Meet the Neighbors: Joel & Amber Tipton of Helena-West Helena
Joel & Amber Tipton
Owners of The Edwardian Inn
Originally from: Dallas, Texas
Home now: Helena-West Helena
Joel and Amber Tipton wanted a change of pace from the corporate world in Texas. The couple had always talked about buying a bed-and-breakfast not too far from their home in Garland. The affordable property values in Arkansas’s Delta made The Edwardian Inn the perfect move for the Tiptons.
Moving from a Dallas suburb with a population of 300,000 to a small town of 12,000 in Helena-West Helena took some adjusting, but Joel said the community pleasantly surprised them.
“There’s always so much going on here,” he said. “We find ourselves busier here than we ever were in Dallas! From one of the largest blues festivals [in the nation] to smaller community activities like the Cherry Street Fair, one can always find something to occupy their free time.”
In addition to the rich history surrounding the area, Joel says one of his favorite aspects of Helena-West Helena is the abundant outdoor activities ranging from river adventures on the Mississippi River and endless miles of biking trails to fishing on the multitude of lakes and kayaking the cypress swamps.
THE TIPTONS' TOP PICKS
Favorite Restaurant: Bailee Mae’s in Helena-West Helena
Favorite Local Event: King Biscuit Blues Festival, held annually in October
Best Hidden Gem: Louisiana Purchase State Park near Brinkley
Your Town in Three Words: Historic, surprising, possibility
