Bella Vista’s Best Kept Secrets

Like many of you, I have been extra busy and a little preoccupied over the past several weeks. I recently had an opportunity to stop and take my 9-year-old granddaughter golfing. The timing was such that when I got there I realized I had let my Value Card expire. I was lamenting the fact that now I had to go to the Property Owners Association’s Membership Services Department and get my Value Card, which I knew would take even more time out of my schedule.

I was irritated with myself for not renewing in a timely manner. The individual I was talking with asked, “Why don’t you go online and sign up, it is really easy.” The truth of the matter is that I forgot this option was available to me. I took her advice and it took me all of two minutes. I put my data in and had an immediate e-mail confirmation advising me that I could use the confirmation until my new card arrived. They could not have made this process any easier.

A few weeks ago the Board was discussing the recreational long-range plan and I was surprised to learn of some areas of “green space” where one could go alone or with their family and just enjoy their surroundings. With this came the epiphany that there are many things within the POA that our members may not know about or, if we do, we have not integrated them into our thought processes to make them work for us or take advantage of them.

A good example of this is the London Landing Pavilion, which is centrally located. It has lake access, restrooms and a covered pavilion with a grill that will accommodate 50 people. It is nestled in a tree-lined area along Lake Windsor. Still don’t know where it is? Well, maybe the new signs that are going up throughout the village will help. If you have paid any attention as you are driving our roads you will now see signs that point you in the direction of our amenities. 

Like to kayak or canoe? Look to Lake Norwood. On this lake you do not have to worry about fast boats. The lake’s entire south side is undeveloped except for the Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel. Enjoy the view and, if you are lucky, you might catch a glimpse of one of our bald Eagles catching a fish.

Another best-kept secret is the POA’s RV Park, tucked away in Bella Vista’s hills.  Campers will get the feeling that the park is secluded in the forest. It’s tranquility at its best and only minutes from U. S. 71.

The Branchwood Golf Course is a par three walking course with the longest hole, 153 yards. It’s beautiful in the spring when the dogwoods and redbuds are in bloom. If you just want to take a walk through the woods this is a great place. There are a few hills to climb but you can take your time as there are not people pushing you along.

The Highlands Gun Range is located on Bella Vista’s far west side; the gun range is a rarity in Northwest Arkansas. The gun range key is available at the Branchwood Recreation Center. Trap and skeet is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. If you don’t shoot, then go out and watch. The village has some world-class marksmen and women, who are always willing to talk with you or show you their skills.

Don’t like hiking or the outdoors but just want to relax? Try Riordan’s spa area with a large hot tub. Take a friend with you.

The POA’s Web site provides a wealth of information about all of the recreational opportunities in Bella Vista.  Property owners and guests are encouraged to visit the site in order to learn about all of the POA’s amenities, their hours of operation, costs (if any) and what special events are coming up. Better yet, this Web site is being overhauled to make it even more user-friendly and to make the Web site search a pleasant experience. 

As I am writing this article it occurs to me that it would be fun to go on a guided tour of the village showing our potential trails, pavilions, lakes, clubhouses, tennis courts, miniature golf courses, pontoon rentals, Blowing Springs and more.

If you think this is a good idea or if you have an even better idea, let us know. I believe that we need to share and enjoy “our best kept secrets.”