What To Do, Eat & See In Hot Springs, Arkansas
October 2021
I can’t believe this year is coming to end and a new year is right around the corner. Where did the year go? It feels like it’s flown by, right? If there is one thing that 2020 and 2021 have taught me is to appreciate the time we have and to also make time for rest. It has also taught me to find ways to give back to me with good self-care and experiences that bring joy. And after my recent press trip to Arkansas, I wanted to put the resort city of Hot Springs on your radar as a possible travel destination. I put a travel guide together below of what to do, eat & see in Hot Springs, Arkansas along with some helpful resources.
Hot Springs, Arkansas
Let’s chat a little bit about Hot Springs before getting into all the details of my trip. The city is located in the Ouachita Mountains among the U.S. Interior Highlands. It’s less than a one-hour flight from the Houston area. Which makes it a very easy city to get to. If you would rather drive to Hot Springs, depending on where you live in the Houston area, it would take about 6-8hrs. So if flying isn’t your thing, you always have the option of driving and getting there in a relatively short amount of time.
Also, Hot Springs is known for its therapeutic mineral hot springs water. Many have traveled here for its healing benefits and people have claimed to have been healed from their different ailments or diseases. The Hot Springs bathhouses have been dated back to 1912.
Two things that surprised me about Hot Springs are its food scene and also the city being a destination for the arts. Hot Springs hosts the following events annually, the Hot Springs Music Festival, Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival, and the Valley of the Vapors Independent Music Festival.
Hot Springs, Arkansas has been one of those places that I heard of from time to time. But truthfully never thought to consider it as a place to travel to for relaxing and unwinding, until now. I’m so excited to be able to share my experiences with you.
Where To Stay
Since this trip was going to be one that focused on self-care, I wanted to stay somewhere extra special. I ended up staying at the beautiful The Reserve at Hot Springs Hotel. It was formerly a private mansion and is currently a property that also hosts weddings. The hotel is gated and every single detail is absolutely stunning. My friend Dawn stayed here as well and we honestly never even wanted to leave the property. Everything from the high-end luxurious bed linens, to the decor, to the remote control heat/air in each individual room, and to the owners who had the best hospitality. Not to mention, they were some of the kindest people I have ever met.
Their focus is to ensure you feel at home when you walk through their doors. They treat you like family. I want to go back (ALREADY!) just to relax on their property. It has such wonderful energy(if you are into that). I would recommend this place for romantic getaways, girl’s weekends or hosting an event. And if you want to make something even MORE romantic and special you have to check out their Enclave Suite.
Take a peek at all their room accommodations.
If you are into horse racing, Oaklawn Racing and Gaming is very close to the property. You could stay on property and head to the races easily.
If you are looking for other types of overnight accommodations be sure to check out all the lodging options Hot Springs has to offer.
Things To Do
Hot Springs, Arkansas gets its name from the thermal hot springs. And back in the day, many would travel to this area to experience its healthy effects on the body at the bathhouses on bath row. What was really neat was that I got to experience a bathhouse experience the way it would have been back in the day. You can actually get a full-service bathhouse experience which is unlike a traditional spa experience.
If you are up for it, you need to experience this at least once in your lifetime. It’s like going back in time and experiencing a piece of Hot Springs history.
Quapaw Baths And Spa
Quapaw Baths and Spa was my first stop with my friend Dawn. We wanted to try out the indoor public thermal pools. Each person visiting gets a locker issued to them to keep their belongings along with a bathrobe. Once you change into your swimsuit you head into a large room with several thermal hot springs pools that are set at different temperatures. It was so relaxing and I honestly just wanted to hang out there for most of the day.
I also learned while I was there that native Americans had been known to travel to this area, for many years, for the healing powers of the water. The Hot Springs water has been Carbon-14 dated at 4,000 years old. Crazy right?!
Please Note: Must be 14 years or order. Also, cut-offs, t-shirts, tank tops, athletic shorts, athletic tops, thongs, and undergarments are not permitted in any of their water services. Be sure to bring flip flops with you to use for the
Click here for Quapaw Baths and Spa’s most frequently asked questions.
Buckstaff Bath House
Buckstaff Bath House is one of two bathhouses that remain open today. It was built in the 1900s over natural hot springs and its purpose was to provide a place that people could visit to get the benefits of the natural mineral waters. When you come here you will travel back in time to how the hydrotherapy treatments were done. They have made some minor adjustments to things but for the most part, it really does give you a very good idea of how people would be experiencing the bathhouse back in the day.
Click here to learn more about the Buckstaff Bath House.
Please Note: All their hydrotherapy treatments are additive and chemical-free.
The Gangster Museum of America
The Gangster Museum of America I bet you didn’t know this but because of its gambling scene, Hot Springs was a hot spot for many gangsters. It is said that Vegas’s inspiration was inspired by Hot Springs.
The museum has been open since 2008. It’s a unique museum that gives you a peek at what the lives of the gangsters were during that era. The museum is broken up into 6 galleries. The Madden Gallery, The Power Brokers Gallery, The Capone Gallery, The New York Connection, The Outlaw Gallery, and the Casino Gallery.
It was fascinating to learn how the gangster scene in the ’20s, 30’s and 40’s shaped a lot of what is seen in current-day Hot Springs. Click here for more info on The Gangster Museum of America.
Hot Springs Mountain Tower
Hot Springs Mountain Tower was such a fun thing to do. You ride an elevator up 216 feet to a deck that overlooks the mountains and downtown Hot Springs. You can literally see 140miles! When we went the day was a bit cloudy but even then it was so pretty to look out to see it all. If possible, I would recommend doing this on a clear day so you can get the full experience of how beautiful this breathtaking panorama really is.
Click here for more info on the Hot Springs Mountain Tower.
Hot Springs National Park
When you think of national parks, most of us would think of them as a separate location from a city, right? Well it’s a bit different here. Hot Springs National Park is actually part of the downtown area. I found that to be so interesting as I had never seen that before. So you could literally go to a bathhouse then go for a hike right after. There are 26miles of trails. You can also picnic and camp at Gulpha Gorge Campground too.
This photo is of me and my friend Dawn hiking up to a scenic spot to look at the downtown area.
Avant Mining
I am a believer in the power of energy. When I learned we would be mining for crystals at Avant Mining, I was excited but I wasn’t exactly sure what that really meant. What we did was we got to go onto the mountain and mine our own crystals. Whatever we found we got to keep.
It blew my mind that I was mining at the world’s largest quartz crystal mining company. And at the site where there was a crystal found, on Fisher Mountain, that is now in the Smithsonian.
This was hands down one of the most unique experiences I have ever had. I would recommend this for anyone that’s into crystals or if you are looking to do something different on your trip. My tip would be to wear comfortable clothing, a hat that won’t blow away, and supportive shoes. Click here to learn more about mining your own crystals.
Garvan Woodland Gardens
Garvan Woodlands Gardens is a beautiful serene place to visit. You can literally spend all day here, walking and exploring. Wear comfortable shoes, bring water and snacks. They do have a cafe’ on site but it is only open during certain hours. Friendly dogs are welcome if they are kept on a short leash and don’t bark excessively. There is a fee and there are areas of the gardens dogs won’t have access to.
Click here for more info on Garvan Woodlands Gardens.
Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival
If you are a lover of documentaries, you definitely don’t want to miss the annual Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival which is also one of the longest-running non-fiction festivals in North America. Great way to watch the films and mingle at the parties afterward.
Where To Eat
The Ohio Club
The Ohio Club is a restaurant-bar that features weekly live music. It has been open since 1905 making it one of the oldest bars in the state of Arkansas. It started off as a casino and bar back in its heyday. And was the place to be and been seen. Gangsters like Al Capone and Bugsy Segel have visited along with countless celebrities. For more info on The Ohio Club here.
The Pancake Shop
The Pancake House This family-owned, breakfast-only, spot has been open since 1940. Located in historic downtown Hot Springs. It’s a perfect way to start your day. It’s one of the state’s oldest locally run breakfast restaurants. Its been featured in the New York Times and also Southern Living. Great place to stop and grab a delicious breakfast before heading out for the day. Check out The Pancake House menu here.
Superior Bathhouse Brewery and Distillery
Here’s a fun fact about this place. Up until 1983, this restaurant and brewery was actually a bathhouse. It was then vacant until 2013 when, owner Rose, converted it over to the Superior Bathhouse Brewery and Distillery. It’s the ONLY brewery in the world to utilize thermal spring water in their beer. They serve pretzels, burgers, salads, and buffalo cauliflower.
Check out Superior Bathhouse Brewery and Distillery’s menu here.
501 Prime
501 Prime is a premier steak and seafood restaurant. Known for their oyster bar and extensive wine selection. It’s a unique dining experience and reservations are highly recommended. Perfect date night restaurant!
See what times and dates are available here.
Take a look at a sample menu here.
Kollective Coffee + Tea
Kollective Coffee + Tea was one of my favorite stops on this trip. I loved the cozy & relaxing environment, and the fresh locally sourced food. As a tea lover, I was giddy to see they had over 50 varieties of teas. Along with gluten-free, vegan, and keto options of foods. Everything they offer is certified organic or natural. No GMO, no preservatives, no harmful pesticides.
Check out more info on Kollective Coffe + Tea here.
Delucas Pizzeria
Delucas pizzeria is owned by Anthony Valinoti. I got to meet him on this trip and he has a fascinating past. He traveled to Italy to learn how to make pizza after leaving his Wall Street career. He wanted to bring the flavors he remembered growing up in NYC to Hot Springs. And he did! Southern Living magazine said Delucas was “The South’s best pizza.” Check out Delucas menu here.
Taco Mama
Taco Mama is a classic Mexican-style restaurant. It was actually my first stop when I got off my flight. I wanted something quick, easy, and fresh. This hit all points. Everything is made fresh and on-site daily. Their guacamole and salsas are DELICIOUS! They also have a nice bar to sit at if that’s more your style. Check out Taco Mama’s menu here.
Also, here is a great food resource for you to use that is broken down into types of food that Hot Springs offers.
Here are the TOP 3 Winners in each food category. Voted by the diners for their favorite places.
If you are looking for a more themed trip idea here are some helpful trip ideas to Hot Springs.
Would like to thank Visit Hot Springs for having me on this trip and for hosting such a fantastic itinerary! Even though press trips are typically jam-packed with things to do and see I left this trip feeling rested, recharged, and an overwhelming sense of balance.
I highly encourage you to feel free to reach out to the staff at Visit Hot Springs with any questions you may have about the area. They are so helpful and a great resource if you are not familiar with the area and need help planning a trip to their city.
Great information
Thank you