Hot Springs, Arkansas: Your Ultimate Guide to Dining, Relaxation, and National Park Exploration
Hot Springs, Arkansas, recently earned its place among the top ten Small Destinations on the 2017 U.S. Tourism Quality Index, and having experienced its charm firsthand, I can confidently say this recognition is well-deserved. My initial expectation was to simply enjoy my first visit to Hot Springs, but what I didn’t anticipate was falling completely in love with this remarkable town. From its vibrant culinary scene and unique historical narrative to its renowned healing spas and the majestic National Park, Hot Springs offers an abundance of experiences. My journey involved savoring countless dishes across downtown, a delightful challenge I embraced to bring you this comprehensive Hot Springs, AR: Where to Eat and Other Travel Recommendations Guide.
If you haven’t yet explored Part 1 of my guide, I highly recommend checking it out for recommendations on breakfast and lunch spots. This article, Part 2, delves deeper into the Hot Springs experience, covering exquisite dinner options, vibrant places for drinks and live music, the wonders of Hot Springs National Park, the serene beauty of Garvan Woodland Gardens, and, of course, the rejuvenating thermal spring treatments that put Hot Springs on the map.
Where to Savor Dinner in Hot Springs, AR
While many of the fantastic establishments reviewed in Part 1, such as Angel’s in the Park, The Ohio Club, Rolando’s, Copper Penny Pub, and Kollective, also welcome diners for evening meals, Hot Springs boasts an even wider array of culinary delights perfect for dinner. Below, I’ll introduce you to additional must-try restaurants and share more insights to enhance your evening dining experience.
Superior Bathhouse Brewery and Distillery
For beer enthusiasts, a visit to Superior Bathhouse Brewery and Distillery is not just recommended, it’s essential. This establishment holds the unique distinction of being the first brewery located within a U.S. National Park, and the world’s first to utilize thermal spring water as a primary ingredient in its brewing process. Housed in the beautifully repurposed historic Superior Bathhouse, which sat vacant for three decades, owner Rose Schweikhart masterfully transformed this architectural gem into a modern brewery, a welcoming craft beer tasting room, and a full-service restaurant. The atmosphere is a captivating blend of history and contemporary craft. Before you arrive, it’s helpful to know that due to its location on National Park property, alcoholic beverages are only served to seated patrons. During my dinner visit, there was a wait, and I couldn’t enjoy a pre-dinner beer. While this wasn’t an issue, I would suggest planning your visit for off-peak hours if you wish to enjoy a drink immediately upon arrival. For dinner, I indulged in their perfectly cooked salmon and crisp green beans, complemented by one of their refreshing lighter beers. A truly delightful and historically rich dining experience!
Angels in the Park
Angels in the Park captured my heart for numerous reasons, from its exceptional cuisine and attentive staff to its convenient location within my hotel. The sentiment I shared in Part 1 bears repeating: Chef Rosario’s creations were, without a doubt, the culinary highlights of my entire trip. My absolute favorite was the Chicken Rosario, a dish so exquisite I ordered it on both my first and third dinner visits. The homemade bread is utterly divine, so much so that I confess to overindulging on my first night, barely leaving room for my generous entree. A lesson learned, I exercised more restraint with the bread on subsequent visits. On my second dinner, I savored the fried calamari with marinara sauce and a fresh spinach salad, beautifully accented with a house-made orange vinaigrette and savory bacon bits.
Every dish at Angels in the Park, even my lunch chicken salad, is prepared fresh from scratch, meaning you should plan your visit for an evening when you’re not in a rush. The restaurant is nestled within an old, historic building, which contributes to its unique charm. Be mindful of the temperature – perhaps bring a sweater in winter and dress lightly in summer. If the weather permits, the outdoor patio offers a delightful dining experience. Inside, the decor is distinctly unique, with soft, intimate lighting provided by candles, creating an ambiance that is simultaneously charming, unique, relaxed, and wonderfully romantic. The staff is consistently friendly, the wine selection is impeccable, and if you’re fortunate, your meal might conclude with the delightful surprise of a chocolate-covered strawberry. It’s an experience that truly embodies the spirit of Hot Springs.
Rolando’s
Rolando’s stands as another essential stop on your Hot Springs culinary tour, renowned for its distinctive menu. While lunch and dinner share the same offerings, lunch portions are typically smaller and more budget-friendly. My lunch portion was more than ample, leading me to believe a dinner portion would have been far too much food for me personally. Therefore, consider sharing an entree or planning to take leftovers back to your hotel, especially if you have a mini-fridge available. I thoroughly enjoyed the Pollo Chuchaqui for lunch, a dish I would enthusiastically order again. However, their menu presents a plethora of other intriguing options, ranging from creative quesadillas (including one with goat cheese) to traditional tamales, hearty soups, flavorful shrimp dishes, succulent pork preparations, and much more. They also cater to younger guests with a dedicated children’s menu and offer a tempting selection of desserts.
The Ohio Club
Though I primarily visited The Ohio Club for lunch (details in Part 1), my evening experience there was truly unforgettable. One weekday evening, I returned solely to immerse myself in the live jazz music, which proved to be one of the absolute highlights of my trip! This historic establishment, once a clandestine speakeasy and gambling parlor, oozes old-world charm and intrigue. The jazz performances, typically running from 7 PM to 9:30 PM on weekdays, create an electrifying yet intimate atmosphere.
Had I planned that particular night more effectively, I would have certainly opted to dine there while enjoying the captivating jazz. The combination of its rich history, delectable menu (featuring classic American fare), and the soulful live music makes The Ohio Club a quintessential Hot Springs dinner and entertainment destination. It’s a place where history, good food, and great music converge for an authentic experience.
Luna Bella
On a productive Friday during my working vacation, I closed my laptop early and set out for the enchanting Garvan Woodland Gardens (more on that below). Arriving an hour before closing, I made sure to walk swiftly through the initial sections before lingering as long as possible. Afterwards, I decided to take a scenic drive around the picturesque Lake Hamilton area, culminating in dinner at a restaurant highly recommended by a local couple I’d met earlier in the week at The Ohio Club – Luna Bella.
I was grateful to be traveling solo that evening, as reservations are definitely a must for this popular local hotspot. The restaurant was bustling, but fortunately, they had an open seat at the bar, which I gladly accepted. I ordered a glass of wine to start, followed by a refreshing peach salad and the “Going Green Pasta” with added shrimp as my main course. The peach salad was a delightful medley of arugula tossed in a honey balsamic vinaigrette, topped with roasted peaches, toasted almonds, and creamy goat cheese. While flavorful, the peaches weren’t quite as decadently juicy as I had envisioned. The entree, however, was a triumph: spinach fettuccine swimming in a delicate tomato saffron broth infused with green tea, and generously garnished with sautéed cherry tomatoes, tender asparagus, sweet peas, vibrant bell peppers, fresh spinach, fragrant garlic, and plump shrimp. The broth was incredibly savory, the noodles possessed the perfect texture, and I relished every single bite of the dish. The service was equally impressive; the staff were friendly and extended the same attentive care to me, a solo diner, as they did to their regulars and larger parties scattered around the tables. Luna Bella offers an upscale yet comfortable dining experience perfect for a special evening.
Other Places to Try for Dinner
Despite my dedicated efforts, I simply couldn’t visit every restaurant on my wish list during this trip, a truly heartbreaking realization (said with a touch of sarcasm, of course, as it just means another trip back is inevitable!). High on my list for next time are Steinbaus Keller German Restaurant and Biergarten, promising an authentic taste of Germany, and The Avenue, which comes highly recommended for its contemporary American cuisine. If you have any other personal favorites or hidden gems in Hot Springs, please don’t hesitate to drop me an email or share your suggestions in the comments below!
Where to Enjoy a Drink in Hot Springs, AR
Hot Springs offers a diverse array of establishments to quench your thirst and enjoy the evening ambiance. If a crisp beer is what you’re after, I highly recommend The Ohio Club, especially if you can time your visit to coincide with their captivating live jazz performances (starting at 7 PM on weekdays and 9 PM on weekends). For a lively and spirited atmosphere, perhaps envisioning a St. Patrick’s Day celebration, Copper Penny Pub is definitely where I’d be. And for a unique craft beer experience, don’t miss Superior Bathhouse Brewery, where you can literally taste the thermal waters in your brew. On my next adventure to Hot Springs, my itinerary will include exploring Steinbaus Keller for its German biergarten feel, Craft Beer Cellar for its extensive selection, The Avenue for a sophisticated drink, and The Arlington Hotel for classic cocktails. I also plan to check out Maxine’s for its vibrant combination of drinks and live music. For those seeking a quieter, more romantic setting to savor a glass of wine accompanied by soft Italian melodies, Angels in the Park provides an exquisite and intimate escape.
Immerse Yourself in Hot Springs National Park!
Hot Springs National Park, though the smallest among the United States’ National Parks, possesses an extraordinarily rich, unique, and colorful history that intertwines deeply with the city itself. Long before the National Park system came into existence, this precious area was safeguarded by an act of Congress in 1832, designated as the Hot Springs Reservation to protect its invaluable thermal springs. The formation of the National Park Service in 1916 paved the way for the Hot Springs Reservation to officially become Hot Springs National Park in 1921. This designation spurred the growth of a bustling town around the springs, offering services to the “health seekers” who flocked here. The city’s burgeoning bathing industry soon earned Hot Springs the moniker “American Spa,” drawing visitors from across the globe seeking the therapeutic benefits of its waters.
At the heart of the park are 47 hot springs, emerging from Hot Springs Mountain at an average temperature of 143° Fahrenheit. The National Park’s mandate ensures that this precious water is freely available to the public in its unending and unaltered state. Remarkably, the water is potable (safe to drink) directly from its source at Hot Springs Mountain. Convenient filling stations, including one prominently located in downtown, allow visitors to fill bottles or jugs with this natural spring water. Feel free to fill up and even take some home, but remember, selling it is strictly prohibited! Adding to its accessibility, there are no entrance fees to the Park itself or to the museum located downtown, making it an incredibly welcoming destination for all.
Hot Springs National Park is essentially divided into two distinct yet equally captivating sections: Hot Springs Mountain and West Mountain. Hot Springs Mountain, adjacent to the downtown area, is home to the elegant Grand Promenade, the very thermal springs that give the town its name, the iconic Water Tower, a convenient campground, and a network of inviting hiking trails. West Mountain, situated on the opposite side of town, offers breathtaking scenic drives and even more opportunities for hiking. The photograph above captures a moment from my scenic drive on West Mountain, where I paused to admire the distant Hot Springs Mountain Water Tower, a testament to the park’s diverse landscapes.
During my stay, I made it a ritual to walk along the Grand Promenade every morning – it was literally right outside my hotel’s front door. I also ventured up to the Mountain Tower and explored the picturesque scenic roads of West Mountain. While I could have easily dedicated more time to deeper exploration of the Park’s numerous trails, a lot of solo hiking in dense woods wasn’t quite what I envisioned for this particular trip. However, on my next visit, I eagerly anticipate immersing myself in more of the park’s impressive 26 miles of hiking trails. The Grand Promenade itself is a beautifully bricked, handicapped-accessible walkway that gracefully winds along the hillside, nestled behind and above the historic bathhouses. It showcases active thermal springs and features distinctive red benches that, I confess, utterly fascinated me and led to far too many photographs. Various hiking trails intersect with the Promenade, with many leading upwards to the Water Tower area at the summit, offering panoramic views.
Discover the Charm of Bathhouse Row
Bathhouse Row is the historic heart of downtown Hot Springs, a fortunate preservation of the grand bathhouses that once defined this city. For centuries, the area’s hot spring water has been revered for its purported medicinal properties, becoming a subject of sacred legend among various Native American tribes. Today, the entire Bathhouse Row area is deservedly designated as a National Historic Landmark District, a testament to its profound cultural and architectural significance. The gilded age architecture, with its intricate details and impressive scale, is truly a sight to behold. Even if soaking in the thermal waters isn’t on your agenda, a visit to Bathhouse Row is highly recommended to appreciate its rich history and marvel at the meticulously preserved structures.
Currently, only two bathhouses on Bathhouse Row – Buckstaff and Quapaw – remain operational, offering distinct thermal bathing experiences. Quapaw Baths & Spa provides a spacious communal bathing pool, reminiscent of its historical roots, making it an excellent value if you wish to dip into the “healing waters.” They also offer more private bathing tubs for a more secluded experience. Buckstaff Bathhouse, on the other hand, specializes in traditional private thermal spa baths complemented by a range of modern spa services. The magnificent Fordyce Bathhouse now serves as the National Park Visitor Center, where you can not only gather information about the park but also explore various beautifully preserved and restored rooms of the original bathhouse, offering a fascinating glimpse into its past operations.
Just a short stroll from Bathhouse Row, several prominent hotels offer their own hot spring baths, utilizing the park’s natural waters, alongside a host of other spa services. These include The Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa, the Austin Hotel and Convention Center, and The Springs Hotel & Spa. Based on enthusiastic recommendations from local residents, I opted for a private hot spring bath and a relaxing massage at The Arlington Hotel. Typically, I might lean towards a bathing suit-required communal experience, but after some research and embracing the “when in Rome” philosophy, I decided I couldn’t leave Hot Springs without fully immersing myself in its traditional bathing culture. Any initial discomfort I felt lasted merely a fraction of a second, purely a product of my own expectations. I luxuriated in the naturally hot mineral water, then unwound completely as I rested on a padded table, a cool towel refreshing my face and warm towels soothing my back, followed by a truly wonderful massage. All this came at a very reasonable price! I am absolutely determined to repeat this experience on my next visit. Perhaps I’ll even return to The Arlington, try a treatment at Buckstaff, *and* enjoy a soak at Quapaw in my bathing suit for the complete Hot Springs thermal experience!
Serenity at Garvan Woodland Gardens
Approximately six miles from the heart of Hot Springs National Park lies a breathtaking sylvan sanctuary known as Garvan Woodland Gardens. This expansive 210-acre botanical garden, located at 550 Arkridge Road, is a true treasure. It welcomes visitors daily from 9 AM to 6 PM, with ticket sales concluding at 5:30 PM. My visit around 5 PM left me wishing I had arrived earlier; while the brisk walk was excellent exercise after all my culinary adventures, I found myself longing for more time to explore every nook and cranny, lingering slightly past the closing time. Admission (as of October 2017) is $15 for individuals aged 13 and above, $5 for children aged 4-12, and free for toddlers aged 3 and under. Dog lovers will be pleased to know that one dog per person is allowed for an additional $5 fee. Membership offers free entry and is certainly worth considering if you plan multiple visits within a year or are traveling with several teenagers.
The gardens are also home to an exquisitely beautiful chapel, a highly sought-after venue for weddings. In fact, during my visit, a wedding rehearsal was in full swing, preventing me from entering or taking photographs, but its striking architecture from the outside alone was captivating. Garvan Woodland Gardens truly offers a tranquil escape and a feast for the senses, with meticulously curated landscapes and vibrant floral displays changing with the seasons.
Experience Wednesday Night Poetry Night at Kollective Coffee+Tea
If you’ve read Part 1 of my Hot Springs, AR eating and travel guide, you’ll know that a client of mine, a Texas Poet Laureate with numerous published works, was an inspiration for this trip. When she visited Hot Springs National Park earlier in the year, everyone insisted she attend the Wednesday Night Poetry Night at Kollective Coffee+Tea, another one of my personal favorites. Unfortunately, her schedule didn’t allow her to stay through Wednesday. So, feeling compelled to experience it myself, I decided to check it out. This event holds the remarkable distinction of being the longest-running weekly poetry reading in the United States. Despite changes in venue, weather challenges, and countless other factors, the readings have convened, without fail, every single Wednesday night since 1989! This incredible consistency speaks volumes about the passion and dedication of its community.
The format for Wednesday Night Poetry is both engaging and inclusive, featuring a guest artist who performs their work, followed by an open mic session. Many participants are regulars, bringing their consistent voices to the stage, but anyone is warmly encouraged to share their own original poetry or even a beloved piece by another writer. The atmosphere is incredibly supportive and inspiring, fostering a true sense of community and artistic expression.
On the evening I attended, 36ix The Karbon Theorist was the captivating featured poet. In addition to his powerful performance, more than a dozen other individuals bravely stepped up, baring their souls through their verses. It is this raw honesty in poetry that truly resonates and touches our own spirits, and that night, it moved me profoundly. I was particularly struck by the poems shared by members of New Wave, whose diverse backgrounds and experiences offered a deeper glimpse into unique narratives of joy, pain, and triumph. I also thoroughly enjoyed the poetry shared by Kai Coggin, Sarah Burnes, Akau Anyieth, Bud Kenny, Skeeter, and others whose names I regrettably didn’t catch. If you ever find yourself in Hot Springs, AR, on a Wednesday evening, I wholeheartedly recommend this poetry reading experience! Even if you believe poetry isn’t your usual interest, you will most likely be pleasantly surprised by the depth and connection it offers. There is no charge to attend this inspiring night, but I suggest arriving a little early to settle in and perhaps order one of Kollective’s delicious offerings, such as a fresh salad, a satisfying sandwich, their renowned house-made soup (their vegan tomato basil is absolutely divine!), or a delightful pastry paired with a coffee or tea.
Where to Rest Your Head in Hot Springs
For a variety of reasons, including the spontaneous nature of this trip, I was operating on a somewhat modest budget. My friend and client, having previously stayed at the Park Hotel during her visit, highly recommended it for its excellent price, convenient location, and historic character, so I chose to follow her advice.
Location, location, location! The Hot Springs National Park is, quite literally, just across the street. Take a look at the view from my hotel window – those verdant trees are part of the National Park! And all the charming restaurants and shops of downtown are merely a few minutes’ walk away. The ability to explore everything on foot was a huge advantage. The price point is also incredibly appealing, with rooms starting around $63 per night, and I even received a small discount for my week-long stay. It’s important to note that this hotel might not suit everyone’s taste. While the lobby is undeniably beautiful and steeped in history, the guest rooms themselves feel as though they haven’t seen an update since the 1970s. They could genuinely benefit from a renovation. However, despite the dated decor, the hotel was impeccably clean, everything functioned perfectly, my bed was comfortable, and the staff consistently displayed a friendly and welcoming demeanor. On cooler mornings, guests would gather on the inviting front porch, sharing conversations over styrofoam cups of coffee, fostering a quaint sense of community. It’s also a pet-friendly establishment. And did I mention the superb location and value? All things considered, I would absolutely choose to stay there again for its unique blend of charm and practicality.
While Hot Springs offers a plethora of lodging options across the wider area, if your preference is to stay downtown and enjoy the convenience of walking to every attraction (which, for me, was an enormous benefit), your choices will largely consist of older hotels. These often feature magnificent, historically rich lobbies, but their guest rooms, much like the Park Hotel, are likely to be in need of a modern refresh. They offer a nostalgic charm that appeals to those who appreciate history over contemporary aesthetics.
A Reflection on Traveling Solo
Throughout my life, I have embarked on countless solo journeys, whether for business meetings, conferences, or to visit family. Typically, these trips involve a known contact at the destination, or in the case of a conference, a shared purpose that naturally fosters connections among strangers, leading to impromptu friendships and, occasionally, even lifelong bonds. However, the nature of my solo travel on this particular trip to Hot Springs was entirely different. I arrived completely alone, knowing no one, and without any specific pre-arranged reason to be there beyond my own curiosity. During the day, I maintained my work remotely via my laptop and phone, just as I would from my home office, creating a unique quasi-vacation experience. I hiked alone, dined alone for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, attended a poetry reading alone, and explored a beautiful garden center in solitude. And yet, somewhat unexpectedly, it evolved into one of the most profoundly enjoyable trips I’ve experienced in a very long time. It was a different kind of enjoyable, perhaps, but enjoyable nonetheless.
I genuinely love people, and I strive to live by a simple motto: “Be with the ones you’re with.” When I travel with others, my focus is intensely on them—our conversations, our shared experiences, and our precious time together. Consequently, I tend to take fewer photographs (though probably still more than my family would prefer!), dedicate less quiet time to reflection, and pay less attention to the myriad details of the people, the birds, the bumblebees, and the breathtaking scenery that surrounds me. Solo travel, conversely, forced me into a state of heightened awareness and deep presence, allowing me to fully absorb every nuance of my surroundings.
If you’ve never traveled solo, or if you’ve always harbored a desire to but have been held back by fear, I wholeheartedly encourage you to give it a try, even if it’s just a simple day trip to begin. We tragically lost my dad two years ago, and thankfully, my mom remains in excellent health (I literally have to jog to keep pace with her on our walks!). She misses every aspect of my dad and every role he played in her life, including that of her cherished travel companion. I’ve been encouraging her to begin venturing out and doing more things independently, and then, on the day I decided to plan this trip, a realization struck me: perhaps I should heed my own advice. I’m not getting any younger, I’m blessed with great health, and now that my children have flown the nest and my business offers me considerable flexibility… what am I waiting for? NOTHING, I decisively concluded! So, stay tuned for future trip reports and exciting eating guides – my solo adventures are just beginning!