Q: How do we find Creek's End? How are the roads?
A: We send you a detailed map and directions when you book your stay. There are signs along the road from Parthenon, and reflectors at most intersections for arrivals after dark.
We also have a map here on the web site that you can right-click and copy.
Please note that the last six miles of county road are rough dirt road. You can make it in a car, but if you have access to SUV or 4x4, that is the best mode of transportation out here. If you bring a small "city" car, just go slow on the bumpy roads. Some non-4x4's might need to "get a run at it" to get up the hill to Creek's End.
Q: Can we bring our pets?
A: Well mannered, house-broken pets are welcome. The cost is $10 per pet per night (plus 9.5% tax). We ask that you keep them from tearing up the flower beds, and "do their business" away from the house. Please try to keep your pets out of the fish ponds. Guests bringing more than 2 dogs are subject to a damage deposit. All pets must have tick & flea treatment at least 3 days BEFORE arriving!
Q: How many will it sleep?
A: At Creek's End - 12 to 14 comfortably. The record so far is 19 - 11 adults and 8 children!! There is a king-size bed in the master bedroom - and a double futon on the screened porch, one queen and one full in the upstairs bedrooms - the larger upstairs bedroom also has a comfortable double-size futon. There are queen sleeper-sofas in the den and the living room (living room has privacy curtains).
At Riverside - 10 comfortably. There are 3 bedrooms (1 king, 1 queen, 1 full), a queen sleeper sofa and 2 twin-size daybeds in the living room. We also have a couple of blow-up mattresses.
Q: What time is check-in/check-out? What do we need to do? Do you meet us there?
A: Unless special arrangements are made, Check-in is no earlier than 3:00 p.m. and Check-out is no later than 11:00 a.m. We will leave the house unlocked and ready for your arrival. You will need to fill out the Rental Agreement and put it in the lockbox by the front door. You may not even see us during your visit - if you'd like to visit, give us a call and we can stop in. Leave your payment in the lockbox or microwave when you check-out, and please leave the doors unlocked.
Q: How do we get the key and pay our balance?
A: The house will be unlocked and ready for your arrival. Keys are hanging by the front door at Creek's End - on the table at Riverside. You can leave the rental agreement and checks or cash for your balance due in the lock-box outside the front door or in the microwave...
Q: What is on hand in the kitchen?
A: We take pride in having fully equipped kitchens! All the utensils you would normally use for cooking; pots, pans, baking dishes, dishes, serving bowls, knives, pitchers, mixing bowls, measuring cups, dinnerware, glasses, wine glasses, silverware... etc. We have a gas range, microwave, dishwasher, toaster, crock pot, blender and coffee maker. Riverside also has a bread machine!
We usually have salt, pepper, various common spices, sugar, coffee, creamer, tea, cocoa mix, some flour in the freezer, and a small bottle of cooking oil.
Both kitchen tables have leaves which expand to sit 8 or more people.
Q: Should we bring towels and paper goods?
A: We supply all bed linens, pillows, blankets, and towels. We usually keep a starter supply of paper plates, napkins, paper towels, toilet paper, and facial tissues. There's also a washer and dryer at both places.
Q: What should we plan to bring with us?
A: Your groceries, clothes, personal items, and any alcohol you might want. It's about a 2 hour drive to the nearest liquor store. (Organic, home-made wines can sometimes be obtained locally...) We have a good selection of family-type movies, and have a rental agreement for movies from the Parthenon General Store - tell them you are Creek's End guests, and they will rent you movies. We also have LOTS of books and games!
Q: Is smoking allowed?
A: Smoking is NOT permitted inside either house. There are ashtrays provided on the decks, and screened-in porches. A smoke break outside allows you to enjoy the tranquil scenery! PLEASE don't leave cigarette butts on the ground.
Q: Are there hiking, riding and/or mountain-biking trails?
A: Yes! We have quite a few marked trails around Creek's End, and provide color coded maps. We are just a half mile from the Ozark National Forest. There are numerous National Forest and Buffalo National River hiking trails and scenic areas nearby. We have brochures on hand for several attractions. We are still recovering from the huge ice storm of 2009, so some trails are not cleared yet...
Q: Can we bring our 4 wheelers and/or off-road motorcycles?
A: Not unless we give you specific permission to bring them. Our neighbors say they are too noisy and disturb the peace and quiet that folks in this area value so greatly. Hiking is the best way to enjoy the serenity of the woods surrounding Creek's End Riverside Retreat! Motor vehicles are NOT permitted on our trail system. Bicycles are fine, although the terrain is rough!
Q: Can we have a camp fire?
A: Yes, both rentals have a firepit out by the back deck, and there's usually some firewood on hand. If you want fires every night, you should plan to buy firewood on your way in. Bring some marshmallows, graham crackers and Hershey bars for s'mores!
Q: Is there wildlife around?
A: Yes! You are likely to encounter deer, squirrels, raccoons, beavers, wild turkeys, rabbits, black snakes, ground-hogs, skunks and other small wildlife. You will likely see deer at the salt lick in front of Riverside any morning or evening. You are far less likely to encounter bears, coyotes, foxes, razorback hogs, bobcats, cougars, and poisonous snakes - but they do exist in this area! Ticks and chiggers happen, too! (mosquitos aren't usually too bad...) A good repellent such as Deep Woods Off is a great idea if you're going to be out in the woods!
Q: What restaurants do you suggest in Jasper?
A: Our favorite is the "Ozark Cafe" just across from the courthouse on the square in Jasper!! They have live music most Saturday nights! If you want a scenic drive and then a great meal, head for the "Cliff House" on Highway 7 South - about 10 miles south of Jasper. Heading north, The "Daisy Queen" (open April - October), 12 or so miles from Jasper on Highway 7 North (towards Harrison), is a great old-fashioned hamburger joint! New "SUBWAY" in Jasper!
Q: Where's the nearest grocery?
A: There is a "milk and bread" general store (open sometimes) in Parthenon (6 miles) and a very nice supermarket, "BOB'S", in Jasper (12 miles or 1/2 hour away). The nearest Wal-Mart SuperCenter is in Harrison...
Q: Can you swim and fish in the river?
A: Yes, you are welcome to swim in the river, wade the creek, and look for arrowheads! Of course, we can't guarantee that there will be water in the creeks year-round. The water levels are directly dependent on how much rainfall we have. Most years, the creek and river get pretty low in July and August, but there are usually pools of water that remain fresh and cool. There really aren't many fish in the Little Buffalo River, except in the deep holes, but you are welcome to try if you like... Licenses are available in Jasper.
Q: How many bathrooms are there?
A: Creek's End: Two. There's a marvelous "shower-for-two" in the master bedroom, and one with a huge old tub in the center of the house. Both are located downstairs.
Riverside: Two. Private bathroom with shower in the master bedroom, and the other bedrooms share the hall bath.
Q: Is there cell phone reception? How do we make calls at Creek's End?
A: Not really... sometimes if you walk UP the hill on the White Loop you can get a signal, but I wouldn't count on it. Verizon seems to do better. We have wireless DSL, and local area calls (870 area code). Please limit calls to 5 minutes. Please use credit or calling cards for long distance calls. Creek's End # is (870) 446-2413
Q: Where is the closest medical facility?
A: There is a clinic in Jasper, and in case of extreme emergency we have 2 nurses in the neighborhood. The nearest hospital is in Harrison, about an hour away. We now have 9-1-1 service, but it goes straight to the Sheriff's Office. Emergency numbers are posted in the kitchen next to the phone.
Q: How bad are the bugs?
A: Not too bad. If you're hiking out in the woods, we recommend you use a good bug repellent such as "Deep Woods Off", and check yourselves for ticks after you return.
Sometimes we get a few mosquitoes around in the evening, but not in swarms!!
Please treat pets for Ticks and Fleas with something like Frontline or Bio-Spot before you arrive.
Q: What do we do with the garbage?
A: Please place BAGGED garbage in the large containers on the deck. If you are staying long enough to fill them, just contact us for garbage removal. Please remember that cigarette butts are trash - don't throw them down anywhere.
Q: What do we need to do when we leave so we can get our cleaning/damage deposit back?
A: We expect the cabin & kitchen to be tidied up, (games, toys, books & movies put away), the dishes clean and put away, the bedsheets taken off and left in the laundry room (please start a load of towels if you can), any furniture you've moved replaced as you found it, the floors swept (not mopped), the grill cleaned if you used it, and NO DAMAGES! If you do damage something, we expect you to notify us as soon as possible so we can decide the best resolution. Failure to notify us of damages may result in higher costs to you.
Q: Is there air conditioning?
A: Yes, Creek's End has 4 window units (and several fans!).
Riverside has central heat & air.
We'll add to this section as the questions come in...
Thanks!
