Most scenic drive to Hot Springs, Arkansas is by way of Highway 7. Photo taken in 2007.
A great way to start vacation this year...just purchased a 2011 Chevy Impala the day before!
We first discovered Hot Springs, Arkansas in 1991 as a family hunting for diamonds near Murphysburo. After a day of muddin' it, we wanted to relax and enjoy some mineral waters and pampering. The Arlington Hotel in Hot Springs had all that we could want. This was the first time we were in Hot Springs and the only time we visited in the springtime. It was hot and humid but perfect for the blooming magnolia trees that lined the main street. Intoxicating! We had a wonderful time enjoying the bath experience at the hotel (yes, the children too!) and walking along the tree-lined street in front of bathhouse row and the Promenade behind the buildings in the State Park. All but one of the old buildings, Buckstaff Bathhouse, were closed because they needed renovation for public use. Such beautiful vintage 1880's - 1930's construction with fine attention to details to support the luxurious atmosphere of the downtown area. I think all of them are renovated now or still in process of those that did not burn down. Several are open to the public with The Fordyce as the main Visitor's Center and the place to begin the tour.
Keith in front of the Buckstaff Bathhouse
Keith and Beti with Daffney on the porch of the Fordyce Visitor's Center
Keith and I began to visit regularly after the children grew up and left home and every year now since 2007. I was having some neck issues and nerve compression that required surgery. The healing waters and therapeutic massage helped regenerate my nerves and muscles as well as de-stress from our busy lives. Everything I want is in one place, The Arlington Hotel. Exercise is an important part of the experience and this year we included The Garvan Woodland Gardens to our walking as well as daily walks along the Promenade and shopping, of course.
For general information about Arkansas vacation planning: www.arkansas.com
For all information about our favorite hotel and the services offered: www.arlingtonhotel.com
For additional events and information about The Garvan Woodland Gardens: www.garvangardens.com
The photos below are from our most recent trip:
This was our first time visiting Garvan Woodland Gardens. It is about nine miles from Hot Springs.
So much color and beauty along the pathways. Decorating for Christmas has begun already and will be opening soon after we plan to leave this year. This would be a good place to go for a walk if visited in November or December. It's still warm enough in Arkansas that time of year. We are here the later part of October usually.
Beti and Keith with Daffney in Garvan Woodland Gardens
Millsap Canopy Bridge in Garvan Woodland Gardens
Daffney drinking with the fishes in Garvan Woodland Gardens
The Ozark Bathhouse is one of the oldest on Bathhouse Row. Every year they display a current winner of an art sculpture contest in front of the building. At the end of the year it has a permanent home in the city park.
This sculpted stone wall and mineral water fountain is located below the Promenade between two of the bathhouses on Bathhouse Row
Keith and Beti on the Promenade with The Arlington Hotel in the background
One of many restful stops along the Promenade
View of the Downtown Area from the Promenade. Central Avenue is lined with lovely Magnolia Trees which bloom in the Spring and are highly fragrant.
The Promenade with The Arlington Hotel in the background. This beautiful path is located behind and above Bathhouse Row alongside a hill and extends for several city blocks. This area is the main source of the hot springs and steam can be seen all the time coming from open areas. The larger springs are capped and piped into the bathhouses and public water sources.
This view is from the Promenade just above the stone wall and fountain. There are stairs to access and a lovely open steaming waterfall. Other accesses would be at either end with gradual ramps. There are also stairs all along the path to access open spring areas below and continue on hiking trails above.
Hot Springs National Park is our country's first National Park established in the 1880's. It includes all of Bathhouse Row and the land behind it. The large building in the background was built as a US Army and Navy Hospital to help rehabilitate our wounded servicemen with the healing mineral waters. It is still in use today as a medical center.
Keith and I enjoy the front wrap-around porch of The Arlington Hotel which is located on Central Avenue with the best view. We bring our own wine and goodies and spend much time here.
A toast to The Good Life from the porch of The Arlington Hotel on the evening of Day 4 after daily spa services which included the bath service and massage each day in the hot mineral waters. This last day of our trip, I had 2 hours of special services including a facial in addition to the daily bath and massage services.
Look what showed up just as we were finishing our final evening on the porch!
Time for a new way to see Downtown Hot Springs!
A perfect ending to a wonderful vacation!
