The Spa City is such an exciting vacation spot, it’s hard to decide what to do first. Lucky for you, we’re here to help. We spent a fun-filled weekend in Hot Springs, experiencing a wide variety of the city’s most luxurious accommodations, delicious dining and coolest attractions. It was pure bliss, and we want to share that experience with you. Whether you’re getting away for a long weekend or a couple of days mid-week, you can’t go wrong with a trip to Hot Springs.

Day One

5:30 p.m.: We stayed at Lookout Point Lakeside Inn, a charming bed and breakfast built on the shore of Lake Hamilton. Our experience from beginning to end was like no other. Innkeepers Kristie and Ray Rosset welcomed us at the door with glasses of wine and hors d’oeuvres, setting the tone for a relaxing weekend. We stayed in the Birdsong room, which has a private balcony with a view of the inn’s gardens and Lake Hamilton. In the mornings we were treated to delicious gourmet breakfasts, and in the afternoons we relaxed in the lakeside hammocks, taking in the natural beauty all around us. Lookout Point also has canoes, had we wanted to get in the lake. There’s a gift shop, too, where you can purchase the inn’s cookbook, coffee mugs, wonderful bath products and more.

8 p.m.: Our dinner reservations were at Luna Bella, a pasta, seafood and steak restaurant only a few minutes from the inn. Our favorite entrée was the Lobster and Crab Ravioli, a house-made tomato pasta stuffed with lobster and crab and topped with baby shrimp, fresh tomatoes and green onions. The restaurant’s fresh-baked bread was also a hit.

Day Two

8 a.m.: After a breakfast of Huevos Trifecta with Roasted Pineapple and Cinnamon Crunch Coffee Cake at Lookout Point, we went in for a Swedish massage at Ablution, a day spa on Lake Hamilton that is open seven days a week and can be reached by boat or car. After a long week at work, this relaxing massage was just what we needed. We enjoyed a stress-reducing aromatherapy treatment while Leah worked on our tired shoulders. Ablution also offers hot stone massage, sports massage, an aloe inch-loss wrap, facials and much more. When it comes to calming the body, mind and spirit, Ablution is a one-stop-shop.

11:30 a.m.: We lunched at well-known McClard’s Bar-B-Q, family owned and operated since 1928. McClard’s cooks and smokes its meat in an old-fashioned pit and makes all the menu items from scratch. We enjoyed the spicy, vinegary barbecue sauce and the hand-rolled tamales. Order them with a side of the hand-cut french fries and a beer. Can’t get enough of the sauce? You can buy a bottle – or bottles – inside the restaurant to take home. But here’s an insider tip: McClard’s doesn’t take credit cards, so make sure you have cash or a check.

1 p.m.: We were feeling lucky so we placed our bets at Oaklawn Racing & Gaming. It wasn’t live Thoroughbred racing season (January-April), but that didn’t stop us from having a little wagering fun. Oaklawn offers electronic blackjack, poker and other games of skill year-round (except on Christmas day and Easter). Our new favorite game is Double Diamond Lock ‘N Roll. We didn’t win big this time, but there’s always next time!

3:30 p.m.: Our next stop was Mid-America Science Museum, an interactive museum that is as much fun for adults as it is for children. It’s Arkansas’ largest hands-on science center and first Smithsonian Affiliate, and there are more than 100 exhibits that explore energy, matter, perception and more. We loved the Tesla coil and Tesla Theater, as well as the Whisper Dish and Floating Objects exhibits. Underground Arkansas is really popular with the kiddos.

7:30 p.m.: Dinner was at Central Fusion Cuisine, a downtown eatery with a hip vibe and delectable, creative cuisine. We recommend the Blueberry Duck & Feta entrée salad. The duck meat was the best we’ve ever had, and it was perfectly complemented by the sweet blueberry compote and the savory feta cheese. Our mouth waters just thinking about it. Other favorties include the Seared Diver Scallops and the Braised Pork Shank.

Day Three

10 a.m.: On our final day in Hot Springs, breakfast was at The Pancake Shop, a Hot Springs favorite since 1940. Even on a Sunday morning, the restaurant was overflowing with diners. We had to wait about 15 minutes to be seated, but the wait was well worth it when we were treated to some of the most heavenly pancakes. Seriously, the International House of Pancakes has nothing on this place. We ordered the Apple Pancakes, which were fluffy, sweet and plenty of food for two people. Strong coffee and crisp bacon rounded out our wonderful breakfast experience.

11:30 a.m.: Since we were in the area, we decided to stroll The Grand Promenade in Hot Springs National Park, which runs parallel to Central Avenue and Bathhouse Row. I would suggest beginning your vacation to Hot Springs here. The view of downtown is breathtaking, as is the natural scenery. It’s the coolest experience to watch the steamy hot springs bubble up from the ground at various locations throughout the park. It’s no wonder the Quapaw called it the “Valley of the Vapors.” Also, check out the Fordyce Bathhouse, which is now the national park visitor center. Stop by to get your bearings and tour a traditional, early 1900s bathhouse.

12:30 p.m.: Lunch at Rod’s Pizza Cellar on Central Avenue was delicious! We made it in time for the lunch buffet (Tuesday-Sunday 11 a.m.-2 p.m.), and enjoyed slice after tasty slice of fresh pizza, including the famous Rod’s Godfather with a creamy alfredo sauce base. Established in 1975, Rod’s is also known for its Italian pastas, including fettuccine alfredo, shrimp scampi, lasagna, manicotti and more. When it’s warm out, lunch or dinner on the expansive patio is a must.

2 p.m.: We stopped in for a rejuvenating Thermal Mineral Bath at Quapaw Baths & Spa on historic Bathhouse Row. We let the effervescent, detoxifying thermal water wash away our worries. We also sat for a while in the steam cave, and we left feeling lighter and much more relaxed.

3:30 p.m.: Our last stop was at Garvan Woodland Gardens, which features 210 acres of woodland gardens surrounded by four miles of Lake Hamilton shoreline. Nature trails featuring lots of native plants and flowers dot the landscape, providing endless options for immersing oneself in nature. We loved the Garden of the Pine Wind, an Asian rock and stream garden featuring a 12-foot waterfall and reflecting pond and the Joy Manning Scott Full Moon Bridge. We enjoyed watching the Koi ponds teem with life and strolling past numerous Japanese maples, hydrangeas and azaleas. For kids, there’s the Evans Children’s Adventure Garden, and every year from mid-November-December 31, Garvan decorates the landscape with almost a million twinkling lights for “Lights on the Landscape.”

Another great idea:
Visit on the first Friday evening of every month, and take advantage of the downtown Gallery Walk. Guests enjoy wine and hors d’oeuvres while perusing artwork in Hot Springs’ numerous art galleries.