[title subtitle=”words: Paul and Sarah Heer, Arkie Travels
image courtesy: courtesy Paul and Sarah Heer, Arkie Travels and the venues”][/title]
Fall is in the air – somewhere up north…
Here in The Natural State, we’re still baking as summer lingers, but we know cooler temps are coming. As the days start getting shorter and the leaves start to change, it’s time to plan a trip to one of our favorite destinations, Hot Springs. This national park is known for its thermal waters and horse racing, but we’ve discovered that some of our favorite things to do are outside of the city. So, roll the windows down, turn the radio up and cruise on over to the Spa City!
If you’re coming to Hot Springs from the Little Rock area, plan on leaving at the crack of dawn so you can stop by Dan’s I-30 Diner in Benton for breakfast. It’s one of those classic diners where the parking lot is always packed and for good reason! Chocolate gravy, enormous omelettes and fluffy stacks of pancakes – delicious!
One of the most magical places in our state is Garvan Woodland Gardens. A showpiece all year-round, late summer activities include yoga in the gardens, a digital photography class and group health walks where you’re allowed to bring your pet. If you have kiddos, you won’t want to miss the tree house. Part of a one-and-a-half-acre adventure garden, the teaching treehouse looks as if it grew in that very spot and encourages kids and adults alike to get back to the woods.
On your way out, take time to stop and enjoy the peace and quiet of The Anthony Chapel just outside the main entrance of the gardens. It’s one of three glass chapels in Arkansas designed by E. Fay Jones and is a favorite for weddings. Also, make plans now to come back and see Garvan Gardens at Christmas. The light display is spectacular, grows every year, and is second to none!
You should be about ready for lunch and luckily, the Red Oak Filling Station is here to serve. Just a hop, skip and a jump from Garvan Gardens, the Red Oak offers southern cooked meals, from catfish to chicken fried steak to bar-b-que and everything in between. Don’t miss the brisket mac & cheese – it’s our favorite!
You’ll want to walk off some of that lunch and we have just the place to do it! Take the scenic route down Highway 290 and enjoy an easy drive to Lake Catherine, the perfect location to enjoy the outdoors close to home. Don’t forget your tennis shoes so you can take the easy hike along the lake to Falls Creek Falls.
Catherine’s Landing also has kayak rentals and a splash pad for those lingering summer days. If you’re feeling daring, take a trip through the trees with zip-lining or test your skill on the sixteen-element ropes course at Adventure Works.
Looking to extend your stay? Check out the yurts at Catherine’s Landing or go downtown to Bathhouse Row and stay at Dame Fortune’s Cottage Court. Recognized by the National Register of Historical Places as being culturally and historically significant, Cottage Court is one of the few remaining motor courts that tourists used to frequent in downtown Hot Springs. But don’t worry, they’ve overhauled all the rooms and given them each a unique, modern theme. Cottage Court is located right in the middle of more than one hundred shops, eateries and art galleries, so you won’t be lacking in entertainment. Make plans now to attend the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival, October 18th-26th, it’s the longest running all-documentary film festival in North America, and one of only thirty-eight festivals world-wide that has been designated as an Oscar qualifier.
Close out your night and take in some live music at The Ohio Club. Since 1905, it holds the title as Arkansas’ oldest bar and has been frequented by Al Capone, Babe Ruth and Mae West, just to name a few.
There are so many incredible things to do in Hot Springs, but these are just a few of our favorites. Have a wonderful trip and don’t forget to tag us in your pictures, so we can follow along with your adventure!
We love exploring The Natural State and want to encourage you to too! We eat local, shop local and stay local and we’re proud to support Arkansas businesses. For more information on travels and routes we’ve designed all over our home state, follow us on socials @ArkieTravels or visit our website at www.arkietravels.com.
