Well this is my last stop before Nashville and I am very impressed with the area. The primary reason I picked Hot Springs is the distance to Nashville and the National Park. I am so glad I did and if I have an opportunity, I will be back. This area reminds me of the Smoky Mountains in a way. I stayed at the Brady Campground on Lake Quachita, a very large and clear lake, only about 7 miles from Hot Springs. The lake is in the national forest so no development.
The Hot Springs National Park is different from others because it is part of the downtown area. The downtown area of Hot Springs has this old downtown vibe to it. Of course they have those normal tourist traps, but not many. I visited on Sunday, took a walk through the Hot Springs grand promenade and some of the trails. The bath houses have of allot of history, think only 2 actually still operate today. The Fordyce bathhouse is now the national park visitor center and museum. The bathhouse has been restored to its original grandeur. While I was walking through the bathhouse, I couldn’t help but feel I was back in the 1920’s, just has that vibe to it. What I really found strange, the locals filling up dozens of gallon jugs at the fountains. The next time I travel here I will have to do a soak at one of the spas.
