Love being there. The staffs are friendly, the gardens and grounds are soothing and peaceful. I go…read morethere at least twice a week, maybe 3 times when I can escape from my hustle and bustle. Every time I was there, I feel a sense of peace and joy. Where else can you get that kind of relaxation in a city? It's just beautiful.

Options for autumn when Canada was "closed" (1 of 2)…read more - - - - - Covid may seemingly be a thing of the past, but, for some, it will never be forgotten because it affected them or their loved ones in far more serious ways. It changed how we interacted, shopped, circulated, and even limited our options as to where we could travel. For a while, Canada was closed and it always comes to the top of my list when it comes to fall colors. That said, other options became New England, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and the Ozarks. Garvan Woodland Gardens is located just outside of Hot Springs, Arkansas, thus in the general Ozarks area. Hot Springs itself was already on the map as place of touristic import. Along a major avenue there is nationally registered "Bathhouse Row," a string of private spas in ornate mansion-sized facilities that rose to fame during the 20th Century. Its most famous visitor may have been Al Capone. I came to learn that Capone died a natural death. One might have thought otherwise. I vaguely knew about these gardens - the Garvan Woodland Gardens. However, if in town and you ask questions about things to do, their existence, and their details, become front and center. It's an easy drive from the small city of Hot Springs. The gardens began as a private garden that then flourished when they were donated and "privatized," or realistically operated by the University of Arkansas. As such, there is an admission fee. As can be expected, the gardens are segmented and themed. The most notable might be the Japanese Garden and the manicured plantings that go with that. There are also other themed areas, including some areas which are a little natural, or scruffier, if you prefer that word. There are other areas such as a toy railroad sort of old town, walkways abutting the lake, and odd contraptions that serve as stairs, bridges, and tree houses. Then, there are some areas with art installations of sort that look sort of granola. I didn't have time to read every placard explaining the logic, if any, of some of these things. There is also a non-denominational chapel on the grounds and it closely resembles the state's Thorncrown Chapel designed by the University of Arkansas's famed alumnus E. Fay Jones. I had already seen that chapel in Eureka Springs, but, if you can't make it to its remote corner of the state (actually just south of and somewhat close to Branson, Missouri), this one will almost enable you to check Thorncrown Chapel off your list. Seasonal blooms will affect what you see. Note that, if seeking fall color in the state, it will come later than other parts of America owing to the more southerly latitude. In the fall, it won't be as "flowery." The forested lands in which Garvan Wooodlands Gardens sits appear to be studded in Southern pine, and reminded me of the vegetation surrounding the Atlanta area. The employees on hand were very helpful. Note that, in this state, your bucket list ,at the very minimum, would be about 3 state parks, 2 more rugged natural areas, the historic areas of Little Rock, Eureka Springs, and Hot Springs, which would include these gardens. The beauty of everything you see may exceed your expectations. Just about everyone is giving Garvan Woodlands Gardens 5 stars. For its context and area, it should fetch 5 stars. However, compared to other places with a similar admission fee, I felt it was closer to 4 stars. It is nonetheless impressive and recommended and you should also consider the month in which you plan to visit. However, it could also be that the few hippie-dippy things there made for an eye roll. They always do.

My kids, our dog, and I walked the entire Grand Promenade in downtown Hot Springs, AR, back on July…read more20, 2025. Since that was a Sunday, metered street parking was free. We made sure to head there as early as possible which was about 8:30 AM. Hardly anyone was out there. The sidewalks and streets weren't yet hot on our dog's feet. We dipped our hands in the terribly hot waterfall and small ponds near Central Ave and Fountain Street. We walked up the stairs somewhere nearby. It might be hard on elderly dogs. But my elderly dog acts like a 9-year-old puppy. Lol. At the top of the Promenade, there was a nice red-bricked pathway inspired by Cuba, I later read. There were several trees, benches, tables, and a few chess boards. Not a trash can in sight, though! I guess that's why I picked up so much damn trash! There is a free water refill station on Reserve Street. It's just down the stairs from the Promenade. We finally saw a trash can there. It was so peaceful up there during the half hour we spent reading signage and exploring the seeping springs while the crowd below built up quickly. Free activity. Recommend.

Upon a recent visit to hot springs this was a free thing to do. Its located right off main street…read moreand it curves around the national park. You can views of the back of the bath houses below and you get views of the park up above. This is a popular touristy area and there are lots of people here but it never got crowded. There are plenty of benches here to sit and relax. On a recent walk here I spotted a deer and it was awesome! Keep in mind there are no bathrooms here, there are several staircases that you can use to get up here. As you are walking and notice these green "bear type" boxes, those are actually natural springs coming from the ground that are covered. On one end of the promenade is fountain street where the is a free public cold spring you can refill your water bottle. Very beautiful and the whole thing does not take more than 30 minutes.

I visited the city on a weekend in June 2025, and it was very beautiful. Never been to Arkansas,…read morebut this place gave me a small glimpse on why they call this the "natural state". The main street has all the touristy things, shops, visitor center, bathhouses, and restaurants. Right around the corner is the entrance to the national park (which is free admission all the time). The city is known for its hiking trails, its lakes and of course, its hot springs. The city is located far enough north where they get real snow, and they get real autumn. The locals tell me this place looks beautiful when the leaves start to change. Now there is not a lot to do in terms of shopping malls, museums, dining and shopping compared to a big metroplex, but it has its small town charm. For starters, they only have one Sam's Club in town, one Chick-fil-A, two Starbucks, they dont have a dutch bros coffee, they recently were getting a Seven Coffee and they don't have a Costco close by. You know whats crazy?! This place is closer than driving to Houston from DFW. With Houston traffic, getting past downtown at least, takes you about 5 hours. From DFW to Hot Springs took about 4 or 4.5 at the most. I never realized how close this was. I think I want to make this place my go-to for a 'short' getaway.

For my 800th review, I have selected to review the City of Hot Springs Arkansas. Note, I have been…read morehere several times over the years. I also have deep family roots in this part of the country. For years I always knew Hot Springs was a sleeping giant for real estate. Beautiful downtown nestled in the Ouachita mountains. Population around 40K. Part of downtown is part of Hot Springs National Park. The historic buildings are great. Bath House row is very cool. Lots of dining, drinking and outdoor activities right in town. Natural hot springs just flow from the ground. Don't jump in, the temperature is very hot. Highly recommend the Arlington hotel in downtown. Oaklawn horse track and casino isn't very far from the center of downtown. All worth a visit. If you are looking for a great place to visit, I would highly recommend Hot Springs.

Fun urban walk with historical businesses and there is enough nature to walk and see from above I…read more The tower as well

As part of our quest to visit all 63 U.S. national parks, we set off on a six-week road trip. I…read morehave a personal rule: I only count a national park as "visited" if I actually spend time there, hike or walk through it, and experience it beyond simply driving by. Hot Springs National Park was one of the most unique parks on our journey because it is unlike any other national park we have visited. Rather than protecting vast wilderness, this park preserves the history and natural thermal springs that gave birth to the city of Hot Springs. For centuries, people believed the mineral-rich waters had healing properties, and during the late 1800s and early 1900s, the area became one of America's premier spa destinations. The beautifully preserved Bathhouse Row is a reminder of that era, with historic buildings that still define the character of the park today. The park itself blends seamlessly into the city, making it feel less like a traditional national park and more like a living historic district. Personally, I see it as being closer to a national monument than the expansive wilderness parks most people picture when they think of the National Park System. But that doesn't diminish its value, it is simply a very different experience. I spent quite a bit of time hiking the surrounding trails, which were peaceful, scenic, and offered beautiful views over the town and the Ouachita Mountains. It was a pleasant surprise to discover how much nature surrounds the historic district once you begin climbing into the hills. The town itself is charming, full of history, unique architecture, good restaurants, and an easy pace that invites you to slow down. Between exploring the bathhouses, learning about the fascinating history of hydrotherapy in America, and enjoying the trails, we found there was plenty to fill a full day. Overall, Hot Springs National Park is beautiful in its own way. It may not offer towering mountains or dramatic wilderness, but it preserves an important chapter of American history while still providing opportunities to enjoy nature. It is certainly worth visiting with an open mind and an appreciation for both history and the outdoors.

It was a beautiful morning, perfect for exploring trails along the state park. We drove :30, 2…read moremiles out of Hot Springs. We started in the visitor center with Wi-Fi, maps, and a small gift shop. We followed the trails down to the marina. We passed campsite's & pullouts. Kayaks, paddle boats, pontoon boats are all available. There was a small beach with two people sitting on chairs.

We drove through part of Lake Ouachita State Park in late July 2025…read more Entrance was free. The lake looked clean everywhere we went. I was impressed. Many boaters, some swimmers (with designated areas and beaches even), some fishermen, and hikers scattered this area of Arkansas just outside of Hot Springs. It was fairly hot when we went, but still good fun and beautiful scenery. If time had permitted, I would have liked to take my daughters to Three Sisters Springs and other places. We instead stayed at Echo Canyon which is not technically part of the state park, but exists on Lake Ouachita.

Our family recently had the pleasure of staying at The Vista at the Lake and it was a delightful…read moreexperience. From the serene surroundings to the excellent amenities, I really was able to decompress. I learned that the former owners let the park degrade because of health issues, and new ownership has taken over. The cabins and campsites are maintained well. Our cabin was recently renovated, and it provided a perfect blend of comfort and nature. The proximity to Lake Hamilton offers breathtaking views and a tranquil atmosphere that is truly rejuvenating. The staff were friendly and accommodating, ensuring that our stay was comfortable and memorable. The community we attended gave us an opportunity to connect with other guests and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. We also had a great time visiting Crater of Diamonds State Park which is about an hour away. Digging for diamonds was an unforgettable an exciting learning experience. I highly recommend The Vista at the Lake for anyone seeking a relaxing getaway or a refreshing outdoor adventure. It's a gem nestled in Hot Springs, AR, Thank you to the team at The Vista at the Lake for creating such a wonderful retreat!

The people who run this place are crooks and lie about their services. We called and asked about…read moreactivities for Halloween as we would be camping with three small children. We were told there would be a lot of activities and booked our campsites and paid in full months in advance. After reaching them through text message, they said there will be no activities. We have been trying to reach these people on every number available, and there has been no response to any of our communication.

Clean and comfortable - natural beauty sitting just around the bend and over the next hill and…read moreunder the placid water of Lake Catherine! It's fun and easy to reach/enjoy with family friendly opportunities for hiking, fishing, boating, swimming, grilling, camping (cabins available too) - very close to Hot Springs which has a lot of beauty from the National Park in downtown to the lookout tower atop the highest point in downtown - including the natural hot springs which makes this place famous for America's first off season professional baseball camps and the likes of gangsters and movie stars all mingled alongside the everyday persons enjoying the same or hanging out at the horse races. It's a cool place to visit and you'll have a super time at the park - with other states parks and lakes and rivers/hiking and nature all around!

Lake Catherine-- We absolutely love this lake!…read more Although, I felt like things were not labeled as they should have been during the hike of "Falls Creek Falls". There were marks on trees during the hike that were red, white and yellow, but I had no idea what those meant. Maybe this part of town is less touristy and more locals, because people had set up hammocks, and all of their things that they needed for the night/day around the waterfall after the hike. I spoke to a sweet man and woman on a golf cart who seemed to work there, as they were going around and changing papers for the reservations for there were trailers in the parking lot, and they advised us on where to go and park. They did advise us that if you go on the trails, if you go towards the left, the hike is shorter and it's about a 1/2 a mile, and if you go towards the right, it's about a mile and a 1/2 Which is a great tip because, of course, we wanted to take the shorter route. We had a toddler and an elderly person with us, and so we did not want to do a strenuous hike. This hike was just enough for us to feel better adventurous, and like we accomplished something when we got to the falls. The falls were beautiful, and the water looked gorgeous. Although, I did see later on another app, that a lot of times sewer water gets into the falls. Unfortunately, we had decided to take a dip even though we didn't have swim suits just because it looks so refreshing but it's just something to keep in mind. Overall, we would definitely come here again! It looks like a great place to bring lunch and hang out and eat after a great hike!