Queen Wilhemina Lodge

We stayed at the Queen Wilhelmina over 20 years ago, and we had a great time. We would like to go back there soon, but we%26#39;ve heard that it is really rundown now, bad food, etc. Has anyone been thre lately? Also, any other suggestions for places to stay in the area...hotels, B%26amp;B%26#39;s, cabins. And one more question, what wineries are the best in this area? Thanks much for your help. Ann

Queen Wilhemina Lodge

I live in Mena and have not stayed at the Lodge but my guess is that it is in better shape than it was 20 years ago. It is a state park and tons of money have been invested in the state park system in Arkansas in the past 12 years. I do eat at the lodge and the food is good. Can%26#39;t beet the awesome view, especially in the fall. If you don%26#39;t want to stay at the lodge, we have a nice motel called the Sun Country Inn in town at the foot of the mountain. We also have a nice bed and breakfast east of town off Hwy 88 called Raspberry Manor if you want to check that out. Check out the website at www.gomenaarkansas.com for more info on the area.

Queen Wilhemina Lodge

My husband and I stayed there around Christmas last year and again in March. We had a truly wonderful time. It was not rundown. Also looked like they were going to make renovations in the spring. The food was great. Look forward to going again soon.

In answer to wineries..... Altus is our wine area. there are several there. Our favorite is Post vineyards. Very friendly, helpful, Family run operation. Chateau Auzarcs is another one that we have heard great things about. there are a couple of good restaurants on the town square. One is a pub called Celts. There is a fabulous Bed and Breakfast in Fort Smith about 45 minutes away called Beland Manor Inn www.belandmanor.com. Very comfrotable accommodations and 5 star Breakfast!

In answer to wineries..... Altus is our wine area. there are several there. Our favorite is Post vineyards. Very friendly, helpful, Family run operation. Chateau Auzarcs is another one that we have heard great things about. there are a couple of good restaurants on the town square. One is a pub called Celts. There is a fabulous Bed and Breakfast in Fort Smith about 45 minutes away called Beland Manor Inn www.belandmanor.com. Very comfrotable accommodations and 5 star Breakfast!

Our Audubon chapter had 2 field trips to Queen Wilhelmina last year (2004). Everyone enjoyed it. The Lodge was beautiful and the food was very good. We visited the Wildlife Center there at the Lodge (the purpose of our trip) and it was awesome. If you go to Queen Wilhelmina don%26#39;t miss it. All of the Lodge personnel were friendly and helpful.

Little Red River Audubon Society

Fairfield Bay, Arkansas

I stayed at the Queen Wilhelmina last winter and found the lodge to be beautiful. I stayed in their basic room with a double bed. The decorations were romantic and cozy. I just wished we had a fireplace like the higher priced rooms. Nevertheless, the lobby has a large lit fireplace with sofa chairs surrounding it for those who enjoy reading or chatting. I would definately return but this time I will make an early reservation for the room with the fireplace. I enjoyed the food in the restaurant. It had a country feel and the food followed the same style. With biscuts and gravy, sausage, eggs, grits, hashbrowns as a morning breakfast choice, you definately felt charged for the multiple trails to explore in the area. The best time to go I think would be in the fall when you can get the beautiful picturebook scenery of the fall colors that surrounds you. We went in december 05 when the trees were bare and the temperature was in the teens. Don%26#39;t be alarmed if you wake up one morning and think you are experiencing the most intense fog of your life. Its not fog, your just in the clouds.