Hot Springs Village Inside Out

  In memory of Joni Linn Elmore (October 20, 1955 – January 15, 2026), big sister to Stanley James Elmore, my lifelong best friend (April 11, 1957 – May 12, 2013)   The John & Mildred Cooper Nature Preserve isn’t some pristine area. It’s more wilderness, as any nature preserve should be. Our first visit was a few years ago during the summer. A successful chigg...

  Thinking about retiring to Hot Springs Village—but not ready to commit yet? In this episode of HSV Inside Out , I answer a thoughtful viewer email about doing a micro-retirement (mini-retirement): a short, intentional stay where you live like a local and experience everyday retirement life before making a permanent move. This is not a vacation . It’s a way to slow down, settle in, and disco...

  Apologies for the low audio volume on me. I didn’t mic myself, and that was a mistake. I’ll do better.     -Randy Ed and Terri Donnelly invited me to prowl their porch. Actually, their friends Tom and Bethany McGregor volunteered them, and they graciously agreed. I even think they had a good time. I know I did. They jokingly say they bought the ugly house on Lake Balboa and inve...

  We could all plan our retirement more successfully if we just knew how long we’d live. That would eliminate the question, “How much money will I need to retire?” But today, I’d like to discuss something more important than life span…health span. Join me as we stroll the Cedar Creek Trail inside Hot Springs Village.   • Join Our Free Email Newsletter • Subs...

  I appreciate so many people who have allowed me to do what I do. Thanks to YOU, the audience. You’re the reason (mostly) for this show. Thanks to every guest who has ever appeared on the program. Thanks to all the fine folks who invite me to prowl their porch. Thanks to all the sponsors – we all owe these folks a SA-LUTE because they make Hot Springs Village Inside Out possible....

  Thinking about retiring to Hot Springs Village? You might be planning your visit for spring or fall — but the smartest time to see the Village is actually winter . In this episode, Randy Cantrell shares why winter gives you the most accurate, transparent, and surprisingly beautiful look at real life inside the Village: ✔ Clear views of terrain & lake lots ✔ A true sense of community lif...

  Stewart McGregor emailed me about his retired parents, who now live inside Hot Springs Village. He saw my appeal for porches to prowl and volunteered his folks, Tom and Bethany McGregor . Tom and Bethany planned to retire to Hot Springs Village by buying their retirement home and renting it out. How did they know about Hot Springs Village? I’ll let Tom tell you. Enjoy!   • Join O...

  After a long military career, followed by years working in our nation’s capital, Rob Robinson knew it was time for him and Pattie to relax. A happy accident introduced them to Hot Springs Village. In August 2025, they moved into their custom-built home on Lake Maria. Let’s prowl around their porch and show off their house, too. Enjoy.   • Join Our Free Email Newsletter • Su...

  What time is it…for you? I don’t mean the time on a clock. I mean the time in your story. Everybody experiences seasons in life. For many of us, as we grow older and approach retirement, the season whispers (or yells), “It’s time for a change.” Life may be telling you to slow down, to travel more, to reignite an old hobby…or something else. Today’s...

  Meet Graham and Jami Parham. Two years ago, they completed the construction of their Renaissance Homes -built house in Diamante. They moved from Dallas to Diamante after considering Florida and the Smoky Mountains as their next destination. This isn’t Graham and Jami’s first video appearance online. They were part of a feature TV episode that aired in Dallas/Ft. Worth, Designing...

  Why do some retirees absolutely thrive in Hot Springs Village — while others struggle? In this episode of Hot Springs Village Inside Out , I break down four proven retirement strategies that consistently lead to happiness, stability, and purpose after age 60 — all based on real stories from Village (and soon-to-be) residents. Whether you’re planning to retire soon, already retired and looki...

  In this episode of Hot Springs Village Inside Out , I’m coming to you from my back porch, at night — a perfect setting to talk about one of the questions I get asked most often: “How is it different living in Hot Springs Village versus visiting… especially that first time you visit?” It’s a great question because your first visit to the Village can feel like stepping into another world — th...

  Jeremy Simmons , Fire Chief inside Hot Springs Village, joins me to discuss safely preparing for winter weather. From smoke alarms, fireplaces, space heaters, to propane, fire pits, and fire hydrants, Chief Simmons shares practical advice for winter inside Hot Springs Village.   • Join Our Free Email Newsletter • Subscribe to Our YouTube Channel (click that bell icon, too) • Join Our F...

  Happy Thanksgiving! Here are just a few of the things I’m thankful for… I’m thankful we discovered Hot Springs Village I’m thankful Hot Springs Village is close to our family, our tribe I’m thankful for the people we’ve met along our journey I’m thankful Hot Springs Village is affordable I’m thankful for all the guests who have appeared on the...

  Here’s the real estate update for October 2025 with #1 Waterfront Specialist for Hot Springs Village, Arkansas – Rick Marshall . Along with the update, Rick shares some insights on how homeowners inside Hot Springs Village manage drainage around their homes. And stay to the end for our Q&A session with Rick, Stump Your Realtor . Email me your questions, and maybe we’ll...

  We went to walk the Balboa Spillway Trail on the second day the spillway was open. Usually, we have to wait for a big rain to see the water rushing like this, but not today. The skies are clear, deep blue, and the weather is gorgeous. Watching the rushing water reminded me of many conversations I’ve had with folks looking to retire within the next three years. These are the years of h...

  Let’s take a walk on the Magellan Beaver Dam Trail and discuss the two faces of aging. For some, retirement means a struggle, loss of identity, and boredom. For others, it’s far more exciting. Thriving! We want to encourage thriving, not struggling. Our aim today is to nudge you toward the bright side of the road.   • Join Our Free Email Newsletter • Subscribe to Our YouTub...

  Welcome to Hot Springs Village Inside Out! Today, we’re exploring the unique wisdom that blooms after retirement—a time when life’s pace may slow, but lessons and insights grow sharper than ever. We’re walking a portion of the Cedar Creek Trail inside Hot Springs Village and talking about lessons learned in retirement. My Zoom calls with you prompted today’s episode....

  She asked me about my glasses. They’re heavily tinted reading glasses that block out blue light. They’re not cheapy throw-aways, but they’re not expensive either. It sparked a conversation about the everyday things we enjoy – things that make a positive difference in our lives. I started rattling off a few things – mostly things I saw within a 6-foot circumfere...

  Walk with us on the Desoto Multi-Purpose Trail inside Hot Springs Village. In this episode of  Hot Springs Village Inside Out,  I’ll discuss the top five reasons people are choosing to retire to Hot Springs Village, Arkansas — one of America’s most scenic, friendly, and affordable retirement destinations. Whether you’re planning your retirement or just curious what makes “the Village”...

  It’s Halloween in Hot Springs Village when the leaves fall, the nights stretch longer, and the wind carries just enough mystery to make you pause on your porch. Next to a fire table. In this episode, I reflect on what’s truly scary about life here — not ghosts or ghouls, but the quiet truths that sneak up on all of us. It’s about slowing down, listening to the stillness, and finding meaning...

  What if you could enjoy retirement without ever dipping into your savings? In this episode of Hot Springs Village Inside Out, I share how smart retirees can design a cash-flowing retirement — living on a steady income so our investment accounts can keep growing for the future. This approach offers: ✅ Peace of mind — no stress about selling investments in a down market ✅ Long-term growth —...

  In the summer of 2018, I began to plan our annual “getaway” trip for September. From my teen years through my mid-50s, I was a retail animal. When you’re leading a retail company, you don’t think about taking time off between October and January. September always was the most convenient time to step away. So here I am, mid-summer, planning for September. Big Cedar Lo...

  Most of us don’t like to think about it, but one day, one of us will be left behind. And for most couples, that person will be her . The median age a woman becomes a widow is 59.4 for a first marriage and 60.3 for a second marriage, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Half of widows over 65 will outlive their husbands by 15 years. Eighty percent of men die married, while 80% of women die s...

  Melissa Speers has served the Jessieville school system for years, the last eight as the Superintendent. This week, I sat down with her in her office to learn more about the K-12 school system just outside the gates of Hot Springs Village. Some of you with children are considering making Hot Springs Village your home. You’ve asked for more insights into the two school districts that s...