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Two years ago Lee Downing wanted to leave Little Rock and buy a farm, but his wife, Mary, wasn't interested in cows, chickens or any other aspects of farming.
Instead, they bought River Ranch Resort in Heber Springs, a move that has put them in direct competition with 36-year-old Lindsey's Rainbow Resort.
Although the Downings didn't do much research before buying the resort on the Little Red River, they are vigorously expanding They have added 10 acres, a twobedroom cabin and several RV spaces. Their 10-year plan is to add more riverside seating in their restaurant, enlarge their dinner club, add motel rooms and more three-bedroom cabins.
Resorts in Heber Springs attract outdoor lovers, particularly those who like to fish. Expansion is a key factor to running a resort and is often done by putting most, if not all profits, back into the resort. Repeat and new customers are a necessity in this business, especially during the winter months when bookings slow down.
"We are really improving and have...