We are a Nature-loving family. Give us any reason to disconnect with the hustle-bustle of everyday life and reconnect with nature and we would happily and readily oblige. The mere mention of camping, hiking, kayaking, enjoying the fall foliage or spring colors, relaxing by the ocean waves, raises the endorphins.
Upon research, we found out that most of the places with the insanely gorgeous fall foliage needed more than a weekend to spare since the drive from our home would more than 10 plus hours. But our research also led us to Hot Springs, Arkansas, a resort city in the Ouachita Mountains of Arkansas known for its naturally heated springs. It was just 5 hours from Dallas with views of the fall foliage and I really wanted to taste the healing waters too.
So we decided to a weekend trip with my family.
We left Friday evening after the kids got back from school around 4 and of course what do you think happens when you leave during peak hours? You get stuck in traffic. Thankfully, once we exited US 380 the traffic thinned out and remained so till the end of our journey.
All along the drive, there were some artistic towns with lovely architecture and creative art sprawled around.
We had plenty of snacks for the journey but still, to stretch our legs we stopped at HOPE, Arkansas to top up gas and grab some more snacks.
Little did I know that the city of Hope is the birthplace of two Arkansas governors; Bill Clinton (who went on to become the 42nd president of the United States) and Mike Huckabee (Republican presidential candidate in 2008 and 2016). It is also the birthplace of former White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders.
So much history in such a small town.
I love the city’s unofficial motto which was adopted from Clinton’s acceptance speech.
I STILL BELIEVE IN A PLACE CALLED HOPE.
Unfortunately since we booked last minute we were not able to find anything in the city of Hot Springs. If you want to stay in the city, Water and Arlington Hotel as really good options.
But in a way I am glad, since we stumbled upon a hidden gem Los Lagos Resort, about 12 miles north in Hot Springs Village which was perfect.
I highly recommend this place if you are travelling with friends or family.
Los Lagos Resort Entrance
Los Lagos at Hot Springs Village is a four-season resort, nestled in the Ouachita Mountains, just 20 miles from Hot Springs National Park. Considered the largest gated community in the United States, this scenic property sprawls over 26,000 acres, offering hiking trails, horseback riding, badminton, volleyball, and horseshoes. You can find outdoor pools, tennis courts, picnic areas as well as an opportunity for boating, fishing swimming and more.
The rooms were big and spacious. The kitchen was fully stocked with all the necessary gadgets. The jacuzzi and fireplace were a treat. The condo also has a washer and dryer unit available. The patio outside had a BBQ grill waiting to be used.
But the best part was the view. It was as if out place was nestled in the fall foliage and to be honest we could have just sat on the patio and enjoyed what we came for.
That night we pretty much just unpacked and sit the sack.
The next morning we rose up early and enjoyed a relaxing breakfast with the stunning view of the trees.
Nothing beats the Nature Detox.
I like having my breakfast in my PJs and usually avoid going out unless truely necessary. So we had a relaxing breakfast on the patio with a heavenly view. A good local option if you do want to eat out is The Pancake Shop, a local favorite which has been serving breakfast since 1940.
Our first stop after heading towards Hot Springs was Garvan Woodland Gardens.
1-GARVAN WOODLAND GARDEN
Garvan Woodland Garden is huge, around 200 acres and is owned by the University of Arkansas. So if you plan to see all of it, make sure to reserve plenty of time. If time is an issue, then I would highly advise renting a golf cart.
There is an admission ticket which does include the events happening that day in the botanical garden.
There are miles and miles of floral trails, unique bridges, Children’s Adventure Garden, Japanese Garden, and various other flowers, shrub, trees and rock gardens and soo much more.
If you visit during the months of November/December you will be mesmerized with the most celebrated outdoor holiday lights display in Arkansas.
2-ANTHONY CHAPEL
This chapel is located within the garden but unlike the garden which requires an admission fee, this is a completely free attraction.
The glass and wood chapel is an architectural inspiration. Wonderful place for meditation and to reconnect.
On our visit, the Chapel was booked for a wedding and they usually do not allow visitors to go inside, but we were lucky as they were still setting it up for the event and we were allowed to go inside.
We did not get to attend the wedding ceremony but saw the lovely couple having their photoshoot in the garden 🙂
We then headed towards the downtown area to check out the Bath Houses on the Bathhouse Row the main attraction of Hot Springs.
There are soo many things which you can do for free in hot springs as a couple as well as with family. A relaxing bath/spa getaway as a romantic getaway or a tour of the city with family…..you chose.
3-BATHHOUSE ROW
The Bath Row consists of 8 bathhouse buildings that were constructed between the years of 1892 and 1923. These structures are owned by National Park Service and along with the Grand Promenade were designated as a National Historic Landmark District in 1987.
There are 8 Bath Houses namely:
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LAMAR
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BUCKSTAFF
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OZARK
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FORDYCE
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MAURICE
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HALE
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SUPERIOR
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QUAPAW
Today, only Quapaw and Buckstaff are the only two functional bathhouses.
Buckstaff is the only bathhouse which is operational since it opened its doors in 1912.
If you are looking for an authentic and historical experience, definitely the Buckstaff but if you want to enjoy the healing waters in a modern setting, then chose Quapaw but of course if you have, the time you can do both.
Hot springs is a perfect place if you want to do a romantic spa getaway with your partner or a fun getaway with a group of friends.
We did not have enough time to enjoy any kind of spa, so that is something that has made its way on to our bucket list for next time.
4-FORDYCE BATHHOUSE VISITOR CENTER
Fordyce was the largest and the grandest when it opened in 1915 but it was also the first one to go out of business in 1962.
It was restored to its glory in 1989 and now serves as a historical museum and park’s visitor center and can be visited for free.
We thoroughly enjoyed this grand museum and were taken back in time to see how bathhouses looked back then. I could not believe so many services were available back then even.
You can also watch a short documentary that talks in-depth about the thermal springs.
Do not forget to enjoy the original spring preserved in its original form.
We enjoyed a late lunch at Grateful Head Pizza which we had already tried and loved on our adventure to Broken Bow, Oklahoma.
FYI their cheese bread is almost a pizza so have a big appetite when ordering it along with 3 other pizzas which we did out of sheer hunger.
5-EXPLORE OLD DOWNTOWN
I love downtowns. The history, the architecture. It all amazes and excites me. We really enjoyed strolling around the downtown to see a blend of modern and historic buildings.
There are some sweet local business to shop from which include bath scrubs, lotions, oils as well as gemstones which have mined nearby and are believed to have healing power.
And of course, we stopped at “Fat Bottomed Girl’s Cupcakes” which have been premiered on Food Network’s Cupcake Wars.
6-THE ARKANSAS WALK OF FAME
Don’t forget to talk a walk along the Arkansas Walk of Fame which is located on Central Avenue in the heart of downtown Hot Springs. It honors Arkansans; native-born or long-time residents – who have been recognized nationally and have made a significant and notable contribution to the world.
Some prominent people who made it to the list include:
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General Douglas MacArthur
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Author/Poet, Maya Angelou
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President Bill Clinton
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Actress Tess Harper
and many more.
7-HOT SPRINGS NATIONAL PARK & MOUNTAIN TOWER:
Hot Springs National Park is unique as it is interwoven within the city of Hot Springs. Bathhouse row is the most prominent and central attraction. The visitor center is, in fact, an old bathhouse.
There are over 47 thermal hot springs spread over the national park. Furthermore, there are more than 30 miles of scenic hiking trails throughout the beautiful Ouachita Mountains. If camping is your thing, there are various campsites available at the Gulpha Gorge Recreation Area & Campground.
The friendly people of the resort recommended us going up the mountain to get a 360 view of the city, and we are so glad that we did do that.
You can either hike or drive up to the tower. The hike is around 1.5 miles long and starts from the Fountain Street.
Since we had already had had our share of walk since the morning, we decided to drive up there. It is a one-way, picturesque road with vista points all along. Once you get up there, you will find ample parking spots available.
After parking the car we walked up towards the gift shop to purchase the tower admission pass and also purchased mementos.
The elevator takes you 216 feet up to the observations decks where you can soak in the fresh air as well as enjoy the breathtaking 360 views of the city of Hot Springs below, the Ouachita Mountains as well as the Diamond Lake.
8-HEALING SPRING WATER
You cannot visit Hot Springs without tasting the healing hot spring waters averaging at 143° coming directly from deep underground hot springs which are still running in their original form.
A little history of these spring waters is that it was believed to have healing properties. People used to come from all around the country to bath in them in hope to get cured and some believe that bathing in these water actually cured them.
Even Baseball legends like Babe Ruth came here for training and of course healing.
Famous gangsters like Al Capone and others also were seen around here as a regular.
Today, you will see people flocked around the Thermal Water Jug Fountains all around the clock but I managed to quickly get a picture when it was clear.
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