If you’re heading to Newport, A fresh breeze is blowing through the area and it’s coming from the newly renovated Lakeside Inn. It’s the perfect place to stay that combines modern comfort with small town charm offering updated amenities like smart t.v’s, wifi, microwaves and refrigerators.
It’s now under the enthusiastic ownership of Tom and Pam Murray, a dynamic couple who recently relocated from Oklahoma to take on this exciting new venture. With backgrounds in property and retail, the Murrays are combining their skills to breathe new life into this long-standing local hotel.
Tom, a seasoned property professional, spotted the Lakeside Inn and immediately saw potential. “We looked at each other and said, ‘We can do this,’” he recalled. Pam, whose experience comes from the retail world, is embracing the change with open arms, eager to explore a new industry and build something lasting in a place that’s already starting to feel like home.
Though the couple had only ever passed through Arkansas before, this marks their first time putting down roots in the state—and they’re all in. Since taking over the property, every room at the Lakeside Inn has been thoughtfully renovated, blending comfort with a clean, modern style. In some of the rooms, Lakeside offers kitchenettes with apartment size fridge/freezer, a few cabinets and a kitchen sink. The owners decided to update the rooms after having long term out of state workers lodging in the hotel. Their goal is simple yet ambitious: keep the rooms filled, draw more visitors to the 
region, and play a role in revitalizing the area.
“We’re excited not just about the inn,” Pam shared, “but about Newport as a whole. We see a lot of potential here.” With an eye toward the future, the Murrays hope to expand their property development interests into downtown Newport, helping to boost both tourism and local business.
The location couldn’t be better! RIght next to Penny’s Place, a local favorite for homestyle meals and just steps from the dog park, Newport Lake and downtown. It’s also easy walking distance of the downtown park where community events and festivals like Depot Days take place.
The Lakeside Inn’s new website will go live in 30 days, making online reservations a breeze. In the meantime, guests can book a room the old-fashioned way—by calling directly. The Murrays are eager to welcome travelers, explorers, and anyone passing through to enjoy the updated comforts of the Lakeside Inn and experience the warmth of a couple who took a chance on a town and are ready to help it shine.
For bookings, call the Lakeside Inn at 870-523-2787 or visit them at 205 Malvom Ave, and stay tuned for the launch of their online reservation system.
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend getaway, a local event, or business, the remodeled Lakeside Inn puts you close to everything Newport has to offer.
Karin Huffman is an Independence County native who graduated from Cushman High School in 1996. Traveling throughout the state is one of her passions, along with writing about her adventures.
Taking over as travel writer for the Ozark Gateway Region is a dream come true for Huffman who lives in the region with her two daughters, Grace and Stella.
As a family, they enjoy canoeing the Poke Bayou, Salado Creek and the many waterways along the White River in Independence County. Camping and hiking throughout the region is a must for them in the spring and fall as well.
Huffman is an avid nature photographer who will do just about anything to find the perfect waterfall shot, and has visited many in the great state. From Twin Falls and the Richland Creek area in Northwest Arkansas to little known places off the beaten path, waterfalls will be found.
Huffman has been a travel writer for the Eye on Independence Magazine as well as a staff writer for the Batesville Guard, and is looking forward to devoting her time to traveling throughout the eight county region that the Ozark Gateway offers.
If you would like to contact Huffman about an adventure or would like to know how to get more information out about your area, contact her at 870-307-5473, karinhuffman78@gmail.com or karinozarkgateway@sbcglobal.net.