THERE’S GONNA BE A THEME…
Lodging: Customize the entire weekend by renting a lake house. Decorate for a weekend all your own—Hot Springs’ vacation home options are plentiful, many with private pools, game rooms, fire pits, hot tubs and more.
Dinner & Drinks: Head into town for reservations at 501 Prime. This fine dining spot serves delicious food, but also gives great energy for a girls night out. The oyster bar is a fan fave, and The Bourbon Bar upstairs serves creative cocktails on the patio with live music on the weekends.
Activities: You stocked the house with groceries for the weekend, so simply wake up and enjoy a day on the lake or by the pool. Rent a boat from Hot Springs Marina and do a sunset cruise to Bubba’s Brews on Lake Hamilton for live music and lake views. Before you go, share flights of thermal-water brewed beer at Superior Bathhouse Brewery downtown (plus, their beer cheese dip is amazing!).
YOU’RE NATURE LOVERS…
Lodging: You’ll want a scenic view, so the 900-acre Mountain Harbor Resort & Spa is the perfect place for your bridal party. The resort is tucked away and nestled up to the Ouachita Mountains. Its Turtle Cove Spa can pamper your bridesmaids.
Dinner & Drinks: Dine alongside a “living wall” at Eden in the new Hotel Hale (formerly a bathhouse). Keep the night going at Rolando’s Speakeasy, a 1920s-themed bar perfect for bachelorettes looking to play dress-up.
Activities: No better way to soak up scenic beauty than by cruising the lake or strolling Garvan Woodland Gardens, especially during Daffodil Days. Next, rent mountain bikes for a ride on one of Arkansas’ IMBA-epic mountain biking trails. Northwoods Trail is great for all skill levels. Don't forget to grab one of the healing crystals unearthed in the area.
YOU LIKE A BACKSTORY…
Lodging: Recently renovated into a beautiful and modern hotel, The Waters offers proximity to history with picturesque views of downtown. The Arlington Hotel is chock full of history too, along with friendly haunts for added fun.
Dinner & Drinks: The Vault has a dark and moody vibe for a festive night out. Dine in this beautifully renovated 1890's bank building in historic downtown. The Ohio Club is Arkansas’ oldest bar. This popular watering hole is known for its classic cocktails, famous patrons and spooky ghost stories.
Activities: Head to Buckstaff Bathhouse for a day of pampering in a historic spot. Back at your hotel, grab happy hour on the rooftop before heading out on an uninhibited haunted tour of Hot Springs. Haunted Tours offers 60-minute walking tours every day at 8 p.m.
YOU WANT VEGAS VIBES…
Lodging: Book rooms at Oaklawn. Of course, you’ll get that casino feel but this hotel is top-tier with beautiful rooms (get a racetrack view), resort-style pool with cabanas and a world-class spa.
Dinner & Drinks: Make reservations at The OAK Room & Bar for fine dining and excellent service. Order a round of French 75s and a butchery board to start. Have your crew meet for pre-dinner or late-night drinks at The First Turn.
Activities: Brunch at Best Cafe & Bar followed by a few hours betting on the ponies back at Oaklawn. Then, snag a cabana and spend the rest of the day poolside. The casino awaits for late-night shenanigans. Recover at the Astral Spa; the facilities are perhaps the best in Arkansas. Should you need to recuperate further, you can press reset at Oxy-Zen, a local oxygen bar, or at Restoration Healthcare for IV nutrition therapy.
FOR CHILL BACHELORETTES…
Lodging: Serene but oh-so chic, The Reserve Hotel in Hot Springs offers respite for guests on its gorgeous grounds. The luxurious accommodations are perfect for laid back bridal parties.
Dinner & Drinks: Try Hot Springs’ hidden gem, Luna Bella. The Italian American fare is delicious, and we love the martini menu. Back Porch Grill is a great spot to watch the sunset while dining waterside. Rosé all day at Splash Wine Bar, a popular spot for low-key sips with friends.
Activities: Head downtown for a stack of flapjacks at The Pancake Shop. Next up, Central Avenue shopping. Don’t miss The Savory Pantry for foodie finds and the Bathhouse Soapery for sumptuous locally made bath goodies and cosmetics. Book a unique spa treatment at Destinations Day Spa (we recommend a halo salt session).
See these vendors as they appear in this issue of ARKANSAS BRIDE.
