  Lemonade stand, or Hot Chocolate Bar, 

it is very inviting.

 Nearby is the bonfire pit for toasting s'mores 

Sitting around a bonfire by the lake, 

listening to the sounds of the night...what could be better?

   The handmade cedar boathouse is the authentic period correct building, housing 3 boats. 

 Honoring the past, yet perfect for today's entertaining, 

it captures the rustic spirit of the lake and surrounding woods. 

  

Our 1948 red Chevy truck holds wedding gifts on the tailgate.

Guests enjoy seeing the handmade canoes 

 now hanging up in the boathouse.  

The "Arkansas Traveler" wooden canoe has steamed wood ribs, 

in the antique and classic style of Old Town Canoes. 

The "Arkansas Traveler" on the right with Samuel and

 Buddy is in his "Strip Built Cedar" canoe, on the left.

Here Buddy works on the Arkansas Traveler  

Buddy and Samuel testing out the Arkansas Traveler on it's maiden voyage 

The Cedar Strip Built canoe

Our boats certainly get used !

Here the Dory boat is rowing bridesmaids to the altar. 

After a wedding ceremony, photos in the boats 

are romantic on the lake.

String lights around the Boathouse and in the trees...all lit up in the night

The Arkansas Traveler canoe hangs upside down over a French wine barrel.

The Boathouse is a perfect spot for an Instagram photo. 

Stand behind the truck door. 

The Boat House sign hangs overhead and 

is made from fallen wood on the property. 

My Daddy's 1954, Martin boat motor hangs in the boathouse...still in working order!

Come get a cup of hot cider from the Boathouse, and enjoy sitting around the bonfire.  

Thank you for visiting!

A Tribute to the Fathers

 

My sister and I were very blessed to have the most wonderful father. One of my all time favorite parties was a Birthday Tea on a Sunday afternoon in honor of my father for his 92^nd birthday.  The hardest part was compiling the guest list, comprised of his nine decades of friendships. My sister and I worked for weeks on the guest list to try to think of voices from the past that Daddy would enjoy hearing.  He had fought in a war, taught Sunday School, but most of his life was spent as a carpenter building houses, remodeling kitchens, and genuinely building friendships through the years.

 Our birthday party day was a cold March rainy afternoon but that did not stop guests from driving for miles and filtering in out of the cold.  On this gray damp day we had a cheery warm fire roaring in the living room and Daddy seated in a big wing back chair. He had a new suit on, and a pink rose boutonnière pinned to the lapel of his jacket. Some guests were friends and family that we had not seen in years, some were from church and some were from the hardware store that he still saw on a regular basis. 

The day was full of emotion, and he was brought to tears as all of us were from the joy of the day… especially when he asked to read a poem.  My mother had been gone for several years, and I am sure he missed her deeply still and was wishing she could be beside him on this day.  This sweet man had a crumpled up piece of paper in his Bible that he wanted to read and share the lyrics of a song that mother had saved. Perfect for a Birthday Tea, our 92-year-old father read…

DRINKING FROM MY SAUCER

I've never made a fortune

and it's probably too late now.

But I don't worry about that much,

I'm happy anyhow.

And as I go along life's way,

I'm reaping better than I sowed.

I'm drinking from my saucer,

'Cause my cup has overflowed.

I haven't got a lot of riches,

and sometimes the going's tough.

But I've got loved ones around me,

and that makes me rich enough.

I thank God for his blessings,

and the mercies He's bestowed.

I'm drinking from my saucer,

'cause my cup has overflowed.

I remember times when things went wrong,

My faith wore somewhat thin.

But all at once the dark clouds broke,

and the sun peeped through again.

So God, help me not to gripe about

the tough rows that I've hoed.

I'm drinking from my saucer,

'Cause my cup has overflowed.

If God gives me strength and courage,

when the way grows steep and rough.

I'll not ask for other blessings,

I'm already blessed enough.

And may I never be too busy,

to help others bear their loads.

Then I'll keep drinking from my saucer,

'Cause my cup has overflowed.

- Recorded by Jimmy Dean, 

Author unknown

Here at Magnolia Hill, with weddings every week, I have had the honor of meeting some very special fathers. Wedding day, and with a full heart, Daddy is on the porch waiting for his beloved daughter to walk out the door, hold tight to his arm and begin a walk down the aisle. Here are just a few of our very special dads, and memorable wedding moments....

Dad waiting on the porch

A kiss from Dad

Getting ready to step into the carriage

 

A little help from Dad, stepping into the carriage.

On the way to the altar

Bagpipes lead the way

Just before the doors open

Best Man Dad, and tears of joy

Remembering Dad, a piece of his shirt

A special reception chair for dad

Father - Daughter Dance

So dear to our hearts....fathers.