American Journeys RV Travel
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HOT SPRINGS
SNAP SHOT
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Does the idea of a lovely setting, being pampered, and fun
dining and shopping make your face light up? Then you need to
head to Hot Springs for some R and R.
Made a Federal Reservation in 1832, Hot Springs is known for
its 47 hot springs that provide nearly a million gallons of 143
degree water every day. Not only is this water great for soothing
away your aches and pains but it is also great for drinking.
In fact you'll find several free public springs throughout town
and plastic bottles for sale outside of many of the downtown
merchants.
Since its going to take awhile to explore this area, your
first stop should be the J & J RV Park, 2000 E Grand, 501-321-9852.
Here you will find a small park next to a stream with level spaces,
full hookups, a laundry, modem hookup, cable TV, and one of the
nicest owners around.
Next head downtown to explore the historic Hot Springs district.
Though it may seem a little strange at first, one of the experiences
I would highly recommend is taking one of the bath packages at
the Buckstaff Bathouse, 509 Central Ave, 501-623-2308. Open since
1912, the Buckstaff is the only remaining operating bathhouse
on Bathhouse Row. They do not take reservations, so just show
up, choose a package, and prepare to be pampered. Oh and just
in case you are wondering, you can bring your swim suit, but
there really is no need. The men and women are kept on separate
floors, and the attendants make sure you move from spa experience
to spa experience covered discreetly.
Next you'll want to wander the streets of downtown where you'll
find both neat historic buildings to admire and fun shopping.
Closet too empty? You can solve that problem at Traveling with
Style, 5001 Central Ave, 501-525-9510; my favorite Puttin' On
the Glitz, 420 Central Ave, 501-318-1225, and Sharon's Defining
Style, 222 Cornerstone Blvd, 501-520-5222. For unusual and useful
gifts, head to Essentials for Everybody, 124 Central Ave, 501-624-2025.
Here you'll be tempted by Lampe Berger Fragrance Lamps, skin
care products to pamper you, books, massage tools, travel aids,
and comfort clothing. If what would sooth your soul is a good
book, then head instead to Just Books, Hwy 270W & Hwy 227,
Mt. Pine Junction, 501-760-2502. They offer thousands of used
paperbacks organized by category and author.
For neat items to decorate your outdoors, drop in at the Wild
Bird Center, 252 Cornerstone Marketplace, 501-525-3581.Need to
pick up a little something for the fur baby you left back guarding
the rig? Then you'll want to stop by La Pet Pourri, 330 Central
Ave, 501-623-3323, where you will find all kinds of neat animal
oriented goodies.
Once you finish exploring the downtown area, another don't
miss is the Garvan Woodland Gardens, 550 Arkridge Rd, 501-262-9300.
This 210 acres of woodlands is on the edge of Lake Hamilton and
features an Asian rock and stream garden, an open air redwood
pavilion, an arched Sunrise Bridge, a Canopy Bridge, Daffodil
Hill, a 60-acre Hamilton Woods Bird Sanctuary, the Anthony Chapel
Complex, the Evans Celebration Garden, the 57-foot Anthony Family
Carillon electronic bell tower, and Welcome Center and Gift Shop.
But before you slip on your sneaker to head out, I should warn
you that wandering through this beautiful botanical garden may
relax you just as much as your spa package did.
If you are traveling with kids, they will enjoy spending time
at the Mid-America Science Museum, 500 Mid-American Blvd, 501-767-3461,
where they can challenge their brains with all kinds of neat
exhibits like the Virtual Reality Simulator and Underground Arkansas.
If they'd rather stretch their lungs, then take them to Magic
Springs & Crystal Falls Water Park, 1701 E Grand Ave, 501-624-0100,
where they can scream on the 10 story suspended looping coaster
or slip and slide. Or for something a little calmer, take a ride
on the Hot Springs Ducks, 418 Central Ave, 501-321-2911.
Feeling like a thug? Then you'll enjoy visting the Gangster
Museum of America, 113 Central Ave, 501-318-1717. A visit
here will give you a chance to learn about bootlegging, Al Capone,
and the infamous Vito Genovese Crime family plus learn about
Hot Springs gangster history.
Since all this wandering is bound to work up an appetite,
you'll be glad to know that Hot Springs also has lots of neat
places to eat. For a wonderful dinner of catfish, seafood, barbecue
and tasty southern side dishes in an all you can eat setting,
head to the Ole Feed House, 1020 Airport Rd, 501-760-3345. But
before you go, slip into your expando slacks as I can tell you
from personal experience you're going to need them. Another stop
you won't want to miss is Cafe
1217, 1217 Malvern Ave, 501-318-1094. Here you'll find great
freshly prepared sandwiches, salads, and soups, plus yummy desserts.
For a great deli sandwich or soup, head to the Cheese Corner,
503 Broadway, 501- 624-3040. Just need some coffee to jazz you
up? Then stop by the Cool Beans Cafe & Expresso Bar, 3801
Central, 501-525-9696, where you'll find not only great coffee
but also Krispy Kreme donuts, sandwiches, pastries, and desserts.
For something spicy, head on over to Roland's Bar-B-Cue, 200
Higdon Ferry Road, 501-625- 3079, where you'll find Texas style
beef, pork, ham, sausage, turkey, and ribs. At Stubby's Bare
B Que, 3024 Central, 501-624-1552, you'll find the same great
barbecue they've been making since 1952 including their huge
Signature Spud with chopped beef or pork, beans, slaw, &
sauce.
Or for spice of another kind stop in at the El Alamo Cafe,
3140 Central Ave, 501-623-3858, or Acapulco's Restaurant and
Cantina, 211 Fountain St, 501-623-8030. If you'd rather have
your taste buds treated to Italian, drop in at Angels, 600 Central
Ave, 501-609-9323. They offer Calzones, pizzas baked in a wood
burning oven, and other traditional dishes. Another good choice
for Italian is the Pompeii Cafe & Wine Bar, 2012 Central
Ave, 501-318-3287. In addition to the normal fare, they also
feature fresh baked breads, desserts, anitpastia, pizza, and
seafood pasta. If you want your Italian complete with a lake
view, then you need to head to the J & S Italian Villa Ristorante
& Bar, 4836 Central Ave, 501-525-1121. To visit a little
slice of Germany, drop in at the Brau Haus, 801 Central Ave,
501-624-7866.
For a taste of Southern fried chicken, farm raised catfish,
or choice steaks, make plans to visit Mrs. Miller's Chicken &
Steak House, 4723 Central, 501-525-8861. A fixture in Hot Springs
since 1936, this family owned and operated restaurant will make
sure you don't go away hungry. Now if steak is too tame for you,
head instead to The Faded Rose, 210 Central, 501-624-3200, where
you'll find great New Orleans dishes like frog legs, gumbo, and
red snapper. Want to have a little water with your meal? Then
make reservations for either the lunch or dinner cruise on the
Belle of Hot Springs Riverboat, 5200 Central Ave, 501-525-4438.
Not hungry? Don't worry. They will let you reserve a cruise without
the meal.
Rather splurge on an old-fashioned malt or soda? Then be sure
and stop in at Fros T Treat, 1020 East Grand Ave, 501-623-7643.
Around since 1951, they offer great malts, shakes, ice cream
sodas, and hamburgers. And if you are lucky enough to visit when
they are offering one of their seasonal fresh fruit shakes like
strawberry or peach but sure and indulge!
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Does the idea of a lovely setting, being pampered, and fun dining and shopping make your face light up? Then you need to head to Hot Springs for some R and R. Made a Federal Reservation in 1832, Hot Springs is known for its 47 hot springs that provide nearly a million gallons of 143 degree water every day. Not only is this water great for soothing away your aches and pains but it is also great for drinking. In fact you'll find several free public springs throughout town and plastic bottles for sale outside of many of the downtown merchants. Since its going to take awhile to explore this area, your first stop should be the J & J RV Park, 2000 E Grand, 501-321-9852. Here you will find a small park next to a stream with level spaces, full hookups, a laundry, modem hookup, cable TV, and one of the nicest owners around. Next head downtown to explore the historic Hot Springs district. Though it may seem a little strange at first, one of the experiences I would highly recommend is taking one of the bath packages at the Buckstaff Bathouse, 509 Central Ave, 501-623-2308. Open since 1912, the Buckstaff is the only remaining operating bathhouse on Bathhouse Row. They do not take reservations, so just show up, choose a package, and prepare to be pampered. Oh and just in case you are wondering, you can bring your swim suit, but there really is no need. The men and women are kept on separate floors, and the attendants make sure you move from spa experience to spa experience covered discreetly. Next you'll want to wander the streets of downtown where you'll find both neat historic buildings to admire and fun shopping. Closet too empty? You can solve that problem at Traveling with Style, 5001 Central Ave, 501-525-9510; my favorite Puttin' On the Glitz, 420 Central Ave, 501-318-1225, and Sharon's Defining Style, 222 Cornerstone Blvd, 501-520-5222. For unusual and useful gifts, head to Essentials for Everybody, 124 Central Ave, 501-624-2025. Here you'll be tempted by Lampe Berger Fragrance Lamps, skin care products to pamper you, books, massage tools, travel aids, and comfort clothing. If what would sooth your soul is a good book, then head instead to Just Books, Hwy 270W & Hwy 227, Mt. Pine Junction, 501-760-2502. They offer thousands of used paperbacks organized by category and author. For neat items to decorate your outdoors, drop in at the Wild Bird Center, 252 Cornerstone Marketplace, 501-525-3581.Need to pick up a little something for the fur baby you left back guarding the rig? Then you'll want to stop by La Pet Pourri, 330 Central Ave, 501-623-3323, where you will find all kinds of neat animal oriented goodies. Once you finish exploring the downtown area, another don't miss is the Garvan Woodland Gardens, 550 Arkridge Rd, 501-262-9300. This 210 acres of woodlands is on the edge of Lake Hamilton and features an Asian rock and stream garden, an open air redwood pavilion, an arched Sunrise Bridge, a Canopy Bridge, Daffodil Hill, a 60-acre Hamilton Woods Bird Sanctuary, the Anthony Chapel Complex, the Evans Celebration Garden, the 57-foot Anthony Family Carillon electronic bell tower, and Welcome Center and Gift Shop. But before you slip on your sneaker to head out, I should warn you that wandering through this beautiful botanical garden may relax you just as much as your spa package did. If you are traveling with kids, they will enjoy spending time at the Mid-America Science Museum, 500 Mid-American Blvd, 501-767-3461, where they can challenge their brains with all kinds of neat exhibits like the Virtual Reality Simulator and Underground Arkansas. If they'd rather stretch their lungs, then take them to Magic Springs & Crystal Falls Water Park, 1701 E Grand Ave, 501-624-0100, where they can scream on the 10 story suspended looping coaster or slip and slide. Or for something a little calmer, take a ride on the Hot Springs Ducks, 418 Central Ave, 501-321-2911. Feeling like a thug? Then you'll enjoy visting the Gangster Museum of America, 113 Central Ave, 501-318-1717. A visit here will give you a chance to learn about bootlegging, Al Capone, and the infamous Vito Genovese Crime family plus learn about Hot Springs gangster history. Since all this wandering is bound to work up an appetite, you'll be glad to know that Hot Springs also has lots of neat places to eat. For a wonderful dinner of catfish, seafood, barbecue and tasty southern side dishes in an all you can eat setting, head to the Ole Feed House, 1020 Airport Rd, 501-760-3345. But before you go, slip into your expando slacks as I can tell you from personal experience you're going to need them. Another stop you won't want to miss is Cafe 1217, 1217 Malvern Ave, 501-318-1094. Here you'll find great freshly prepared sandwiches, salads, and soups, plus yummy desserts. For a great deli sandwich or soup, head to the Cheese Corner, 503 Broadway, 501- 624-3040. Just need some coffee to jazz you up? Then stop by the Cool Beans Cafe & Expresso Bar, 3801 Central, 501-525-9696, where you'll find not only great coffee but also Krispy Kreme donuts, sandwiches, pastries, and desserts. For something spicy, head on over to Roland's Bar-B-Cue, 200 Higdon Ferry Road, 501-625- 3079, where you'll find Texas style beef, pork, ham, sausage, turkey, and ribs. At Stubby's Bare B Que, 3024 Central, 501-624-1552, you'll find the same great barbecue they've been making since 1952 including their huge Signature Spud with chopped beef or pork, beans, slaw, & sauce. Or for spice of another kind stop in at the El Alamo Cafe, 3140 Central Ave, 501-623-3858, or Acapulco's Restaurant and Cantina, 211 Fountain St, 501-623-8030. If you'd rather have your taste buds treated to Italian, drop in at Angels, 600 Central Ave, 501-609-9323. They offer Calzones, pizzas baked in a wood burning oven, and other traditional dishes. Another good choice for Italian is the Pompeii Cafe & Wine Bar, 2012 Central Ave, 501-318-3287. In addition to the normal fare, they also feature fresh baked breads, desserts, anitpastia, pizza, and seafood pasta. If you want your Italian complete with a lake view, then you need to head to the J & S Italian Villa Ristorante & Bar, 4836 Central Ave, 501-525-1121. To visit a little slice of Germany, drop in at the Brau Haus, 801 Central Ave, 501-624-7866. For a taste of Southern fried chicken, farm raised catfish, or choice steaks, make plans to visit Mrs. Miller's Chicken & Steak House, 4723 Central, 501-525-8861. A fixture in Hot Springs since 1936, this family owned and operated restaurant will make sure you don't go away hungry. Now if steak is too tame for you, head instead to The Faded Rose, 210 Central, 501-624-3200, where you'll find great New Orleans dishes like frog legs, gumbo, and red snapper. Want to have a little water with your meal? Then make reservations for either the lunch or dinner cruise on the Belle of Hot Springs Riverboat, 5200 Central Ave, 501-525-4438. Not hungry? Don't worry. They will let you reserve a cruise without the meal. Rather splurge on an old-fashioned malt or soda? Then be sure
and stop in at Fros T Treat, 1020 East Grand Ave, 501-623-7643.
Around since 1951, they offer great malts, shakes, ice cream
sodas, and hamburgers. And if you are lucky enough to visit when
they are offering one of their seasonal fresh fruit shakes like
strawberry or peach but sure and indulge! |