Head to Hot Springs, Ark., to experience ‘the waters’

The federal government set aside land in 1832 for the American people to enjoy the waters and the natural beauty in Hot Springs. Hot Springs was named a national park in 1921. The focus is “health, wellness and recreation” and the national park includes 5,500 acres.

There are 47 springs in the town with most of them capped. There is a water collection system with the water then being distributed out to hotels, bathhouses, hospitals and fountains in town. Visitors can go to the “jug fountains” and fill bottles with the water for free.

Behind the bathhouses is 26 miles of hiking trail located on Hot Springs Mountain. A tower at the top of the mountain offers an observation deck that provides a great view of the city. Visitors are able to see a 70-mile view in every direction. Historic photos and information on Hot Springs, as well as a gift shop, are also located in Mountain Tower. The displays tell the colorful history of Hot Springs, including the healing waters, the gambling era and famous visitors.

It may be the water that brings people to Hot Springs, but they will find so much more. Natural beauty, outdoor adventure, cultural attractions and entertainment venues all await visitors to the charming Arkansas town. On a recent five-day visit, I experienced the waters, as well as some of the other wonderful attractions and natural beauty.

VISITING THE BATHHOUSES

The first bathhouses were made of canvas and lumber perched over individual springs or pools carved out of rock. Ornate wooden bathhouses appeared over the years and, by 1939, large Victorian bathhouses were in place on Bathhouse Row.

Six of the historic bathhouses, which are owned by the national park service, have been renovated and are located downtown on Bathhouse Row. They are leased out and their current uses include an art museum, coffee shop and bathhouses.

The Quapaw Bathhouse was built in 1922 over the hot waters and continues to be used as a bathhouse today. Owner Don Harper and his partners opened the bath house in 2008 to “make the waters accessible to everyone.”

Visitors to Quapaw Baths and Spa can sit in the open thermal pools. There are four with the temperature varying in each pool. The bathhouse also has individual rooms where guests can sit in bath tubs of the hot water. In the basement of Quapaw is a steam room where you can see a small part of the hot springs with the steam coming off the water. Spa treatments are also offered.

I spent some time in the four open pools enjoying the thermal mineral water. The hottest temperature was 103, and that pool was my favorite. Sitting along the edge of the pool sipping on a cup of the cool mineral water is very relaxing and tranquil.

The Ozark Bathhouse now houses the Museum of Contemporary Art, which has seven galleries and 80 sculptures. The goal is to bring in pieces of artwork that would not usually come to Hot Springs. One of the most amazing pieces is the huge intricate spoon sculpture. Be sure to check out the wonderful gift shop, where items made by local residents are offered. I found some amazing homemade soaps and colorful earrings at reasonable prices.

The Fordyce Bathhouse houses the visitors center. The national park service provides information on the area, as well as a short film. A gift shop with T-shirts, books and other souvenirs is also in the bathhouse.

The Hale Bathhouse has Three Arts Café and Bookstore, as well as a cultural arts center where performances, classes, exhibitions and workshops are offered. The Three Arts Bookstore displays and sells original works by local arts and craftspeople.

SPA TREATMENTS

I tried the traditional spa treatment that was a favorite of visitors in days past, as well as taking in a modern spa treatment.

At the historic Arlington Hotel, “the works” is offered at the Thermal Bathhouse and Spa and it provides a traditional spa treatment that lasts one to one and a half hours. It involves several different treatments with a one-page list of “procedures for taking a bath” being given out. I was a bit nervous after reading the long list. Would I remember everything I was supposed to be? No need to worry. My bath attendant, Rachel, kept everything moving along as she took me from one treatment area to the next.

“The works” includes soaking in 105 degree mineral water in a small tub for 20 minutes, sitting in the walk-in sauna room for eight minutes, laying on a table for 15 minutes with hot towels wrapped around your legs and arms and on your back and a cold towel on your face, sitting in the vapor box for a few minutes, taking a needle shower and then getting a 20-minute massage. Sitting in the vapor box with only your head sticking out of the top was the most unusual part of the procedure. You are sitting on a bench inside the box and you don’t have on any clothes.

I left the Arlington relaxed and rejuvenated with my skin tingling and glowing. It was a great treatment and I enjoyed thinking about the history of the procedure and the many women and men who have traveled to Hot Springs over the past 100 years or more for “the works.”

While at the Arlington, be sure to check out the wonderful furnishings and architecture of the historic hotel. The hotel opened in 1924 and has been visited by many historic figures over the years, including Al Capone, whose suite is now named after him. With 478 rooms, it is the largest hotel in Arkansas. It’s located in the downtown area and within walking distance of shops and Bathhouse Row. It also has a wonderful restaurant and lobby area where live entertainment is featured on the weekends.

At Turtle Cove Spa, located at Mountain Harbor Resort, I experienced a modern spa treatment in a peaceful setting surrounding by woods and natural beauty. The spa is located in the Ouachita National Forest on the shores of Lake Ouachita. The one-hour massage was a wonderful end to a day of exploring the area. My massage therapist, John, started with a scalp massage that left me relaxed. He then put a hot towel on my back as he massaged by shoulders and arms. It was very peaceful and left me feeling refreshed.

OTHER STOPS

Other stops on my five-day visit to Hot Springs included:

•Garvan Woodland Gardens, a botanical garden operated by the University of Arkansas. The 210-acres includes a 44-acre woodland nature preserve, waterfalls and treetop views, model train garden, canopy bridge, woodland walk with seasonal flowers blooming along a one-mile walk and an overlook of Lake Hamilton. My favorite stop was the children’s adventure garden, which has a 400-foot circular walkway, cave, waterfall, stone climbing slopes and more. Coming up at the gardens during the Christmas season is a special holiday display with more than two million sparking lights.

•Vienna Theater, where Ken Goodman presents a wonderfully entertainment night of music. Located in a building constructed in 1910, the theater offers an intimate setting for a night of laughs and music. Several types of music are offered but we caught the show featuring music from Frank Sinatra and Harry Connick Jr., as well as Broadway tunes. Ken was accompanied by Gary Bell on piano. Live performances are always special and our night at the Vienna Theater was no exception.

•Antique shopping in the downtown area included a stop at the amazing Tillman’s Antiques and Collectibles. The shop has the state’s premier collection of Faberge, as well as museum-quality collectibles. A few blocks away is Historic District Antiques, which offers glassware, jewelry and other items.

•Hot Springs offers plenty of festivals year round, and the Legends Balloon Rally was in town during our stay. The event featured dozens of hot air balloons lighting up the sky for a special balloon glow. The night we visited, the Charlie Daniels Band performed to the delight of the crowd. Charlie is as full of energy as ever, after 50 years in the business, and no one can compare to him on the fiddle.

DINING IN HOT SPRINGS

•Blue Monkey Grill offers an eclectic menu with something for everyone with a blend of Caribbean and Cuban recipes. The specialty is the blue shrimp, which has 17 ingredients and brings in Caribbean and Cuban flavors. Another great choice is the wasabi crusted tuna — fresh rare ahi tuna topped with a spicy wasabi crust served with julienne vegetables, miso blanc and rice. For a tasty appetizer, try the Texican rolls.

•Rolando’s Nuevo Latino Restaurante specializes in flavors of Latin America. We tried many of the dishes and the pork tamales were my favorite. Tender and succulent, they were a real treat.

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

•Lookout Point Lakeside Inn is located on beautiful Lake Hamilton. From the back deck, guests have a great view of the lake. The gardens and landscaping are beautiful and provide a great place to relax. You can also go out on a pontoon boat for a great overview of the lake and surrounding property.

•Mountain Harbor Resort, a pet-friendly resort which offers cottages and cabins for rent around Lake Ouachita, as well as a lodge. Guests will find lots of outdoor adventure, including 37 miles of hiking trail and water sports. A restaurant at the lodge has been offering meals since 1958.

•Comfort Suites is one of the newest hotels in town and it offers spacious rooms, free hot breakfast and a great location.
For more information on visiting Hot Springs, go to www.hotsprings.org or call 1-800-543-2284.