The thing that made this vacation very enjoyable was the place we stayed. I have found the place you stay on a vacation is the foundation of the vacation. We stayed at the Hilltop Manor Bed and Breakfast. I have never stayed at a bed and breakfast in my life so I was weary at first. In my head, I pictured Dwight and cousin Mo at a creepy old house. Instead, the owners were very professional and very helpful. They made sure that we knew about area attractions. They also had complimentary champaign the first night we were there and then the next night for my birthday. They also were very personable. They would talk to us about normal things. They also made sure to do the little things like tell me happy birthday on my birthday. The room was very nice and made us feel like we were at home. The breakfasts were very good as well. They were home cooked and very tasty. They also had snacks put out every afternoon and would offer you a beer or some wine with the snack. The house itself was very beautiful. It was built in 1898 and backs up to a national forest. There is an area with an outdoor fireplace to sit next to at night and enjoy the stars. I really could go on and on about this place. It was spectacular.
We went to quite a few places in the area. The first place we went was Garvan Woodland Gardens. They have some great trails to hike. There were plants from around the world. Many were not in bloom yet, so that was a bit of a downer. However, it was still a great place to visit. The best part of the gardens was the chapel. It is made of mostly wood and glass. I really did not think I would be that amazed by a building but when I saw it I was stunned by its beauty. The Garvan Gardens are a must see and a great place for those who love photography.
Another place we visited was the Gangster Museum of America. It was very interesting to see how Hot Springs became a great place to visit via the criminal underworld. You'd be surprised how many famous criminals came through Hot Springs. It was "neutral" territory so that mobsters could have a place to vacation. Even the infamous Al Capone would visit Hot Springs. The tour guide wasn't exactly exciting and needed a lesson on how to use a DVD player but it is well worth it to visit.
We visited one spot that most people would not believe that I went. It was the Hot Springs Mountain Tower. It is a tower on top of a mountain. It is over 1,200 feet above sea level. It is one of those things that you need to do just so you can say you did it.
The one thing that everyone who comes to Hot Springs must do is to visit a bath house. We went to the Quapaw Bath House. The water is very relaxing. It is apparent why people have thought these springs were very cleansing for the body for thousands of years. There were four pools each with different tempatures ranging from 96 degrees to 104 degrees. The staff at the location where we went was very helpful and professional. The architecture was very unique as well. It had that 1920's feel to it. We enjoyed the time we spent at the bath house.
Speaking of relaxation, we had a couples massage at Sabai Massage Therapy. I have never been to a professional masseuse. I am not a huge fan of folks touching me but I will say that I was impressed and walked away very relaxed.
How could I not mention one of the best resturants that I have ever been to in my life? It was Luna Bella. Being from DFW, I am use to going to some of the best resturants known to mankind. This place blew me away. They serve mainly Italian. It was so good that back at the bed and breakfast, a guy from The Woodlands was telling us how much he loved it. The best part was that it was not overly priced. It was about the same price as going to Kaze.
We also had a beer at Superior Bath House Brewery. They make their beer using the spring water. It was good beer with decent service.
We had a great vacation and a wonderful time. I highly recommend everyone making it out to Hot Springs at least once in their lifetime.
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