We started with dinner at Elan's overlooking the Granada Golf Course. We broke down and the three of us shared this amazing Lemon Crème Cake. But we were so full from dinner that we still had some to take home!
The first morning she surprised me and was up and ready to take on Deep Water Aerobics and Pilates. That's 8 feet of water and our instructor, as described by Vanessa, must have been a Drill Sergeant.
After all that exercise it was time for lunch so we headed out to downtown Hot Springs for lunch at the Ohio Club, an old mob hangout. The highlight of the lunch for Vanessa and me were the drinks. Vanessa had the Raspberry Reflection: Champagne, Raspberry Vodka, Spanish Tonic and Raspberry. I had the Key Lime Pie Martini: Vanilla Rum, Lime Juice, Sweet Cream with a graham cracker rim!
The inside is also very impressive. The back bar is made up of hand carved mahogany.
We made a quick change in plans and took a tour of the visitors center of the Hot Springs National Park. The Fordyce Bath House, which was originally opened in 1915, was reopened in 1989 as an historic museum with four floors of exhibits.
We had a full itinerary so off we went to experience a 4D adventure. Yes, the screen is in 3D but the seats shake and rattle and give you feel like you are moving just as fast as what you are seeing. We chose the most popular, The Wall of China. It is a roller coaster ride. During the ride I was hanging on to my handle for fear of falling out. This is strange as the seats really don't go anywhere. Mark and Vanessa were ready to get off when the ride was done.
Vanessa is on vacation so its time to get some more adult beverages. We found the patio at Rolando's was the perfect site.
Hot Springs is named for the natural springs where the water percolates to the surface at an average temperature of 143 degrees Fahrenheit (62 degrees Celsius for our Canadian friends). Nicknamed the Valley of the Vapors it was believed that the traces of minerals and the temperature of the water gave it therapeutic properties. Thus the bath houses were built. Mark treated us all to spa offerings at Quapaw Bath House.
I enjoyed the Private Mineral Water Micro Silk Bath. Vanessa got the Southern Comfort: Hot Stone Alignment, Swedish Massage, Signature Facial, Steamed Towels and a Foot Massage. Mark the Sportsman: Hot Stone Alignment, Deep tissue massage, steamed towels and foot massage. The only one who could take a photo was me before I stepped into the soothing bath.
We finished the day with dinner at Luna Bella - it was amazing!
Saturday started with a nice relaxing breakfast out on the patio of the Desoto Club here in the Village. That's the Desoto golf course in the background!
Then it was back to Hot Springs for some more tourist experiences. First stop was a ride on "The Duck." It is pretty much the same wherever you take a duck tour. We started on the streets of downtown, road the duck into Lake Hamilton and then back to downtown.
One of the most interesting sights on Lake Hamilton was this home with its own garage and a boat dock!
Per Vanessa, we've worked up a thirst and its time for lunch. Off we go to the Superior Brewery. It was a bath house that was converted into a Brewery. It is the first brewery in a National Park and the first to use the 144 degree thermal water. Its a lot of work choosing which beers to sample in the 5 flight offering.
After sampling everything, they found a favorite and I even found #7 The Beez Kneez with Basil in the beer that I thought was quite tasty! They picked #14 Madden's #1 as their favorite. And, oh yes, we enjoyed lunch. Mark and I split a sandwich. Vanessa enjoyed one terrific German pretzel.
We had a great lunch, but what about dessert. We took a nice walk to Fat Bottom Girls cupcakes. Yes that's the name and they were on the Cupcake Wars on TV. We ended up sending two cupcakes home with Vanessa so Brian, her boyfriend, could enjoy one as well. Here is one of their beautiful cupcakes.
We're fed and happy and ready to move on. Next stop is a visit to the Mountain Tower at Hot Springs National Park.
The tower is 1060 feet high but we could not go to the open air top level because it was infested with wasps. But we did get some great views including this one of downtown Hot Springs.
We made a quick run to the mall for some fun shopping. As our last stop for the day we boarded the Belle of Hot Springs for a relaxing dinner cruise.
We enjoyed a leisurely dinner as we cruised around the lake and watched the sunset.
That's it for Vanessa's visit to Hot Springs. A good time was had by all!! Next blog includes some final events during our stay.
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