The Weekender by Heather Baker: Spend a Starry, Soaky, Sparkly Weekend in Hot Springs

Savoring Spa City

 

Last weekend, I packed up my husband, Ryan Parker, and my sweet goldendoodle, Charlie Brown — my constant travel buddies and official cuddle experts — and headed to Hot Springs. We take advantage of every opportunity we can get for such adventures, and with a packed work schedule and endless events and appearances, we were ready for some of what Spa City does best.

 

 

The team at Visit Hot Springs asked where I wanted to stay for our getaway, and I did not hesitate: Starlight Haven was at the top of my list. I had never stayed in a geodesic dome before, and the idea of stargazing straight from my bed sounded like pure magic.

 

 

Tucked just minutes outside the city limits amid the beautiful Ouachita Mountains, Starlight Haven delivered an ideal mix of comfort and wonder. Our cozy geodesic dome came fully stocked with everything we needed: a complete kitchen for whipping up meals, a comfortable bedroom and a private bathroom. Outside, the perks were endless and included a private hot tub bubbling away on the deck, a gas grill and swing chairs well suited for lazy afternoons.

 

By day, we lounged and soaked in the panoramic forest and mountain views, listening to the birds and watching the many deer that wandered by. At night, we climbed into bed, gazed up through the skylight and lost ourselves in a blanket of stars overhead — no light pollution, just pure peace mixed with that thrilling sense of being somewhere truly special.

 

 

Starlight Haven is the kind of unique, nature-immersed experience that makes you feel alive — romantic, refreshing and unlike any hotel stay I have ever had. If you are craving something unforgettable, put Starlight Haven on your must-do list.

 

Refreshed and energized from our dome adventure, we dove straight into the action and headed up to the Hot Springs Mountain Tower. I had visited before and always love the thrill of the elevator ride to the 1,250-foot observation deck for those jaw-dropping 360-degree views of the city and surrounding mountains that make for epic photos.

 

 

On this visit, I finally explored the lower level and its thoughtful museum-style exhibits. There are fascinating facts about Hot Springs’ history — including some I thought I knew that turned out to be total myths — plus cool memorabilia from notable figures. Bill Clinton, who grew up there, is represented, as are the gangsters who once made the city their playground, such as Al Capone, Owney Madden and others. The museum even touches on the Major League Baseball players who used Hot Springs as spring training grounds back in the day. It is a quick, enlightening stop that adds real depth and a few “wow” moments to your visit.

 

 

Next, we slipped into our bathing suits for a soak at Quapaw Baths & Spa on historic Bathhouse Row. Under that iconic tiled dome, we eased into the thermal mineral pools at different temperatures — warm, hotter and just right. The gentle fountains created the most soothing soundtrack as we floated our worries away, letting the ancient healing waters work their magic on every muscle.

 

 

Afterward, we lounged on the comfortable chairs and sipped fresh spring water straight from the source, wrapped in plush robes and slippers. The locker rooms are spotless, and the staff is genuinely kind and attentive. The whole experience feels like stepping back in time but with modern comfort. I highly recommend the Quapaw. There is nothing quite like it.

 

 

For dinner, Ryan and I treated ourselves to Hotel Hale, owned by Mayor Pat McCabe and his wife, Ellen. Housed in a beautifully restored historic bathhouse right inside the national park, it is modern dining at its finest, complete with a massive living plant wall that makes the space feel alive and vibrant. The evening was impeccable from start to finish.

 

We started with outstanding mocktails. Our bartender was an absolute artist at her craft. I took the waitress’s recommendation on the salmon — absolute perfection — while Ryan went with the steak. We both agreed the crab cakes were a standout highlight, and we even grabbed dessert to go from their tempting cake display in the lobby. The service was outstanding, delivering the kind of elevated yet welcoming experience you want to revisit again and again.

 

 

Friday morning kicked off with a visit to Kollective Coffee + Tea on Central Avenue, and let me tell you, we loved it so much, we stopped by three times in one day. This is true third-wave coffee, treating every cup like an artisanal beverage rather than just “a cup of joe.” It’s all about quality, passion and a touch of nerdy enthusiasm for sourcing and brewing.

 

Everything is certified organic or natural, meaning no genetically modified organisms, no preservatives and no harmful pesticides. Plus the locally sourced offerings taste as good as they make you feel. We fell hard for the matcha, devoured pastries from their incredible pastry chef and got totally charmed by the staff and owners.

 

 

Kollective’s atmosphere is cute and welcoming, and chatting with the folks there made it feel like visiting friends. If you are into mindful, delicious eats and drinks, this is a must. 

 

We spent the morning strolling Bathhouse Row and Central Avenue, admiring the stunning historic architecture, popping into unique shops filled with one-of-a-kind finds, and chatting with the friendliest locals you will ever meet. The free-flowing hot water fountains down there are such a quirky, wonderful touch; you really feel like you have stepped into Hot Springs’ own little world.

 

 

For lunch, we hit Superior Bathhouse Brewery, the only brewery inside a U.S. National Park and the only one in the world brewing with thermal spring water. We tried their handmade root beer — incredible — a soft pretzel and the divine sweet potato salad made with grilled brown sugar sweet potatoes, sweet and spicy bacon, craisins, pumpkin seeds, pickled red onions, and Asian carrot vinaigrette over spinach. People-watching from the huge windows or relaxing on the patio never gets old.

 

 

Afterward, we dove into the Mystic Ozark, part of the Mid-America Science Museum family, for an interactive journey through the park’s thermal springs history and the mythical “dragon” said to sleep beneath the mountain. It is family friendly, immersive and seriously fun for all ages, offering hands-on water features, projections and storytelling that bring the science and legends to life.

 

 

Then it was time to get our hands dirty — literally — at Ron Coleman Mining. We dug for sparkling Arkansas quartz crystals in the public areas, one of the most fruitful quartz mines around. The gift shop is a treasure trove of crystals, and I scored a beautiful green rock I am obsessed with.

 

 

For an extra thrill, you can zip line high above the active quarry, soaring over the open mine for an adrenaline rush like no other. It is adventurous, joyful and suitable for dates, families or solo explorers — laughter guaranteed.

 

 

We cleaned up and headed to dinner at The Ohio Club, Arkansas’ oldest operating bar, serving the good stuff up since 1905. This place drips with history;  Capone, Bugsy Siegel, Bugs Moran, Lucky Luciano and even Babe Ruth were regulars back in the day. The walls are lined with artifacts, the vibe is hopping, especially when there’s live music, and the burgers are legendary. Owned by the wonderful Saddiq and Jeannie Mir, it is a great spot for great food, lively conversation at the bar, and soaking in that rich, gangster-era atmosphere.

 

 

Sunday started, again, at Kollective for more matcha magic. Then we wandered over to Garvan Woodland Gardens, the botanical garden of the University of Arkansas. Nestled in the Ouachita Mountains along Lake Hamilton, it is a peaceful paradise of blooming flowers, towering pines, gentle shoreline waves, rocky inclines, incredible waterfalls and scenic trails.

 

 

We loved exploring the Evans Tree House with its multilevel design inspired by a tree’s roots, trunk, branches and leaves, complete with a crow’s nest view. It is a beautiful reminder of why Arkansas is called the Natural State. Keep an eye out for exciting new art exhibits coming soon, as detailed elsewhere in this month’s AY About You.

 

 

We kept the energy high with a playful visit to the Mid-America Science Museum. I felt like a kid again exploring the dinosaurs in the Dino Trek exhibit, marvelous for photos with life-size animatronics. There is plenty to keep families entertained here, from hands-on, interactive exhibits to the Bob Wheeler Science Skywalk. The attractions kept us and the other visitors in attendance smiling the whole time.

 

 

By far the headliner of the visit was the conical Tesla coil. Certified the world’s most powerful conical Tesla coil by Guinness World Records, it is a mesmerizing sight to behold. The accompanying Tesla Theater show is electrifying — literally — taking you back to the rivalry between Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison as 1.5 million volts spark dramatically. I cannot wait to go back with more time.

 

 

The grand finale of our jam-packed weekend came when we headed over to Oaklawn Hot Springs for the entire afternoon and evening. This was no ordinary visit; it was Arkansas Derby Day, and it turned out to be the highest recorded attendance day in Oaklawn history. The energy was electric as we watched the thoroughbreds thunder down the track, the crowd roaring with every race. The excitement of placing bets, cheering from the grandstand and soaking in that classic racing atmosphere was unmatched.

 

 

Oaklawn has so much to offer beyond the races, including a sprawling, smoke-free casino with rows of slots, table games and a sports book for live wagering. Fine dining and casual spots ensure guests never go hungry (do not miss the famous corned beef sandwich if you are there on race day) while live music every weekend at Pop’s Lounge and big-name concerts and comedy at the event center keep things lively. There are also spa treatments at Astral Spa, beautiful grounds and that unbeatable resort vibe where something fun is always happening.

 

 

We stayed late into the evening, people-watching, enjoying the lights and atmosphere, and feeling the full thrill of Hot Springs at its most vibrant. It is the kind of place that keeps the good times rolling long after the last race.

 

 

Hot Springs truly has it all: stargazing from your bed in a geodesic dome, healing thermal waters, crystal digging with zip-line thrills, interactive science and history museums, historic charm, incredible food and coffee, and that unbeatable, friendly energy. Whether you are into lakes, trails, biking or the high-energy excitement of Oaklawn’s races, casino and entertainment, you never run out of things to do.

 

Our weekend was jam-packed from morning until night, and we loved every single minute of it. When it was finally time to pack the car and head for home, we were already dreaming about our return trip.

 

 

The next time you are looking for a fun-filled getaway for a couple of days or a couple of weeks, grab your favorite travel buddy — furry or not — and head to Spa City to experience it for yourself. Trust me: This city will steal your heart.

 

Until next time!

 

SEE THIS STORY BELOW AND IN OUR MAY ISSUE OF AY MAGAZINE.

 

 

 

READ ALSO: The Weekender by Heather Baker: Oaklawn Hot Springs