I’m getting around to this post so late!!! I’ve been busy with life. There’s no other excuse.
I ended up going to Hot Springs Village because of Hurricane Harvey hitting Houston hard. I like to call this time my hurrication. Luckily, my grandparents live six and half hours away in Hot Springs Village, Arkansas. I planned on being there for three days. Unfortunately, I ended up staying nine days. Oh well! I had lots to keep me busy, and many books were read while I was away.
Hot Springs Village is a gated golfing community twenty minutes outside of Hot Springs. It’s a beautiful area. My grandparents moved there from New Orleans when I was fifteen. They’re always surprised I love visiting them. It’s a golfing community, and I hate golfing. The residents are mostly retired, so no distracting activities for a young person. The entire time I’m there, I entertain myself by walking in the mountains and reading. So mostly reading because I’m not a huge fan of exercise. It’s really a reader’s paradise. So much outdoor space and very few people make for a fabulous back drop for a reading marathon.
If you get bored of reading inside or around the village, you can always wander your way into Hot Springs, which is full of fun things to do.
Hot Springs is a tourist town with lots of national parks to adventure through. Hot Springs is a city with quite the history. It was first explored in 1673. The land was a part of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. Prudhomme became the first settler of what would become Hot Springs in 1807. In 1818, the United States gained the land from the Quapaw tribe; you can find many businesses and landmarks named after the Quapaws including a Bathhouse. Hot Springs was a renowned destination for bathers drawn to the healing thermal waters bubbling up from the underground springs. An area of downtown Hot Springs became known as Bathhouse Row for their beautiful spas. During the Civil War, there was a decline in bathers coming to the springs, and many citizens of the city fled as troops neared Little Rock. Post-Civil War era saw a surge in population as the city rebuilt and expanded. In the early 20th century, Hot Springs was attractive to the rich and famous, as well as, the rich and infamous. It became a hotbed for gangsters and illegal gambling.
Hot Springs is now a tourist destination attracting those who want a piece of Americana and to experience the lovely spas fed by the hot springs. The architecture in historic Hot Springs is absolutely gorgeous. Only a few bathhouses are still functional, but many still stand and house museums, shops, and even a brewery. I have experienced the spas at the Quapaw Bathhouse, and they are gorgeous! The floor in the basement is warm because of the heat radiating from the springs, which run underneath the ground.
I love shopping in the historic district. I can’t go to Hot Springs without frequenting the Bathhouse Soapery. Though they ship and have other stores, they are headquartered in Hot Springs. There shop is beautiful, light, and smells like heaven. Their products are the only ones I use! There’s a great candy store next door called Pour Some Sugar on Me Sweet Shoppe. It was definitely difficult for me to leave without handing them my wallet because of my addiction to sweets! There’s a great place called The Pancake House. It’s only open until 12:45 pm, so get there early. I highly recommend the sausage; it’s homemade. There are gorgeous fountains throughout the historic district fed by the springs; you can see steam rising off the water. The historic Arlington Hotel is a must see. It’s huge and you can’t miss it!
If you’ve had enough of the historic district, there is more than enough to do for the outdoorsy folks. Hot Springs is surrounded by the Ouachita Mountains. Everywhere you look you’ll find gorgeous views of the mountains and forests. Lake Ouachita is amazing for those who enjoy the water! It’s huge, and you could spend days exploring it. It’s great for those who want a break from technology. There is no reception in that area… At least, for me anyways. If you’re into kayaking, this is an amazing destination. There is also Hot Springs National Park, which is awe inspiring.
Arkansas may not be at the top of everyone’s must see list, but Hot Springs is a beautiful place to visit, relax, and read. It has good food, good views, and enough history and activities to keep everyone happy. If you’re every in the area, let me know! I’m happy to lend a suggestion or twelve.
