What to do, where to eat, ect.

My mom and I will be arriving in Hot Springs on November 6th. We will be there for 7 nights. We are not into theme parks.

Besides the tower and bath house row (we are doing these) what else would you suggest? We are up for day trips to see the surrounding area as well.

What local places would you suggest to eat at? We like any type food but like to stay away from chain restraunts and drive thrus. We enjoy trying the local foods.

My mom loves horses and I would like to find a place to take her riding. Hope someone here can make a suggestion for a great place to use.

Last question, Does anyone know anything about Escapes! to Hot Springs Village on Los Lagos Blvd.? This is where we are staying. Just hoping we won%26#39;t be disappointed.

Thanks for helping me.

What to do, where to eat, ect.

My top restaurant choices: Cafe Pompeii (eclectic menu located near the race track), Rolando%26#39;s (unique South American dining in the heart of downtown), Barking Frog (fresh mexican across from the Majestic Hotel), and Belle Arti in the historic area.

Garvan Woodland Gardens (Arkansas%26#39; botanical gardens) should be beautiful at that time of year. It not only has amazing plant life but also wonderful architecture with stone bridges and waterfalls.

Bar Fifty Ranch, located in Bismarck, offers horseback riding (www.barfiftyranch.com).

Enjoy your stay!!

What to do, where to eat, ect.

Great recommendations here so far. Particularly Belle Arti and Garvans Gardens. These are my favorites also. Also, Your mom will like 1217 Cafe for lunch. It is at 1217 Malvern Avenue and it is not open in the evenings. I am a guy and like it, but it is a favorite among the ladies. There are very beautfully displayed dishes in cases.

I hope you are aware the Hot Springs VIllage is about 30 minutes away from all the downtown attractions in Hot Springs. If you are unhappy with your stay there, can you get out of paying for the entire week? I don%26#39;t eat out much in town, but the previously mentioned places from others are all highly recommended. I have been to Cafe 1217 and DO like that place a lot!

As far as things to do, you should make sure to take a trip to see Lake Ouachita since it is the cleanest lake in the country and during your stay the leaves should still have some color. Hickory Nut Mountain is located off RT 270W and if you go up to that mountain top park, you%26#39;ll be able to see all of Lake Ouachita, all 40,000 acres of it. There is horseback riding at a stable at Mountain Harbor, but I%26#39;m not sure what their hours are or if they are still open for the season.

A day trip to Queen Willamena State Park (not sure about the spelling) located around Mena and about an hour from Hot Springs is a nice place to see too. If the leaves are in full color it should be beautiful up there.

If you%26#39;re up for it, try crystal digging in Mt. Ida area. About 30 minutes from downtown Hot Springs. There is also Coleman Crystal mines that I believe is close to the Village.

If you need another place to stay, I can recommend a good vacation rental property that is away from the hussle and bussle of downtown Hot Springs and is instead close to nature. It is less than a mile away from my favorite lake..... Ouachita! :)

Enjoy your time in Hot Springs.

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