🌿 How to Create an Outdoor Space You'll Actually Use

In a place like the Ouachitas, where natural beauty surrounds us every day, it’s easy to dream of the perfect outdoor space—morning coffee with mountain views, backyard BBQs with family, or evenings unwinding under the stars. But let’s be honest: many outdoor spaces go unused or become cluttered corners we forget.

The good news? With a little intention and planning, you can design an outdoor area that’s functional, beautiful, and actually gets used—no matter the size of your yard, deck, or porch.

Here’s how to make it happen:

1. Start With How You Want to Use It

Before you shop for patio furniture or throw down a firepit, ask yourself:

• Do I want a quiet place to relax?

• Is this space for entertaining guests or family gatherings?

• Will I use it for dining, reading, or even working from home?

• Do I need a pet- or kid-friendly area?

The best outdoor spaces reflect your lifestyle—not just Pinterest inspiration.

2. Choose Comfortable, Low-Maintenance Furniture

If your chairs aren’t comfy, your outdoor space won’t be either. Look for:

• Cushioned seating with weather-resistant fabric

• A small bistro table or coffee table for drinks and books

• Hammocks, hanging chairs, or porch swings for lounging

Pro tip: Storage benches double as seating and a place to stash pillows or outdoor games.

3. Add Ambiance with Lighting

You don’t need a big budget to add warmth and charm. A few lighting ideas:

• String lights overhead or around railings

• Solar-powered lanterns or pathway lights

• LED candles or tabletop fire bowls for soft evening glow

Lighting invites you to enjoy your space after the sun sets—which is when the Arkansas skies are most beautiful.

4. Include One Cozy Focal Point

Give your space a feature that draws people in, like:

• A firepit (great for s’mores, storytelling, and chilly nights)

• A water feature or bird bath for soothing sounds

• A small outdoor rug to define the space

Think of it as your “anchor”—it helps your outdoor area feel like an actual room.

5. Use Nature as Your Decor

You’re surrounded by beauty—so lean into it! Layer your space with:

• Potted plants or herbs you’ll actually use

• Hanging baskets or climbing vines

• Raised garden beds, native flowers, or even just a few ferns

Not much of a green thumb? Even one pot of lavender or rosemary adds life and fragrance without fuss.

6. Keep It Easy & Accessible

If it’s a hassle to get outside, you won’t do it. Make your space easy to reach and enjoy:

• Keep essentials nearby (blankets, bug spray, snacks)

• Create shade with an umbrella, pergola, or sun sail

• Clear the clutter—less mess means more peace

7. Make It Yours

The best outdoor spaces feel personal. Add:

• A vintage sign or flag

• Cozy blankets in a basket

• A Bluetooth speaker for music

• A basket of books or card games

And if your space overlooks the lake, woods, or mountains—lean into that view. Face your seating toward it. Frame it with plants or lighting. Let the landscape be the star.

✨ Bonus: Your Outdoor Space Adds Value

Buyers today want more than just a nice kitchen—they’re dreaming of lifestyle, and that includes outdoor living. A welcoming deck, porch, or patio can boost your property’s appeal and your own enjoyment while you’re there.

And if you’re still looking for a home with that perfect outdoor setup—or a place where you can create your own—I’d love to help you find it.

LOViT Living: Explore the Lake Ouachita Vista Trail and Its Epic Races

Nestled in the heart of the Ouachita Mountains, the Lake Ouachita Vista Trail (LOViT) offers a one-of-a-kind lifestyle for outdoor lovers, athletes, and nature seekers alike. Stretching 39 miles along the southern shore of Lake Ouachita, this nationally recognized trail is more than just a path through the woods—it’s a community, a destination, and a way of life.

Whether you’re hiking, biking, or dreaming of your next race, LOViT is a trail that rewards every step. And for those looking to live where they play, owning property near this trail is like having a front-row seat to one of Arkansas’s most scenic adventures.

🌲 What is the LOViT Trail?

The Lake Ouachita Vista Trail (LOViT) is a remote, single-track trail system spanning through public lands managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Ouachita National Forest. It connects Denby Bay to Blakely Dam, winding across five mountain ridges and delivering unforgettable views of Lake Ouachita’s crystal-clear waters.

Highlights:

• IMBA Epic Designation – Recognized internationally for challenging terrain and natural beauty

• Multi-Use Trail – Perfect for hiking, trail running, and mountain biking

• Unmatched Scenery – Forested ridgelines, rocky outcrops, and breathtaking lake views

• Accessible Trailheads – Easily reached from Mount Ida, including access points at Crystal Springs, Brady Mountain, and Shangri-La

🏃‍♀️ Trail Races That Draw a Crowd

LOViT isn’t just for casual adventurers—it’s also home to two major annual trail races that attract endurance athletes from across the country.

🎖️ December: LOViT Trail Marathon

Each December, runners tackle a 26.2-mile marathon along the rugged mountain trail.

• Date: First Saturday of December

• Start: Shangri-La Drive trailhead

• Support: Water, snacks, drop-bag station

• Vibe: Grassroots and community-driven—entry is donation-based

• Tip: Wear blaze orange—race overlaps with hunting season

This race is a great introduction to trail running in Arkansas, offering a scenic but demanding course with a laid-back atmosphere.

🏅 February: LOViT 100K & 100-Miler

If the marathon whets your appetite for more, the LOViT 100K and 100-Mile Ultra Trail Races are the real test of endurance.

• Date: Mid-February each year

• Location: Begins at East Cove Pavilion, near Mountain Harbor Resort

• Cutoff Times: 24 hours for the 100K, 34 hours for the 100-Mile

• Support: 6–22 staffed aid stations depending on distance

• Swag: Buckles for 100-Mile finishers, technical gear, and bragging rights

This event showcases the full beauty (and challenge) of the Ouachitas—climbing over 12,000 feet of elevation with awe-inspiring views and a true sense of trail camaraderie. As a 2020 completer of the 100 Miler (31 hour time) I will say it was my favorite race ever.

🏡 Why This Trail Matters to Buyers

If you’ve ever dreamed of living somewhere that feels like a retreat, the LOViT trail delivers. Property in the Mount Ida and Lake Ouachita area provides direct access to:

• Daily adventure – Morning hikes, afternoon bike rides, or sunset jogs on world-class trails

• Event excitement – Cheer on runners, host friends, or even train for your own race

• Community – A shared love for nature, wellness, and outdoor living

• Tranquility + Access – Peaceful mountain living with quick drives to Hot Springs and nearby amenities

Whether you're looking for a vacation home, full-time residence, or an investment near the lake, this is where lifestyle meets location.

🧭 Planning Your Visit

Start your adventure (or property tour) at one of these local stops:

• 🏨 Mountain Harbor Resort or Shangri La Resort– Lakeside lodging with dining and marinas

• 🏕️ Denby Point, Tompkins Bend or Crystal Springs Campgrounds – Ideal for overnight trail access

• 🥾 Gear Tip: Download the FarOut Guides app for full trail navigation and elevation profiles

💬 Ready to Wake Up Near LOViT?

Living near the Lake Ouachita Vista Trail means you’re never far from fresh air, adventure, and unforgettable moments. If you’re ready to find a home—or a home away from home—within reach of one of Arkansas’s most prized trails, I’d love to help.

📍 Explore listings, schedule a tour, or just ask about the best spots to catch a sunset on the trail.

Let’s find your perfect place in the Ouachitas.