Ella Carol Hunt
Tell us about your family. I have a sister who is a chef. My brother is a doctor, and I have a sister who works with me.
You said you have no children and are not married. Do you have an extended family of friends? My best friend is Cathy Browne. She and her husband are the owners of Hank's Fine Furniture. I met her in Florida. My massage therapist there said, there's someone here from Arkansas you should meet. I was really not interested, but we met, and now we are best friends. My other best friend I met over the internet, Nancy Hopkins. (Ella said their common interest was Borzoi dogs.) She's helped me learn a lot about dog language. I have two best friends who work for me, Meredith Hawkins and Don Edwards. And Quendy Gaither, who worked here for 13 years. She moved to Fort Smith to teach school and get married.
Is there anything you'd like to learn how to do? Be a better boss. I just don't think I've learned the joy of bossing. I don't even like the word "boss." I like "leader." To me, they are not staff, they are associates.
Where do you live? In the Heights.
What's your favorite city? New Orleans and San Francisco.
What would you do if you won a large lottery? I would open up a small retail business, mostly green, on a beach in Florida.
What do you like to read? I end up reading a lot about management stuff. I like self-improvement books. I love reading Cesar Millan's books. Two of my favorite books on business that have been great tools for me are Why We Buy and Corporate Lifecycles.
Who's your favorite writer? Vita Sackville-West.
Where were you born? Columbus, Georgia. I grew up in Florida on the panhandle.
Do you have any pets? Luther, a Borzoi. He's the first dog I've ever had in my life. He's such an amazing creature. (She ran him in a recent competition in Texas.) I haven't ever trained a dog, and he took two places and was the best in show.
Do you have any hobbies? Running my dog, fishing, hiking and swimming.
What's your favorite food? Mexican.
Is there anything you would not eat? I'm not big on clams - anything mushy - clams, oysters, squid.
What's the most unusual thing you have in your fridge? Quendy Gaither made these cookies, and one was a snowman. He's about three inches long and he lives in there. He's like controlling the refrigerator. He's always there for me when I open the door.
Who would you invite to your dream dinner party? Cesar Millan, the Dalai Lama, and John Lennon.
What do you like to watch on the tube? I am a big fan of Suze Orman. I watch Cesar Millan. I love NOVA and Antiques Road Show and Til Debt Do Us Part.
Do you support any charities? Our favorite charity is the Little Rock Humane Society, and we give to a non-kill shelter out west. And we supported Brad Pitt's charity for New Orleans.
Is there anything you'd like to see Little Rock do differently? I appreciate the fact they did the bike paths and dog areas, and the Big Dam Bridge is awesome. I'd like to see those kinds of things in all areas of town. It gives a comradely safe feeling. It makes people feel more loved and safe and encourages health.
The nation? Let's start it all over.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Saturday, July 2, 2011
My Home Therapy
My Home Therapy in the Heights
Felicia Watkins' My Home Therapy in the Heights offers the services of an upscale spa - at a fraction of the price.
From her detoxifying and moisturizing body treatments - think French Green Seaweed Clay Wrap - to facials, powerdermabrasion, alpha hydroxy peels, hair removal, massage and lash extensions.
When Ms. Watkins' clients talk about her work, they rave about her skills, and when they talk about her, they use words like "personable," "professional," "thoughtful," "sweet,"
and "a blessing."
Fefe demonstrates the ancient
Chinese art of cupping on her
son, Wallace. Cupping uses
a vacuum to localize healing.
A while back, Janice Stanford of Gastroenterology Associates noticed one of Felicia's specials for massage and decided to give it a try.
"I was very pleased," Ms. Stanford, a Heights' resident, said, adding that she'd been to a number of massage therapists and Felicia ranked "at the very top."
"I've recommended her to a number of people. If you haven't gotten one of her massages, you need to. I am seated all day long at a computer. (Her massage) just really relaxes me and helps work a lot of kinks out.
"She's very personable. She makes sure the client is comfortable and their needs are getting met. I am just real pleased with her. I think she's excellent."
Darry Teeter of Little Rock was in a motorcycle accident in March that left him wheelchair bound, and Felicia goes to his home for his massage therapy.
"She's been a blessing in recovery," Mr. Teeter said. "She went the extra mile to make sure I was safe getting on the massage table.
"She's very thoughtful and thorough. She's a sweet person, a good person."
Darry said he has achieved about 50 percent recovery in his shattered lower leg and now can walk with a walker.
When Felicia, nicknamed "Fefe," was deployed in Iraq during 2006 to 2008, often she gave females in her unit neck and shoulder massages. They were wowed by her talents and advised her to work as a massage therapist when she went home.
Fefe has a quite diverse background, having served in the military for 17 years working in computers, phone technology and satellites. When she returned home to Arkansas, she could have opened a shop employing those technical skills. But she chose massage therapy instead as her second career. "I saw this as an opportunity to meet other people."
Before she was even stateside, she had called Arkansas and enrolled in the Touching America School of Massage Therapy.
Today, she provides a number of different massage therapies at her office at 5018 Club Road, including Swedish, oncology, prenatal, deep tissue, sports, and trigger point. In addition, she does activated isolated stretching, acupressure, aromatherapy and hot stones.
The different types of massage all start at $45 for 45 minutes.
"I offer free hot stones with all my massages," Fefe said.
Also, she offers a target massage, which is 30 minutes of intense massage focusing on your problem areas for $35, but it is $25 for new clients.
Andrea Butler of Little Rock likes Felicia's services so much that she obtained some of her coupons to hand out to friends.
Ms. Butler likes to get her eyebrows and legs waxed there.
"She's really good at her job. She knows what works and how to keep the skin from being red. I used to do the threading at the mall. But threading is painful, and (Fifi's waxing procedure) lasts a lot longer," Andrea said. "I like the privacy. Her room is nice and quiet. Other places, you have people looking at you, but there it's really calming and relaxing.
"And I like the area. After I get finished, I visit the little shops in the area."
In Arkansas, one must be licensed for such procedures as hair removal and the use of acids in facials, so after Fefe trained as a massage therapist, she studied aesthetics at Bee Jay's in Little Rock to earn that needed license.
The hair removal she offers is:
Full Legs - $50 Half Legs - $30
Full Arms - $30 Half Arms - $20
Under Arm - $15 Bikini - $20
Back or Chest - $30 Stomach - $20
Hands or Feet - $10 Lip/Chin/Neck - $10
Eyebrow $10 Cheek - $10
A 20 percent discount is also available if you do more than three areas.
The skin care treatments Fefe offers are extensive.
Her basic facial is $40. All of her facials include steamed hot towel treatments with neck, shoulder, arm and hand massage.
A deep facial is $70 and includes skin consultation, deep cleansing, massaging, facial scrub, extractions, steam treatment and a mask followed by toning and moisturizer.
There's a "tender years facial" for girls ages 16 and younger that includes instruction on skin care and make-up application, a discussion about home products that may be used for a fraction of the cost, and an eyebrow wax (with permission from mom).
Single peel facials are $95, Vitamin C infusion facials are $85, and double peel facials are $120. In addition, she offers an acne clearing facial, a men's facial, and a treatment for in-grown facial hairs.
Fefe does seven different masks that range from $5 to $25.
Now that your face is absolutely beautiful, check out the body treatments.
How would you like to be "scrub'n butter'd"? This treatment stimulates circulation and removes dead skin cells, leaving you with radiant skin. You can be scrubbed and buttered in various scents from chocolate to champagne and roses.
How about a Dead Sea mud masque with clays that will soothe and cleanse you? Or a French red clay mask? "This blend purges toxins, leaving the skin soft and re-mineralized with a noticeable glow. Vitamin E, grape seed, bladderwrack, Irish moss, and sage essential oils are infused into Sedona clay and French red clays, rich in magnesium, Vitamins A, B, B12, E, iron and amino acids," her website states.
The French green clay-seaweed wrap was mentioned at the top of the story. Add to that a garden mint algae wrap and a "sensitive wrap," for women with sensitive skin or who are allergic to shellfish.
If you are so inclined, there are packages that may be bought to acquire additional discounts on multiple services.
Asked how business is going, Fefe said, "Business is AWESOME!"
As a matter of fact, she is planning to offer a number of new services, including teeth whitening, laser hair removal, tattoo removal, photo facials that reverse skin damage and sunless tanning.
Asked about her business philosophy, Fefe said, "My business is built on honesty."
She wants to provide needed services to everyone at reasonable rates and believes that working folks need and deserve her services just as much - or maybe more - than the more pampered in our society.
"Everyone needs to relieve stress and find ways to help them be more beautiful. It's a confidence booster."
Fefe works by appointment only. 541-4070.
This story was written by Bobbi Nesbitt and first appeared in the July 2011 edition of Shoppe Talk.
Felicia Watkins' My Home Therapy in the Heights offers the services of an upscale spa - at a fraction of the price.
From her detoxifying and moisturizing body treatments - think French Green Seaweed Clay Wrap - to facials, powerdermabrasion, alpha hydroxy peels, hair removal, massage and lash extensions.
When Ms. Watkins' clients talk about her work, they rave about her skills, and when they talk about her, they use words like "personable," "professional," "thoughtful," "sweet,"
and "a blessing."
Fefe demonstrates the ancient
Chinese art of cupping on her
son, Wallace. Cupping uses
a vacuum to localize healing.
A while back, Janice Stanford of Gastroenterology Associates noticed one of Felicia's specials for massage and decided to give it a try.
"I was very pleased," Ms. Stanford, a Heights' resident, said, adding that she'd been to a number of massage therapists and Felicia ranked "at the very top."
"I've recommended her to a number of people. If you haven't gotten one of her massages, you need to. I am seated all day long at a computer. (Her massage) just really relaxes me and helps work a lot of kinks out.
"She's very personable. She makes sure the client is comfortable and their needs are getting met. I am just real pleased with her. I think she's excellent."
Darry Teeter of Little Rock was in a motorcycle accident in March that left him wheelchair bound, and Felicia goes to his home for his massage therapy.
"She's been a blessing in recovery," Mr. Teeter said. "She went the extra mile to make sure I was safe getting on the massage table.
"She's very thoughtful and thorough. She's a sweet person, a good person."
Darry said he has achieved about 50 percent recovery in his shattered lower leg and now can walk with a walker.
When Felicia, nicknamed "Fefe," was deployed in Iraq during 2006 to 2008, often she gave females in her unit neck and shoulder massages. They were wowed by her talents and advised her to work as a massage therapist when she went home.
Fefe has a quite diverse background, having served in the military for 17 years working in computers, phone technology and satellites. When she returned home to Arkansas, she could have opened a shop employing those technical skills. But she chose massage therapy instead as her second career. "I saw this as an opportunity to meet other people."
Before she was even stateside, she had called Arkansas and enrolled in the Touching America School of Massage Therapy.
Today, she provides a number of different massage therapies at her office at 5018 Club Road, including Swedish, oncology, prenatal, deep tissue, sports, and trigger point. In addition, she does activated isolated stretching, acupressure, aromatherapy and hot stones.
The different types of massage all start at $45 for 45 minutes.
"I offer free hot stones with all my massages," Fefe said.
Also, she offers a target massage, which is 30 minutes of intense massage focusing on your problem areas for $35, but it is $25 for new clients.
Andrea Butler of Little Rock likes Felicia's services so much that she obtained some of her coupons to hand out to friends.
Ms. Butler likes to get her eyebrows and legs waxed there.
"She's really good at her job. She knows what works and how to keep the skin from being red. I used to do the threading at the mall. But threading is painful, and (Fifi's waxing procedure) lasts a lot longer," Andrea said. "I like the privacy. Her room is nice and quiet. Other places, you have people looking at you, but there it's really calming and relaxing.
"And I like the area. After I get finished, I visit the little shops in the area."
In Arkansas, one must be licensed for such procedures as hair removal and the use of acids in facials, so after Fefe trained as a massage therapist, she studied aesthetics at Bee Jay's in Little Rock to earn that needed license.
The hair removal she offers is:
Full Legs - $50 Half Legs - $30
Full Arms - $30 Half Arms - $20
Under Arm - $15 Bikini - $20
Back or Chest - $30 Stomach - $20
Hands or Feet - $10 Lip/Chin/Neck - $10
Eyebrow $10 Cheek - $10
A 20 percent discount is also available if you do more than three areas.
The skin care treatments Fefe offers are extensive.
Her basic facial is $40. All of her facials include steamed hot towel treatments with neck, shoulder, arm and hand massage.
A deep facial is $70 and includes skin consultation, deep cleansing, massaging, facial scrub, extractions, steam treatment and a mask followed by toning and moisturizer.
There's a "tender years facial" for girls ages 16 and younger that includes instruction on skin care and make-up application, a discussion about home products that may be used for a fraction of the cost, and an eyebrow wax (with permission from mom).
Single peel facials are $95, Vitamin C infusion facials are $85, and double peel facials are $120. In addition, she offers an acne clearing facial, a men's facial, and a treatment for in-grown facial hairs.
Fefe does seven different masks that range from $5 to $25.
Now that your face is absolutely beautiful, check out the body treatments.
How would you like to be "scrub'n butter'd"? This treatment stimulates circulation and removes dead skin cells, leaving you with radiant skin. You can be scrubbed and buttered in various scents from chocolate to champagne and roses.
How about a Dead Sea mud masque with clays that will soothe and cleanse you? Or a French red clay mask? "This blend purges toxins, leaving the skin soft and re-mineralized with a noticeable glow. Vitamin E, grape seed, bladderwrack, Irish moss, and sage essential oils are infused into Sedona clay and French red clays, rich in magnesium, Vitamins A, B, B12, E, iron and amino acids," her website states.
The French green clay-seaweed wrap was mentioned at the top of the story. Add to that a garden mint algae wrap and a "sensitive wrap," for women with sensitive skin or who are allergic to shellfish.
If you are so inclined, there are packages that may be bought to acquire additional discounts on multiple services.
Asked how business is going, Fefe said, "Business is AWESOME!"
As a matter of fact, she is planning to offer a number of new services, including teeth whitening, laser hair removal, tattoo removal, photo facials that reverse skin damage and sunless tanning.
Asked about her business philosophy, Fefe said, "My business is built on honesty."
She wants to provide needed services to everyone at reasonable rates and believes that working folks need and deserve her services just as much - or maybe more - than the more pampered in our society.
"Everyone needs to relieve stress and find ways to help them be more beautiful. It's a confidence booster."
Fefe works by appointment only. 541-4070.
This story was written by Bobbi Nesbitt and first appeared in the July 2011 edition of Shoppe Talk.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
New Jewelry Shop in Hillcrest
John Eric Coleman's 
Hillcrest Designer Jewelry
Fresh, chic, trendy, unique. If that's the kind of jewelry you love, do yourself a favor and stop by John Eric Coleman's Hillcrest Designer Jewelry.
Mr. Coleman, who opened his shop the last half of April at 3000 Kavanaugh Blvd., in Hillcrest, makes exquisite pendants, bracelets, rings and earrings that embody his long-standing love of stones, gems and metals.
In addition to the custom pieces, Eric offers diamonds, traditional wedding sets, appraisals and repairs.
"I can beat anybody's price on diamonds," he said.
Eric worked as a diamond broker for a number of years in Texas and was graduated from the Texas Institute of Jewelry Technology in Paris with degrees in gemology and jewelry technology.
Eric, who lives in Little Rock with his wife, Catherine, and son, Cross, fell in love with stones when he was a child.
"When I was a kid, it started off on the porch where I was taking rocks and cracking them open."
There was treasure there. And then one Christmas, he received a rock tumbler. "It came with a set of stuff to make jewelry."
That was fun, but what he really wanted to do was to be a geologist. While other kids were getting into dinosaurs, video ga
mes, and Dungeons and Dragons, Eric was fascinated with minerals, rocks and different kinds of gem stones from around the world.
When he was 22, he began making jewelry in a serious way when he worked in South Arkansas. "I was working for an older gentleman as an apprentice for about three years. We specialized in hand fabricating. We also did wax carving."
Now Eric works in platinum, gold, silver and copper. His custom creations, which he calls his "therapy jewelry," range from $100 to $5,000.
But what he really wants to do is be your personal jeweler. He said he's "old school," and can take care of an individual's needs from creating to re-setting and repairing. He works with traditional pieces and can accommodate you, from a sweet sixteen necklace to a diamond/platinum combo for your 70th anniversary.
The feel of the shop is like a boutique in an upscale tourist area. In fact, he has sold his jewelry in different galleries in Hot Springs. Look in the trays of loose stones in the Hillcrest shop and enjoy the wow factor of nature's artistry. Lots of nice quartz, such as clear stones shot through with golden fibers. These one-of-a-kind pieces may be incorporated into your own designs.
And like every other jewelry shop owner in the world, Eric is buying gold and silver. At $1,500 an ounce at this writing, now is a good time to get rid of those broken or odd gold chains or pieces you'll never wear again.
Go by and welcome Eric to the neighborhood and watch for his grand opening this month. For additional information, call him at 246-3655.
johnericcolemanjewelrydesign.com
By Bobbi Nesbitt
Hillcrest Designer Jewelry
Fresh, chic, trendy, unique. If that's the kind of jewelry you love, do yourself a favor and stop by John Eric Coleman's Hillcrest Designer Jewelry.
Mr. Coleman, who opened his shop the last half of April at 3000 Kavanaugh Blvd., in Hillcrest, makes exquisite pendants, bracelets, rings and earrings that embody his long-standing love of stones, gems and metals.
In addition to the custom pieces, Eric offers diamonds, traditional wedding sets, appraisals and repairs.
"I can beat anybody's price on diamonds," he said.
Eric worked as a diamond broker for a number of years in Texas and was graduated from the Texas Institute of Jewelry Technology in Paris with degrees in gemology and jewelry technology.
Eric, who lives in Little Rock with his wife, Catherine, and son, Cross, fell in love with stones when he was a child.
"When I was a kid, it started off on the porch where I was taking rocks and cracking them open."
There was treasure there. And then one Christmas, he received a rock tumbler. "It came with a set of stuff to make jewelry."
That was fun, but what he really wanted to do was to be a geologist. While other kids were getting into dinosaurs, video ga
mes, and Dungeons and Dragons, Eric was fascinated with minerals, rocks and different kinds of gem stones from around the world.When he was 22, he began making jewelry in a serious way when he worked in South Arkansas. "I was working for an older gentleman as an apprentice for about three years. We specialized in hand fabricating. We also did wax carving."
Now Eric works in platinum, gold, silver and copper. His custom creations, which he calls his "therapy jewelry," range from $100 to $5,000.
But what he really wants to do is be your personal jeweler. He said he's "old school," and can take care of an individual's needs from creating to re-setting and repairing. He works with traditional pieces and can accommodate you, from a sweet sixteen necklace to a diamond/platinum combo for your 70th anniversary.
The feel of the shop is like a boutique in an upscale tourist area. In fact, he has sold his jewelry in different galleries in Hot Springs. Look in the trays of loose stones in the Hillcrest shop and enjoy the wow factor of nature's artistry. Lots of nice quartz, such as clear stones shot through with golden fibers. These one-of-a-kind pieces may be incorporated into your own designs.
And like every other jewelry shop owner in the world, Eric is buying gold and silver. At $1,500 an ounce at this writing, now is a good time to get rid of those broken or odd gold chains or pieces you'll never wear again.
Go by and welcome Eric to the neighborhood and watch for his grand opening this month. For additional information, call him at 246-3655.
johnericcolemanjewelrydesign.com
By Bobbi Nesbitt
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Murray Haupt of Capitol Automotive
Murray Haupt
Murray Haupt of Hillcrest is an interesting guy. He's the owner of Capitol Automotive and several other business ventures. He's chairman of the board of an alcohol and drug rehab center in Heber Springs and sits on the board of another non-profit in Little Rock. Many women would envy his wife, SuAnn, because he calls her the most beautiful woman in the world. His favorite movie is a romantic comedy, and his favorite thing to watch on the tube is UFC cage fighting. He rides a motorcycle and likes to get his hands dirty doing a challenging auto repair job. He played in a rock and roll band at The Cavern in Liverpool when he was a teenager. More than 50 shows. Oh, and did I mention that he owns a fire truck?
Capitol Automotive Inc., 817 South Izard Street (on the corner of 9th Street and Izard), is a full-service mechanical repair and auto body collision shop. It is the culmination of Mr. Haupt's life-long fascination with cars.
"I've been a mechanic my whole life. I'm a car freak," Murray said.
"The first car my parents gave me, I took the motor out."
His parents, Bill and Jackie Haupt, had given their son an MG 1000 sedan only to return home one day and find the motor in pieces strewn around their carport.
"My mother came home, and she liked to have had a heart attack. That was the first time I did it too. (Took apart a motor.) There was nothing wrong with it. I just took it out to see how it worked."
His mom bet his father that Murray would never get the motor back together. She lost the bet.
"I'm mechanically inclined; it just comes natural to me."
Murray with shop dog, Bandit
Capitol Automotive has been in its current location for more than three years. Before that, it was called Little Rock Automotive Center, but Murray changed the name to reflect the fact that the business was so close to the State Capitol. In addition to mechanical and auto body repair, a subsidiary of Capitol Automotive is Little Rock Auto Sales, a licensed dealer in pre-owned vehicles.
"Quite honestly, I think we are probably the best kept secret in Little Rock," Murray said.
"In my business, people are pretty naive, and there are a lot of people who are taken advantage of. I try to be fair in our pricing. I offer basically an unlimited warranty. My customers, if something goes wrong, I take care of it. I don't charge a diagnostic fee. My existence in Little Rock all these years has been based on our business practices."
"I think if a person spends money with you, you are basically married. You owe them as much as they owe you."
With restored 1968 Mustang Coupe 289
James Swindoll, a Little Rock attorney, said he'd been taking his cars to Murray for about 15 years.
"I get excellent service. Murray has kept all of my cars running for all of my family for all these years, and I have four kids. Murray helped me get cars for everyone of them," Mr. Swindoll said.
"He's a quality guy. I started out a kind of poor, but honest lawyer, and he's always been fair with me. We've had major and minor repairs. He's really a nice guy. If you need to know something about a car, call Murray. He can fix it for you or find it for you."
Mike Rebick of Little Rock, general manager of a copy machine business, also called the 10 or so years of service he's gotten at Capitol Automotive "excellent."
"He's fixed a lot of difficult to diagnose problems and has done body work on collisions," Mr. Rebick said. "He pretty much tries to get things out in a timely fashion. Stuff doesn't sit over there like some other places."
The 8,000-square-foot repair area of Capitol Automotive includes a state-of-the-art paint booth, as well as in-house paint mixing and tinting equipment.
"We do complete auto repair and service on any make or model. We've got the equipment to do 99% of the cars out there. Be fair, and do a good job. That's our business philosophy," Murray said.
"My business is 85% word-of-mouth."
He has several customers who have been with him for more than 20 years. He remembers the name of his very first customer, Carol Kennedy, who remains a customer to this day.
Another of his customers, Diane McKim of North Little Rock, neatly sums up what many others say: "He's just honest and dependable and will bend over backwards to accommodate customers."
Mrs. McKim said she's known Murray for about 10 years, during which time he's done a number of minor repairs, major body work, and sold autos to her family.
"He's always a very reasonable price and very quick. I've gotten same-day service; if it's within his power, he will. Plus, I bought a vehicle from him for my daughter. She probably put 150,000 miles on that car, and it was still running when she totaled it. About last week, she and her finance bought another car from him. And they love, love, love it. He checks them (the vehicles) out and knows what he's selling.
"Murray has helped me out many times."
Murray is a busy fellow. In addition to Capitol Automotive, he is a co-partner of K & M Capital, which owns and leases commercial real estate. He is also chairman of the board for the Sugarloaf Center in Heber Springs, Arkansas, a state-licensed alcohol and drug treatment center. And he sits on the board of the non-profit Firehouse Hostel & Museum. (Google This Is Arkansas to read more about this interesting group, or visit firehousehostel.org/about.html.)
Murray said the Sugarloaf Center is one of the premier treatment facilities in Arkansas and has been used as a model for other rehab centers in the state.
"My director up there, Kelly Shelton, the state has her do talks with other facilities to teach them the right way to do it, and she talks with schools to raise drug awareness and tell about the options there are in Arkansas as far as treatment and rehabilitation."
Before coming to Arkansas, Murray worked as a sales rep for a large California company that imports and distributes carburetors. Then he opened an auto repair shop there in 1984.
"In 1987, my parents, I thought at that point, were getting elderly. So I moved my family back to Arkansas. I thought my parents were getting elderly, but mother passed away last July, and father is 90 and going strong. He's still driving and lives by himself. So I probably didn't need to move back quite that quick, but I'm glad I did."
Murray has several employees at Capitol Automotive, but he's hands-on at the shop. "I still like to get dirty if it's something I like to do. I like to get in there and make things run."
He also likes to buy and resell autos. And he sells motor cycles, trailers and RVs.
"I sell just about anything that rolls. I have my very own fire truck, a 1974 Howe, for which my wife almost divorced me. She thought I'd lost my mind completely."
And what possessed him to buy a fire truck?
"I looked in the paper on Sunday. I drove to Bradford, Arkansas, gave the man the money, and drove it home."
Eventually, he said, the fire truck will probably end up at the Firehouse Hostel & Museum.
Owning a fire truck is only one unique page in Murray's life. When he was a sophomore in high school, his family moved to Southport, England, and he ended up performing at The Cavern Club.
"I used to play in a rock and roll band called 'In Transit,' and we used to play on a regular basis at The Cavern where the Beatles were discovered."
The Liverpool club is where Brian Epstein first saw the Beatles performing; the group's musical exploits there made the club famous during the 1960s.
"I played in The Cavern probably 50 times. I've met a lot of rock stars in my life."
Isn't it fun getting to know the folks in our community - like Murray - who build things, repair stuff, and keep us functioning tip top; who are not afraid of getting their hands dirty; and who take the time to get involved and to help others?
To get in touch with Murray, call 370-5099; or his lovely wife, SuAnn, owner of Simply Seafood, at 519-7515.
(This story was written by Bobbi Nesbitt and first appeared in the February 2011 edition of Shoppe Talk.)
Murray Haupt of Hillcrest is an interesting guy. He's the owner of Capitol Automotive and several other business ventures. He's chairman of the board of an alcohol and drug rehab center in Heber Springs and sits on the board of another non-profit in Little Rock. Many women would envy his wife, SuAnn, because he calls her the most beautiful woman in the world. His favorite movie is a romantic comedy, and his favorite thing to watch on the tube is UFC cage fighting. He rides a motorcycle and likes to get his hands dirty doing a challenging auto repair job. He played in a rock and roll band at The Cavern in Liverpool when he was a teenager. More than 50 shows. Oh, and did I mention that he owns a fire truck?
Capitol Automotive Inc., 817 South Izard Street (on the corner of 9th Street and Izard), is a full-service mechanical repair and auto body collision shop. It is the culmination of Mr. Haupt's life-long fascination with cars.
"I've been a mechanic my whole life. I'm a car freak," Murray said.
"The first car my parents gave me, I took the motor out."
His parents, Bill and Jackie Haupt, had given their son an MG 1000 sedan only to return home one day and find the motor in pieces strewn around their carport.
"My mother came home, and she liked to have had a heart attack. That was the first time I did it too. (Took apart a motor.) There was nothing wrong with it. I just took it out to see how it worked."
His mom bet his father that Murray would never get the motor back together. She lost the bet.
"I'm mechanically inclined; it just comes natural to me."
Murray with shop dog, Bandit
Capitol Automotive has been in its current location for more than three years. Before that, it was called Little Rock Automotive Center, but Murray changed the name to reflect the fact that the business was so close to the State Capitol. In addition to mechanical and auto body repair, a subsidiary of Capitol Automotive is Little Rock Auto Sales, a licensed dealer in pre-owned vehicles.
"Quite honestly, I think we are probably the best kept secret in Little Rock," Murray said.
"In my business, people are pretty naive, and there are a lot of people who are taken advantage of. I try to be fair in our pricing. I offer basically an unlimited warranty. My customers, if something goes wrong, I take care of it. I don't charge a diagnostic fee. My existence in Little Rock all these years has been based on our business practices."
"I think if a person spends money with you, you are basically married. You owe them as much as they owe you."
With restored 1968 Mustang Coupe 289James Swindoll, a Little Rock attorney, said he'd been taking his cars to Murray for about 15 years.
"I get excellent service. Murray has kept all of my cars running for all of my family for all these years, and I have four kids. Murray helped me get cars for everyone of them," Mr. Swindoll said.
"He's a quality guy. I started out a kind of poor, but honest lawyer, and he's always been fair with me. We've had major and minor repairs. He's really a nice guy. If you need to know something about a car, call Murray. He can fix it for you or find it for you."
Mike Rebick of Little Rock, general manager of a copy machine business, also called the 10 or so years of service he's gotten at Capitol Automotive "excellent."
"He's fixed a lot of difficult to diagnose problems and has done body work on collisions," Mr. Rebick said. "He pretty much tries to get things out in a timely fashion. Stuff doesn't sit over there like some other places."
The 8,000-square-foot repair area of Capitol Automotive includes a state-of-the-art paint booth, as well as in-house paint mixing and tinting equipment.
"We do complete auto repair and service on any make or model. We've got the equipment to do 99% of the cars out there. Be fair, and do a good job. That's our business philosophy," Murray said.
"My business is 85% word-of-mouth."
He has several customers who have been with him for more than 20 years. He remembers the name of his very first customer, Carol Kennedy, who remains a customer to this day.
Another of his customers, Diane McKim of North Little Rock, neatly sums up what many others say: "He's just honest and dependable and will bend over backwards to accommodate customers."
Mrs. McKim said she's known Murray for about 10 years, during which time he's done a number of minor repairs, major body work, and sold autos to her family.
"He's always a very reasonable price and very quick. I've gotten same-day service; if it's within his power, he will. Plus, I bought a vehicle from him for my daughter. She probably put 150,000 miles on that car, and it was still running when she totaled it. About last week, she and her finance bought another car from him. And they love, love, love it. He checks them (the vehicles) out and knows what he's selling.
"Murray has helped me out many times."
Murray is a busy fellow. In addition to Capitol Automotive, he is a co-partner of K & M Capital, which owns and leases commercial real estate. He is also chairman of the board for the Sugarloaf Center in Heber Springs, Arkansas, a state-licensed alcohol and drug treatment center. And he sits on the board of the non-profit Firehouse Hostel & Museum. (Google This Is Arkansas to read more about this interesting group, or visit firehousehostel.org/about.html.)
Murray said the Sugarloaf Center is one of the premier treatment facilities in Arkansas and has been used as a model for other rehab centers in the state.
"My director up there, Kelly Shelton, the state has her do talks with other facilities to teach them the right way to do it, and she talks with schools to raise drug awareness and tell about the options there are in Arkansas as far as treatment and rehabilitation."
Before coming to Arkansas, Murray worked as a sales rep for a large California company that imports and distributes carburetors. Then he opened an auto repair shop there in 1984.
"In 1987, my parents, I thought at that point, were getting elderly. So I moved my family back to Arkansas. I thought my parents were getting elderly, but mother passed away last July, and father is 90 and going strong. He's still driving and lives by himself. So I probably didn't need to move back quite that quick, but I'm glad I did."
Murray has several employees at Capitol Automotive, but he's hands-on at the shop. "I still like to get dirty if it's something I like to do. I like to get in there and make things run."
He also likes to buy and resell autos. And he sells motor cycles, trailers and RVs.
"I sell just about anything that rolls. I have my very own fire truck, a 1974 Howe, for which my wife almost divorced me. She thought I'd lost my mind completely."
And what possessed him to buy a fire truck?
"I looked in the paper on Sunday. I drove to Bradford, Arkansas, gave the man the money, and drove it home."
Eventually, he said, the fire truck will probably end up at the Firehouse Hostel & Museum.
Owning a fire truck is only one unique page in Murray's life. When he was a sophomore in high school, his family moved to Southport, England, and he ended up performing at The Cavern Club.
"I used to play in a rock and roll band called 'In Transit,' and we used to play on a regular basis at The Cavern where the Beatles were discovered."
The Liverpool club is where Brian Epstein first saw the Beatles performing; the group's musical exploits there made the club famous during the 1960s.
"I played in The Cavern probably 50 times. I've met a lot of rock stars in my life."
Isn't it fun getting to know the folks in our community - like Murray - who build things, repair stuff, and keep us functioning tip top; who are not afraid of getting their hands dirty; and who take the time to get involved and to help others?
To get in touch with Murray, call 370-5099; or his lovely wife, SuAnn, owner of Simply Seafood, at 519-7515.
(This story was written by Bobbi Nesbitt and first appeared in the February 2011 edition of Shoppe Talk.)
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
The Freckled Frog
Support Arkansas Artists
Erika and Sadie
The Freckled Frog - Sadie Nuffer's and Erika Robbins' charming shop in Hillcrest, supports the work of 57 Arkansas artists and crafts folk making hip, fun, whimsical, original, affordable, smart art.
"That's a lot of people," Ms. Nuffer said. "We started with eight other people besides ourselves, so we have grown quite a bit."
The two women had been making their own crafts for years when they opened a shop in the Heights in October 2009.
"Everybody thought we were crazy opening a store in a closet," Ms. Robbins said of the 12 x 25 foot Heights' shop.
But by March 2010, when they moved to a larger, light-filled space inside River City Coffee, Tea and Cream in Hillcrest, they were representing the work of 22 Arkansas artists.
"We've been doing really good. It's almost three times the space here," Sadie said.
"Oh, the shop is doing wonderfully in Hillcrest," Erika said. "Having our window that close to the street is great, and the neighborhood is really digging what we're doing."
The shop only sells work by Arkansans.
"We've got a little bit of everything - tee shirts, scarves, hats, apparel, and a lot of really interesting jewelry," Erika said.
Sadie and Erika met at the Farmers' Market in the River Market and became fast friends.
Sadie has been making jewelry and other crafts since 2001. "I was recently divorced and wanted to stay home with my sons, Damon and Jake.
"My parents were farmers at the Farmers' Market. I would help them out and put out a few of my things."
"I do a lot of recycled items out of old vinyl records. There are two sizes of cuff bracelets ($7 to $10) and earrings ($10)."
Sadie uses upholstery samples to make patchwork messenger bags, which are European-style shoulder bags. She makes patchwork skirts, pants and shorts too. Her hemp jewelry ranges from $3 to $8 and includes necklaces, bracelets and anklets.
Now she's making really neat leather flower hair clips with buttons as the middle of the flower. They range from $8 to $15. "I use leather furniture samples that were going to be thrown away. So it's close to a free supply of materials.
"Erika calls me 'the queen of repurposing.' I'm always doing something new with things like buttons and bottle caps. My parents were hippies. They are organic farmers, The Nuffers ... That's where my love of repurposing comes in."
Erika had a serendipitous entry into jewelry making. She was working an at insurance company when she bought a new suit and wanted to find the perfect big, chunky aquamarine necklace to go with it. But luckily, she found aquamarine nugget beads on eBay and made one herself - at quite a cost savings. Later she began making Christmas and birthday gifts for friends. And then, creating for the fun of creating.
"I got quite an inventory built up. So I took them to the Farmers Market. That's where I met Sadie, and we were instant friends, and we started doing different shows - craft fairs and music shows."
Sadie and Erika participated in craft shows and festivals for years and met other Arkansans who needed a place to show their work in the winter. Both women knew they eventually wanted a shop, and each was amused to learn that the other had been collecting and storing shelves too in anticipation.
They found a tiny space on the side of a restaurant in the Heights, and some of their fellow artists trusted them with their work and allowed them to build up their inventory. From the beginning, their shop carried Matt Abbott's Nativ tees and Ron Locke's LockStar soy candles.
And Jerry Hamilton's wire-wrapped jewelry. Mr. Hamilton cuts and polishes all kinds of gem stones for his jewelry, incorporates antique buttons and even employs old-fashioned typewriter keys in clever pieces. "He's an all-around talented guy," Ericka said.
Sadie said they just got in Mr. Abbott's fall line of long sleeved shirts with Arkansas themes. (They are wearing his tees in our cover photo.) Mr. Locke's candles are made to burn soot free and have lead-free wicks.
You will find items at The Freckled Frog that are sold nowhere else.
"I think that what folks like, because we're different," Erika said. "Everybody around here is just so talented, and its just so neat to be able to provide an outlet for their work. Most stores are corporate retailers, and they can't do something like that."
Not only are the wares unique, the prices are rare too.
"The most fun thing about our shop is that we have items for $3, and we have a ton of $5 things," Sadie said.
Another thing you'll enjoy is Erika's wire wrapping on the spot, Sadie said.
Customers can pick out their own stones or beads and have Erika make them a piece instantly.
Some people like to bring in coins, rocks, or items that have sentimental value and have them incorporated into a piece, Erika said. She also likes the challenge of duplicating pieces. Just bring her a magazine clipping and watch her do her magic - for a fraction of the cost.
"Most of the things I do on the spot. If I don't do it while you're in the store, it will take a while. If I do it while you're here, it could be five to 20 minutes."
When it's time to do your holiday shopping, have some fun. Visit The Freckled Frog and enjoy the laid-back, super-pleasant, pet-friendly atmosphere. Visit with Delilah, the dear wee shop dog who captivates everyone's heart. Best of all, spend $25 and cross off half your list!
The Freckled Frog is located at 2715 Kavanaugh Boulevard. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sunday. 514-2060.
*
Erika and Sadie The Freckled Frog - Sadie Nuffer's and Erika Robbins' charming shop in Hillcrest, supports the work of 57 Arkansas artists and crafts folk making hip, fun, whimsical, original, affordable, smart art.
"That's a lot of people," Ms. Nuffer said. "We started with eight other people besides ourselves, so we have grown quite a bit."
The two women had been making their own crafts for years when they opened a shop in the Heights in October 2009.
"Everybody thought we were crazy opening a store in a closet," Ms. Robbins said of the 12 x 25 foot Heights' shop.
But by March 2010, when they moved to a larger, light-filled space inside River City Coffee, Tea and Cream in Hillcrest, they were representing the work of 22 Arkansas artists.
"We've been doing really good. It's almost three times the space here," Sadie said.
"Oh, the shop is doing wonderfully in Hillcrest," Erika said. "Having our window that close to the street is great, and the neighborhood is really digging what we're doing."
The shop only sells work by Arkansans.
"We've got a little bit of everything - tee shirts, scarves, hats, apparel, and a lot of really interesting jewelry," Erika said.
Sadie and Erika met at the Farmers' Market in the River Market and became fast friends.
Sadie has been making jewelry and other crafts since 2001. "I was recently divorced and wanted to stay home with my sons, Damon and Jake.
"My parents were farmers at the Farmers' Market. I would help them out and put out a few of my things."
"I do a lot of recycled items out of old vinyl records. There are two sizes of cuff bracelets ($7 to $10) and earrings ($10)."
Sadie uses upholstery samples to make patchwork messenger bags, which are European-style shoulder bags. She makes patchwork skirts, pants and shorts too. Her hemp jewelry ranges from $3 to $8 and includes necklaces, bracelets and anklets.
Now she's making really neat leather flower hair clips with buttons as the middle of the flower. They range from $8 to $15. "I use leather furniture samples that were going to be thrown away. So it's close to a free supply of materials.
"Erika calls me 'the queen of repurposing.' I'm always doing something new with things like buttons and bottle caps. My parents were hippies. They are organic farmers, The Nuffers ... That's where my love of repurposing comes in."
Erika had a serendipitous entry into jewelry making. She was working an at insurance company when she bought a new suit and wanted to find the perfect big, chunky aquamarine necklace to go with it. But luckily, she found aquamarine nugget beads on eBay and made one herself - at quite a cost savings. Later she began making Christmas and birthday gifts for friends. And then, creating for the fun of creating.
"I got quite an inventory built up. So I took them to the Farmers Market. That's where I met Sadie, and we were instant friends, and we started doing different shows - craft fairs and music shows."
Sadie and Erika participated in craft shows and festivals for years and met other Arkansans who needed a place to show their work in the winter. Both women knew they eventually wanted a shop, and each was amused to learn that the other had been collecting and storing shelves too in anticipation.
They found a tiny space on the side of a restaurant in the Heights, and some of their fellow artists trusted them with their work and allowed them to build up their inventory. From the beginning, their shop carried Matt Abbott's Nativ tees and Ron Locke's LockStar soy candles.
And Jerry Hamilton's wire-wrapped jewelry. Mr. Hamilton cuts and polishes all kinds of gem stones for his jewelry, incorporates antique buttons and even employs old-fashioned typewriter keys in clever pieces. "He's an all-around talented guy," Ericka said.
Sadie said they just got in Mr. Abbott's fall line of long sleeved shirts with Arkansas themes. (They are wearing his tees in our cover photo.) Mr. Locke's candles are made to burn soot free and have lead-free wicks.
You will find items at The Freckled Frog that are sold nowhere else.
"I think that what folks like, because we're different," Erika said. "Everybody around here is just so talented, and its just so neat to be able to provide an outlet for their work. Most stores are corporate retailers, and they can't do something like that."
Not only are the wares unique, the prices are rare too.
"The most fun thing about our shop is that we have items for $3, and we have a ton of $5 things," Sadie said.
Another thing you'll enjoy is Erika's wire wrapping on the spot, Sadie said.
Customers can pick out their own stones or beads and have Erika make them a piece instantly.
Some people like to bring in coins, rocks, or items that have sentimental value and have them incorporated into a piece, Erika said. She also likes the challenge of duplicating pieces. Just bring her a magazine clipping and watch her do her magic - for a fraction of the cost.
"Most of the things I do on the spot. If I don't do it while you're in the store, it will take a while. If I do it while you're here, it could be five to 20 minutes."
When it's time to do your holiday shopping, have some fun. Visit The Freckled Frog and enjoy the laid-back, super-pleasant, pet-friendly atmosphere. Visit with Delilah, the dear wee shop dog who captivates everyone's heart. Best of all, spend $25 and cross off half your list!
The Freckled Frog is located at 2715 Kavanaugh Boulevard. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sunday. 514-2060.
*
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Sadie Nuffer Profile
Sadie Nuffer
Tell us about your family. My boys are great - A, B students, most of the times straight As. We have a small farm ourselves. We kind of take after my folks, Rusty and Sue Nuffer. They live in the mountains north of Morrilton surrounded by National Forest. That's where I grew up, and I love it. My boys (Damon, 14, and Jake, 11) like to go up there and go hunting with them. So, we are outdoorsy people. My finance's name is Granger Roberts.
Where were you born? On the farm. It was the community of Lost Corners. Jerusalem is the post office address now.
What do you do in your spare time? Playing in my garden would be my fun time.
Where do you live? Vilonia. I have a vegetable garden and a berry garden and two little miniature goats.
What's your favorite Little Rock restaurant? Cafe Bossa Nova (on Kavanaugh in Hillcrest) is one of my favorite places to eat. That and Boulevard.
Is there anything you'd like to learn how to do? Yes, I'd like to learn how to blow glass.
Do you support any charities? Arkansas Earth Day.
Do you have any pets? I have three cats, a chocolate lab, the two goats, which are pets, and, oh, like 15 fish. We have two fish tanks.
What would you do if you won a large lottery? I would pay all debts off and teach people how to garden - how to be more self-sustainable and grow your own food. And hire someone to run The Freckled Frog.
What's your favorite food? Anything Mexican.
What kind of music do you like? I like a wide assortment. I like blue grass and jam bands a lot.
Is there anything you'd like to see the nation do differently? Get a little more grounded and down to earth.
*
Tell us about your family. My boys are great - A, B students, most of the times straight As. We have a small farm ourselves. We kind of take after my folks, Rusty and Sue Nuffer. They live in the mountains north of Morrilton surrounded by National Forest. That's where I grew up, and I love it. My boys (Damon, 14, and Jake, 11) like to go up there and go hunting with them. So, we are outdoorsy people. My finance's name is Granger Roberts.
Where were you born? On the farm. It was the community of Lost Corners. Jerusalem is the post office address now.
What do you do in your spare time? Playing in my garden would be my fun time.
Where do you live? Vilonia. I have a vegetable garden and a berry garden and two little miniature goats.
What's your favorite Little Rock restaurant? Cafe Bossa Nova (on Kavanaugh in Hillcrest) is one of my favorite places to eat. That and Boulevard.
Is there anything you'd like to learn how to do? Yes, I'd like to learn how to blow glass.
Do you support any charities? Arkansas Earth Day.
Do you have any pets? I have three cats, a chocolate lab, the two goats, which are pets, and, oh, like 15 fish. We have two fish tanks.
What would you do if you won a large lottery? I would pay all debts off and teach people how to garden - how to be more self-sustainable and grow your own food. And hire someone to run The Freckled Frog.
What's your favorite food? Anything Mexican.
What kind of music do you like? I like a wide assortment. I like blue grass and jam bands a lot.
Is there anything you'd like to see the nation do differently? Get a little more grounded and down to earth.
*
Erika Robbins Profile
Erika Robbins
Tell us about your family. Erika said her mom and dad, who had encouraged her creativity and work, passed away in 2008 before The Freckled Frog opened. "I really hate that they didn't get to see me take advantage of it."
Where were you born? Chattanooga.
What is your favorite Little Rock restaurant? Cantina Laredo (in midtown). I love Mexican food passionately. I could eat it every day.
Is there anything you would like to learn how to do? Casting precious metal.
What do you do in your spare time? "I hula hoop. If I can't sleep, I'll go out at 4 o'clock at night and hula hoop. I've got my neighbors doing it too."
Do you have any pets? Delilah, my chihuahua.
Where do you live? I have a house in the Heights that I put up for rent and moved to the Valley View Apartments in Hillcrest. I absolutely love this neighborhood. It's a little self-contained area, and it's wonderful. I never have to get in the car.
Do you support any charities? The Pulaski County Humane Society. It's very important. We love critters.
What kind of music do you like to listen to? I like a little bit of everything other than pop country; I like old country, rock, jazz, rap.
What is the strangest thing in your refrigerator? An insane amount of Haribo gummy bears and blue Gatorade. I live off those things.
Is there anything you'd like to see Little Rock do differently? Yes, I would like to see the streets taken care of better. In our little neighborhood park, the grass has not been mowed in a year ... things are not taken care of like they were five years ago.
What would you do if you won a large lottery? I want an island and a helicopter. I'd set me and my friends up on our own little island with a helicopter. I think that would be paradise. And, of course, we'd still have The Freckled Frog.
*
Tell us about your family. Erika said her mom and dad, who had encouraged her creativity and work, passed away in 2008 before The Freckled Frog opened. "I really hate that they didn't get to see me take advantage of it."
Where were you born? Chattanooga.
What is your favorite Little Rock restaurant? Cantina Laredo (in midtown). I love Mexican food passionately. I could eat it every day.
Is there anything you would like to learn how to do? Casting precious metal.
What do you do in your spare time? "I hula hoop. If I can't sleep, I'll go out at 4 o'clock at night and hula hoop. I've got my neighbors doing it too."
Do you have any pets? Delilah, my chihuahua.
Where do you live? I have a house in the Heights that I put up for rent and moved to the Valley View Apartments in Hillcrest. I absolutely love this neighborhood. It's a little self-contained area, and it's wonderful. I never have to get in the car.
Do you support any charities? The Pulaski County Humane Society. It's very important. We love critters.
What kind of music do you like to listen to? I like a little bit of everything other than pop country; I like old country, rock, jazz, rap.
What is the strangest thing in your refrigerator? An insane amount of Haribo gummy bears and blue Gatorade. I live off those things.
Is there anything you'd like to see Little Rock do differently? Yes, I would like to see the streets taken care of better. In our little neighborhood park, the grass has not been mowed in a year ... things are not taken care of like they were five years ago.
What would you do if you won a large lottery? I want an island and a helicopter. I'd set me and my friends up on our own little island with a helicopter. I think that would be paradise. And, of course, we'd still have The Freckled Frog.
*
Friday, September 3, 2010
Destin Fun in the Sun
Destin is Open for Business
Destin dodged the bullet. It is gorgeous - amazing sugary white sand, clear blue water, and sunshine.
Mickey and Larry Drennan of Hillcrest want you to come on down and enjoy the beauty of Florida in their Gulf front Destin condo.
"The weather is just beautiful, the crowds are gone. You can enjoy the silver-white sands. It's still warm enough to swim. The kids have gone back to school. The water is clean," Mrs. Drennan said.
Above photo is the Drennan's grandson, Noah, on the beach at Destin.
Mickey and her husband had been visiting Destin for almost four decades when they decided to buy a condo there in March 2009. It was their second season to have the condo when one of the nation's worst environmental disasters occurred. BP Plc's crippled Macondo well began gushing millions of barrels of oil into the Gulf of Mexico after its Deepwater Horizon drilling rig exploded April 20.
"Our condo is on Miramar Beach in Destin. It was never affected like some of the other beaches in Florida or Louisiana. We were never hit like the other beaches. A few tar balls washed up. BP was there, but they just stood around; there was not much for them to do. BP is still combing the beaches each morning, but there's little there, thankfully," Mickey said.
Thankfully. The stretch of the Florida panhandle that includes Destin has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world - better than the French Riviera or Cancun - for my money.
President Barack Obama vacationed in Panama City Beach last month, declaring the area "open for business." That was good news for a lot of folks heartbroken by the spill, Southerners who grew up vacationing with their families along the "Miracle Strip," collecting shells and sand dollars, and playing miniature golf at wacky surf side parks. And a great ad, of course, for area businesses that rely on tourism.
Even though the oil crisis did not exist in Destin, business owners lost money, because vacationers were wary of coming to the Gulf coast.
Mickey and Larry were very fair to folks who had rented their condo, but then decided not to come.
"People were scared. My husband and I made the decision to refund all money if people didn't feel comfortable in coming. People save for a long time for their vacations," Mickey said.
She and Larry are just "very grateful" the area escaped the pollution caused by the spill. And now, they want folks to know it's time for them to once again enjoy the beauty of the Destin area.
"We have a three-bedroom, three bath Gulf front condo at Surfside. We bought it in March 2009, and we went in and completely redid it - put tile throughout, replaced all the appliances, and the beds.
"The condo itself will sleep 10 people. It has a fully equipped kitchen. There are balconies all the way across the front. They can sit outside on the balconies, having a Gulf front is really nice. You can watch the sun set from the balcony. We've done that many times.
"The prices depend on the season. The rates are extremely good. We will negotiate a little bit for people from Arkansas. We love to have people from Arkansas book our condo, because they take such good care of it."
It is a three-bedroom condo and can be rented fully or as a one-bedroom or a two-bedroom. All rooms open onto a 28-foot, 400-square-foot balcony with clear glass railings that enhance the view.
When you go to the website - destinfuninthesun.com - a chart gives you the rates for different time periods. For example, the rate for all three bedrooms during the time period from October 23 to December 31 is $995 a week, a fantastic deal, especially if you are splitting the cost with two other couples.
"Book early," Mickey advises.
"I think it's really tough to beat the beaches in Destin. And Destin offers a lot of things, the wonderful restaurants, coffee shops, three huge shopping centers, golf - even a course that stays open all night, and the fishing. They are still taking people out to fish. There's no problem with that.
"The most important thing people should know, the beaches are clean, and the water shimmering."
By Bobbi Nesbitt
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