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CommentsFast Horses, Hot Springs
People have been flocking to Hot Springs for nearly two centuries to bathe in the naturally hot flowing mineral water for which the town is named. And hot is no understatement.
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At 145 degrees Fahrenheit—about 40 degrees hotter than the average hot tub—the water (and the town) are appropriately named. More than 100 years ago, folks came because they thought the water had healing powers. Advances in medicine eventually canceled out that theory, but that hasn’t stopped people from going there to “bathe,” so to speak. Hot Springs has a spa on practically every corner and inside every hotel and B & B. Sounds pretty nice, doesn’t it?
A must do in Hot Springs is a stroll down Bathhouse Row along Central Avenue. The bathhouses are pretty much all closed now, but the buildings have been restored and are open for touring. At the center is Fordyce Bathhouse, which now serves as the visitor’s center. Displays allow you to dip your feet in the hot water. And don’t forget your water jug. There are public fountains, where you can fill up with cool mineral water.
In addition to the plethora of spa services and the mystical stories about healing waters, another reason folks are drawn to Hot Springs each year is for its natural beauty. Hot Springs National Park offers hiking, spectacular site-seeing, camping, horseback riding and so much more. The town is situated in the Diamond Lakes region—nearest to Lake Ouachita and Lake Hamilton—in the Ouachita Mountains. It’s just a pretty place. What more can we say?
And if all that isn’t enough, Hot Springs has thoroughbred horse racing at Oaklawn Park from mid-January to mid-April. If you’ve never been, you have to go. Even if you don’t think it’s your thing, just go. But be sure to plan ahead (as in now). Hotels fill up fast on racing weekend.
To assist you in planning your next getaway to Hot Springs we’ve rounded up a few of the best places to stay, eat and fun things to do this summer. The work is done. All you have to do is pack. Come on, you know you want to take a road trip.
Where to Stay
Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa
Ask anyone who has been to Hot Springs if they’ve heard of the Arlington, and they’ll most likely say yes. The Arlington has been at the center of downtown Hot Springs for more than 125 years. Even if you don’t stay there, you should at least walk inside the lobby and look around. You’ll find mineral water fountains inside (and a spa, of course). Also, when making room reservations, be sure to ask if your room will have a private bath. The last time I stayed there, my bathroom was located outside my room. Prices start at $79 per night for a standard room. Two- to three-room suites are available for $265 to $495 per night. Mineral water rooms start at $175 per night and feature mineral water bathtubs. The Arlington is located at 239 Central Avenue. Call 800-643-1502 or visit arlingtonhotel.com.
Embassy Suites
The Embassy Suites is always a safe bet. It’s a newer hotel, and the rooms are spacious (they’re all two-room suites). The happy hour is definitely worth mentioning. You can get beer, wine and cocktails in the lobby for $1 every evening. Breakfast is included each morning, and it’s much more than your typical continental breakfast. Choose from cook-to-order eggs, waffles, biscuits and gravy, fruit, pastries and cereal. (The perfect hangover cure if you stayed out too late at Lucky’s the night before.) The Embassy has a shuttle to and from Oaklawn Park. The spa is top-notch as well. Cindy Peterson, from Mountain Grove, says the massages are so great, she gets one or two a day. The Embassy is located at 400 Convention Blvd. Call 501-624-9200 or visit embassysuites.com.
Hamilton House Bed & Breakfast
The Hamilton House is situated on Lake Hamilton and offers five unique guest rooms from $175 to $425 per night. Spa services are available. Even if you don’t stay at the Hamilton House, you can eat dinner there Wednesday to Saturday and Sunday brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call ahead for reservations. Hamilton House is at 132 Van Lyell Drive. Call 501-520-4040 or visit hamiltonhouseestate.com.
Where to Eat
The Pancake Shop
If you stay at the Arlington this place is just down the street. Grab a seat at the counter or a table. Just about anything’s good, but you can guess what they’re known for. After breakfast stop next door to the gourmet gift shop, where you’ll find all sorts of goodies from jams and marinades to breads, coffee and, of course, pancake mixes. The last time I was there, I bought a small tin of a dry rub for pork and lamb. Delish. The Pancake Shop is at 216 Central Avenue. Call 501-624-5720 or visit pancakeshop.com.
Coy’s Steaks and Seafood
Coy’s has been around Hot Springs for more than 60 years. My parents say it was the place to go back in the day. And the food is still very good. But the atmosphere is a little old-school—it reminds me of Mike’s Place, the supper club that used to be where Twilight Grille is now in Springfield. Instead of bread, you get warm saltine crackers with a special “dressing” that looks and tastes suspiciously like Thousand Island dressing. I know what you’re thinking. Ew. But it’s a tradition! They served it 30 years ago, my parents told me. The one and only time I’ve been there was during a thunderstorm. The electricity went out while we were waiting for our food. Pretty soon the servers came around to all the tables and lit candles. Then they brought us our food, which we ate by candlelight. The electricity never did come back on, but it certainly made for a memorable experience! Coy’s is located at 300 Coy Street. Call 501-321-1414 or visit coyssteakhouse.com.
Brick House Grill
Good food (steak, chicken, burgers and salads) in a casual atmosphere. Brick House Grill is located in downtown Hot Springs in a 100-year-old building known as Spencer’s Corner. If you have a large group, up to 50 people, they can accommodate you. (We ate here last year with a group of about 20; the food was good, and the servers were very attentive.) The restaurant is located at 801 Central Avenue, Suite 24. Call 501-321-2926 for reservations.
Doe’s Famous Eat Place
Doe’s isn’t locally owned, but if you’ve been to the one in Springfield, you know it’s a sure bet for a good steak. Doe’s is at 4904 B Central Avenue. Call 501-525-8585 for reservations. Visit doeseatplace.com.
Nightlife
Lucky’s Bar & Grill
This place will quickly become your favorite nighttime hangout in Hot Springs. It’s within walking distance of the Embassy. There is live music and dancing Friday and Saturday nights. The place is fairly small place, and it gets pretty crowded. So if you want a seat, you better get there early. I hear they have great pizza, burgers and sandwiches, too. Lucky’s is open until 2 a.m. every day except Sunday. Call 501-622-2570.
Fun Things To Do This Summer
*Check out the Gallery Walk on the first Friday of every month. Much like Springfield’s First Friday Art Walk, this highlights local artists in the downtown area.
*The Hot Springs Music Festival is May 31 to June 13. Visit hotmusic.org for a full schedule.
*Garvan Woodland Gardens is a 210-acre botanical garden on the shores of Lake Hamilton. Open daily until 8 p.m. in the summer. Ask about the Tuesday Tea held on the second Tuesday of every month. Visit garvangardens.org.
*Magic Springs & Crystal Falls amusement and water park. Visit magicsprings.com for more, plus info on summer concerts, which was not available at press time.
*Mid-America Science Museum. Call 501-767-3461 Phone or visit midamericamuseum.org.
