Excursion: Hot Springs
A Trifecta of Fun, Food & Fast Horses
Oaklawn Racing & Gambling
Photography by Ashlee Nobel, Janet Warlick and courtesy of arkansas.com
And … they’re off! January means Hot Springs National Park, Ark., welcomes the return of live thoroughbred racing at Oaklawn Park.Friday the 13th is opening day, and if the thought of handicapping has you knocking in your cowboy boots, you can always try your hand at the abundant games of skill. Play Double Diamond Lock N’ Roll, or go all-in at Central Arkansas’ first official Texas Hold Em’ poker tables! Afterward, or instead, enjoy a fine meal and conversation with friends at the Carousel Club; oaklawn.com or (800) 437-1611.
Hot Springs Haunted Tours, as seen on The Discovery Channel’s “Ghost Lab,” presents a walking tour of historic downtown Hot Springs, with guides who flesh out some of the city’s most notorious haunts and ghost sightings; hotspringshauntedtours.com or (501) 339-3751. You’ll hear ghostly tales of crime bosses, but if you want to learn more about Hot Springs’ notorious past, step inside The Gangster Museum of America; tgmoa.com or (501) 318-1717.
For a class act in the historic district, look for the magnificent chandelier at the Simon Mendel building at 424 Central Avenue. The 75-seat Vienna Theatre features family-friendly live performances by Ken Goodman, whose repertoire includes music from the ‘50s to Broadway. Goodman engages the audience with an old-style cabaret act that includes a break for refreshments; shows nightly Thursday through Saturday, Sunday matinee, viennahotsprings.com or (501) 463-2799.
When AY visited, we checked out the coffee house and spoken word venue The Poet’s Loft. Black and white photographs of poets frame the original second-floor stage where Rita Dove, Allen Ginsberg and Lucinda Williams have performed. It’s said to be the oldest, continuous open mic Wednesday night in the country. Loftkeeper Pam Rawls served us butternut squash soup and warned, “not a grain of salt could be found in the place”; thepoetsloft.com or (501) 762-5197.
Sunday brunch is definitely a treat, and worth the drive to Hot Springs, if you join the folks at Luna Bella. Brunch is served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and includes mouth-watering, delectable dishes, such as shrimp and crab frittata served with three-potato hash; bananas foster French toast and crab cakes Benedict; 104 Grand Isle Way, (501) 520-5862.
Craving a burger and fries? BubbaLu’s Bodacious Burgers is the answer, but prepare to wait for the made-to-order mouthful; 408 Central Ave., (501) 321-0101.
Don’t miss the Arkansas Walk of Fame next to the Hot Springs Visitor’s Center. The walk honors the lives of great Arkansans who have made significant contributions in sports, music, literature, media and politics and include Maya Angelou, Johnny Cash and Pres. Bill Clinton … just to name a few.
If you’re thirsty for more than just history, be sure to “quaff the elixir,” as they said during Spa City’s heyday. Right there at Hill Wheatley Plaza, you can fill water bottles with hot spring water. For cold springs, jug fountains are located at Happy Hollow Spring, which flows out of North Mountain and Whittington Spring, out of West Mountain.
The year’s first Gallery Walk — which takes place the first Friday of each month — will be held Jan. 6. About 20 galleries open their doors, and featured artists turn out to speak with patrons, and complimentary refreshments are served; (501) 624-0550. Of note: Taylor’s Contemporanea Fine Arts on Exchange Street, which carries sculptures, mixed media and paintings, taylorsarts.com or (501) 624-0516.
For antiques, a visit to Tillman’s Antiques and Collectibles will make you drool. Tillman’s carries estate jewelry, vintage handbags and even actual eggshell jewelry boxes! Hand-poured, double-perfumed candles burn, lead free and are a terrific idea for a hostess gift; tillmansantiques.squarespace.com or (501) 624-4083.
If thermal waters don’t rejuvenate you, the Spa City has a number of specialty clothing and gift stores that offer retail therapy. Madison’s Closet is the go-to shop for Miss Me Jeans, Vera Bradley and Hobo Wallets. The shop’s hot pink décor is just right for Hot Springs; 126 Central Ave., (501) 620-4009.
Oh Snap! packs a lot of attitude and style, featuring Hedari handmade Italian leather boots and Corral Vintage boots; 216B Central Ave., (501) 318-0220.
Whether you seek a casual look or a knock-his-socks-off outfit, a visit to Sharon’s is in order. You’ll find beautiful designer clothes and wonderful accessories to complete your look; 222 Cornerstone Blvd., (501) 520-5222.
Blue Lili, an upscale boutique, carries custom jewelry by Arkansan Amber Harton; 128 Central Ave., (501) 623-5050.
The Villa Gifts features fine linen, affordable art and handmade jewelry; 110 Central Ave., (501) 318-4438.
Finally, The Bathhouse Soapery & Caldarium is the original handmade bath products store in the historic district. A slice of lilac, lemongrass or clove may be just the ticket to relax, especially, if you didn’t hit the daily double at the end of your Spa City excursion; 120 Central Ave., (501) 318-0997.
For more Spa City information, log onto hotsprings.org.
