In 2011, Huffington Post put up an article with a title that proclaimed Hot Springs, Arkansas “The Best Kept Secret in America.” Well, they are not wrong. Hot Springs is the hottest destination town in Arkansas, and everyone in the U.S. should go there. However, overwhelming numbers of tourists would probably decrease the number of available bathhouse appointment times for native Arkansans and increase the wait time on the roller coaster lines at Magic Springs. So how about we just keep this secret between Arkansans, yeah?
The town is set in the Ouachitas, which makes it extra awesome.
Flickr/Paul
There aren’t one or two hot springs there. There aren’t even fifteen or thirty. There are forty seven.
Flickr/Ken Lund
People have been flocking to the hot springs for centuries, long before European settlement of the area. It was called “Valley of the Vapors” by the Native Americans who frequented the springs.
Flickr/ESweet
Hot Springs is the oldest federal reserve in the United States. It was protected before the National Park Service was a gleam in Congress’s eye.
Flickr/Boston Public Library
Hot Springs has grown, but some things haven’t changed a bit.
Flickr/bigskyred
The hotels are luxurious.
Flickr/littlecity
Bathhouse Row is as historic as it is picturesque.
Flickr/Amy the Nurse
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson DVM
The bathhouses are beautiful inside…
Flickr/Patrick Denker
…and out.
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If you’re not into restorative hot spring baths, there are plenty of other things to do.
You can play the ponies at Oaklawn Park.
Flickr/BroadSports
You can ride the Gauntlet at Magic Springs.
Wikipedia/ Ruairi irish
You can explore the downtown area.
Flickr/Amy the Nurse
You can eat delicious food.
Flickr/Steve Snodgrass
You can enjoy the nearby lakes.
Flickr/WorldIslandInfo.com This is Lake Hamilton.
Whether you’re in it for the relaxation, the history, or the excitement, there’s something for everyone in Hot Springs.
Flickr/bigskyred
Flickr/Ken Lund
Now that the secret is out, let’s just keep it between us.
Flickr/Paul
Flickr/Ken Lund
Flickr/ESweet
Flickr/Boston Public Library
Flickr/bigskyred
Flickr/littlecity
Flickr/Amy the Nurse
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson DVM
Flickr/Patrick Denker
Flickr/sandwich
Flickr/BroadSports
Wikipedia/ Ruairi irish
Flickr/Steve Snodgrass
Flickr/WorldIslandInfo.com
This is Lake Hamilton.
For more information on Hot Springs, click here.
If you’re looking for another credible resort town, you have to visit this place.
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