In this “Under The Radar Destination” column, Travelocity spoke with Keith Nowak, who spent an “extended work hiatus” just outside of Hot Springs a to get some tips on why the nation’s only urban national park is a perfect spot for a getaway.
How did you come to be an expert on Hot Springs?
I lived near Hot Springs for about a year while I took some time off between jobs, which gave me plenty of time to explore the area.
Why is Hot Springs so special to you?
Before living there, I didn’t know a lot about Hot Springs. But I came to learn that it has such a rich history and so much unique character that makes it a truly special place.
Downtown Hot Springs and Hot Springs National Park
Where in town would you go to celebrate a special occasion?
For a special occasion, I would recommend The Porterhouse. It’s right in downtown Hot Springs in a great old building. The food and service is excellent, and the ambiance is elegant, but not the least bit stuffy.
What is a great small, local eatery that only locals know about?
There are a few good choices. The Ohio Club, right across from the bathhouses on Central Avenue is the oldest bar in Arkansas. Located in a former illicit casino, the Ohio Club was frequented by gangsters and ballplayers (Hot Springs was where many clubs had Spring Training at one time) in the 20’s and 30’s – and today is a great bar with a cool vibe – and amazing hamburgers! And while it attracts tourists and locals alike, I wouldn’t miss The Pancake Shop for breakfast – but get there early, as the crowds start lining up on the sidewalk quickly.
What local venues are the best place to catch some live music?
Not to get stuck on a theme – but the Ohio Club is also a great spot for live music. An intimate venue for music, bands perform live 7 nights a week.
If a visitor wanted to do some true local shopping in Hot Springs (i.e. local products not available nationally), where should they go?
Hot Springs has a vibrant arts scene – and every Saturday morning, visitors can check out fresh food and local art at the Hot Springs Farmers and Artisans market on the south end of downtown. But my favorite event is the annual Handmade Holiday Shop which runs between Thanksgiving and Christmas. It moves around a bit every year, but is located somewhere in the downtown area and sells local art, jewelry, decorative items and more that you can’t get anywhere else.
The Superior Bathhouse on Hot Springs’ Bathhouse Row is a perfect spot for a local brew and people watching any time of the year.
If a beer or wine aficionado came to town, where would you send them to sample locally made “beverages”?
Definitely Superior Bathhouse. It’s right at the north end of Bathhouse Row, and after years of working to get the necessary permits (made all the more difficult since the bathhouse is technically part of a National Park) they are brewing beer on site using the local hot spring water. It’s also a great place to people watch while you sample a local brew!
Are there any historical spots/museums/etc, that would help visitors to learn more about Hot Springs?
Along with being the first National Park, Hot Springs is also the only urban national park in the US. So a great first stop is the National Park Visitors Center in the former Fordyce Bathhouse. You can pick up a map of the area here – including the miles of trails right above the bathhouses, and get some great information about the park from the park rangers.
The Fordyce Bathhouse is home to the Hot Springs National Park Visitors Center. Courtesy: Visit Hot Springs
If a visitor wanted to get a feel for the Hot Springs area, are there any tours, walks, excursions that you would recommend?
For sports fans, the Hot Springs Baseball Trail is a good way to learn about how the area hosted some of the greatest ballplayers of the early 20th century for spring training. Some of the players who trained (and played) in Hot Springs were Cy Young, Babe Ruth and Jackie Robinson.
Other than what you have listed above, what is a special place that you would take a friend visiting Hot Springs for the first time?
Hot Springs grew up around the namesake hot springs, with bathhouses popping up around the springs (which became the center of town). Today, there is just one working bathhouse – the Buckstaff. For a truly unique experience, it is the only place for a traditional hot spring treatment. Another local treasure is Garvan Gardens. This beautiful 210 acre park, operated by the University of Arkansas, sits on the shoreline of Lake Hamilton and features a wide array of rare and native plants. It also is the site of the architecturally distinctive Anthony Chapel – which was named by Buzzfeed as the #2 “Coolest Place to get Married” in 2013.
Keith Nowak is Travelocity’s Director of Communications, and a self-identified Texan who is thrilled to once again be living in the Lone Star State after a decade in exile.
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Where would you stay if we need 30-60 rooms? Something with a lot of character and easily accessible?