We are seasoned travelers could have spent our wedding anniversary almost anywhere before the coronavirus made us change plans. Social distancing and wearing a mask made finding a resort that had five star dinners and cabin lodging over looking a lake a challenge.
Whispering Woods Cabin and Grill near Jordon, Arkansas about a half hour drive south of Mountain Home, Arkansas, it is not a grill but a fine dinning restaurant even with social spacing, reservations recommended, first evening (Wednesday) we had their special Prime Rib, the best I have enjoyed, and at eighty-two years old that is a lot of restaurants, it was worth staying in one of their cabins overlooking Lake Norfolk. The cabins are fully furnished, including refrigerator, stove, microwave, coffee maker, dishes and utensils. Each cabin has quiet air conditioning, a back deck with a view of the lake, parking by front door.
Second day lunch outside patio with their special sandwich shrimp over hamburger lettuce tomato and cilantro french fries, again the best ever. That evening it was hard to choose between trout, walleye, or ribeye steak. You guessed it, I gained four pounds. Forgot to mention homemade desserts, the best ever, we took a couple back to our cabin for a late night snack, We are planning on making this an annual event.
The owners, manager, and wait staff were very courteous and helpful
Why go to the Caribbean, Florida, or Arizona when we have this private place here in Arkansas
Date of stay: August 2020
Room tip: #9 best one bedroom with lake view, but they also have two bedroom cabins
Open for Lunch & Dinner
11am - 9pm • Tuesday - Sunday
Reservations Recommended
We went to Whispering Woods Grill to celebrate my mother-in-laws 80th birthday. It happened to fall on a Wednesday night on Prime Rib night. 4 of the 5 of us got the prime rib and it was delicious. The fifth got the pork medallions and she really enjoyed them. We would recommend Whispering Woods anytime.
Most of all we enjoyed the view. We had a beautiful view of the dam and Lake Norfork. We were able to watch the sunset. It was so beautiful.
My Wife and I had the pleasure of spending 5 wonderful days and nights at Whispering Woods overlooking beautiful Norfork Lake recently.
We are both experienced Hoteliers, so we have a unique 'eye' to know the Genuine Article when we see it.
Such is Whispering Woods ! The Cabins are cozy and well appointed. They give a rustic feel, but with all the Amenities people have come to expect. Private Baths w/ toiletries, Full Kitchens, Satellite Flat Screen w/ Blu-Ray, Wi-Fi, Fully-Controllable Heat/AC, Quality Linens and Terry seem pleasantly unusual in such a small resort.
Each of the 11 Cabins have magnificent views of Norfork Lake and tons of natural light. There is even a Guest Laundry, a Children's Playground and Pet Facilities. This is definitely NOT Bare Bones!
The Grill at Whispering Woods is an absolute Culinary Oasis in an otherwise rather mundane local Food Scene. Owner/Chef Richard Quiblier's European training and years in High-End catering to PGA events and the like are all brought to bear in creating not only delicious, exciting, cuisine, but a true experience.
Their Wine List and extensive list of Beers provide something for everyone's taste and budget. But, this is not stuffy or pretentious. Steaks, Burgers (incl. their 'Burger of the Month') and a Kid's menu mean you'll find what you're looking for.
The Service is crisp, but the atmosphere is unhurried. Again, views of beautiful Norfork Lake provide the background.
The Innkeepers, Richard and Kim pay attention to even the smallest details to insure your comfort and a relaxed experience. Kim (likely the model for the 'Energizer Bunny') is constantly looking for ways to enhance her guests' experience and give excellent value.
If planning a trip to the Ozarks, you won't find too many places providing what a stay at Whispering Woods will.
TripAdvisory Customer Reviews
Bob R - March 2018
"Ozark Perfection" This one you've really got to be looking for, as it's tucked right in the middle of nowhere. EXCEPT for the fabulous view of Lake Norfork! The current owners are out to make their mark on north central Arkansas cuisine. Working as a team, he's the certified chef, she's the hostess they try to make each meal a memorable experience for every guest. Many (most) restaurants tend to get stuck in a rut of preparing the same carved in stone menu items year in and year out, not here, as house specials, sides, etc change regularly. And if they happen to not have your favorite, don't be upset, whatever you choose as an alternate will likely be your newest favorite.
Calling ahead always a great idea, reservations pretty much required for weekends and holidays. Prices are very reasonable for quality furnished.
Kim and Richard are the Owners (and Richard is the Chef) of this gem of a restaurant with a great view of Norfolk Lake, just a short distance from the Norfolk Dam and a National Trout Hatchery.
I had the good fortune of making a reservation and enjoying a wonderful Thanksgiving meal there earlier today.
It was incredible: Wonderful hard-crust French bread and creamy whipped butter, a delicious cauliflower bisque soup, a tasty arugula salad with Saba vinaigrette, incredible roasted turkey, homemade stuffing, garlic mashed potatoes, gravy, roasted carrots and parmesan roasted brussel sprouts!
This was all topped off by an incredible dessert that I've never had before: Sweet Potato Maple Layered Cheesecake! WOW!!!
I was warmly greeted by Kim (I don't know how she remembers everyone) and I had great service.
Whispering Woods Never Disappoints!!!
The food was OUT OF THIS WORLD, order anything on the menu and I am sure your taste buds will go crazy. We finished off the wonderful dinner with desert and were both well satisfied with our FULL bellies.
A nice walk after a short drive back to the Corp of Engineers camping grounds below the dam - well, the night finished off as great as it started - relaxation, sight seeing, and GREAT food.
We plan on going back up and staying at the cabins at Whispering Woods.
Itzie4you - August 2017 - Memphis, Tennessee
"Nice Place to Kick Back" - This was a spur of the moment trip to our favorite trout fishing area. We decided to try these cabins which are located next to a restaurant we like. It was a one night stay so we didn't need a lot of room. These cabins were perfect for us. The cabin was spotless, well decorated and comfortable. There is a kitchen, which we did not use, but it would be nice on a longer stay. Bed was comfortable. TV was nice. We would stay there again.
retiredtravelers1965 - July 2017 - Bull Shoals, Arkansas
"Sunday Lunch" - Wow! What a wonderful dining experience. The food was delicious. A simple burger with a gourmet twist. Green tomateo sandwich...We feel we have found a delightful restaurant for a real change. A restaurant that offers a beautiful view of the Norfork Lake sitting in the hills. The staff was exceptional. There was a unanimous group decision to return.
"So Glad We Went Back!" - We enjoyed a previous visit to Whispering Woods Grill, so we planned our route to Branson so we would be able to eat lunch at Whispering Woods Grill. We shared a green tomato sandwich, which was delightful. I thoroughly enjoyed my wedge salad. Wish I could get the dressing recipe. Hubbs had a brisket sandwich and he found it to be very tasty, but he could not eat it all. Very generous portions all around. Can't wait to find a reason to go back.
"Wonderful Meal!" - My in-laws took me and my husband to have dinner at Whispering Woods Grill and we had a wonderful dinner. The wine list has several good options and a diverse price range, and the menu had lots to choose from. My husband had a burger and he thoroughly enjoyed it. I ordered the Mushroom Ravioli and it was delicious and had a nice truffle oil sauce on it. My father-in-law ordered the salmon and French Onion Soup, everything was cooked to perfection and our server was friendly and knew the menu well. Overall, great experience!
"We had a Great Lunch here!" - We ate burgers here and the burger of the month was ever-so-Good. Cooked to perfection. Rosemary fries came with the order and they were hot and fresh. In fact, the burger was big enough that my wife and I split it and were full...Partly because we ordered the fried pickles as an appetizer. The breading was unique and tasty, seemed to be grist-mill corn breaded. Finally, their baked chocolate chip cookie dessert with ice cream was WOW! Very nicely done!
Customer Cards & Notes
Rodney Jordan Volunteer Fire Department - March 2018
"Kim & Richard, On behalf of our Fire Department I thank you for your support in sponsoring a fire department dinner and donating the proceeds you and your staff did an amazing job and the food was great. As a small department we have very limited funding so your donation is greatly appreciated."
The Corvette Club - April 2017
"To All at the Grill, we had lunch with you on Sunday 9th and all of us from Corvette Club would like to thank you for a wonderful meal and service. You were all so polite and friendly and our meals were delicious. You had the room all set up for us and the service was top-notch. Thanks to each of you. The Corvette Club"
Jennie Johnson - April 2017
"Dear Kim, Thank you so very much for the complimentary lunch! WOW! How nice! What a pleasant surprise! All the women of wisdom (WOW) love to eat at Whispering Woods and so does everyone else!! You have a wonderful restaurant and all your help is so pleasant. Everyone is so impressed! Thanks again for the comp. You will be seeing lots more of me, my family, my friends and WOW. God Bless You! Jennie Johnson. P.S. See you May 13 for 8 @ 6:00"
Medi Save Pharmacy Staff - December 2016
"We had such a wonderful time at your facility! This was our 1st time out there & will recommend everyone. The place was nicely decorated. The staff was helpful & courteous and the food was delicious! Thank you for accommodating our Christmas party!" - Casey
"Awesome place and food." - Leo
"Had a wonderful time, and the steak & bass was exquisite, and the service was wonderful. We will be back soon." - Danny P
"Thank for a great time. The broccolini was A+. Everything was great." - Kameron Zibert
"Thanks for having us." - Tayler
"Thank you for accommodating us. Food was great!" - Kyla
Mike Slice - Rodney/Jordan Volunteer Fire Department Fire Chief - March 2016
"Kim, Richard & Staff - Thank you so much for sponsoring the dinner to support the fire department. The food was great and service excellent. And of course thank you for the donation."
Barbara Carlson - November 2016
"Dear Kim - Everything at the wedding reception party was perfect! The room, the food, and especially the gentle care that you provided to make it fit together smoothly. Thank you."
Richard & Mary Gannon - November 2016
"Dear Richard and Kim - Thank you for a lovely holiday and fantastic dinner yesterday at Whispering Woods. We were the first to arrive for the 11:00 seating (at Heather's Station) and wished it didn't have to end as we were the last to leave! The food was all outstanding from the soup to the trifle, and all of the service was excellent as well. After 35 years of cooking Thanksgiving dinners it was truly special to enjoy a professionally prepared and served feast! We look forward to seeing you again soon!"