Hot Spring, AR

Day one: I was very surprised at the time it took to get to Hot Springs from Dallas, I never realized how close I was to such a beautiful place. Being from Texas I am not use to seeing a lot of trees. Once you get into Arkansas everywhere you look are trees, I mean tall, thick and everywhere, It was absolutely amazing. I knew we would be getting to Hot Springs around lunch, but it was a few hours earlier than I had planned. And since I couldn't check into our Hotel until 2:00 PM we had some time to blow. We decided drive down Central Ave to our first stop, the Arkansas Alligator Farm and Petting zoo. As you drive through the center of the city to get here you will see how truly beautiful Bathhouse row is. The street in front of Bathrow is lined with Magnolia trees, most won't notice because of the large Bathhouses behind them. To the left there are a million shops and stores that are screaming to tourist to come in and buy stuff.

We made it to the Alligator farm around 11:00 am like planned. It was easy to find and parking was not a problem. I was a little surprised to find it very cheap to get in. The petting zoo was ok, nothing to write home about. There were some very cool animals in other areas. Cougars, wolves, a few monkeys, some turtles and a lot of alligators. We come to find out that on Saturday and Sundays they have alligators feedings. The owners gave us a tickets as we first paid  to come back on one of those days to watch if we had time. ( Heck yeah!! ) We spent an hour or so just looking at alligators of all sizes and ages. It was very cool.

Since I got there a little early, we move up our trip to the Hot Springs Mountain Tower. As I said earlier, there are trees everywhere. You will truely see this as you enter the National park to go to the Mountain Tower. The winding road cuts through he mountain and makes you feel like a Nascar drive ( but dont' drive to fast) There are several places to pull off and just investigate the area. I decided to stop at the first spot and found steps that led to a small waterfall that came out of the mountain. Just hearing and relaxing there made the trip worth it. It took a few more mins to drive the rest of the way up the montain to the tower. Right next to the tower is a large pull off with a great view of the city. I recommend stoping and taking a few pics there. We finally made it to the tower. Being Friday, it wasn't busy. We paid and took an elevator that seemed to have been made in the 70s. Once at the top, I came to the realization that I was in he middle of a forest. Trees, trees and more trees. Bring a few quarters and get a better view through the binoculars. Hot Spings looks so small surrounded by the million trees. We then made a stop inside the observation area to read about the history of Hot Springs and the tower. It was very interesting to see. 

It was well past 2:00 PM by this point and we decided to check into our very cheap hotel (it wasn't that bad of a place) Since my schedule was off I had ot find something to do after we checked in. We decided to look at some shops and Bathrow houses on Central Ave. Note everyone, Park in the Parking Garage, it is cheaper!! We walked past the Bathhouses and took a lot of pics and found out some prices and times. We ended up seeing the Ducks tour and decided it was nice out, why not do it. We set on the Duck for like 30 mins as they finally got it full. The driver was very nice and told us all kinds of things about Hot Springs. Lake Hamilton was beautiful. It was worth it to do it if you are bored.

By this time it was around 7:00 and time for dinner. Don't let McClards location and building scare you off. This little slice of Heaven is worth it!! The only problem is they close at 8:00 and only take cash and check. But I came at 7:30 and brought cash. The Ribs were absolutely amazing!! If you are going to Hot Springs do not skip this opportunity!! Have I told you this place was good?? lol

I learned while at the Hot Springs Mountain Tower that Bill Clinton grew up in Hot Springs. Who would have guessed. I figured why not go past his childhood home. It was a few mins out of our way and was just a simple house on a major road. It took a few seconds and there is no place to stop to look at it. Also someone now lives there and does not want people stoping there. It was nice to see and only took a few mins.

I couldn't find the Carriage Company, it was late and I was tired. I didn't spend to much time looking though. =)

Back to the Hotel to relax and watch some TV!!