Weekend in Hot Springs

Wanting to get out of town for a few days, we were headed back to our favorite B&B in Hot Springs, AR...Lookout Point Lakeside Inn. Located on Lake Hamilton in the Ouachita Mountains, we remembered our last visit as a peaceful retreat from the world. We couldn't wait to go back.

Friday

Traveling through heavy thunderstorms, the drive there took longer than usual. We arrived just after the daily innkeeper's reception and I was a little disappointed that we had missed it. However, once we got checked in and unloaded our bags, we were greeted with glasses of wine and hors d'oeuvres. We settled into the rocking chairs on our patio and, immediately felt the stress melting away.

Saturday

This morning, we wanted a leisurely start to our day, so we opted for breakfast in our room rather than going to the dining room.

We spent the morning drinking coffee and reading books on the patio as birds and squirrels frequented the nearby feeder.

Later in the day, we left for our spa appointment. We arrived downtown a little early so we stopped in at the Gangster Museum of America to pass the time. Admission was a little pricey for what it was but included a guided tour through the various exhibits. It was interesting to learn that Hot Springs was known as a neutral zone for all the big gangsters from cities like Chicago and New York. Any gangland feuds/disputes from the likes of Al Capone, Lucky Luciano, and many others were put aside while they vacationed and recuperated in the healing thermal waters. There was also an entertaining video interview with former Hot Springs madam, Maxine Harris Jones, who talked about how things were back in the day.

We then walked across the street to the historic Quapaw Baths & Spa for a couple's spa day which included a private aromatherapy mineral bath, massages, and facials.

Afterward, we walked around downtown which was very touristy. Souvenir shops, restaurants, and even a wax museum lined the streets.

We stopped in at the Bathhouse Soapery & Calderium. It had a cute white-washed interior with the most amazing smelling soaps and bath bombs. I could have stayed in there all day. I ended up spending almost $80 in there. For SOAP!

Since we wouldn't be back in time for the B&Bs daily reception, we went to Angel's for mid-afternoon wine and a snack.

Afterward, we found an entrance to the Grand Promenade and decided to check it out. It's an elevated walking path located right above Bathhouse Row with smaller trails that branched off. It was a great place for a leisurely stroll.

The Arlington Hotel

Looking down at some of the natural springs.

Sunday

On our last day, we went to Garvan Woodland Gardens to get outside and enjoy the weather. It's a beautiful botanic garden with paved paths meandering through various gardens and past a koi pond.

There are also picturesque bridges and small waterfalls throughout the property with benches everywhere to sit and soak it all in. I loved that anywhere we went, we could hear the faint gurgling of water from a nearby brook or stream.

The peacocks weren't in a showy mood at the time we went. They seemed ready to take their afternoon nap.

There's even a model train garden for the kiddos.

We had lunch at the Chipmunk Café which had really great food. It's run by a private catering company so there were offerings like fresh squeezed lemonade, wraps, and homemade desserts.

Before leaving the gardens, we walked over to see Anthony Chapel. Nestled in the woods, it was a stunning glass and wood building. Can you imagine a spring or fall wedding here?