Any feedback regarding Hot Springs, Arkansas? I'm thinking of taking my parents and 1 year old there for a few days - is it nice (I've heard the streets are dirty??) We wanted to do the hot springs but I also heard you can only do it in one hotel now? My parents are here from Australia - any other recommendations on a place to go to - something relaxing/ pretty countryside/ quaint town/ interesting history. We have already done San Antonio/ the hill country. Somewhere with 6-7 hour drive is OK.
I've heard Eureka Springs is a wonderful and relaxing place to go! I am looking into it myself as a relaxing spa getaway with the girls before my wedding! :)
We prefer Eureka Springs, Arkansas to Hot Springs. It's so pretty and is nicknamed *Little Switzerland* because of the way the town and homes are built into the side of the mountains there. Take the scenic route...Highway 7, I think. Don't miss the "Passion Play" and watch the sun go down behind the Christ of the Ozarks. Look for Bugar Hollow along the way and the Grand Canyon of Arkansas. If I remember right, it's about a four hour drive from the Dallas area.
I grew up just outside Hot Springs and all my family still lives there. We just got back from there this weekend too. I recommed doing the hot springs at the bath house and not the hotel. YOu walk around naked (but wrapped up in sheet) but the men are downstairs and ladies upstairs. You get the authentic experience. www.buckstaffbaths.com Plus, you can get to use everything plus a massage for $50. That's my favorite thing to do. Dinner outside at Fisherman's Wharf (on Lake Hamilton of Highway 7) is a really nice experience too. Plus, they have an alligator farm downtown that is too. I love to walk down central (downtown) and window shop too. I can't recommnd where to stay though because we always stay with family.
C.
A little known place that is really a lot of fun is Jefferson. It is on the Big Cypress river not far from the Lake of the Pines and is reallly antebellum texas. From dallas it is about a 4 hour drive. The Bed and Breakfasts are delightful and the bayou tour with a history of the old south is really great. On the way back you can stop in for some real southern fried alligator tail and dirty rice.
Go to www.jeffersontexas.org for more info.
K. @ Thenestingplace
Hi, Eureka Springs is great. We're from NW Arkansas, and that's about 6-7 hours driving time, depending on how often you stop. Eureka would add another hour to an hour and a half driving. We're from Fayetteville, AR and we always take 75 up out of Dallas, which becomes 69. Then we take I-40 east to I-540 north. Hwy 102 east, then hwy 62 all the way to Eureka. You might also think about Van Buren, AR. It has a very quaint downtown, and there's a train that goes all the way up to Rogers, AR and back. Plus, Van Buren is on I-40, exit 5, right after you crossthe AR border from OK, so that cuts about 2.5 hours from your drive. Hope this helps.
D.
