A Romantic Hot Springs Vacation

Clarion Resort On the Lake - Hot Springs, AR

Clarion Resort On the Lake

Hot Springs is rich with beautiful scenery, making it the perfect spot for a romantic getaway. Whether it's walking hand in hand through the historic downtown area, taking a horse-drawn carriage ride, or a relaxing dinner on a riverboat, Hot Springs has numerous activities and attractions that cater to the couple looking to get away from it all for some quality one-on-one time.

ACCOMODATIONS

• Clarion Resort on the Lake. If you're looking for quality accommodations with class and luxury, this resort has it. The resort features an on-site cafe, sports restaurant, lakeside lighted swimming pool, tennis and volleyball courts. Rooms offer amenities such as cable television and in-room coffee makers. With everything this hotel has to offer, you may just want to stay snuggled up in your room all day.

• Best Western Stagecoach Inn. Located just across the street from Oaklawn Park, and minutes from the spas and parks, this hotel is just perfect for the couple-on-the-go. Plus, it offers a vast array of amenities. The rooms feature individually controlled temperature control and cable television with free HBO. There's an on-site restaurant, complimentary continental breakfast, swimming pool, free coffee and free parking.

DINING

• Bell of Hot Springs Riverboat. Looking for an elegant dinner or lunch atmosphere? This 400-passenger riverboat is just what you are looking for. Chef Wilson presents his award-winning prime rib among other scrumptious menu items to diners on this boat. The boat isn't just for exquisite dining; sightseeing is another activity the boat is known for. Enjoy the sights of the area in each other's arms on this romantic ride.

• Gilligan's Cafe and Sandbar. Looking for fine lakeside dining? Then Gilligan's is the place to go. This establishment offers exquisite dining in a tranquil, lakeside atmosphere.

ACTIVITIES

• Hot Springs Carriage Company. If you want to see the historic downtown area in class with a touch of romance, this company has exactly what you need. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride through downtown historic Hot Springs for a night that you are sure to remember.

• Fiddlers Ridge Rock Shop and Crystal Mine. The area isn't only known for spas and relaxation; it is also rich in crystal mining opportunities. Get your mining permit at the rock shop and take a 20-minute ride to the mines where you will dig for your very own crystals. If you want to do something really romantic, dig up the perfect crystal and have it made into a piece of jewelry to remember your trip by.

• Castleberry Riding Stables, Inc. Enjoy the outdoors the best way possible, on horseback. This family-owned operation has been in business for over 42 years and offers guided trail riding for people of all skill levels. Located just eight miles from the Hot Springs National Park, this attraction is easy to get to and is open year-round, weather permitting. There's nothing more romantic than spending a day on horseback with the person you love most.

ATTRACTIONS

• Buckstaff Bathhouse Company. This bathhouse has been in operation since 1912 and is the only thermal bathhouse facility that has continuously remained operational on Historic Bath House Row. Here you can treat yourself to mineral baths, hot packs, sitz baths, steam cabinets or Swedish massages, all activities that the area is famous for. Get a couples massage for a day neither of you will soon forget.

• Clower's World-Famous Zoo With I.Q. Looking for something fun and unique? How about seeing a chicken that can count or a rabbit that plays the piano? Ever see a duck play the guitar? These and more can be found at Clower's World-Famous Zoo with I.Q. A day of laughter can lead to a night of romance, so this is a spot you definitely want to check out.

• Hot Springs National Park. Hot Springs National Park is the oldest National Park in the National Park System. The area not only offers bath and spa services, but the park also offers visitors an array of picnic, boating, hiking and scenic driving opportunities. Walk hand in hand among the bubbling springs and then enjoy a romantic candle-light picnic for two.

• Oaklawn Park. Oaklawn Park is located in Hot Springs and is home to the Racing Festival of the South and is also home to "the best corned beef sandwich in the universe." To experience horse racing in all of its glory, Oaklawn Park is the place to go. Place your bets and see if love conquers all, including the odds of the house!

• Magic Springs Theme Park and Crystal Falls. This theme park is located in the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains. Here you will find the thrills of a theme park added to the fun of a water park. Enjoy thrill rides like the Arkansas Twister or Dr. Dean's Rocket Machine. There's no better excuse for clutching onto each other, than when you're doing it for dear life on a fantastic thrill ride. Then head on over to the water park (included in admission) to ride the slides and wave pools.