hot springs

We have driven through and around Arkansas many times and we really think that there are only two places to visit in that State……. Eureka Springs and Hot Springs. Both towns are extremely ‘Gay friendly” and fun, Fun and more FUN! We have written up Eureka Springs a couple of times in the past and were in Hot Springs last month where we had a wonderful and very interesting time

There are two wonderful places to stay in Hot Springs: The Alpine Inn Motel, www.alpineinnhotsprings.com/ which is owned by Baker and Justin. They are two of the nicest guys you would ever want to meet. They have been in the hospitality business for several years and they KNOW how to treat their guests well. They just purchased the Inn earlier this year and also a purchased a large estate there which they will turn into an ‘event center’ for weddings, receptions, etc.

They are completely remodeling the Alpine Inn Motel as well as their estate as well as changing the name and will be all set to go early next year. With their professional background and their wonderful personalities we know that they will be extremely successful there. We will be having a special travel column on them later this year. The Hilltop Manor Bed and Breakfast,  https://www.hilltopmanorhotsprings.com/ and owned by Jennifer and Joanna is a luxurious Hot Springs National Park accommodations.

Hot Springs has been a very special place for tourists for years. Back in the day Al Capone and his ‘friends” would drive down and visit. Hot Springs is famous for their “hot springs and mineral baths houses, a few of which are still in business.  Although it still a rather small town, population of around 37,000, they have some extremely interesting restaurants.

Our favorites were the Ohio Club, www.theohioclub.com/ which is the oldest bar/restaurant in the State dating back to 1905.  They have life music seven days a week. Another favorite was Fisherman’s Wharf Restaurant which is located right on the lake, www.facebook.com/5101spacity/ just to the south of downtown and Rolando’s, http://rolandosrestaurante.com/ .

On a bad weather day, you can dine indoors, otherwise they have a wonderful upstairs outdoor patio area which is THE place to dine. They feature a Latin American Cuisine and everything that they serve is absolutely FABULOUS! We had breakfast at the wonderful Venetian Room at the old Arlington Hotel, www.arlingtonhotel.com/default.aspx?pg=dining

Most everything is located right downtown with shops, restaurant, old hotels and plenty of things to see and do.  People drive from all over the Midwest to enjoy the town.

We really enjoyed the “The Magic, Music and Comedy of Maxwell Blade which has been running for years.  www.maxwellblade.com/ It is the #1 Show in the entire State! It is located in the historic Malco Theatre in downtown Hot Springs. You will not find this kind of a show in Las Vegas! He has a huge following that returns to see his show whenever they return to Hot Springs. Witness this remarkable and extremely talented performer as entertains you with his magic, music and comedy.

The town has a few remaining Baths and Spas which are located in beautiful old buildings downtown that offers massages, including Swedish, Deep Tissue, Target, Foot, Hot Stone and Bamboo Fusion services. Check out  https://www.hotsprings.org/ before visiting Hot Springs.

Always remember to have fun when traveling, meet new people and talk to everyone!

TRAVELING IN OUR FABULOUS GAY WORLD is written by Donald Pile and Ray Williams, Award-winning, Celebrity travel columnists who write for gay publications from coast to coast (And now legally married).

Proud members of the IGLTA. You can email them at gaytravelers@aol.com and visit their website at http://gaytravelersataol.blogspot.com/