I am a well-seasoned traveler, and I don't give stars freely. But....Flamingo Springs Trailer…read moreResort with its kitschy, retro travel trailers set around a lovely pool with all sorts of fun things to keep you entertained has definitely earned theirs.
Situated in the Ozarks of NW Arkansas, down a lovely country lane just south of Prairie Grove, Arkansas, FSTR provides a quiet place in the country to sit by the pool, wander the forest near the resort, or party and play with your adult friends (they are 21 and up, except on special kid-friendly dates.) As the sign says, there's no wi-fi, so talk to each other.
We did - making quick friends with a couple of girlfriends from Hot Springs and a young couple from Oklahoma. We took our 4WD and toured some of the dirt roads and trails just south of FSTR, enjoying a brief visit to a very busy Devil's Den State Park.
If you've forgotten something, they probably have it. Seriously, there's everything: Atari, VHS player with a good movie collection, a jukebox, matches, new toothbrushes, shampoo/conditioner, a pizza cooker, knives, forks, etc...AND the kitchen sink!!
This silly, but lovely, trailer hood includes trailers with a theme to fit anyone's fancy. These include a "Friends" themed Airstream, a rock-n-roll themed Shasta (my abode for the weekend,) Candy Cane Lane (an Airstream that definitely has the perfect-over-the-top Christmas decorations inside and out!) and others that provide the perfect mix of whimsy, community and comfort.
Speaking of comfort, the only thing that kept Zack and Laura (the outrageously creative and talented proprietors of this crazy place) from getting that 5th Star was the mattress in my "room." Although, the thinner mattress is likely retro-correct, as I know these cute trailers weren't known for true comfort, just convenience, my nearly 50-year-old body needs a bit more cushion to be truly comfortable while sleeping. Upgrading to a slightly better quality mattress would have gotten them a higher score on the comfort scale.
Cell Service: Spotty, But you wont care.
Wi-Fi: None, I hope they NEVER add it.
Can you find it: Yes, provided you use a better app than the older, never been updated, GPS in our Jeep.
Good Thing: Kitschy Decor, Clean campers and bathrooms.
Bad Thing: Mattresses.
Favorite Thing: Instant sense of community.
Final Thoughts: Visit FSTR in NWA. Pretty awesome.