Living the Dream: Hot Springs, Arkansas

        I treated Muggy to an extra special Mother's Day treat one day early which Erik and Luke and Rachael are paying for, they just don't know it yet!! Muggy and I went into Ashdown early to buy some vegetables at the Farmer's Market. The town was celebrating WhistleStop Days. Unfortunately, it was raining quite hard, so there certainly weren't many folks out. Everyone we talked to said they were glad to have the rain.
     Muggy and I then headed north for a couple of hours to Hot Springs, AR. We enjoyed a leisurely drive through the Arkansas countryside and stopped at a flea market to buy some treasures. Upon arrival in Hot Springs we began a saga of some trouble with the Honda Fit we are towing. More on this later.
     I had made reservations for us at the Quapaw Bathhouse on Bathhouse Row in downtown Hot Springs. We were treated royally by the staff, particularly Desiree and Debi, our personal attendants. We enjoyed a private, detoxifying bath followed by 20 minutes in the steam cave. The water used in the bathhouses comes out of the ground at 140 degrees and is full of minerals. I've posted some key pictures from our day below.
     First, Rita and Cassie at the Bubba-licious Grill on Central Ave., across the street from the bathhouses. The burgers are great and we highly recommend the Classic Dog with the sweet, red-pepper relish.

Me in front of one of the National Park signs. We purchased National Park pass for this trip, but you do NOT need one to visit Hot Springs. Immediately behind me here is the Promenade; a beautiful tiled and terraced area behind the bathhouses and a beautiful walk.