Often times when we begin to think about planning to attend next year’s reunion, we're faced with a choice- Do I and my family use our limited vacation time and money to attend the reunion for a few days where I have lots to do, but my wife and children may feel left out? Or do we skip the reunion and go to a family vacation spot where we as a family have a great time, but I feel like I’ve had to sacrifice what’s important to me?
The 2009 reunion won’t present the problem for you. That’s why we say ”Come for a Reunion, Stay for a Vacation”! Because Hot Springs is the vacation capital of the mid-south!
The city is nestled in the Ouachita Mountain range surrounded by three lakes, of which Lake Ouachita is considered to be one of the ten cleanest in North America. It‘s also nationally famous for its bass, crappie, and striper fishing. So you and your family can fish, swim, water ski, para-sail, jet-ski, or just sunbathe on the beach. If you prefer something a little drier, try the many hiking and mountain biking trails located in the surrounding hills.
Hot Springs has lots to do for everyone! Magic Springs theme park and Crystal Falls Water Park are a great way to spend a day. The Gangster Museum of Hot Springs is the city's newest attraction, on the same block at the Arlington - and Oaklawn Park now has casino gambling! Take a “Duck Ride” around Lake Hamilton and downtown. Be filled with interactive wonder in the Mid-America Science Museum. Don’t miss the huge Tesla coil there –it’ll shock you! Check out the famous Josephine Tussaud Wax Museum. Visit the many art galleries and antique stores that line downtown. Dig for your own quartz crystals or drive a few miles south and dig for real diamonds in the only diamond mine in North America that’s open to the public. There’s go carting, miniature golf, aquariums, alligator farms, petting zoos, live family entertainment, and historical sites plus lots more that we don’t have room to list.
Our host hotel and reunion site is the Arlington, where the famous and infamous have stayed. Babe Ruth, Ronald Reagan and Harry Truman loved hiking the trails surrounding the Arlington. Rose Kennedy vacationed here as did gangster Al Capone whose entourage would take up an entire floor at the hotel. Tell the ladies about the hotel’s day spa. Many of the attractions and best shopping of the city are within walking distance of the Arlington.
Hot Springs is where individuals and families come for vacation. There are lots of hotels, restaurants and night life, so the fun ends only when you want it to.
When you’re making your plans for next year vacation and reunion, we encourage you to make Hot Springs your destination for both. Stay for a week, bring the whole family, we promise that you won’t run out of things to do! That why the James M. Keller Camp Says
“Come for a Reunion, Stay for a Vacation!”
Remember!!!...
...the SCV is a tax-exempt charitable organization, and as such, all expenses incurred by an SCV Member such as travel expenses to; lodging and meals while attending; and transportation expenses home, are tax deductible! This means that a family of four - traveling to the convention - can deduct transportation costs, the cost of lodging for the SCV Member, and the cost of food for the member - but only the member's cost can be deducted. ie. You stop at a hotel of the way - the basic room rate for single occupancy is deductible. The cost of additional occupants is not.
