Oaklawn Race Track

Oaklawn Racing & Gaming is an American thoroughbred racetrack and casino in Hot Springs, Arkansas. It is the home to The Racing Festival of the South.

In 2015, a pair of victories at Oaklawn put American Pharoah on the path to becoming American Horse of the Year and the first Triple Crown winner in 37 years.

Oaklawn Park officially opened on February 24, 1905. The Racing Festival of the South was created in 1974. The festival is a week with one stakes race everyday leading up to the Arkansas Derby.

Bathhouse Row at Hot Springs National Park

Hot Springs National Park was initially created by an act of the United States Congress on April 20, 1832 to be preserved for future recreation. Established before the concept of a national park existed, it was the first time that a piece of land had been set aside by the federal government to preserve its use as an area for recreation.

The hot spring water has been popularly believed for centuries to possess medicinal properties, and was a subject of legend among several Native American tribes. Following federal protection in 1832, the city developed into a successful spa town. Incorporated January 10, 1851, the city has been home to Major League Baseball spring training, illegal gambling, speakeasies and gangsters such as Al Capone, horse racing at Oaklawn Park, the Army and Navy Hospital, and 42nd President Bill Clinton. The area was made a national park on March 4, 1921.

A primary reason major league baseball came to Hot Springs was the health benefits of the baths. The players tended to be heavy drinkers and believed that the baths could “boil out” the impurities in their systems.

The water from the springs is clear and odorless and is consumed by guests and locals alike. The spring water comes up from the ground at 143 degrees.

Scott and I took a soak and a massage at Quapaw. 20 minutes soaking in the warm water in a private tub followed by a 25 minute massage. While enjoyable, we did not find the soak any more relaxing than sitting in a hot tub.

Garvan Woodland Gardens

Garvan Woodland Gardens is a 210-acre botanical garden owned by the University of Arkansas. Garvan Woodland Gardens is situated on a woodland peninsula with 4.5 miles of shoreline on Lake Hamilton.

Ideally, you want to visit the gardens in spring or summer. We went a little too early in Spring and very little was in bloom. Although, the potential for a colorful and fragrant grounds is evident.

Catherine State Park