Weekend hobby becomes popular area attraction – Published in the March 14-20 edition of the JC Sentinel
This week’s Member Spotlight is on Echo Canyon Spa Resort. Initially beginning as a small bed and breakfast in July 2002, Joe and Carol Van Horn thought of the business as a weekend hobby. Joe and Carol met in February of 1997 at the Lifestyle Center of America (now the Chickasaw Retreat and Conference Center) where Carol was the Food Service Director when Joe came in with heart disease and to quit smoking. The two fell in love and married in the fall of 1997. They purchased 27 gorgeous acres right next to the Chickasaw National Recreation Area, where they built a house, a barn and put in a 2-acre orchard with 7 different kinds of fruit and an abundance of blackberries.
The Echo Canyon Spa Resort’s success accelerated, and they added 8 new suites and 5 cottages, all of which have in-room two-person hot tubs and private patios with rocking chairs overlooking Echo Canyon. The Canyon is classy and romantic with an elegant bar, the Baron of Beef Restaurant (prime beef only), and the Aloha Spa.
Echo Canyon is 5-star rated on Trip Advisor. This piece of heaven is one of the only places that do not allow children so that you can have a sweet retreat with your partner or girlfriends. There is also a beautiful pool area and an outdoor, enclosed jacuzzi.
The Resort belongs to many chambers of commerce including JCCC. Their king suite prices range from $225.00 to $285.00 and the cottages are $319.00 per night with breakfast for two included. You can check Echo Canyon Spa Resort out on Facebook – they have over 20,000 likes! Also make sure to visit www.echocanyonmanor.com and book your reservation by calling 580-421-5076. Email questions to ecmanor@brightok.net.
Read next week for a Spotlight on Nitro Lift Technologies!
On Monday, I had the privilege of attending a Wapanucka Town Council meeting. I am overjoyed that Wapanucka has joined the chamber as a community and more so that others are willing to be a part! The JCCC will host a ribbon cutting at the F.R.O.G Zone on Friday, March 15th at 2:00 p.m. which is located at 102 E. Main Street in Wapanucka. This family fun center is open to the community and is a safe place for teens and families to spend their time together. I think it’s a fantastic idea that New Beginnings Church has built into a reality and I’m excited to be a part of it. What a model for seeing a need and filling it – great job!
We will also be hosting a ribbon cutting at Simple Simon’s Pizza on Monday, March 18th at 2:00 p.m. If you haven’t noticed, Marty and Dana Chaney and their team have been working day and night to finish the renovations at 1201 E. Main Street and they are excited for you to come see the updates.
One last thing, we are SOLD OUT of Chamber Banquet tickets! As far as Michaelle Gray can recall, this hasn’t happened before so early and we are so grateful for everyone that is attending, sponsoring, or donating to make the evening a success. I do have a waiting list going so please contact me if you still want tickets – you will be contacted if any become available. Have a great week!
“If you develop the habits of success, you’ll make success a habit.” -Michael Angier
-Jordyn Frazier
