The Top 5 Reasons to Visit Hot Springs, Arkansas Now
Hot Springs, Arkansas is a charming city known for its thermal springs, historic bathhouses, and beautiful natural surroundings. Explore the Hot Springs National Park, which is unique as it's the only national park located within a city. You can hike the trails, take a scenic drive, and, of course, enjoy the thermal baths. Experience the thermal waters at Quapaw Baths and Spa—enjoy a soak in the thermal pools or indulge in various spa treatments.
Image: Public Domain/Unsplash - Logan Fisher
Head to Hot Springs Mountain Tower for panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains. The tower is accessible by road or a hike, and the views are particularly stunning during sunset. Hot Springs, Arkansas offers a mix of natural beauty, history, and relaxation, making it a great destination for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation. If you happen to visit in October, check out the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival, one of the longest-running documentary film festivals in North America. These are the top five reasons why Hot Springs, Aransas should be on your bucket list.
1. Where to Eat in Hot Springs: The Cuisine + Cocktails
The Venetian Dining Room, with its opulent decor and ornate details, transports guests to a bygone era of sophistication. The story begins with the architecture itself, a harmonious marriage of classical elegance and Southern charm, setting the stage for an unforgettable culinary journey. As you step through the doors, a palpable sense of grandeur surrounds you.The tale unfolds in the hands of the skilled chef who crafts a menu that pays homage to the rich culinary traditions of the region. For your artisanal cocktail fix, we recommend trying two of their signature cocktails, a Smoked Old Fashioned—concocted with Elijah Craig bourbon, house-infused bitters, Grand Marnier and Luxardo cherries, or an Espresso Martini with Rock Town bourbon crème, coffee liqueur and fresh espresso.
From the first glance at the Venetian Dining Room menu, you embark on a narrative that weaves together flavors inspired by the bounty of Arkansas. Each dish is a chapter, and every bite is a sentence that tells the story of carefully curated ingredients and culinary mastery. Signature dishes include Duroc Pork Chop with seasonal chutney paired with honey glazed carrots and roasted Brussels sprouts, Frenched Chicken Breast with demi-glace, wild mushroom couscous and honey glazed carrots, Lamb Osso Bucco simmered in red wine and lamb stock, served over risotto Milanese, as well as Surf & Turf of filet mignon with bordelaise and lobster tail, served with bourbon-infused sweet potato purée and roasted asparagus. The story reaches its climax as each course is presented, a visual and gastronomic masterpiece that reflects the passion and dedication of the culinary team.
The Venetian Dining Room is not just a restaurant; it's a narrative woven with flavors, ambiance and impeccable service—a story that invites you to be a part of its timeless allure, compelling you to make your own memories within its storied walls.
2. Artistic Enclaves: Galleries in a Scenic Haven
Hot Springs, Arkansas has a vibrant arts scene with various galleries, events, and organizations that contribute to the cultural richness of the city. The Fine Arts District in downtown Hot Springs is home to numerous galleries, studios, and shops showcasing a diverse range of art forms, including painting, sculpture, ceramics, and photography. Blue Moon Gallery is a well-known art gallery in Hot Springs that features contemporary art by regional and national artists. The gallery exhibits a variety of mediums, including painting, sculpture, and mixed media.
Image Courtesy: Visit Hot Springs
Justus Fine Art Gallery is another prominent art space, showcasing a range of works by established and emerging artists. The gallery often features exhibitions that highlight the diversity of artistic expression. The first Friday of every month is dedicated to Gallery Walks in Hot Springs. During these events, galleries and studios in the Fine Arts District open their doors to the public, allowing visitors to explore and appreciate local art. Hot Springs' downtown area is home to several murals, each with its own unique style and theme. These murals contribute to the artistic atmosphere of the city and can be discovered while exploring the streets.
Located on the side of the Waters Hotel, this mural celebrates Hot Springs' quirky annual event, “The World's Shortest St. Patrick's Day Parade.” The mural captures the spirit of the parade, known for its fun and festive atmosphere. The Hot Springs National Park mural is situated near Bathhouse Row and depicts scenes from Hot Springs National Park. It serves as a beautiful representation of the natural beauty and historical significance of the area. Located on the side of the Arkansas Alligator Farm and Petting Zoo. It features vibrant colors and depicts scenes from the zoo, including alligators and other animals.
3. Shopping Galore: Bathhouse Row + Beyond
In the heart of Hot Springs, Arkansas, where the historic charm of Bathhouse Row meets the quaint boutiques along Central Avenue, shopping becomes an immersive journey through time and culture. As the morning sun casts a warm glow on the cobblestone streets, you’ll find themselves captivated by the unique blend of history and modernity that defines this picturesque town. The first stop on this shopping adventure is Bathhouse Row, where the grandeur of the past converges with the present. The preserved facades of the historic bathhouses stand as silent witnesses to a bygone era when thermal waters drew patrons seeking healing and relaxation. Today, these same buildings house an array of boutiques and artisan shops, each offering a curated selection of spa-inspired products, local crafts, and souvenirs that echo the city's thermal legacy.
Hot Springs, Arkansas
Moving along Central Avenue, the rhythm of Hot Springs' vibrant arts scene unfolds. Storefronts adorned with colorful displays beckon passersby into galleries showcasing the work of local and regional artists. The scent of freshly brewed coffee wafts from cozy cafes, inviting shoppers to take a leisurely break and appreciate the creativity that permeates the air. Boutique stores line the avenue, their windows adorned with unique clothing, jewelry, and accessories. Visitors can't help but be drawn into these havens of style, where one-of-a-kind finds await discovery. From vintage treasures in antique shops to contemporary pieces in chic boutiques, each store contributes to the diverse tapestry of Hot Springs' shopping experience. The sun dips below the horizon, casting a warm glow on the cityscape and leaving behind the echoes of a day well spent, where shopping became a memorable journey through the heart and soul of this charming Arkansas town.
4. Botanical Bliss: Strolling Through Gardens
Garvan Woodland Gardens is a breathtaking botanical garden located on the shores of Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Covering 210-acres, it’s part of the University of Arkansas and is renowned for its stunning landscapes, unique architecture, and diverse plant life. The gardens boast a wide variety of plant collections, including azaleas, camellias, rhododendrons, magnolias, roses, and more—designed to showcase the beauty of different plant species in various seasons. The Japanese Garden of the Pine Wind is inspired by traditional Japanese gardening principles and features waterfalls, a koi-filled pond, wooden bridges, stone lanterns, and carefully manicured plants.
Each spring, the gardens come alive with vibrant tulips during the Tulip Extravaganza, creating a colorful and picturesque display. Garvan Woodland Gardens is not only a beautiful destination for nature lovers and horticulture enthusiasts but also a peaceful retreat for anyone looking to enjoy the tranquility of a well-maintained natural environment.
Image Courtesy: Visit Hot Springs
The Anthony Chapel is a stunning glass and wood chapel nestled in the woods of Garvan Woodland Gardens. It’s known for its unique architecture and Instagram-worthy picturesque surroundings.
5. Architectural Grandeur: Bathhouse Row + Historic Downtown
As one of the city’s main attractions—walk along Bathhouse Row, a historic district in downtown Hot Springs, Arkansas. These bathhouses took advantage of the natural hot springs in the area, which were believed to have therapeutic properties. The beautifully well-preserved bathhouses, built between 1892 to 1923, each come with its own unique range of architectural styles, from Victorian and Renaissance Revival to Spanish and Italian Renaissance. The Fordyce Bathhouse is the most prominent and well-preserved structure on Bathhouse Row. Built in 1914, it now serves as the visitor center for Hot Springs National Park, providing insights into the history of bathing in Hot Springs.
Image Courtesy: Visit Hot Springs
In operation since 1912, Buckstaff Bathhouse is one of the few remaining operational bathhouses on Bathhouse Row. It epitomizes the Edwardian style of classically designed buildings and all levels may be accessed by way of stairs or the building’s original elevator, with an ornate interior reminiscent of the “Golden Age of Bathing.” Because it has been in continuous operation since 1912 it is one of the best preserved of all of the bathhouses on Bathhouse Row. Opened in 1922, Quapaw Bathhouse is one of two locations where visitors can soak in the thermal springs. Quapaw offers private baths, public pools, and modern day spa services. Bathhouse Row is not only a historic and architectural gem but also a testament to the cultural significance of Hot Springs, Arkansas as a spa destination.
Where to Stay in Hot Springs, Arkansas
Since 1875 The Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa, an American Treasure, has been hosting guests from around the world as one of the South’s premier resorts. From the grand hotel lobby and famous bar, to the elegant Venetian Dining Room, The Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa has everything you’d want in a historic hotel. The hotel’s luxurious accommodations and location in America’s Spa City have attracted many famous guests including U.S. presidents Franklin Roosevelt, Harry Truman, George H.W. Bush, and Bill Clinton. Many baseball greats such as Babe Ruth as well as championship boxers have relaxed and enjoyed the thermal baths at the hotel. Stars such as Tony Bennett, Barbra Streisand, Yoko Ono, and Al Capone, whose favorite room was 443, have all enjoyed an escape to this iconic destination.
Relax in the Hot Springs Spa and Salon and Thermal Bathhouse, where you will bathe in the famous mineral waters that Hot Springs, Arkansas is known for. Opt for a Parlor Suite with a large living room and one or two bedrooms or a Mineral Water Room, a spacious guest room with a king or two double beds, plus a bathtub with hot springs mineral water piped directly into it. The Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa is not only a place to stay but a destination in itself, offering a glimpse into the history and elegance of Hot Springs as a premier spa resort city. Book below to reserve your room at the lowest price, guaranteed.
