By Jae-Ha Kim
Tribune Media Services
October 27, 2009
Besides co-starring in Joss Whedon’s critically acclaimed series “Dollhouse,” Harry Lennix has a thriving career in films (“State of Play,” “Ray” and “The Matrix” sequels).
Newly married and living in Los Angeles, Lennix, 44, is an avid traveler for work and play.
Though he has been to Europe, Australia and South Africa, Lennix has fond memories of Eureka Springs, Ark., where he shot the 2004 Billy Bob Thornton movie “Chrystal.”
As for one of his favorite new hangouts? The Wild Turkey in Junction, Texas. Be sure to ask for Rosie or Cesar.
Q. What is your favorite vacation destination?
A. I have a lot of them, actually, but one of them was a place I never thought I’d ever go to. I was completely charmed by Eureka Springs. When I first got there, I didn’t see any other black faces and was a little worried about how I would be received. But one morning I walked past a man who was sitting on his porch and he said, “Good morning!” and we had a nice talk. The people there were the nicest you could imagine. They are hospitable and urbane, and their town is an oasis of civility. It’s a gorgeous, wonderful place to visit for a relaxing vacation.
Q. Where are your favorite weekend getaways?
A. One of my favorite places for a weekend is Tulum, Mexico. Just about any place in Mexico is great. It’s exotic, affordable and close by. The seafood there is fantastic and I love seafood. I’m also digging Texas these days. It’s close, too. And you can’t beat it for food and charm. Luckenbach, Texas, is to die for. Casa Grande, Ariz., kicks butt, too. It has one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world.
Q. What are your favorite hotels and restaurants?
A. It depends on the company, really. It used to be the case that I loved a bit of posh from time to time. In that genre, I dig the Beverly Hills Four Seasons (www.fourseasons.com). In Sydney, I love the Quay Grand (www.mirvachotels.com). Lately, though, I’ve taken to smaller, quieter and quainter hotels. The Legend’s Inn Motel (www.thelegendsinn.com) in Junction, Texas, is a great place. I stayed there on my way to my wedding. Just down the road are a number of great barbecue spots and a terrific local bar called The Wild Turkey. Ask for Rosie and Cesar. I stayed at The Crescent Hotel & Spa in Eureka (www.crescent-hotel.com), which has a reputation for being haunted. I didn’t have a bad meal at any of the restaurants in town but if you like fish, order the fried grouper at the Crescent. It is out of this world.
Q. When you go away, what are some of your must-have items?
A. Are peace and quiet items? If not, I must have a swimmable pool. Or a pool table. Or a piano. And a book that doesn’t require too much thinking. I take my laptop and send emails home to friends and family and tell them about what I did that day. That serves as my travel journal. I bring my cell phone with me, but the great thing is the reception is bad at a lot of the places I go to so I have an honest excuse when I can’t return my agent’s call.
Q. How do you try to fit in when you’re a tourist?
A. I rarely have a camera around my neck! I never take pictures on my vacations. My memory is really good and that’s how I remember the places I’ve been to — in my head.
THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT ARKANSAS:
Capitol: Little Rock (also the state’s most populous city)
Population: 2,673,000 (about 2,261 people live in Eureka Springs)
State bird: Mockingbird
How to get to Eureka Springs: Fly into Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport, which is about 1-1/2 hours west of Eureka Springs.
For more info on Eureka Springs: www.eurekasprings.com
© 2009 JAE-HA KIM
DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.
