Hot Springs Thing To Do

Velda Rose Resort Hotel & Spa - Hot Springs, AR

Velda Rose Resort Hotel & Spa

This is a great hotel for those looking to relax and take a vacation from the stress of daily life!  

A perfect time can be had by all in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Though it's best known as Spa City for its historical rejuvenating natural hot springs, water springs are not the only special thing about Hot Springs; this town of 35,750 is a fun-filled center with a historic district, family shows and unique attractions surrounded by the crystal blue waters of Lake Catherine and Lake Hamilton.

If you're coming to Hot Springs for an escape from "real life," the first thing you'll want to do is de-compress at one of the famous bathhouses. The Buckstaff Bathhouse Company on historical Bath House Row is the only operating public bath house in the district of eight original bathhouses built in the early 1900s. While you are on Bath House Row, stop in at the Fordyce Bath house, a museum and visitor's center dedicated to the history of the healing waters. Here you can take a free tour and learn how different treatments at the bath houses were prescribed for various ailments throughout history. Other public bath houses include the Velda Rose Resort Hotel and Spa, the Austin Hotel Bathhouse in the Historic District and Turtle Cove Spa on Lake Ouachita at Mountain Harbor Resort.

After you have had a chance to soak in a 100-degree "sitz" bath and then enjoy a needle shower or a massage, you've escaped the pressures of real life and are ready to truly immerse yourself in an unforgettable vacation adventure! Since you're in town, why not explore the Historic Clinton Trail, a tour of sites frequented by former President Bill Clinton when he was a boy in Hot Springs. You'll see his boyhood homes, prom location, church and favorite places to see a movie, get an ice cream cone and overlook the town.

After this bit of modern history, perhaps you would enjoy stepping back a little further in Hot Springs history, to the late 1800s. In the Hot Springs Historic District, you can view old architectural elements on several buildings built in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Notice the pressed metal facades, detailed finials, Palladian and bull's-eye windows and the date of construction featured on many of the buildings. Some of the historic buildings include The Tavern/Hay Hotel (1887), the Majestic Hotel (1902), Tillman's Antiques (1891) and the Faded Rose (1889).

With all the walking and touring you've accomplished, you are probably ready for a good, hearty lunch. The Historic District is dotted with all types of dining spots, from fast, handmade burgers at Boogie's Bar & Grill to a fine steak at the Brickhouse Grill.

After lunch, it's time to get out of town and enjoy a connection with nature at one of the area's beautiful and adventure-filled parks. Visit Hot Springs National Park and wander the 26 miles of hiking trails, or set up camp at Lake Catherine State Park where you'll enjoy fishing, swimming and boating. For sportsmen and fishermen, Lake Ouachita State Park offers a fisherman's paradise and DeGray Lake Resort State Park boasts golfing, fishing, hiking, tennis, swimming and bicycling opportunities. If lake opportunities and watersports are your favorite, stay at the Clarion Resort on Lake Hamilton, with its own boat ramp and boat and jet ski rentals. If you'd rather enjoy one of Hot Springs' parks as a spectator, head to Oaklawn Jockey Club for a chance to cheer on your favorite thoroughbred horse while you enjoy "the best corned beef sandwich in the universe."

As the sun sets over the Oaklawn Race Track or over the waters of Lake Catherine, you realize your fun-filled day has come to a close and you'd like to retire in a first-class hotel room. Stay close to the area attractions at the Best Western Stagecoach Inn or the Quality Inn so you can get a head start tomorrow on the rest of your "things-to-do" list!