We got up in the morning and headed to Hot Springs National Park. We got there on the earlier side before the visitor center opened, and decided to do some hiking.
The trails were nice; we didn't come across anyone else. It started out colder, but quickly warmed up (later in the day it was in the high 60's).
We hiked up to the tower, but it wasn't open yet. We decided we wouldn't go back as it was $7/person to get to the top...just not worth it.
As it is January, there wasn't much vegetation on the trail - but there was a number of holly bushes.
We took a picture at the overlook by the tower.
Upon coming back to town (the hiking is right in back of town), we took a trail that led to the Arlington Hotel - it actually led right into the fifth floor of the Arlington hotel. Very weird. There were several spots throughout the Bathhouse Row area to get water. Hot and cold. They did display the mineral contents.
We had a 10:00 am appointment at the Quapaw Bathhouse for a private bath.
We figured as long as we are in Hot Springs, we should soak in a hot springs bath; after all at one point in time it was believe to cure ailments. The bath was very nice.
Next door to the Quapaw was the Fordyce Bathhouse; the National Park Service has kept this Bathhouse in its original format for a walking tour/museum. It was very interesting to walk around and envision the bathhouse operating back in history. There was a lot of beautiful stained glass and detailing.
After the visitor center, we continued to walk down Bathhouse Row. After visiting the gift shop, we crossed to the other side of the street.
Here is a series of shops and restaurants; we choose to eat at the Ohio Club.
Again much about history (gangster history). In our opinion - Hot Springs National Park is at the bottom of the list in terms of National Parks. Just not all that exciting, but still worth visiting. It should probably be a National Historic Site in lieu of a National Park.
After lunch, we decided to head to Oaklawn to see a couple of horse races. It was their first weekend open and many people were talking about it. We did not win.
And then we continued on to Lake Catherine's State Park where we did the Falls Branch Trail. It was a very nice day out so it was a good shorter 2 mile hike; a lot of other people on the trail.
And then our last stop before spending the night at a Little Rock Hotel was the Big Dam Bridge; the longest bicycle and pedestrian bridge in the world designed and built for that purpose.
There were really a lot of people there walking, riding, and running the bridge. I don't know if it was because it was a nice day - or maybe there are always that many people.
I think everyone enjoyed the sunset.
A good 3-day weekend trip to Arkansas...even if it was with a bad eye.
4 comments:
Looks like a nice area. I can't believe there is no snow and you are only wearing light jackets. Is the weather always like that at this time of year? How nice they have a hot springs and yes, it is wise to take a hot bath as long as you are there. I always do on the rare occasions I get the change. Have fun!
The "Big Dam Bridge" made me laugh. Good info about this National Park. Lots of states have hot springs, so it would be interesting to find out why this particular place got National Park status. Thanks for sharing your trip.
So glad you were able to still make your trip and kudos to Southwest for accommodating the change! It must have been so nice to feel 60 degrees!
That looks like a fun day. I enjoy soaking in natural hot springs, whether or not they cure any ailments.
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