Beavers Bend Cabin Guests Have Spoken… Guest Book Three On The Way!

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It’s time for Guest Book three. Two books are just about full. Tons of great stories in the first two editions from our Mountain Vista visitors. One of the most prevalent themes is sadness upon leaving…They want to stay just one day longer! Our guests tell us they love reading the stories of those who enjoyed Beavers Bend before them. Many times, they know prior guests…It’s a small world!

We always write the first post in each new book. One cold December night a couple of years ago,  Sherri and I sat by the fireplace and started reflecting about what has made this place so special. We still read the notes immediately after walking through the Mountain Vista door. They always put a smile on our faces. This was our intro to Guest Book two.

“Mountain Vista Cabin has come a long way since the day we drove up the hill, heard the wind piercing through the towering pines and were captivated with the view. We truly knew at that point this was the place to build! Opening the guestbook is the first thing we do after unlocking the door to our vacation home. The comments are a validation that dreams can come true. We’re blessed to have numerous guests experience Mountain Vista several times each year. We’ve heard a plethora of touching stories about this place…

Buried within these four walls are tales of love, laughter, solace and even a party or two! We’ve hosted those welcoming new babies, newly created marriages and sadly, several who enjoyed it here knowing their last days on earth were numbered. This cabin has become much more than just a getaway. Beavers Bend, Broken Bow Lake and our guests have become syncopated with our heartbeats. To this day, we still get excited driving up the hill knowing our dream is just around the slight left curve. It’s our hope you’ll say “It’s been worth it” after taking in the sunset or enjoying a cup of coffee on the deck in the morning. You may also be amazed at the wildlife in this peaceful setting.

Our hope is that you learn to see something even more amazing and have a greater love for each other, nature and serenity. When the time comes to say “Goodbye Mountain Vista,” our prayer is your visit will cause things to never be the same. They’ll be better because these woods and walls have blessed you as much as they have us. Whether it’s a jaunt through the forest or an embrace with a loved one, there’s usually a moment when our guests say “I’ve got it” and fully understand the “Mountain Vista Experience.” Your experience begins now…make the most of it!”

By Jerry Isbell

 

2014-01-31T21:09:27+00:00January 31st, 2014|Dallas day trips, Dallas travel, Dallas weekend travel, real estate marketing|

Meet Our Beavers Bend Cabin Guests: Author & Legend Media Producers Founder, Kurt Boxdorfer

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He’s the person behind the lens and our Mountain Vista producer/photographer extraordinaire. A 30-year media veteran and author of a new book that’ll help you with presentations, speeches and public appearances. Meet our pal and fan of Beavers Bend State Park and Broken Bow Lake, Kurt Boxdorfer, founder of Legend Media Producers in Dallas.

Kurt, along with his wife Jeri and son, visit Mountain Vista regularly and love everything our area has to offer. “It’s always something we look forward to, knowing we’re going to be on our way to the Beavers Bend area of southeast Oklahoma. Coming from the Dallas area, seeing all the trees and climbing up the big hills always seems to heighten our excitement. And of course, with our son it’s a minute-by-minute countdown until we pull up the awesome driveway that fronts Mountain Vista. The cabin is more like a castle to us. We’re not used to the huge picture windows, the views or the trees being so close! You can reach over the wrap-around porch railing and just touch them depending on what season you go. We’re either out by the fire pit our first evening, inside by the fireplace or just relaxing and talking on the porch or in the hot tub. The night sky is pretty awesome too – you don’t get the glare of the city lights like you do in Dallas. It reminds me of the two times I was out in the Arizona desert for work – your mouth just hangs open the first time you look up,” he said.

Screen shot 2014-01-15 at 8.00.19 AMHaving a critical eye for what it takes to be perfect in front of the camera, Kurt had an epiphany to write a book and coach people to success in the public arena. The Inside-Out Speaker: Untold Truths and Strategies On How to Be a Better Speaker, is a behind the lens perspective for struggling professional speakers who want to save, strengthen and grow their speaking business. It’s rooted in my experiences in production, having worked with hundreds of speakers, some very good and some not so good. 30 years doing TV shows, corporate events and commercial projects – all help me understand what it takes to give a prolific presentation.

As I’ve gotten older, I find I really like to teach and mentor people. Writing the book and now getting it out there for everyone that needs it, is a way for me to do that. I know the information is important and needed by speakers. I get the satisfaction of knowing that I could undertake and complete something I’d never done before – write a book – and I can also feel good about helping people – friends, clients and even strangers, that need it,” Kurt said.

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I’ve been fortunate to work on numerous media projects with Kurt over the past few years and have always been amazed at his company’s ability to adapt to new technologies. “What’s been happening the last ten to fifteen years is a rapid convergence and acceptance of the new digital technologies. It’s a great thing for consumers, both young and old. Think about it, the encyclopedias of old – that information can now be immediately digitally accessed by all of us. We can learn so much easier and faster than before. In the world of visual media, the biggest change is in accessibility. Everyone’s a videographer or photographer now because of advances in technology. Miniaturization, the increase in transportable bandwidth and the fact that we’re now a global economy have brought to the masses what used to be reserved for the select few,” he said.

The Boxdorfer family has visited Beavers Bend and Broken Bow Lake during many different seasons and their typical day at Mountain Vista includes checking out all the hot spots. “We’re usually out the door by mid-morning on our way to swim, float, canoe or kayak the crystal clear waters of the Lower Mountain Fork River, fish on Broken Bow Lake, rent an ATV, play golf or miniature golf, cruise through the Forest Heritage Center and gift shop, ride the train or horses at the Beavers Bend Depot & Stables, feed the animals at the Honey Bear Ranch, paddleboat (which is great fun by they way!) or hike the many nature trails in the park. If you look closely, you’ll probably see some deer. We were able to get really close to them on our last trip,” Kurt said.  Whew, that’s a full day!

Be sure and pick up Kurt’s book on Amazon. If you need video production or photography, he’s the best in the business. We owe much of our success to him. Being in media, marketing and sales for over 25 years, I know the importance of great presentations and being comfortable in front of a crowd or camera. Kurt’s new book will make you better.

We’re happy Kurt and Jeri are looking forward to the next trip to our cabin in Beavers Bend; “At the end of our visit, it’s always a little sad. We know you can’t find this type of getaway just down the road. But we’ll be back, just as we have for the last five years. It never gets old,” he said.

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Sherri and I are amazed and thankful for the tremendous, eclectic group of guests who’ve enjoyed our vacation home through the years. It’s always easy for us to “stay focused,” on our visitors, thanks to great people like Kurt and Jerri Boxdorfer.

By Jerry Isbell

 

2023-05-19T11:10:00+00:00January 28th, 2014|Books, dallas media, luxury cabins, Marketing, outdoors, Public Speaking|

Beavers Bend and Mountain Fork River Featured in The Oklahoman & NewsOK.com

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Here’s an article from The Oklahoman & NewsOK’s Ed Godfrey on our fantastic fly fishing  in Beavers Bend.

Visit us at Mountain Vista Cabin, the fly fishing is usually fantastic over the next several months. There’s only one thing better than catching a huge Mountain Fork trout…That’s eating them for dinner!

Here’s an “Albino Trout” one of our Mountain Vista guests landed.

DSC01712By Jerry Isbell

2021-03-15T15:20:17+00:00January 26th, 2014|fishing, fly fishing, Oklahoma Fishing, oklahoma outdoors, trout, trout fishing|

Winter Beavers Bend Snapshots…

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It’s the dead of winter in Beavers Bend, but you’d hardly know it. The weather has been spectacular over the past few weeks with the exception of a brief cold snap hitting the cabins in Broken Bow recently. If you time it correctly with the weather forecast, January and February can be amazing in the Hochatown area.

Construction on the new Beavers Bend Nature center looks like it’s going well and I believe it’s scheduled to open by this summer. Be sure and check it out, it’s just down the road from the Beavers Bend Restaurant on Mountain Fork River.

Beavers Bend Cabin Tip: If you’re searching for a Broken Bow Lake area cabin, be sure and ask how many hot water tanks the cabin has. We have two large tanks at Mountain Vista and our guests love being able to have six-eight people showering easily within minutes. Our tanks crank out the hot water magnificently! It’s HOT!

Having only one water tank is a cost-cutting measure many cabins employ…But with people on vacation and coming in from the lake, we knew to double down with our H2O heat! We’re really pleased with two tanks at Mountain Vista…Our guests are too.

We announced a great promotion for our App Fans yesterday. Be sure and search the App Store for “Beavers Bend” and download the area’s only mobile technology that offers specials, tourist information and tips while visiting your McCurtain County Getaway.

Thanks for reading and landing on our site. We hope you’ll experience our “Mountain Vista Views” soon.

By Jerry Isbell

Meet Our Beavers Bend Cabin Guests: David & Yenni Vance

photoOklahoma City has emerged as a hotbed for professional sports and entertainment during the past few years, but long before the NBA’s Thunder arrived, David Vance brought global publicity and tourism to Oklahoma by building the mecca of the “Sport of Kings,” Remington Park.

Without Vance, Oklahoma City wouldn’t be a “Big League” sports city and scores of casinos and off track betting parlors in the Sooner State owe him a tremendous amount of gratitude for their riches today. He made it all happen back in the 1980’s and took Oklahoma entertainment to an entirely new level. Do a little research and you’ll see the frenzy he created at Remington Park. The hit television show “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous” came to OKC because he marketed to everyone from the “Average Joe” to billionaires flying to OKC on their private jets… all eagerly wanting see his first-class creation. Vance employed thousands and Oklahoma horse racing people were finally allowed to gallop in their own backyard. He and lovely wife Yenni are two of our favorite Mountain Vista cabin guests.

David Vance’s professional sports and marketing background is beyond impressive. He’s a legendary figure in horse racing and a respected global sports marketing expert. In addition to bringing horse racing to Oklahoma and overseeing racetracks across the country, Vance has served as president of the Thoroughbred Racing Association, member of the Board of Trustees for the New York Racing Association, Vice President of DeBartolo Racing and Chairman of the American Championship Racing Series on ABC Television. His stellar career also featured stops as General Manager of the Kentucky Colonels American Basketball Association team and AAA Oklahoma City baseball organization.

He’s been a great friend and mentor for many years. I was part of his media team at Remington Park and learned more from him than anyone in my career. “Mr. Vance” as we called him (not at his request) has always exemplified dignity, grace and class.  Here’s another tremendous video tribute to my old boss.

David and Yenni, Director of Digital Communications and Social Media for Global Gaming, were thrilled with Beavers Bend State Park, Broken Bow Lake, Cedar Creek Golf Course and our Mountain Vista Cabin.

“We had been looking for a nice place to take a few days and relax, but we were overwhelmed with what we discovered at Beaver Bend. The drive from OKC was enjoyable, but we were stunned when we arrived and found an absolutely perfect escape from the daily grind. We found a beautiful log home in an incredible setting and a view to die for. I can’t begin to tell you how much we enjoyed our visit; from grilling steaks on an outdoor patio overlooking acres of trees to the refreshing hot tub and a glass of wine in the evenings. The amenities offered all of the comforts of home. We’ve been blessed to have traveled frequently over the years, but our stay at Beaver Bend ranks at the top of the list in terms of memorable getaways,” David said.

David Vance is a member of the Oklahoma Horse Racing Hall of Fame and has been a hero to many marketing executives in sports, media and beyond for decades. His enshrinement in the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame is long overdue.

David and Yenni…a great Mountain Vista “Daily Double!”

By Jerry Isbell

2017-07-11T13:51:41+00:00January 23rd, 2014|horse racing, Lone Star Park, Oklahoma, Sports marketing and media|

Best Time To Visit Beavers Bend Cabins

photoWe’re constantly asked “What’s the best time of year to visit cabins in Broken Bow and Beavers Bend?” My response is usually “Anytime!” Here’s why…

For those able to take a last minute trip, there are great deals available in January and February at scores of McCurtain County getaways. The weather can be perfect during the winter. Sherri and I spent hours exploring new spots on Mountain Fork River a few days ago. The temperature was in the 60’s and we had an amazing sun-drenched day…in January!

Retired couples and those with no children who can break away quickly, here’s a tip…Check the weather and take a three hour drive from Dallas to Broken Bow, OK.  There are many great last minute deals available and It’ll be well worth it.

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Look for “Specials” in January and February…We’re offering discounted rates during the winter and our fabulous “S’mores Kit’s”. Not just a bag of generic marshmallows and a stick…There are plenty of cabins that’ll give you this. We take s’mores to an entirely new level!

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Remember, the best time to visit Broken Bow Lake area cabins could be now! Feel free to call us at 405-535-8055 and we’ll help you plan a spectacular Southeastern Oklahoma luxury cabin experience!

By Jerry Isbell

2014-01-21T15:40:44+00:00January 21st, 2014|arklatex, Beavers Bend blogs, Dallas spring break, Luxury Oklahoma Cabins|

Beavers Bend Spring Break

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Sunsets are breathtaking from our deck, even in the dead of winter…

Oklahoma and Texas Spring Break weeks are just around the corner…Reserve your Beavers Bend cabins early. Holidays near Broken Bow Lake cabins are like gold, and we always receive scores of last minute emails and calls after we’re booked. It’s very important to make your plans and choose the best Broken Bow cabin that suits your needs.

If you have a group larger than six adults and two children and want to stay at Mountain Vista, we recommend reserving two cabins in our upscale Southern Hills Addition. Our first preference for large group guests is the Y-Knot Cabin, just down the street from Mountain Vista. Their owners are great friends and just as fanatical as we are about quality, cleanliness and making sure guests have a tremendous luxury cabin experience in Beavers Bend.

We love the feedback and emails from our blog readers. Our blog is read by Beavers Bend State Park fans from Guam to the Galleria Mall in Dallas and many points between. Thanks and follow us on Twitter @BeaversBend. If you need advice regarding what to do and where to eat while visiting your McCurtain County Getaway, get our app.

Thanks for reading!

By Jerry Isbell

 

2020-06-23T12:30:20+00:00January 17th, 2014|Lake Cabins, Luxury Vacation Rentals, Texas Travel, travel, TravelOK|

Meet Our Beavers Bend Cabin Guests…Skeeter Boats Executive, Jeff Stone

Jeff-StoneHis iconic brand is synonymous with great quality and craftsmanship and was the first bass boat designed in the United States. These legendary crafts grace the waters around the world and Broken Bow Lake on a daily basis. With fishing and boating season quickly approaching, I visited with Jeff Stone, Senior Vice-President and General Manager of Skeeter Boats, and one of our great guests at Mountain Vista luxury cabin.

Stone, a Longview, Texas native, has been visiting the Broken Bow Lake and Beavers Bend State Park area for many years and has relished relaxing on scenic hunting and fishing lands since childhood. He spent countless hours outdoors with family as a youngster and parlayed his fishing and boating affinity into a tremendous career. “We had Skeeter boats as a kid, but I never envisioned I’d be running Skeeter! It’s been a dream come true job.”

He frequently travels to Southeastern Oklahoma with friends and family and enjoys everything our area has to offer. “We’ve been to Beavers Bend so many times, we enjoy being together as a large group, sitting out by the fire and playing golf. We’ve trout fished the streams (Mountain Fork River). Mountain Vista is in the same category as cabins in Colorado and other luxury destinations. I would strongly recommend your cabin to someone that really enjoys nature while desiring top class amenities. Your cabin is in a very nice location and I think it’s the best view up there.”

Stone suggests potential new boat buyers do extensive research and ask themselves a litany of questions before making their purchase. “Make sure you identify how you’re going to use the boat, whether it’s fishing or water sports. If you’re fishing, what style are you going to do? What size lakes will you be on and do you plan on tournament fishing or recreational angling? If water sports is your focus, will you ski? Will you be with small or large groups?”

Stone has been in charge of Skeeter since 2001and has seen many changes happen in the boating industry during his career. I was impressed with his true passion for Skeeter and their customers during our conversation. It’s easy to see how he’s risen to such lofty heights as an executive in the boating world. Many brands have gone by the wayside but Skeeter continues to remain committed to their fans, ranging from the weekend recreational user to professional angler.

Stone enjoys a birds-eye view of the best fishing spots in the country aboard various models of his Skeeter boats, “I’m very fortunate to work in an industry that I enjoy. I get to see a lot of places and enjoy how our products are used. From Saltwater fishing in Florida and South Louisiana to fishing some of the large cold water lakes in Minnesota with great walleye and smallmouth. I also enjoy fishing some of our great lakes here in East Texas.”

Thanks to Skeeter leader Jeff Stone for visiting our Mountain Vista vacation home and offering great insight into the boating world. He recommends “it’s very important to develop a strong relationship with your Skeeter dealer and get to know them very well.”

Visit your local Skeeter dealer for cash rebate promotions running through March. Jeff can’t help our fishing skills but can definitely give us the greatest technology to land “The Big Bass” on Broken Bow Lake!

By Jerry Isbell

Escape To Mountain Vista Cabin In Beavers Bend

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We’ve always tried to be creative with our promotions but the “Old Standby” remains one of our guest favorites. Back by popular demand…Our S’mores kit!

We’ll have these available soon, reserve your Broken Bow Lake cabin stay and you’ll be enjoying S’mores and all the ‘Fixins’ next to our roaring fire pit.

Jerry & Sherri Isbell

2014-01-11T20:47:17+00:00January 11th, 2014|Luxury travel, luxury vacation cabins, travel promotions|
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