Hot Springs, Arkansas - Relaxed & Renewed

Scenic stop along Highway 7 south of Harrison, Arkansas

October is our favorite time of year.  Before the trees change color and plants die, all the vegetables are harvested, and cooler weather becomes the norm, we like to extend the end of summer weather just a little by traveling to Arkansas.  The six hour drive south from our home in Missouri starting on Highway 65 then on Scenic Highway 7 at Harrison makes for a very pleasant drive.  The optional route for some good scenery but faster time would be continuing on Highway 65 towards Little Rock and at Conway take Highway 60 west until you catch Highway 7 going south into Hot Springs.  Just realize that all major roads near Little Rock are very stressful with high truck traffic.  The time difference may or may not be worth it.  It is most definitely worth the extra time to stop at least a couple times on the Scenic Route!  Another option that may be worth stopping as an extension to the trip would be Murfreesboro about an hour straight south where the Crater of Diamonds State Park is located.  We enjoyed it one time in 1992 when our children were 10 and 12 years old and our son went there again when he graduated high school.  The other extension to our regular Hot Springs trip was to P. Allen Smith's Moss Mountain Farm near Little Rock for our 40th Wedding Anniversary in 2014.  That's about an hour drive northeast from Hot Springs, if you are already there.  Most of the time we just prefer to park our car and stay within walking distance of our favorite hotel The Arlington which is the heart of Hot Springs!  Most of our previous trips included Garvan Woodland Gardens which began construction in 1992 by the University of Arkansas' Botanical Gardens.  It is only 15 minutes from Hot Springs but this trip was shorter than previous trips and sadly it was not included this year.  Next time for sure!  We have come to Hot Springs most years since the children left home and plan to make it a priority in our retirement years as Keith plans to join me in retirement at the end of this year.  This first week of October was the earliest time of the month we've ever visited as reservations were made months in advance for the hotel and time off Keith's work to attend the Art Festival and gallery tours held at this time every year.  We didn't end up attending any art shows on this short trip.  There were plenty of things to do together close to our hotel.  Best weather time is the last two weeks of October as the first week was a bit too hot and humid especially with all the hot steam coming from the open springs.  Mornings and evening were the only times to be physically active outdoors.

The best part of the trip this year was that my husband Keith and I were joined by my brother and sister-in-law from Iowa.  Brother Ed retired a few months ago and he finally had the time and desire to join us on our yearly trip.  I believe they both found a good place to be Relaxed & Renewed and we're happy to have come.  I missed having Bobi Kitty with us again this year as we have taken him and our dachshund Daffney in previous years which worked out very well.  You can see more of our Hot Springs trips with pets by typing in "Hot Springs" in the "Search" box on the main page of my blog.  It will include many of the things we didn't do on this trip and some of the same things we do every trip.  Bobi Kitty did well with car travel his first three years but now at five years old, he has developed car sickness and we found a great place for him to stay.  The All About Paws daycare and pet hotel has a great deluxe suite for him that he has stayed at when we went to San Diego recently.  He is well cared for and has known the caretakers all his life!

Owner Darwina gives Bobi Kitty lots of attention as he enjoys his large picture window in his deluxe accommodations.

The relaxation and renewal begins and ends with the hot mineral springs.  Hot Springs National Park is located across the street from The Arlington.  You can see the history and current information by clicking on the link or reading what I have included in previous "Hot Springs" blogs through the "Search" tool on the main page of this blog.  I will include some updated photos and information about this particular trip that we enjoyed with my brother and sister-in-law.  It was a memorable time that also renewed our family relationships in a relaxed atmosphere.  It is a new beginning as we all reach retirement and grow to share healing and restoration in our Golden Years.

Fordyce Bathhouse and Visitor Center on Bathhouse Row Hot Springs National Park

Exercise is a major part of good health.  I have wrote extensively about the bathing process in previous blogs and additional information can be found through my links provided.  Since this trip was a minimal time spent here, I will show how a typical day was spent and add the highlights of personal experiences with my family.  The day begins with a good breakfast.  Our 50+ Senior rate at The Arlington included a breakfast value of $15 each of the three weekdays we were there.  It does not included Friday, Saturday, or Sunday.  That weeknight room rate was $103.50 (plus tax & fees of $15.11).  After breakfast, an hour walk beginning at The Grand Promenade was enjoyed before the day heated up.  There are several levels to walk or hike on Hot Springs Mountain which can include a tower.  It can also be driven to by car. There's 5,550 acres!  This trip we stayed on the street level and The Grand Promenade which is the first level up the mountain.  One time we were guided by Park Ranger Sheila Malone who include information that was new.  Every trip I see or learn something new and interesting here!  Here's a collection of recent photos together in a music video showing what our morning walks included behind Bathhouse Row along The Grand Promenade.

The walk back to The Arlington was usually along Bathhouse Row which is also included Hot Springs National Park.  Only the Buckstaff Bathhouse has been continually open to the public as the others have been under remodeling phases since we first came in 1992.  There are eight bathhouses of which only two are actually used as bathhouses now and take walk-ins.  The other bathhouses are restored and repurpose.  The European-style architecture includes interiors of Italian marble, stained glass windows with nature motifs, ceramic tile floors in intricate patterns, flowing fountains inside and outside, and flowering magnolia tree lined Central Avenue.  It is wonderful that this unique treasure is federally protected!

The Hot Springs National Park Administration Office is located at one end of Bathhouse Row at Reserve Street and Central Avenue.  Behind it is the Army-Navy Hospital which became Hot Springs Rehabilitation Center and is now the Arkansas Career Training Institute.

The Lamar is the best place to shop for Hot Springs National Park souvenirs and get your National Park book stamped if you are a collector.  There is no sales tax.

The Buckstaff Bathhouse is a walk-in bathhouse for the traditional thermal mineral bathing experience.  It has been in continuous operation since 1912.   

The Ozark Bathhouse is a cultural center open for special events and for the public but it was not open at the time we were there on this trip. 

The Quapaw Bathhouse has modern bath and spa services including thermal mineral pools of different temperatures; all with the thermal mineral spring waters.  The pools are open to both men and women and children over age 14 wearing bathing suits.  Reservations are recommended. 

The Quapaw Bathhouse as viewed from The Grand Promenade to the rear.  This first week of October shows just a hint of changing color in the trees.

The Fordyce Bathhouse should be your first place to visit allowing at least an hour of guided tour or self-tour time.  It is the official Visitors Center for Hot Springs National Park and has a book store and museum.  The rooms have been restored as the high-end bath experience showing what is was like originally.  It is not a public bath house anymore. This is our favorite bath house porch to people-watch with great rocking chairs!

Between the Fordyce and Maurice bathhouses is considered the main entrance to Hot Springs National Park.  Here is a fountain that the public can drink from and stairways to the 47 capped springs and several open springs along The Grand Promenade and Hot Springs Mountain.  There are many walking trails that spur off.

The Maurice Bathhouse is almost completely remodeled and ready for rent at this time. 

The Hale Bathhouse is not currently with tenant.

The Superior Bathhouse is now a Brewery with the world's only thermal water beer and root beer! It took a special act of the U.S. Congress to permit use of the protected thermal waters for commercial sale and is the only brewery in a national park.  There's also an eclectic pub fare that has local farm partnerships.  Wonderful atmosphere!

After walking along The Grand Promenade and Bathhouse Row, a return to The Arlington Hotel is usually in order as the businesses across Central Avenue don't open until 10:00 a.m.  There are several blocks of unique boutiques, specialty stores, museums, restaurants, and nightclubs among the commercial variety all within walking distance of The Arlington which faces Central Avenue.  Coming together on The Arlington's wonderful 2-sided porch is the common area we all meet as one or more of us goes their own way alone or with each other throughout the day.  Plans are made or to each their own for meals.  We all had made the same Arlington Bathhouse reservations on the first day for the traditional bathing experience at 4:00 p.m. for each day of our stay. I have never tried any other place for these services as I am comfortable with The Arlington.  I always include massage for what is known as The Works.  This is a good time as I feel best when not eating before.  I may consider trying services at the Buckstaff or Quapaw on the first day of arrival as sometimes we are too late for that day.  We now have the more information about the other bathhouses' closing time and prices which accommodate walk-ins.

The Arlington has much history and with that much remodeling.  It is so large that there's always something in need of repair or refurbishment.  We have experienced some highs and lows since we first stayed here in 1992.  We keep coming back because the positive qualities far outweigh the negative and that's how we roll in life anyway!  But if you are one that gets irritated and finds faults easily you might be overwhelmed here and should find a more standard modern motel off the downtown area because this is the best one in the middle of all the action.  It is clean but old, restored but not cheaply replicated, it is in a class of its own.

I prefer the glamorous Art Deco styles of the 1920's which is very much appreciated here and goes along with the prohibition and gangster atmosphere which is promoted throughout the downtown area.  It is the era of the bathhouses, illegal gambling, prostitution, and bootlegging.  It is the place where enemies all came together in peace to soak and drink of the mineral spring waters.  Even the law looked the other way.  Then a governor decided it was time to stop and cracked down in the 1940's. Las Vegas began when Hot Springs ended.  For more detailed history a good place to tour is The Gangster Museum just across the street from Bathhouse Row.

I have included many photos of The Arlington on previous blogs that are easily accessible using the search tool on the main page.  Here I have included the most recent photos to show that the building is kept up and just really cool to stay there!  It is definitely the heart of Hot Springs and has more things available in one place than any other at a very good price.  

Maxine tells of her time as a Madame in the heyday of crime in a video. 

This trip was a short one but we were close enough to walk and enjoy a variety of activities everyday.  It worked well for us since my brother drove us all in their roomy van and it stayed parked in the hotel's covered garage.  No time was taken to drive until it was time to go home so our time was well spent.  Everyone was free to be together or wander off individually or in mixed groups.  We arrived on a Tuesday afternoon and left Saturday morning.  Every Friday night there's an award-winning seafood buffet at The Arlington and my brother treated us all.  I was sure not to eat much all day as I'm not use to eating a lot in the evenings.  It was so very good!  Of course, we had a good walk afterwards and then later in the evening I treated everyone to a horse carriage ride around the city to enjoy the Friday night city lights.  Many more people come into Hot Springs for the weekend and we saw a lot more people activity!  We usually leave on a Sunday after the amazing Sunday Brunch offered each week but that can wait until next year.  Typically, our trips are from Monday to Sunday allowing 5-6 traditional bath experiences.  Any amount of time is a good time in Hot Springs!

Saturday morning checkout went very well with a major reduction in our hotel bill that was unexpected.  There had been some water pipes break on our 7th floor but it didn't much affect us as it was during the time we were out and about.  It only lasted a couple hours with the water shut off.  Also my bath attendant was new one evening and didn't allow me enough "hot wrap" time so an adjustment was made to my bill.  They were very accommodating taking off about 18% of our total bill!  We definitely will come back again and again!  I hope my brother and sister-in-law had a good enough experience to join us again next year.  We certainly enjoyed their company and our shared experiences!

On our way home, we stopped to take our daughter and grandbaby out to dinner at Garfield's at The Landing in Branson.  It was a perfect ending to a relaxing and fun trip and there's nothing like family together to feel renewed!

Standing ovation with applause from our sweet granddaughter!!!!!

2018 San Diego Adventure Part 2 of 2 - The Tours, Family Day, & Safari Park Day

The rest of our adventure to San Diego included our son on Thursday then both our son and daughter-in-law the remaining time.  After breakfast at The Indigo Hotel together, we decided our plans should include minimal walking since Keith had foot issues and Jake is still recovering from a broken ankle from last springs motorcycle accident.  Although he is healed and strong again, it was a good option.  On my first trip in 2016 when I stayed two weeks, I enjoyed walking from where I stayed with Jake downtown to Seaport Village making a circle starting along Petco Park to the San Diego Bay waterfront then through the Gaslamp District and back which is about 3 miles or an hours' brisk walk.  Of course, I always stopped and enjoyed everything along the way!  This day together started with Jake's treat for a Seal Tour which he and Keith had never done before.  I had toured my first year in the San Diego Bay but this trip would take us to Mission Bay.  All tours begin at Seaport Village.

Jake checks out the huge blooming rosemary bushes and our favorite bird-of-paradise flowers at Seaport Village while we wait for the next tour.

Jake, Keith, & Beti onboard the Seal land/water vehicle

View of downtown San Diego from the land

Going under the Mission Bay Bridge

Nesting grounds for Least Terns (South Americans)

Sea World San Diego viewed from Mission Bay

Sea Lion and Cormorants on a bait barge

Our guides Hal & Cheri are from Columbia, Missouri!

After we got back to Seaport Village completing the Seal Tour, I suggested and offered to treat everyone to take the Trolley Tour which I had done before and included 10 stops where we could choose to get off and then get back on another Trolley Tour which comes around every 20 minutes.  It is a great way to see first hand all that San Diego has to offer.  I know we all wanted to stop for awhile at Coronado Beach to touch the Pacific Ocean and then eat authentic Mexican at Old Town.  And we did as well as Little Italy and all the local history!

Crossed the Coronado Bridge and walked a few blocks to the famous Hotel Del Coronado

Pants rolled up and on the beautiful beach!

Getting wet in the Pacific Ocean  with Mexico a few miles away in the background

Beti in the surf

Feet in the water with gold specks in the sand!

Several sand sculptures can always be found in this area which is off the main beach walk from the hotel.  Love the sound of the surf so a video was taken to enjoy over and over!

The final stop of the day is Old Town, California's first settlement created in 1769.  It's about as close as you can get to Mexico without a passport.  We've been here before but this day was about finding the most authentic Mexican food and who better to tell us than the trolley driver?  Definitely the right place just a block from the trolley stop is The Old Town Mexican Cafe - Home of the Original Handmade Tortillas of Old Town.  

The weather turned chilly at the end of this day so I found this incredibly soft sweater wrap moments before this photo and I kept it on until I went to bed that night...like wearing a bunch of kittens, it was so soft!

Best Mexican food ever!

At this point we were basically close to the end of the tour and a trolley would not be around again by the time we were done shopping and eating.  Jake called an Uber and we got left off at the front door of our hotel.  Another nap in our room and late night lava cake at the Level 9 Rooftop Bar of The Indigo Hotel.

Friday had no plans but to enjoy each other's company at Jake & Cora's new condo.  They both got off work and they continued to unpack and run errands.  Keith and I were available to help but they went at a pace that was comfortable for them and got stuff exactly where they wanted it to be.  Much was done while we streamed the second season of Ozark on Netflix; the first three episodes anyway.  Minimal photos this day but I did get a chance to include our fur-grandbabies, Cleo and Finn! 

How appropriate...walking Finn at Petco Park

Old Cleo loves her some sunshine!

Finn with Momma Cora

Cleo with Pappa Jake

After a restful but productive Friday, we walked about a block away for a late supper.  Best Thai food is at the corner of 9th and Market Streets - Lotus Thai.  Afterward we walked back a short way to our hotel's Level 9 Rooftop Bar.  It was a good day!

Saturday was our last full day together and it was a very full day!  Keith had been on a quest for the perfect sourdough bread and his research led him to the famous Boudin Bakery which was a few miles on our way to Safari Park.  

I believe Keith found what he was looking for...clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl!  I know he liked it because he bought the souvenir coffee cup to take home.

Looks like Carb Heaven to me!  And if this wasn't enough...there's a Panera Bread across the street but I get enough of that regularly back in Missouri!

So many photos were taken throughout the day at Safari Park so I put them in 3 separate music videos.  It's over 10 minutes so I hope you take the time to relax and enjoy!  Best viewed enlarged.

We stayed at Safari Park until closing time.  Not far from the park we found a winery and decided to stay awhile and enjoy.  The Orfila Vineyards was the perfect calming atmosphere after our wildlife day.  There was good live music and snacks to enjoy with a glass of wine.

No nap this evening before supper but a short break to freshen up and get ready for a 7:30 P.M. reservation Cora made at the Meze Greek Fusion in The Gaslamp District.  This was quite a treat of award-winning Greek Family Style foods served in 4-5 courses with a couple different wines.  

Cora & Jake and Keith & Beti

The main dish has 5 proteins I could count over flavored rice.  Appetizers included three different hummus with fresh peta and flaming cheese.  There may have been more but that's what I remembered I had and the grand finale was baklava with coffee.  The atmosphere was very festive on this lively Saturday night!  Thanks to Cora & Jake for this very special surprise treat!

Night blooms on cactus on our way back to the hotel

The late night walk back to The Indigo Hotel was enchanting!  The Gaslamp District had come alive with all that a city could offer with colorful bright lights along with varieties of music flowing out of the open door venues in the cool night air.  This is a young adult world full of youthful energies and excitement with all the essence of being truly alive that is ever present in the young and young at heart.  It was enough to spark some memories of my own youth and made me very happy to connect this energy with my family.  I'm still smiling!