The Waypoint in HSV to hold grand opening
HOT SPRINGS VILLAGE — The Waypoint at DeSoto Marina, 120 Marina Drive, will celebrate its grand opening from 8 a. m. to 9 p. m. Sept. 5.
The all- day event will feature special promotions, including free HSV Basecamp equipment rentals from 5- 9 p. m., kayak and paddle board races, food and beverage offerings, prize giveaways, and live music.
The HSV Property Owners’ Association began renovations on the former DeSoto Marina early in 2015. The project was part of a rebranding and place- making campaign led by HSV Chief Operations Officer David Twiggs.
“We have a very active younger population that’s growing every day,” Twiggs said. “We opened Waypoint to expand opportunities for people to enjoy the lakes and try new things.”
The Village has made strides to expand its horizons and create cultures for active lifestyles within the gated community, a news release says. The Village has historically been identified as a golf resort, and despite the rebranding efforts, Twiggs reassured golfers that “there will always be a place for you here.”
Through innovations such as HSV Basecamp, a campaign of outdoor excursions that sets up hubs throughout the Ouachitas, renting the necessary equipment for most outdoor adventures, HSV has been successfully making places for kayak, mountain and road biking and hiking enthusiasts while maintaining social balance by enhancing the existing golf and fishing cultures.
“The Village is a thriving and growing community,” Twiggs said. “We want everyone to know if you enjoy an active lifestyle, whatever that may be, there’s a place for you here.”
The Waypoint at DeSoto Marina features several amenities, such as a coffee shop, a beer and wine bar, a large deck lounge facing Lake DeSoto, a bait and tackle shop, a HSV Basecamp equipment rental hub and the newest addition, fresh food by Little Penguin Tacos.
Little Penguin, owned and operated by Jonathan Gonzales, served as a food truck exclusively in Caddo Valley before expanding to a second location at The Waypoint at DeSoto Marina.
“It’s awesome to be a part of an outdoor community in the Village,” Gonzales said. “Basecamp is doing some incredible things and we’re excited to be adding fresh food to the community.”
Little Penguin Tacos serves breakfast and lunch tacos, quesadillas and recently added a fresh burrito stuffed with black beans to the menu. “It’s a whole meal in a tortilla,” Gonzales said. Typically, Little Penguin Tacos makes every effort to use locally sourced ingredients, such as pork from JV Farms in Bismarck and produce from Gonzales’ home garden, for a culinary experience one doesn’t want to miss.
In addition to the kayak and paddleboard events presented by HSV Basecamp on Sept. 5, live music will by provided by an HSV regularly scheduled event, Rock Porch Sessions. At 5 p. m. singer- songwriter Rupert Wates, will take the stage with his own eclectic mix of styles, including blues, jazz, folk and vaudeville. At 7 p. m., Shawn James and the Shapeshifters, a Southern rock outfit currently touring behind their album, “The Gospel According to Shawn James and the Shapeshifters,” will fill the air with their unique bluegrass/ Southern rock stylings.
The Waypoint at DeSoto Marina is open from 8 a. m. to 4 p. m. Tuesday through Saturday. Call 922- 5511 for more information about the grand opening.