Arkansas-Hot Springs National Park

Nov 7, 2018:  another rainy morning.  But we managed to get out for a last walk around Jacksonport SP before departing for Hot Springs.  For the last two nights we were alone in the park.  So quiet except for the occasional train whistle.

We drove abou 140 miles to a KOA.  We are not fans of KOA's but...  I know that holidays including Veterans Day are huge camping weekends.  I made reservations for this coming Saturday but Friday is part of the weekend!  What was I thinking?  I guess I wasn't. Anyway all the state parks and COE's are pretty much filled up in this area.  There is so much to think about when planning our route.  I don't like to make reservations because it doesn't let us "detour".  Oh well, it is a nice place right in the National Park and very close to (within 3 miles) of hiking etc.

We headed to the Visitor Center where they gave us maps and told us what to see and do.  So helpful. We walked Bath House Row, 2 of the places are still in operation the others have become restaurants and other types of stores.

there are a few murals in town

and a few Hot Springs too!  

We found a brewery that makes their brew with the local spring water

The Park HQ is in one of the Bath houses, all we can say is WOW.  the most beautiful HQ we have ever seen. We were able to take a tour of the building.

there were many "baths"

Steam boxes

Showers with lots of heads

Beautiful stain glass windows and ceilings

and a Gymnasium!  What a wonderful place this had to be in its Hay day.

Nov 8: this morning we headed back to the park for hiking.  We started on the Promenade then headed to the trails.  We hiked the North mountain and mountain is the correct term.  We ended up with over 80 floors on our fit bits!

Beautiful views from the top of the mountain. Our weather was perfect for hiking, cool and overcast, we never overheated!

We took a quick trip to Lake Ouachita State Park for a short hike and to see the lake.

Fri Nov 9: A bit cool for our morning walk at the Fish Hatchery

The wind was a biting but we enjoyed the walk.  We then went up the road to the Garvin Woodland Gardens.  the cost was $15 each but well worth the money.  Beautiful grounds that they were decorating for the holidays.

Fairy Garden

2 Million Tree house just opened this July.  

Anthony Chapel where many weddings are held

We spent about 3 hours and walked over 4 miles on the grounds.   The temps did rise and the sun did come out so it turned into a wonderful day.

We went to Fat Jacks in downtown for catfish dinner.  The place was kind of grungy but the service and food were outstanding.  Eric had fried oysters, fried shrimp and fried catfish.  it was all good.

tomorrow we head to Texas!  about 140 miles to Atlanta State Park.