Parkie Getaway: Hot Springs, Arkansas
Bathhouse Row, Downtown Hot Springs, Arkansas (credit: Visit Hot Springs)
Every Summer, one of Park Cities most popular road trips is a trek to Mt. Ida, Arkansas where parents deliver their children to experience a week or six at popular Camp Ozark. For families looking to extend their quality time together on either end of a camp session, or for weary parents looking to enjoy their freedom for a few days after the drop-off, Hot Springs is a great addition to your summer itinerary. Located just 44 miles to the west of Mt. Ida, Hot Springs was recently awarded the designation of Top Arkansas Adventure Town by Arkansas Outside and provides a plethora of outdoor activities, culinary experiences, and relaxing spa experiences.
Hot Springs gets its name from the naturally thermal spring waters found there. The hot springs were such a coveted natural wonder that in 1832, President Andrew Jackson designated Hot Springs as the first federal reservation. Hot Springs Reservation was essentially America’s first national park, predating Yellowstone National Park by 40 years. Flowing out of the ground at an average temperature of 143 °F, the hot springs produce almost one million gallons of water each day and are pumped into several downtown hotels and spas. The water is even available at public fountains for general consumption. Between 1892 and 1923, eight bathhouses were built on what’s known today as Bathhouse Row to utilize the spring waters for health and relaxation treatments. Today, the bathhouses are still one of Hot Springs most popular destinations where you can enjoy a sitz bath, steam rooms, and massages.
The Evans Tree House at Garvan Woodland Gardens (credit Cynthia Smoot)
If you want to experience the outdoor beauty of Hot Springs, there are no shortage of park areas, like the Northwoods trails system, that provide opportunities for hiking and biking. The Ouachita Mountains in west-central Arkansas are a place of wonder where silica-rich water and a little bit of luck created some of the world’s largest and finest deposits of quartz crystals. Visit Avant Mining and try your hand at mining for crystals. They provide you with digger bars, tools, and baskets and let you excavate to find your own treasures. The amount you pay for your dig will be the amount of quartz you can expect to receive in value.
The 210-acre Garvan Woodland Gardens are a wonderful gift from local industrialist and philanthropist Verna Cook Garvan. From the dynamic architectural structure of Anthony Chapel with its vaulted glass ceiling that reaches to the sky to the majestic lakeside botanical landscapes, Garvan Woodland Gardens offers tranquil sights at every turn.
If you are looking for more leisurely activities, don’t miss the Gangster Museum of America for an historic and entertaining account of how some of the most notorious criminals in America came to love this little valley town in the mountains of central Arkansas and the towns connection to Major League Baseball. Established in 1979, the Mid-America Science Museum - a Smithsonian affiliate museum - is a pioneer in hands-on science learning and has been a resource for innovative STEM education. Named #4 among the 100 Best Art Towns in America the Hot Springs art scene is an exciting and eclectic mix of styles from contemporary to traditional. Wherever you are in the city, you’re only a short walk from a fine art gallery, a pop-up exhibit, or one of the city’s extensive public art pieces. On the first Friday of each month, galleries all around Hot Springs host openings of new exhibits for the monthly “Gallery Walk,” a local tradition for more than 33 years. If you are looking for Instagrammable moments, keep your eyes open as you wander throughout Hot Springs because there are large murals scattered throughout the town depicting the various stories of the town’s heritage. From Baseball players pitching like they did right in Whittington Park, bright detailed flowers you can almost smell, and children playing brass instruments so vibrantly you can almost hear them.
Anthony Valinoti, owner of Deluca’s Pizzeria (Credit: Visit Hot Springs)
Hot Springs has some amazing dining destinations like McClard's BAR-B-Q which opened in 1928 and has been a family business ever since. They use quality cuts of meat and side dishes are made daily on-premise. J&S Italian Villa offers seasonal menus crafted by 2-Michelin Star Chef Sascia Marchesi and Chef Wil Wright. You’ll enjoy unique and flavorful dishes featuring pasta made from scratch, seafood, steak, and fresh local produce. After lying vacant for 30 years, the Superior Bathhouse was re-imagined as Superior Bathhouse Brewery and Distillery, a brewery, craft beer tasting room, full-service restaurant and event venue. Nestled on the ground floor of The Waters Hotel, The Avenue is a casual restaurant with upscale cuisine focused on locally sourced foods and has the best people-watching seats on Central Avenue. Be sure to check out The Rooftop Bar after dinner for beautiful sunset views of downtown Hot Springs. Deluca’s Pizzeria makes New York-style pizzas using fresh dough made daily by hand and fresh ingredients.
The Reserve at Hot Springs (Credit: Cynthia Smoot)
From hotels to cottages to Air B&B’s, Hot Springs offer a wide variety of lodging options. The Reserve is a luxury Bed & Breakfast located in an elegant estate steeped in history. Sitting atop four expansive acres, the property features 12 well-appointed guest accommodations within the main Brown House and surrounding Legacy House and cottage suite, along with a chef-driven culinary concept. Lookout Point Lakeside Inn on Lake Hamilton provides a sanctuary of peace & tranquility, comprehensive pampering, and luxury. The awards say it best: TripAdvisor's No. 3 Best Small Hotel in America. Today Show's Most Romantic Destination. Travel+Leisure's Most Romantic in Arkansas. Best Court Cottages offers 1930's charm with modern amenities. They are known to have one of the best brunch spots in town at Best Cafe and rumor has it, Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio used to stay in the 'Corner Suite' at Best Court!
For more information about outdoor recreation offerings in Hot Springs, visit to HotSprings.org or check out @VisitHotSprings on Instagram and Twitter.