Hot Springs sojourn

A 2 day tour of Various
from our Southeastern issue,
Spring 2012.

	Photo: David Hoekman
	Steam from the hot springs rises from a fountain outside the visitor center at Hot Springs National Park.

Hot Springs, which claims the distinction of having the oldest national park in the U.S., is alive with natural attractions, interesting history and a laid-back lifestyle. 

The city’s thermal waters are legendary. Native Americans and early settlers flocked to the area to discover the mystical healing power of the waters. 

The U.S. Congress granted federal protection to the area in 1832, naming it Hot Springs Reservation. It was renamed Hot Springs National Park in 1921.

Its nickname embraces its heritage as “America’s First Resort.”

Day One

7 a.m. — Enjoy breakfast at your hotel or at the historic Pancake Shop.

8 a.m. — Tour Garvan Woodland Gardens. Arkansas’ premier botanical garden is located on a 210-acre peninsula on Lake Hamilton. The garden features a welcome center, Outer Space Gift Shop, a four-acre Asian rock and stream garden, the Full Moon Bridge, Verna C. Garvan Pavilion designed by E. Fay Jones and Maurice Jennings, 20-foot-tall Canopy Bridge, waterfalls, springs, cascading streams, Japanese Maple Hill and Border of Old Roses. 

11:30 a.m.  — Lunch is at Smokin’ In Style BBQ, perfect for groups small and large. 

1 p.m. — Oaklawn Racing and Gaming is the South’s newest gaming center. Enjoy blackjack, Double Diamonds, video poker, Texas Hold ’Em poker tables. Catch top thoroughbred horse racing from January to April. 

5 p.m. — Load the bus for dinner. 

5:30 p.m. — Dine in Historic downtown Hot Springs. With many choices for dining you will find Italian and American menus to choose from. Two suggestions: Belle Arti or and The Brick House. 

7:30 p.m. — At Vienna Theater, let Ken Goodman’s voice serenade you while enjoying some memorable songs of the 1950s and Broadway. 

9:30 p.m. — Hit up a local hot spot for dancing or music or both; or return to your group’s hotel for the evening.

Day Two

8 a.m. — Eat breakfast at your hotel or at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store.

10 a.m. — Pause for a thermal bathing experience in the home of Hot Springs National Park. 

Bathing in the thermal mountain spring waters and partaking in a rejuvenating massage, manicure, pedicure or facial is a luxurious and unforgettable experience that has drawn visitors to Hot Springs for decades. 

Thermal baths are available at The Arlington Resort Hotel and Spa, The Buckstaff Bath House, The Springs Hotel and Spa, Spa in the Park – Austin Hotel and Quapaw Baths and Spa.

Noon — Lunch is on your own.

2 p.m. – Spend some time in the historic district. Stop at the visitor center of Hot Springs National Park in the Fordyce Bathhouse. Tour historic downtown Hot Springs and visit the Gangster Museum of America, the only museum of its kind featuring notorious mobsters from the 1920s, ’30s and ’40s.  

The Josephine Tussaud Wax Museum offers 38 exhibits featuring more than 100 wax figures on display. The latest exhibit is on the 9/11 tragedy. An extensive gift shop has been added on the first level. 

Check out the antique shops in the downtown area and the unique collections.

5:30 p.m. — Eat dinner.

Hot Springs CVB
(800) 922-6478
(501) 321-2835 
www.hotsprings.org

Offer your Various itineraries to the editor.
Mail: 2465 112th Ave.
Holland, MI 49424
Fax: (616) 393-0085
Phone: 1-800-767-3489 between 8am - 5pm, EST.