A weekend in Hot Springs AR

I was pleasantly surprised to find that Longview Tx is less than 5 hours from Hot Springs AR. Full disclosure I love Hot Springs AR.

I love the food in Hot Springs, and on this weekend trip during the late fall my husband and I discovered Cafe 1217, a fantastic healthy deli, its off the walking section of the historic district but is on a main road in town. As this was our second trip to Hot Springs since moving to East Texas we felt comfortable with the off the main street journey and it was completely worth it, this is a top choice for anyone having a meal in Hot Springs.

http://www.cafe1217.net/menu.html 

 I love the historic baths in Hot Springs National Park. I don't have any photos, but plenty are online so look it up and give yourselves at least 2 hours to soak while your in Hot Springs. On both visits now we have spent closer to 5 hours at the baths, just thinking about it makes me want to drive up there this weekend....





And of course the hiking. The national park has an abundance of easy access hikes, from 1/4 miles that are paved to long day trips and even a few multi day options. Being weekend visitors we have stuck to the shorter side of thing.








During this trip we took the journey up the observation tower. Being late fall the colors were mostly gone but it was an interesting experience and the observation deck had an abundance of local history. Opting to take the elevator up is a great idea and the stairs down are a bit crazy if you not very comfortable with heights. I enjoyed the tower but would not list it as a must do if you only have one weekend in Hot Springs.









Following the tower we drove the mountain top road to the side away from town and did a 2 mile there and back journey on a well maintained sloping path. Any time hiking in a lovely landscape is a great use of time.

Java Primo

Up early on Sunday Morning to make it back to Longview with time to get ready for the next week we have now twice stopped in Arkladelphia for coffee/ Chai. A small chain Java Primo make a blended Chai that is divine. Nestled in the historic down town of this struggling college town there is always parking and you will walk away with some caffeine and a smile.

Down Town