Welcome To The Rockhound
The Rockhound has been many things since its bones first arose in the nineteen-twenties. It was once the town's health clinic, where locals would seek community-minded care. Before that, it was the beloved Hulsey Cafe, where stories were shared over hot brewed coffee. In fact, one of the charming original features from this time is the transom kitchen door in the Wavellite Suite, which once opened to the outside world as a part of that very cafe. You may even find articles about the giant who peered through the transom window. In its most recent life, the building was lovingly restored by the Mount Ida Preservation Collective into a boutique Inn that celebrates the crystal mining and spirit of historic Mount Ida.
Meet the Owner & Our Mascot
My name is Chloe, the proud owner of The Rockhound. My partner Brian and I live in nearby Hot Springs with our two daughters and menagerie of rescue animals. Over the years, our little family have stayed in more than 100 Airbnbs, from big cities to tiny tucked away towns. Those travels taught us exactly what makes a stay memorable... the warmth of a welcome, the small thoughtful details and the feeling that someone truly cares about your comfort. We try to infuse those lessons into every corner of The Rockhound, a place where design, hospitality and heart meet.
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When we first stepped into this historic Inn, we knew we had found something special, a space where revitalization of the body, mind and spirit could live at the forefront. And in a beautiful twist of fate, my grandfather who in his own way helped make the Rockhound possible, spent his entire life working in the diamond business. He helped others find beauty hidden within the earth and it feels like a family thread carried forward. Now, I get to do the same here, in the heart of Arkansas, where gems and second chances are part of the landscape.
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We were also searching for a way to honor our late pup, Sadie, who taught us everything we know about second chances. The name Rockhound came with the building, but I knew it was meant to stay, for Sadie. In her honor, a portion of every stay and purchase of Rockhound goods is donated to local animal rescue efforts, because we believe in giving second chances to people, places and animals alike. We hope that the heart and passion that have gone into making The Rockhound what it is today are felt by every guest who walks through our doors. This is more than a stay, it's a little piece of our story, shared with you.
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Xx Chloe & The Rockhound Family
