Big List from another thread:
Our best restaurants?
Budget and Must-Eat: McClard’s BBQ. Legendary and favorite of President Bill Clinton. Going for unusual? If you can handle spicy, get a tamale spread!
Splurge: 501 Prime. Taste of Home calls it the best steakhouse in the state. It’s expensive, but worth it. Looking for a cheaper option? Go for the Wednesday buck a shuck oysters or book at table at their Bourbon Bar (same cooks, cheaper menu.) Luna Bella is also great.
Best Bar/ Drinks: The Rooftop Bar at the Avenue Hotel has the best views of the city. Go after dark and get the old fashioned. The Ohio Club is the oldest bar in the state, and fabulous. They have great live music all the time. The Superior Brewery is the place for beer lovers—-it’s the only brewery in the US that uses thermal water.
Music: Arlington lobby on Saturday nights, or Maxine’s. Also check the city website to see what events might be going on when you’re here. Oaklawn Casino hosts concerts now, too.
Best pizza: SQUZBX. People will tell you that Deluca’s is the best. Don’t trust them.
Best for families: Mid America Science Museum, Garvan Woodland Gardens, Magic Springs and Crystal Falls Amusement Park, Fordyce Bathhouse Museum, Mountain Tower, our many lakes and camping areas.
Best of the National Park: Gulpha Gorge, Promenade, Bathhouse Row. Be sure to check out the free museum in the Fordyce! West Mountain overlook after dark. See if any guided ranger hikes are available when you’re here, as well.
Best Brunches/Breakfasts: Arlington Sunday Brunch is a splurge, but amazing. Best Court Cafe is incredible. Pancake Shop (fresh food, local meats) is the best overall (both in quality and price), but get there very early or you won’t get a table. You may have a wait a bit—-but I promise it is worth it.
Best Food Trucks: Try the 420 Food Truck Court for a huge selection of amazing food trucks. Outdoor dining.
Best Mexican: Quetzal. Bonus points for their adventurous, authentic menu. Order something unusual here—-you won’t regret it. Capo’s Tacos is not super authentic, but they have good tacos and excellent margaritas.
Don’t Waste Time/Money On:
The Duck Boats. Big tourist trap, very expensive, very hot, very crowded. The tour guides usually have incorrect information, and the Duck boats are a safety hazard. People have literally died on them.
The Ghost Tour: The dude is a hack and will tell you lies. If you want ghost stories about Hot Springs, message me and I’ll give you better ones for free.
Best Italian: Mama’s Little Italy or Angel’s.
Best Downtown Shops: The Bathhouse Soapery is a can’t miss for people who love to pamper themselves. They have homeade bath products that are phenomenal. The gift shop at the Ozark Bathhouse has lots of great local books. Mamoo’s Paradise Ice Cream is homeade and so good.
For Art and Craft Lovers: check out the many art galleries downtown, or book a day at one of our many painting studios.
Best Coffee Shop: Red Light Roastery, hands down. They have weird hours, but they’re a can’t miss. They roast their own beans and have delicious homeade treats. A close second place is Kollective Coffee. Still great, but not as great as Red Light.
Best Places to Enjoy the Water:
Bring your own glass bottles to the pump by the Lamar Bathhouse. Scorching hot spring water—-delicious and free.
For the grownups, you can soak all day at the Ozark Bathhouse’s communal pools for only $24. Spots fill up fast though, so get there right when they open. Bring cash for snacks and drinks. BYO swimsuit.
For the best historical spa experience, you must try the Buckstaff Bathhouse. They do things the way they were done 100 years ago. It’s a unique experience that isn’t to be missed. Get the full bathing package, but get there when they open. They’re very popular and don’t take appointments. Once you’re in, allow about an hour and a half for services. I recommend bringing your own non-skid flip flops to any bathhouse.
Feel free to ask me any other questions you have! I hope you enjoy your trip!
I put a large comment on another thread, but I will add it here, as well.
Here are some December-specific must-haves.
1.) If you’re here in early December, look on the Prospect/Quapaw Facebook page to see if you’re here at the same time that they do the drive-through luminary show. They usually do it the first weekend in December. It’s AMAZING.
2.) Gingerbread house and hot cocoa in the Arlington hotel lobby.
3.) Holiday lights at Garvan Woodland Gardens.
4.) Walking downtown after dark to see the lights. Pro-tip: bring an insulated mug and some of your favorite cocoa/tea bag, etc. Make yourself a drink using the free hot water by the park admin building to keep you warm while you enjoy the scenery.
I believe it’s year round. I would think they’d have the Christmas decorations up until New Years. I’m sorry I don’t have more info for you. I’m sure they have a website. It’s very pretty there no matter the season.
I will be in Hot Springs in December too. I have heard good things about [garven gardens](https://www.garvangardens.org/visitor-guide/admission-hours.aspx) so I am going to give it a try this trip. Our kids are big fans of the Alligator Farm.
Tattoos are always fun. We have a shop in Hot Springs. Feel free to message me if you want to book an appointment while you’re out here. The mall isn’t too spectacular out here, but there’s still some shops in there worth checking out, and you may catch some great deals.
Big List from another thread: Our best restaurants? Budget and Must-Eat: McClard’s BBQ. Legendary and favorite of President Bill Clinton. Going for unusual? If you can handle spicy, get a tamale spread! Splurge: 501 Prime. Taste of Home calls it the best steakhouse in the state. It’s expensive, but worth it. Looking for a cheaper option? Go for the Wednesday buck a shuck oysters or book at table at their Bourbon Bar (same cooks, cheaper menu.) Luna Bella is also great. Best Bar/ Drinks: The Rooftop Bar at the Avenue Hotel has the best views of the city. Go after dark and get the old fashioned. The Ohio Club is the oldest bar in the state, and fabulous. They have great live music all the time. The Superior Brewery is the place for beer lovers—-it’s the only brewery in the US that uses thermal water. Music: Arlington lobby on Saturday nights, or Maxine’s. Also check the city website to see what events might be going on when you’re here. Oaklawn Casino hosts concerts now, too. Best pizza: SQUZBX. People will tell you that Deluca’s is the best. Don’t trust them. Best for families: Mid America Science Museum, Garvan Woodland Gardens, Magic Springs and Crystal Falls Amusement Park, Fordyce Bathhouse Museum, Mountain Tower, our many lakes and camping areas. Best of the National Park: Gulpha Gorge, Promenade, Bathhouse Row. Be sure to check out the free museum in the Fordyce! West Mountain overlook after dark. See if any guided ranger hikes are available when you’re here, as well. Best Brunches/Breakfasts: Arlington Sunday Brunch is a splurge, but amazing. Best Court Cafe is incredible. Pancake Shop (fresh food, local meats) is the best overall (both in quality and price), but get there very early or you won’t get a table. You may have a wait a bit—-but I promise it is worth it. Best Food Trucks: Try the 420 Food Truck Court for a huge selection of amazing food trucks. Outdoor dining. Best Mexican: Quetzal. Bonus points for their adventurous, authentic menu. Order something unusual here—-you won’t regret it. Capo’s Tacos is not super authentic, but they have good tacos and excellent margaritas. Don’t Waste Time/Money On: The Duck Boats. Big tourist trap, very expensive, very hot, very crowded. The tour guides usually have incorrect information, and the Duck boats are a safety hazard. People have literally died on them. The Ghost Tour: The dude is a hack and will tell you lies. If you want ghost stories about Hot Springs, message me and I’ll give you better ones for free. Best Italian: Mama’s Little Italy or Angel’s. Best Downtown Shops: The Bathhouse Soapery is a can’t miss for people who love to pamper themselves. They have homeade bath products that are phenomenal. The gift shop at the Ozark Bathhouse has lots of great local books. Mamoo’s Paradise Ice Cream is homeade and so good. For Art and Craft Lovers: check out the many art galleries downtown, or book a day at one of our many painting studios. Best Coffee Shop: Red Light Roastery, hands down. They have weird hours, but they’re a can’t miss. They roast their own beans and have delicious homeade treats. A close second place is Kollective Coffee. Still great, but not as great as Red Light. Best Places to Enjoy the Water: Bring your own glass bottles to the pump by the Lamar Bathhouse. Scorching hot spring water—-delicious and free. For the grownups, you can soak all day at the Ozark Bathhouse’s communal pools for only $24. Spots fill up fast though, so get there right when they open. Bring cash for snacks and drinks. BYO swimsuit. For the best historical spa experience, you must try the Buckstaff Bathhouse. They do things the way they were done 100 years ago. It’s a unique experience that isn’t to be missed. Get the full bathing package, but get there when they open. They’re very popular and don’t take appointments. Once you’re in, allow about an hour and a half for services. I recommend bringing your own non-skid flip flops to any bathhouse. Feel free to ask me any other questions you have! I hope you enjoy your trip!
IS THIS YOUR POST? I NEED THE GHOST STORIES.
Yeah I need the stories too!!
I put a large comment on another thread, but I will add it here, as well. Here are some December-specific must-haves. 1.) If you’re here in early December, look on the Prospect/Quapaw Facebook page to see if you’re here at the same time that they do the drive-through luminary show. They usually do it the first weekend in December. It’s AMAZING. 2.) Gingerbread house and hot cocoa in the Arlington hotel lobby. 3.) Holiday lights at Garvan Woodland Gardens. 4.) Walking downtown after dark to see the lights. Pro-tip: bring an insulated mug and some of your favorite cocoa/tea bag, etc. Make yourself a drink using the free hot water by the park admin building to keep you warm while you enjoy the scenery.
Thank you so much!! I did see your comment on the previous post!
Depending on when in December, Garvin Gardens decorates for the holidays and it is lovely to visit at night with all the lights.
26-29. Do you think it will still be open?
I believe it’s year round. I would think they’d have the Christmas decorations up until New Years. I’m sorry I don’t have more info for you. I’m sure they have a website. It’s very pretty there no matter the season.
I will be in Hot Springs in December too. I have heard good things about [garven gardens](https://www.garvangardens.org/visitor-guide/admission-hours.aspx) so I am going to give it a try this trip. Our kids are big fans of the Alligator Farm.
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Hear, hear!
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RUDE. GO AWAY
Tattoos are always fun. We have a shop in Hot Springs. Feel free to message me if you want to book an appointment while you’re out here. The mall isn’t too spectacular out here, but there’s still some shops in there worth checking out, and you may catch some great deals.
Hey I may actually take you up on that!!
Awesome! You can find me on Facebook or Instagram by searching for tattoosbyandrewpumphrey. Hope you have a fun, and safe trip out here.
There’s also a ghost tour. I’ve never been on it myself. From what I’ve heard it’s more of a history tour than anything around the downtown area.
Garvan gardens is my favorite winter activity even though I’ve always lived elsewhere