{"id":9992,"date":"2019-11-27T13:05:52","date_gmt":"2019-11-27T19:05:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.insearchofsukoon.com\/?p=9992"},"modified":"2019-11-27T13:05:52","modified_gmt":"2019-11-27T19:05:52","slug":"things-to-do-in-hot-springs-arkansas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.insearchofsukoon.com\/things-to-do-in-hot-springs-arkansas\/","title":{"rendered":"HOT SPRINGS GETAWAY"},"content":{"rendered":"

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.<\/h4>\n

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.<\/h4>\n

So we decided to a weekend trip with my family.<\/h4>\n

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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.<\/h4>\n

All along the drive, there were some artistic towns with lovely architecture and creative art sprawled around.<\/h4>\n
\"greenville,<\/a>
View of the Central Christan Church and “Today is the Day”, a mural by Brandom Adams in the beautiful downtown of Greenville, Texas.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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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.<\/h4>\n

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.<\/h4>\n

So much history in such a small town.<\/h4>\n
\"hope,<\/a>
Clintons Birthplace- Hope @nps<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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I love the city’s unofficial motto which was adopted from Clinton’s acceptance speech.<\/h4>\n
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I STILL BELIEVE IN A PLACE CALLED HOPE.<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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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.<\/h4>\n

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.<\/h4>\n

I highly recommend this place if you are travelling with friends or family.<\/h4>\n

\"los<\/a><\/h4>\n

Los Lagos Resort Entrance<\/em><\/p>\n

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.<\/h4>\n

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\"los<\/a>
Los Lagos Resort<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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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.<\/h4>\n

\"los<\/a><\/h4>\n

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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.<\/h4>\n

That night we pretty much just unpacked and sit the sack.<\/h4>\n

The next morning we rose up early and enjoyed a relaxing breakfast with the stunning view of the trees.<\/h4>\n

Nothing beats the Nature Detox.<\/h4>\n

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\"los<\/a>
View from the Patio<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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>, a local favorite which has been serving breakfast since 1940.<\/h4>\n

Our first stop after heading towards Hot Springs was Garvan Woodland Gardens.<\/h4>\n

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1-GARVAN WOODLAND GARDEN<\/h3>\n

\"garvan<\/a><\/h4>\n

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.<\/h4>\n

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There is an admission ticket which does include the events happening that day in the botanical garden.<\/h4>\n

\"garvan<\/a><\/h4>\n

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.<\/h4>\n
\"garvan<\/a>
@garvangardens.org<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

If you visit during the months of November\/December you will be mesmerized with the most celebrated outdoor holiday lights display in Arkansas.<\/h4>\n

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2-ANTHONY CHAPEL<\/h3>\n

This chapel is located within the garden but unlike the garden which requires an admission fee, this is a completely free attraction.<\/h4>\n
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Anthony Chapel from the outside.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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The glass and wood chapel is an architectural inspiration. Wonderful place for meditation and to reconnect.<\/h4>\n
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@garvangardens<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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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.<\/h4>\n

We did not get to attend the wedding ceremony but saw the lovely couple having their photoshoot in the garden \ud83d\ude42<\/h4>\n
\"anthony<\/a>
Getting ready for the wedding ceremony.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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We then headed towards the downtown area to check out the Bath Houses on the Bathhouse Row the main attraction of Hot Springs.<\/h4>\n

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.<\/h4>\n

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3-BATHHOUSE ROW<\/h3>\n

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.<\/h4>\n
\"hot<\/a>
The mandatory pic with every sign \ud83d\ude42<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

<\/h4>\n

There are 8 Bath Houses namely:<\/span><\/h4>\n