I will always remember my trip to Hot Springs, AR as one of the most romantic getaways I’ve ever been to. This town is loaded with things to do and romance abounds.
We started off our weekend by checking into one of the top hotels in Hot Springs, The Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa. This hotel was spectacular!
We visited the mineral and massage spa housed in The Arlington for an afternoon of pampering. The first part of being pampered was soaking in a bath of natural spring water. This water came out of the tap still hot from the springs! After the soak, I was sent to a warm shower that was almost like a massage in itself with the pulsing water hitting my back. Afterward, I laid on one of the many tables in the center of the room (wrapped in a sheet for modesty). Attendants came by to find out if there was a particular area in my body that I routinely experience stress or pain. I told them my lower back and my neck. Immediately I found hot moist towels placed in those areas. Every couple of minutes the attendants would change out these hot towels. I was in heaven! Then, it was time for my massage. I was sent to sit in one of the many rocking chairs right outside the massage area and was given spring water to sip while I waited. My massage was given by an older woman. She used great warm oils to do my massage and it was by far one of the best massages I’ve ever had.
While staying at the Arlington Resort, we also took advantage of their Sunday Brunch. I’ve never seen so much food in one setting. As we entered the Venetian dining room, I immediately noticed an ice sculptured swan in the middle of one of the bars. There was not only fruit, but also steaks, cheeses, pastries, and even vegetables! Perhaps one of the most memorable parts of this meal was the chef in the back who was making custom ordered omelets right in front of you. You can choose from a wide array of fresh ingredients to make the perfect omelet.
We didn’t limit ourselves to The Arlington Resort while on our getaway to Hot Springs. We also took in many of the sites of the city. One of the most fascinating things we did was a tour of Bath House Row. These houses are part of Hot Springs National Park. It was interesting to see the “Golden Age of Bathing” of the 19th century. There are eight houses on display and each features a unique style and story.
We also did one of those “duck boat” tours while we were in Hot Springs. While this was a relatively inexpensive tour, it was very interesting. The bus drove down the roads of Hot Springs informing us of its rich history. Then the bus drove into the water instantly becoming a boat (thank goodness!). The boat took us on a tour of the city from the water’s view. We heard tails of mansions that once belonged to mobsters as well as many other fascinating homes.
We also toured the plant where Mountain Valley Spring water is located. The building that houses Mountain Valley Spring Water Company was built in 1910 and is part of the Hot Springs National Park. Tours of this historic building are available every Tuesday and there is even a gift shop where you can buy novelty items.
Now, I went to Hot Springs to celebrate a wedding anniversary, but couples looking for a romantic wedding venue should definitely give Hot Springs consideration. There are many different wedding chapels to perform your ceremony. There are also packages available such as the 2 becomes 1 package offered by 1Gables Inn Bed & Breakfast. This package includes a minister, a two tier wedding cake, accommodations for two adults for two nights, a $60 gift certificate for a local restaurant as well as other amenities. This package will set you back between $600-$700. Or you could do the Wedding/Honeymoon package at the same hotel. This package has eight wedding packages to choose from, ten two night or ten three night honeymoons to choose from, a minister on site, and a photo package. The price of this package depends on exactly what you choose.
So, if you are looking for a romantic getaway close to Memphis, TN, give Hot Springs, AR a try. It will definitely be worth your time.
