Petit Jean’s Best-Kept secret: The Winthrop Rockefeller Institute

Ok, so if you’re a local Central-Arkansan, maybe you know about the Withrop Rockefeller Institute (WRI).  You might know that it is the former home of Arkansas Governor Winthrop Rockefeller. You might know that the Institute is part of the University of Arkansas System, and maybe you’ve heard about the Saturday Chef Series that is part of the Culinary program.

BUT, did you know that WRI has a variety of lodgings and recreational activities available to the general public?  Personally, I have been on Petit Jean mountain only twice, and although I had heard of WRI, I had never been there.  So, when I had the opportunity to visit last week, I was dually impressed with the beauty of the sprawling campus, as well as the amenities available.

One of the Mountain-Top Views

Let’s start with the lodgings.  The Institute features everything from houses and lodges with full kitchens, deluxe bedrooms, and meeting spaces outfitted with wifi and speaker phones all the way down to traditional hotel-type rooms and suites.  Prices range from $89 (winter rate for a single room with one or two queen beds) to $179 (summer rate for a 3 bedroom house) per night.

I had the pleasure of staying in The Studio, named aptly as it was formerly Mrs. Rockefeller’s art studio.  This two story abode is perched high above the Petit Jean River valley. While it has been extensively renovated, it still has a very vintage feel.  The two upstairs bedrooms are generously sized with well appointed baths and feature expansive views of the afore mentioned valley.  I couldn’t help feel as though I was spending the night at my wealthy grandmother’s house (if only I had one…).

Down the slate staircase, the mood changes dramatically. This would clearly be Grandfather’s space.  A kitchen, living room, and large meeting table are nestled into a nest of dark wood, more slate, and artful decor in the craftsman style.  I could possibly have been convinced to sit on the overstuffed couch with a cognac and a cigar. . .  Ok, probably not.  A wall of french doors looks out onto a flagstone patio with plenty of seating to enjoy the breeze, the view, and the natural state of the Natural State.  The Studio doesn’t rent to the general public, but it’s accoutrements are a great indication of what the other lodging options have to offer.

Recreationally, there are lots of things to see and do.  It seems that the folks at the Institute are not braggers, but they just might rival the nearby Petit Jean State Park.  You’ll not find an activities director issuing event schedules as you check in, but I prefer having the freedom to explore on my own anyway.

In addition to the state-of-the-art fitness center, you can also visit the boathouse on Lake Abby for frisbee golf, indoor tennis and basketball, paddleboats, fishing, and a playground for the kids.  Elsewhere on the campus, you’ll find six different gardens and walkways, as well as walking/ jogging trails and a scenic overlook.  And of course, you have easy access to all that the State Park has to offer.

If you get tired of cooking for yourself during your stay at WRI, you can make a visit to River Rock Grill.  Open for lunch Thursday & Friday 11:30am to 1:00pm and dinner Friday & Saturday 5pm – 10pm, the Grill’s full menu features a dessert of the day.  You can get your mountain-top-Starbucks fix there too.

WRI’s website is geared toward conference goers, and most of us would never consider making a getaway to a place with the word Institute in its name (unless your meds just aren’t working anymore…), and that’s why WRI is a best kept secret.  It’s the perfect place for a romantic weekend, a girls getway (Hello?  MOMcation!), or even a family retreat.

Oh, and on your way home, stop just down the road from WRI’s front gate and pick up some of the best grass fed beef you’ll ever eat from Winrock Farm.  The Park Wife introduced me to the friendly folks there, so tell them she sent you in (and bring your own cooler).

Disclaimer: The Winthrop Rockefeller Institute provided the Arkansas Women Bloggers Leadership team with overnight lodging in their facility for a working meeting and culinary event.  However, this blog post was not solicited or compensated. My opinions are my own and I have chosen to share this experience with you because I truly believe that the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute is offering something special.

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