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Deep in the heart of Arkansas, surrounded by scenic mountains, winding waterways and charming small towns, lies a historic city that is too often overlooked compared to the usual mainstays of the South.
Little Rock is the most notable destination in Arkansas and is one of those big cities with a small town feel.
However, Arkansas has much more to offer than its beautiful riverside skyline and fresh home-cooked food. Outside the city life lies a truly amazing nature, which lives up to the motto ‘Natural State’.
There’s one city that does particularly well in the autumn months, with the oldest National Park in the country and some original ways to relax, making Hot springs a truly unique outing.
Not your average water destination
If you’ve never been there Hot springsyou can probably imagine how the name came about.
Yes, the Hot Springs hot springs are a big hit, attracting tourists to soak in the nearly 150-degree water.
As a heat wave sweeps through multiple states and even Death Valley has seen record temperatures, what better way to enjoy unusual thermometer readings than in nature’s jacuzzi.
Many travelers are still looking for sun and sand even in the fall, but a visit to Hot Springs is a different kind of experience and gets rave reviews!
Hot Springs is located in Arkansas’ lush Ouachita Mountains, where there’s more to do than you might imagine in a city of fewer than 40,000 residents.
From scenic trails and thermal springs for outdoor enthusiasts, historic bathhouses for the ultimate relaxing spa day, and an underrated food scene, Hot Springs is more than meets the eye. Small Rock big shadow.
Move over Yellowstone! This is America’s oldest national park
Yellowstone may be the first designated U.S. national park, but Hot Springs National Park has been around for much longer.
Initially established as federally protected land, Yellowstone may have beaten Hot Springs to official “National Park” status, but Hot Springs has had a seat at the table for nearly two centuries and was recently hyped up by National Geographic.
Since September has arrived in the blink of an eye, expect the same with the area’s abundance of fall colors.
A burst of vibrant reds and rustic oranges usually arrive in mid-October and get going well before Thanksgiving.
But as beautiful as this park may be to explore in search of the perfect sweater weather photo op, it’s the 47 thermal springs that are the real draw.
As the old saying goes, “There must be something in the water”… well, in this case it’s true.
Hot Springs takes great pride in the therapeutic properties of their thermal waters, creating an entire tourism industry around it.
While you cannot soak directly into the sourcesThere are plenty of ways to experience the region’s pristine waters.
Historic Bathhouses of Hot Springs
Ever been to a bathhouse? I have, and what an experience! My first time was in Istanbul, in a traditional Turkish bathhouse.
First I walked into the wrong locker room (oops!), then I thought I was going to pass out in the sauna, followed by a strange massage from another man that to this day I still have no idea why he had to I undress, but I digress…
Cultural differences are certainly real, but you don’t have to worry about any awkwardness here, because Hot Springs’ bathhouses are the cream of the crop and undoubtedly the star attraction.
There is even an entire neighborhood dedicated to them: Bathhouse Row. This is the best place to take advantage of the benefits of Hot Springs while treating yourself to the ultimate fall retreat.
This isn’t your average spa day, but you’ll find yourself taking part in a variety of water-related activities dating back to the 1830s, along with massages, mud wraps and facials.
Trust the process and enjoy the natural minerals from the nearby springs. The most unique Hotel Halethe longest existing bathhouse from 1892.
Here you can enjoy the thermal water without having to step foot outside your hotel room! Simply relax in your bath as the water flows straight from the National Park’s springs.
Tip: Look for free parking at 128 Exchange St.
Homemade southern comfort
Southern hospitality is the real deal. You’ll know it when you see it, and it’s definitely not in New York City!
There are some incredible food cities throughout the South, like New Orleans, Austin, Memphis and Charleston, but many fly well under the radar – Hot Springs is one of them.
Don’t sleep on local Arkansas treats like fried pies. And yes, it’s totally okay to eat dessert first!
The barbecue scene is out of this world with generational favorites such as McClard’s Bar-B-Q restaurant.
And you know it wouldn’t be Hot Springs without a local beer brewed with their famous thermal water, which you can try Superior bathhouse brewery.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
