The mineral spring waters of Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas, have long drawn visitors including famous mobsters and ball players, to the eclectic town, but it is also the perfect romantic escape. Surrounded by the beauty of the Ouachita Mountains, the romantic atmosphere of the “Valley of the Vapors” is worth a look for a romantic weekend getaway.
Dip into the town’s rich history with a stroll along “Bathhouse Row,” downtown on Central Avenue. Pop into historic Fordyce Bathhouse and marvel at the grandeur of the meticulous stained glass ceilings, colorful tilework, and marble that hearken to the glamour of a bygone era. At Buckstaff Bath House, guests still line up to soak up the mineral bath experience in early 20th-century style.
While downtown, pop in for lunch at Superior Bathhouse Brewery, a hip beer hall that originally operated as a bathhouse from 1916 to 1983. The building sat vacant for 30 years until, in 2013, Rose Schweikhart reimagined the space as a craft brewery and restaurant. Today, it’s the only brewery inside a national park in the country and the only brewery in the world that uses thermal spring water in the brewing process.
Not sure which beers to taste? Ask a bartender to surprise you with a four-sample flight or go big and order a “beer bath” to try all 18. If weather permits, grab a picnic table out on the spacious patio and order the buffalo cauliflower and a Bavarian-style soft pretzel—both are popular picks. For something more substantial, go for the pork banh mi sandwich—French bread topped with cilantro, cucumber, ginger-chili mayo, and namasu.
In nearby Mount Ida, Garvan Woodland Gardens showcases 210 acres of lush botanical landscape. A romantic path that hugs Lake Hamilton winds around standout features like a koi pond, a stunning chapel in the woods, and architecturally renowned Evans tree house.
Dig in the dirt together as you mine for crystals with Avant Mining. The surrounding Ouachita Mountains are home to some of the world’s largest deposits of quartz crystals. In the public mine, take home your finds as keepsakes from your trip.
Active couples will also want to hit Northwoods Trails, over 30 miles of mountain biking and hiking trails for outdoor activities, just five minutes from downtown.
After a full day of adventure at any speed, treat yourselves to a romantic dinner at J&S Italian Villa, where sweetheart owners Jeannie and Saddiq Mir serve elevated coastal Italian-inspired cuisine in a comfortable setting. Start with a cocktail or glass of wine and stacked charcuterie board for two as you prepare for the main course. The Maltagliati alla Pescatora comes with seared calamari, shrimp, mussels, and scallops mixed with julienne-style vegetables and cherry tomatoes over a bed of “badly cut” pasta. Ribeye, veal, Alaskan salmon, and Chilean sea bass are all solid picks, too.
For something laid-back, head over to Deluca’s Pizza, where handmade dough is made fresh daily for the traditional New York-style pies. After dinner, try the The Ohio Club, which opened in 1905 and was a popular haunt of gangsters like Al Capone and Bugsy Siegel, for cocktails and live jazz.
Book your stay at Best Western Winners Circle.
