Thermal Waters, Natural Wonders and Hot Springs.
The whole town of Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas, is lively and historic, full of attractions and so much to do. It is the only U.S. national park centered around an historic downtown, featuring preserved bathhouses and natural thermal springs. They call it “America’s First Resort” because of its early history of the world-famous springs. It’s also been called a “magical mystery” because of how the town evolved from the springs. We recommend coming here, since we love healing thermal baths and Hot Springs is one of the most unique spa destinations in the world.
Hot Springs would be perfect to include on a road trip – there’s even a small airport in town that connects with Dallas, Texas.Embassy Suites is a comfortable place to stay. The front desk can give out a lot of tips. For example, Anna says to shop at Bathhouse Soapery. Nyla says not to miss the Tower Overlook, and a ghost tour where you might learn that the current Colonial Candy Corner used to be a drive-in morgue! Jo says not to miss going to the 421 Beer Garden and Billy says to go on a mural hunt, have dessert at Frosty Treat, and go to Ward’s Crawfish Hole. We told these friendly Embassy Suites agents we’d get the word out!
The mountain vistas are
incredible here as the town is nestled in the stunning Ouachita Mountains. Visitors also love the walkable, brick streets in Historic Downtown Hot Springs, lined with vintage architecture, local shops, museums, and legendary eateries. You find musicians on the streets and in the clubs and hotels and can have breakfast at The Pancake Shop before walking all over the bustling Downtown District. Take a look at the large, vintage-style Arlington Resort Hotel across the street with its retro lobby. Notable American figures such as President Theodore Roosevelt, philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, Babe Ruth, and Al Capone are all on the hotel registry. You can even book the Capone Suite on the fourth floor.
Or start your walk on Bathhouse Row, which consists of eight bathhouses, built between 1892 and 1923. This area, along with The Grand Promenade, was made a National Historic Landmark District in 1987. Strolling here is a pleasure, admiring the historic old architecture and seeing the thermal fountains whilst drinking from the healing waters. See the visitors center film about the “Valley of Vapors” to learn how Native Americans discovered the healing waters. Quapaw Bathhouse is also a good choice for bathing as they favor pools of different temperatures rather than separate thermal water baths as traditional Buckstaff Bathhouse. You can also hike the lovely mountain trails behind the bathhouses. For others, the Superior Bathhouse Brewery features delicious beers made with the thermal water. A tour looking around the brewery is fun, and meeting the passionate female owner Rose Schweikhart and hearing how she got her start making beer. It is the only brewery in the world using natural mineral-rich, thermal spring water to make beer; and the first brewery in a US national park..
Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort is a major entertainment hub known for thoroughbred racing, year-round gaming, dining and events.It’s an enormous, beautiful facility that is fun to walk around, and where we can highly recommend the Bugler restaurant for fine dining that overlooks the racetrack and gorgeous mountain views. Also, we can recommend 501 Prime Steakhouse for its quality and freshness. The menu is changed daily and seafood is flown in from Hawaii and Maine. Owner Matt Fuller changed careers after being a dive instructor. He went to culinary school and shows his dedication by being hands-on in his extraordinary restaurant. His general manager David Aldridge also told us about making a unique bourbon brand that we had fun tasting.
The Ohio Club is known for its great burgers, sandwiches, and beers. While eating lunch there, we heard the story of how Lauren’s bar counter was once owned by Chicago mobster Al Capone and beer choices include “Schultz”, named after gangster Dutch Schultz. Gangster Owney Madden frequented the Ohio Club. He once owned the famous Cotton Club in New York City and there is a history of live music at the Ohio Club, even Sammy Davis Jr. frequented it. Also visit beautiful Garvan Woodland Gardens, a big highlight in nature.
The Ron Coleman Mine is another highlight we recommend, especially if you love gems and jewelry. The gift shop has amazing bargains and you can search for crystals when you sign up for digging at the mine. You get a shovel and a bag, and can keep all you find! This is a world-renowned working quartz site unique to the Ouachita Mountains. You’ll love this guided crystal mining experience at one of the world’s premiere quartz crystal sites, just 14 miles north of Hot Springs!
What do historic figures such as baseball great Babe Ruth, Al Capone, jazz singer Tony Bennett, and the late actress Mae West have in common? They all played in Hot Springs, Arkansas USA, and are part of history, along with many others. Hollywood actor Kevin Costner has been spotted vacationing in Hot Springs as has Billy Bob Thornton. Bill Clinton was born in Hot Springs and you can walk by his boyhood home at 1011 Park Avenue, it has a sign that shows the former U.S. President lived there.
These days, thousands come from all over the world to take in the mineral waters and baths at Hot Springs in what is called “the Natural State” of Arkansas, with miles and miles of hiking trails, nature, and adventure. You come for the bathhouses, and discover all the other things to do as well. Hot Springs has the old and new, all mixed together. Learn more at Visit HotSprings.org and nps.gov/hosp
Carla Marie Rupp and Jason Rupp are freelance travel writers reached at their emails of [email protected] and [email protected]