More entertainment, restaurants and shopping opportunities await you in the section of Hot Springs sandwiched between downtown and the lake district.

The jewel of this area is Oaklawn Racing & Gaming, a Thoroughbred horse track. It has drawn thousands of visitors over the years and has witnessed the crowning of many champions, including Smarty Jones in 2004, who went on to win the Preakness and the Kentucky Derby. While horse racing is conducted only from January through April, Oaklawn is open year-round (except Christmas Day and Easter) for off-track betting and electronic games, such as poker and blackjack.

Farther west, just off U.S. Highway 70, is the Mid-America Science Museum, Arkansas’ largest hands-on science center, where families can experience a wide range of interactive science exhibits, including a virtual reality simulator ride on a roller coaster and the chance to explore an “underground cave.” The museum, one of only two Smithsonian Institution affiliates in the state, has many permanent exhibits and offers field trips, camps and classes. It recently unveiled new schematic designs for a $7.8 million renovation of the building and exhibits.

Additionally, acclaimed restaurants and popular stores, like Hot Springs Mall, Grow, Pink Avenue and fanastic gift shops like those at Garvan Woodland Gardens and Destinations Day Spa, pepper the area.

PLACES TO EAT:

• The Big Chill
• La Hacienda
• Stubby’s Bar-B-Que

PLACES TO PLAY:

• The Big Chill
• Garvan Woodland Gardens
• Oaklawn Racing & Gaming

PLACES TO RELAX:

• Destinations Day Spa

PLACES TO SHOP:

• Destinations Day Spa
• Garvan Woodland Gardens
• Grow
• Hot Springs Mall
• Pink Avenue