Texas RV Trip - Hot Springs, Ark Again

I've began calling Coco, Coco Rita and we Bev likes it as well and we decided it was her turn on the header.

The story of the town and National Park here is very interesting and it’s often difficult to know when you’re in the park or in the town.  I didn’t realize the hot springs and resulting bathhouses were such a home of the rich-and-famous and ill back at the turn of the century (the previous one). This is the entrance to the third version Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa (fires you know) and it has been in business since 1875, but this one opened in 1924.

It’s another story worth reading if you’re a history or geology buff, but here’s one tidbit – the hot water coming from the springs today fell on the earth 4000 years ago and it takes it that long to percolate to the 8000 foot depth before making it’s quick return to the surface where it’s 143F. 

Here’s a shot of the cascade at the top of Bathhouse Row and across the street from The Arlington, where it flows into a basin and on into the creek.  In the early days the creek flowed just in front of the bath houses but it has been covered and is now flowing under their front lawns.  Note the vapors rising from the water.

The bathhouses draw their water from a man-made reservoir below ground up on the mountain so it is never contaminated, but still hot enough to require cooling prior to use.  I believe there are nine buildings in Bathhouse Row but only five operating and one as the National Park Museum.  Some have private bath tubs while others have larger, multi-person pools.  A private whirlpool mineral bath is now $30, time in the pool is $18. Back in their day, they were really jumping and people came from all over in hopes the hot mineral water would cure their ails.  Bev decided she'd pass on the fairly expensive bath.

The national park has a four story bathhouse preserved as a museum from about 1915 and this spring is in the basement - click on the description to read about it.

After the bath, massage, facial and other indulgences, the guests relaxed in the 3rd floor parlor, with a very nice stained glass ceiling, before heading back to the Arlington or other upscale hotel.

This is the Hubbard Tub used for hydrotherapy and they are still for sale, at least in a stainless steel version.

There is also a tap where anyone can fill up a jug of the famous elixir and a guy earlier had car full of 5 gallon jugs to take home, advising that his family loves to drink it and it’s supposed to make great coffee.   After a trip to Walmart, here I am getting a few jugs to take home and it was indeed hot water.

Sometimes Bev is so funny because when I suggested we go to Walmart for jugs, she ask - "Is there a Walmart here." I replied "think Arkansas, think Walmart, think Sam Walton, think Arkansas, what do you think now." Not surprisingly, there are three in the area.

All photos can be enlarged by clicking on them. 

Have a great day and thanks for stopping by Almost Heaven South. 

One year ago:  Chicken Pepperoni Ala Dennis

Two years ago:  Brisket Hash - Oh My

 Larry