Hello everyone! What a weekend of rejuvenation in Hot Springs, Arkansas! I highly recommend it!
We stayed at the Arlington Hotel Resort and Spa, a easy walk to most of the things we did in Hot Springs. It is a very old hotel, built before 1920. In fact Al Capone made it his home away from home and owned a still behind it at the time.
The hotel has alot of it's old charm and beautiful architecture but in truth needs some updating for what they charge. Our biggest issue was not enough plugs for our electronics. Overall though, our room was nice, very spacious and well kept.
We hiked several times in the national park, tried some yummy food and just spent time relaxing. We even visited Quapaw Baths on Bathhouse Row and spent some time at their spa. I so needed that time. I recommend the carriage rides outside of the Arlington Hotel Resortand Spa after dark as well. So relaxing and you get to see the city lit up.
The above photo is one of me at the summit of Hot Springs Mountain. This was a 880 ft hike round trip and worth it! The view was phenominal!
If you did not know, the area has been turned into a National Park and it has been very well done! I recommend the visitor center, taking a look at Bathhouse Row and walking the trails above street level. A word of caution, the springs are just what the town is named after, hot springs. Where they come out of the rocks they are a minimum of 142 degrees so be careful around the pools in the national park. You can take jugs and fill them up with the natural spring water at certain points along bathhouse row but remember, it will be hot water so you will have to cool it before attempting to drink it.
Some places to eat I'd like to recommend (all within walking distance of the Arlington Hotel Resort and Spa): Kilwins for fudge and icecream and a little bit of everything else; Fat Bottom Girls for cupcakes; Delucca's for fresh pizza and salad; Colonial Pancake House for breakfast; Belle Arti for Italian and Picante's Mexican Grill for Mexican!
Other neat shops to check out include: The Desoto Rock Shop, The Observatory Gift Shop atop Hot Springs Mountain and The Savory Pantry. Take plenty of spending money!
In all, it was a great trip and we all had a blast! I much needed time away from the big city and day to day life. I hope you will have a chance to visit Hot Springs in the future and see all that is has to offer.
Until next time,
Elizabeth