We recently took a trip to Hot Springs, Arkansas to visit Hot Springs National Park, but also to explore a new little town. Hot Springs is located about an hour west of Little Rock, and is right off the highway, making it easily accessible. The town of Hot Springs is embedded with Hot Springs National Park, making it a unique national park and town unlike any we have visited. The town and the national park are centered around the hot springs, and teh former spa culture; however, if you are interested in visiting the spas, there are still a couple options, including the Arlington Resort Hotel and Spa.

The main street running through the town features the old hot springs spa structures. One side of the street contains the historic buildings, while the other side features the shops, restaurants, and tourist sites. The national park offers a museum, gift shop, brewery, and a spa to stop by. Most of the architecture is impressive brick and stone structures that feature the history of the town.

One of the stops along the main row, is Fat Bottom Girls Cupcake Shop, next to Pour Some Sugar On Me Sweet Shoppe. The cupcake shop has been featured on the food network, and has an assortment of fun, and delicious cupcakes. Inside the store there are bright pink walls that look like dropping icing. Being from St. Louis we were most excited for the gooey butter cake flavored cupcakes, which were absolutely delicious. The cupcakes are icing dominated, so if you love icing, Fat Bottom Girls Cupcake Shop is a must.

Besides shops and restaurants, there are a few natural springs along the main row in different places that provide visitors the opportunity to experience the spring water even if they don’t visit a spa. Several of the springs are left in their natural state, while others are converted to faucets for visitors to get water if they would like. There is also a walking path that overlooks the entire main row, that is accessible is a couple of stairwells.

After we spent the afternoon walking up and down the main street stopping at places allow the row, we branched off and visited SQZBX, which is a pizzeria and brewery.  The building is a small brick structure, with a glass front, and bright neon lights. Inside the front section is the restaurant that is filled with tables and large booths. The ceiling is made of nice tiled ceiling, and the decor along the wall highlights instruments, such as accordions converted into light fixtures. In the back of the restaurant is a long bar, that provides more of a brewery setting with views of the brewing equipment situated behind the bar. During our visit we ordered a pizza, a salad, and a flight of beers. The portions were large, the food was good, and the beers were nice drinkable summer beers. While all the other restaurants along the main strip were crowded, SQZBX was much more laid back, and we were easily seated. We both found the decor unique, and the food and drinks tasty.

If you have time, just a short drive outside of Hot Springs is Garvan Woodland Gardens. The gardens are mostly surrounded by water, providing a nice setting. Inside the gardens are extensive, and provide a lot of natural greenery, as well as designed floral displays. There is also an incredible chapel made of glass, that allows the outdoors and the tree canopy to become part of the chapel’s decor, while also allowing guests to be sheltered, but surrounded by nature.

The focus of the town is on just walking around, enjoying historic buildings, and relaxing. We both enjoyed our long weekend in Hot Springs, Arkansas and definitely recommend a visit.