Take a Drive Down Hot Springs' Central Avenue

The name doesn’t lie. This centrally located avenue passes right through the heart of The Spa City—beginning its journey in historic downtown, cutting a path past Bathhouse Row and Oaklawn and continuing south all the way to scenic Lake Hamilton. There’s so much to enjoy along this main thoroughfare, you’ll want to set aside plenty of time to do it all.

On the northernmost leg of Central Avenue lies ⁽¹⁾The Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa. This historic hotel was once a home-away-from-home for notorious Al Capone.

⁽²⁾The Pancake Shop is a must-try breakfast spot. Next door, you’ll find a gourmet store called ⁽³⁾The Savory Pantry. While you're downtown, stop into a few of the unique shopping destinations including ⁽⁴⁾Bathhouse Soapery, ⁽⁵⁾Hot Springs Hat Company and ⁽⁶⁾Evilo Oils & Vinegars.

Staying on Central Avenue, book a treatment at the historic ⁽⁷⁾Buckstaff or ⁽⁸⁾Quapaw bathhouses. And ⁽⁹⁾Superior Bathhouse Brewery offers craft beer inside a repurposed bathhouse.

For lunch or dinner, consider these local faves found on Central Avenue: ⁽¹⁰⁾Vault, ⁽¹¹⁾DeLuca’s Pizzeria, ⁽¹²⁾Rolando’s Nuevo Latino Restaurante and ⁽¹³⁾Core Public House. And just around the corner on Grand Avenue is ⁽¹⁴⁾501 Prime, a new dining hot spot with a wide selection of whiskey and bourbon.

Grab a cab or the car, because further down Central Avenue you’ll find more can’t-miss attractions, including ⁽¹⁵⁾Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort. Hopefully, you came during racing season (Jan. 24-May 2).

If not, you can still try your luck in the newly revamped casino before heading off to enjoy delicious food at ⁽¹⁶⁾Stubby’s Bar-B-Que, ⁽¹⁷⁾La Hacienda or ⁽¹⁸⁾Bone’s Chophouse.

Keep going. Central Avenue has even more to offer as you head toward the lakes. Stop at ⁽¹⁹⁾JavaPrimo Coffee House, Café & More for a gourmet latte (you’ll need an energy boost for all this exploring!) or stay for a full meal (breakfast or lunch) at this beloved local establishment.

Later, take the family out for mini golf at ⁽²⁰⁾Pirate’s Cove Adventure Golf and a sundae at Hot Springs’ beloved ⁽²¹⁾Scoops Homemade Ice Cream. After a long day exploring the city, rest your head in one of the tranquil, waterfront rooms inside the acclaimed ⁽²²⁾Lookout Point Lakeside Inn.