The city of Hot Springs was built up around the springs and was originally named “The American Spa.” Today the north end of the city is Hot Springs National Park and is where visitors will find the historic bathhouse row; a collection of 8 bathhouse buildings that were built between 1892-1923.

Today, only two of the bathhouses, Buckstaff and Quapaw, remain as a working Hot Springs spa.

Buckstaff Baths offer a traditional bath experience on a first-come, first-serve basis.  An all men’s department is on the first floor and the ladies baths are on the 2nd floor.

All supplies and linen are provided to cover yourself between bathing stations.

Quapaw Bath House is a modern spa with both private and public thermal pools.

I indulged in a private bath and the Mountain Dream package.

Soaking in the thermal waters was so relaxing and I started thinking of ways to transport the Hot Springs thermal waters to my house for nice long soaks at home.

After a nice hot soak, I was pampered with a facial, Sweedish massage and hot stone therapy.

While I was being pampered Alan was having a Sweedish massage as well.

When we met up after our spa treatments Alan told me it was the best massage he ever had. I couldn’t agree more.

The waiting area for spa service is a great place to relax between treatments and has water and snacks available.

Call in advance for reservations for Hot Spring spa services and private baths, the public baths are first come, first serve. Be sure to take your swimsuit and rubber-soled shoes.

The rest of the historic buildings along bathhouse row, except Maurice, are open to the public giving you a peek into the past.

The Maurice Bathhouse, a close rival to the luxurious Fordyce bathhouse, is closed to the public, but it sure does look pretty from the outside.

The Fordyce Bathhouse, which today is the Hot Springs National Park Visitor Center, is a must-see when you visit. The upstairs interior is beautiful and I can see why people loved visiting the spas.

Gorgeous interior, all light and bright with beautiful stained glass and intricately laid tiled floors. Honestly, I wanted to pull up a white wicker chair and stay awhile, but the National Park Ranger informed me that if I crossed the railing alarms would sound. Such a bummer.

The men’s area in the Fordyce bathhouse has a beautiful sculpture in the center of the room with stained glass above. For some reason, the women’s side wasn’t nearly as ornate.

It’s an interesting look at how things were back in the day.

Some entrepreneurial individuals took the idea of a brewery and opened it up in the Superior Bathhouse. Grab a seat in the window and people watch while enjoying a beer.

The Lamar Bathhouse is now home to the National Park store. Step inside and check out the lovely lobby and maybe buy a glass bottle or two to take home some of the famous thermal waters available for free at nearby faucets.

If you are looking for a different kind of trip schedule a treatment at a Hot Spring Spa along bathhouse row in Hot Springs, Arkansas. You’ll soon discover why people come back here year after year.

If you need a local place to stay check out the Austin Hotel, which is an easy stroll to bathhouse row and the historic downtown area.

The Austin has all the amenities you could want including a pool, restaurant, and spa.

We also stopped at Garvan Woodland Gardens and it was AWESOME!

Start planning your visit to Hot Springs today!

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Chapel At Garvan Woodland Gardens

In my opinion, one of the best attractions at the gardens is the Anthony Chapel. Designed by Maurice Jennings & David McKee and constructed in 2006, the chapel is all wood, glass, and light and is very Frank Lloyd Wright inspired. Stepping inside the chapel is like an experience in itself. I can see why this is a popular destination for weddings, concerts and other events.

The inside peak reaches a stunning 55 feet tall and is an impressive display of architecture being one with nature.

Bigfoot At Garvan Woodland Gardens

There are so many other great things about Garvan Woodland Gardens. There are 13 man-made water features, views of Lake Hamilton, a fairy garden, bonsai gardens, Japanese gardens, a number of interesting bridges and BIG FOOT! Yes, you read that correctly. Big Foot has been hiding out at Garvan Woodland Gardens and I have photographic evidence.

See, I told ya. I don’t know if he’ll still be there when you visit, but if he is be sure to get a photo of him!

Fairy Gardens At Garvan Woodland Gardens

The fairy gardens are absolutely delightful with numerous fairy houses and is sure to delight children of all ages. The house names are very fitting for fairies and one house even has a fairy living in it….look around long enough and you may be lucky enough to spot it as well.

Be sure to make a cute video of searching for fairy doors.

Water Features at Garvan Woodland Gardens

The water features are impressive at the gardens and I could have spent all day photographing all the features. This is the largest waterfall at the gardens and is a great place to sit and relax for a spell.

Views of Lake Hamilton peek through the trees as you wander through the gardens.

Gardens at Garvan Woodland Gardens

The gardens is home to more than 160 different types of azaleas, hundreds of rare shrubs and trees, including camellias, magnolias. Japanese maples and tree peonies also adorn the Japanese garden which is the 5th best Japanese garden in North America.

Bridges at Garvan Woodland Gardens

I loved all the bridges around the property. My favorite is the Millsap Canopy bridge, but the Bridge of the Full Moon is also pretty cool.

(c)garvangardens.org

(c)garvangardens.org

Christmas at Garvan Woodland Gardens

During the Christmas holidays 17 acres of the property comes alive with over 4 million lights. This is definitely a great time to visit the gardens and is sure to brighten your holiday.

(c)garvangardens.org

Learn more about the gardens at https://www.garvangardens.org/ and be sure to follow them on Facebook.

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