Panoramic view of Hot Springs, Arkansas.

'Hot Spot' Arkansas

Hot Springs Known For Its Landscape Beauty, Architecture And 147 Degree Thermal Water

Hot Springs, Arkansas, is famous for a number of reasons. It was the boyhood home of former President Bill Clinton, the site of Hot Springs National Park (the nation's very first, some 40 years before Yellowstone), and a leading spa resort because of its numerous thermal springs.

Called "America's Spa", people have been visiting here to enjoy the baths for nearly two centuries.

Hot Springs was recently named among the top small "art towns" in America (according to arts author John Villani in his recent book, 100 Best Art Towns in America). There is a thriving arts community here with numerous professional artists, galleries, and art-related events.

As America's first spa resort and one of the south's most popular family vacation destinations, Hot Springs continues many important hospitality traditions.

The first federally protected area in the nation's history (some 40 years before Yellowstone), Hot Springs National Park features amazing 147 degree thermal water, rich history and beautiful architecture. Visitors can also hike along scenic trails, tour the historic Fordyce Bathhouse and Visitor's Center, or enjoy a relaxing mineral bath and massage all in the historic downtown area.

Hot Springs has many great landmarks including classic hotels, Victorian architecture, plus world-class art studios, restaurants, nightclubs, and the famed bathhouse row. For shoppers there are antique shops, craft galleries, fashion boutiques and much more.

One of best features of the Diamond Lakes region are the scenic Ouachita Mountains. Here, hunting, fishing, water sports, hiking, golf, camping, and horseback riding provide year-round opportunities for outdoor recreation. Located in a beautiful valley beside these gentle mountains, Hot Springs offers visitors a full range of exciting outdoor sports activities.

The Spa City offers the perfect combination of relaxing activities and interesting, exciting attractions. It has a new state-of-the art concert and sports arena, the 210-acre Garwin Woodlawn botanical gardens, and exciting thoroughbred horse racing at Oaklawn Park.

There's also plenty of outdoor recreation and water sports all year long including championship golf courses available for four season play.

Nature's geological wonders were what put Hot Springs on the map. Visitors can enjoy natural hot and cold mineral springs and indulge in modern full-service spa treatments.

For evening entertainment there are night clubs, live music, family entertainment, international cuisine, river boat dining, and romantic walks along the city's famous Promenade. Hot Springs is the shopping mecca in Southeast Arkansas and features specialty boutiques, shopping malls, art galleries, and quartz crystal rock shops. It's also a great destination for antiques and collectibles.

Events and festivals held here celebrate the joy of nature, the diversity of Arkansas culture, and the creativity and heritage of its people. Hot Springs hosts the nation's only annual Documentary Film Festival traditionally held every October, the World's Shortest St. Patrick's Day Parade held every March 17, as well as the Thoroughbred Horse Racing Festival of the South (at Oaklawn Jockey Club from February through mid-April).

The city is internationally known for fine arts. Their are walking tours of downtown art galleries on the first Friday of each month plus numerous performing arts and music festivals and popular cultural celebrations. One event honors its majestic avian guest, the American eagle, which makes his winter home in the beautiful Ouachita Mountains.

One of the city's leading luxury resort hotels is The Arlington, a centrally located 484 room award winning resort and spa. The resort's outstanding accommodations include newly-decorated rooms and suites. Spring-fed mineral baths and massages are available at the hotel spa, excellent cuisine is available at each of its three restaurants, and guests can enjoy a round of golf or a game of tennis at the Hot Springs Country Club. And don't miss the live entertainment and dancing to a jazz combo in the Arlington's Lobby Bar.

For more information see www.arlingtonhotel.com. Visitors should begin their trip at www.hotsprings.org.