The Horse are Off and Running!

Oak Lawn Horse Track Open

January 13, 2012 until Easter


Oak Lawn Track has been Hosting Horse Races for 100 Years and the History and Nostalgia is ever present within this Beautiful Historical Race Track.


Mingle through the Open Area where the Horses Parade before the Beginning of Each Race.


Slowly Walk and Venture through the inner walls of an Establishment that has Seen and Heard Voices from the not too Distant Past to the lively Conversation of Visitors Today all the while taking in an Event of Wagering on Your Favorite Horse.


Call today for Tickets and Information at http://oaklawn.com/

Ask an Expert: The Pharm Cook-Kelli Stovall Henderson

Ask an Expert.....

Kelli Stovall Henderson also known as The Pharm Cook calls
Hot Springs, Arkansas home and she welcomes the opportunity to share with others unique qualities in this Interview.
It is always our goal at http://www.hotspringsvacationdestination.blogspot.com to highlight the talented individuals who call Hot Springs HOME.
So, grab a seat and enjoy!
How long have you lived in Arkansas?
I feel fortunate to be a native Arkansan. I spent my childhood in the country about an hour from Hot Springs. When our twin boys were almost a year old we decided to move closer to home and thus settled in Hot Springs. I remember the first day I drove thru downtown with my babies in their car seats. Tears came to my eyes and I felt such a feeling of joy and peace; I was home!

What is your favorite part about living here?
Easy-The four distinct seasons and each one offers different opportunities for outdoor activities.
Describe something that makes Hot Springs unique.
The Hot Springs of course. They are really amazing. Also the incredible colorful history of our area is fascinating. Also, the diversity of our town is phenomenal. We have lakes, a downtown National Park, awesome art galleries to name a few.
What is something you wish everyone knew?
How beautiful our people are...inside and out.
Where do you go to eat when you want something Special?
Central Park Fusion hands down.
What is something you recently discovered?
Whittington Park; it is the best place for walks.
Favorite snack food to unwind?
Jalapeno flavored Cheetos
Favorite activity this time of year?
Photography and Hiking

If you could have a Special Contest what would it be?
Photography as it is so beautiful here.
Something that you are likely to splurge on?
Camera equipment and kitchen gadgets.
What do you like to Collect?
Old Cookbooks as they are an important pieces of our History.
Tell us about Pharm Cook and more specifically http://www.ohmythisisgood.com
I guess this is my mid life crisis movement! For so many years I tried to ignore my love of food because I have always struggled with my weight....even praying that God would take this obsession for me. Garth Brooks said it best  "Thank God for unanswered Prayers". For what I once believed to be a thorn in my side I now recognize as an incredible Gift.
Who is Lucy and why is she Important?
She is my 10 year old Mini Van and I so did Not want a mini van but it was so practical and now I am sentimentally attached to her. She has been with me during the raising of my children.
 I remember when I needed "Mommy Time" I would go into the garage and listen to the quiet (twin boys remember). I am the only girl in the house so when the testosterone gets a bit overwhelming she (Lucy) and I escape for awhile.
What is one Wish you have for your website?
WOW! This is a hard one. I guess that anyone that stops in for a visit leaves with a SMILE :) and maybe even a laugh or two.
 Of course finding "Empowerment in the Kitchen".
A Special Thanks to Kelli for her willingness to take time to share! Be sure and visit her at http://www.ohmythisisgood.com

Halloween in Hot Springs, Arkansas

Plan a Vacation to Hot Springs, AR. between 
October 24, 2011 through October 31, 2011

and you will be invited to a Spooky Spooky Spectacular Halloween!

Halloween is that special time of year and it is a perfect time to plan a vacation in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
Everyone in town comes together to celebrate in an old fashioned style that can only be done in a small community such as Hot Springs, AR.

1. You can enjoy a Haunted Walking Tour of Downtown http://www.hotspringshauntedtours.com. This very easy walk highlights the many hauntings, stories and legends that surround a city that once had more morgues than any other city in America.
2. Stare in amazement at the talents of Maxwell Blade the Master Illusionist at the Theatre of Magic http://www.maxwellblade.com You will not be sure what is Real and UnReal.
3. Visit the Pocket Theatre for a presentation of "Dracula" http://www.pockettheatre.com
4. Discover the hidden stories of the Gangsters who once controlled Hot Springs by visiting The Gangster Museum of America http://www.TGMOA.com
5. Take a evening cruise on the Belle of Hot Springs Riverboat and look for creepy, crawly creatures on the shore. http://www.belleriverboat.com
6. Visit the Golden Leaves Bookstore at 201 Malvern Avenue 501-623-7007 and put some time aside to pursue the bookshelves, charts and visuals that all focus on all things metaphysical, New Age and Spiritual. You can even have your Horoscope read.
7. From 10-28-11 to 10-31-11 you have the opportunity to really get "In the Spirit" by participating in Haunt Fest http://www.hotspringshauntfest.com
8. All Trick or Treaters are welcome to visit the downtown merchants who stay open late to pass out candy. HAUNT SPRINGS is held on 10-30-11 from 4:00-7:00 PM. 501-545-8502
9. Two area lakes; Lake Ouachita and Lake Catherine both offer opportunities to enjoy the outdoors with fun, creative outdoor adventures that highlight both Fall and Halloween. 
1. Beginning on 10-26-11 Lake Ouachita will offer guests a Lake Tour which highlights the natural turning of the Fall leaves and during the weekend of 10-28-11 there are Skull Hikes, Outdoor Tours all with an emphasis on Fall and Halloween. More details can be found at 501-767-9366
2. Lake Catherine has a full blown "Haunted Halloween at the Park" on 10-29-11 where guests are encouraged to wear Halloween costumes and partake in the roasting of marshmallows around a fire pit. For more information call 501-844-4176.

Antique and Boutique Walk

Looking to enjoy a cool Fall evening as you stroll down a sidewalk 

decorated for Fall with cornstalks, hay bales, mums and pumpkins?

Then Hot Springs, AR. has just what you are seeking.

WARNING: There are many shops open and they all
offer a wide variety of Treasures.

However, make sure you check out the 2 we highlight here;
Moonlight Antiques and Bathhouse Soapery!

We promise you will not be dissappointed.

Each 3rd Friday of the month Hot Springs host the Antique and Boutique Walk.
On Friday, 10-21-11 you have the opportunity to take a visit to some of the many quaint shops all of which stay open late to accommodate those of us seeking to enjoy an evening of sidewalk shopping.
Moonlight Antiques is located at 211 E. Grand Avenue. At the intersection of Central and Grand look for the McDonald's and Walgreen's and you will spot the Labor of Love of Ashley and Judy the mother and daughter owners of Moonlight Antiques.

This unique Antique store enjoys Halloween and the entire store is decorated with items that will get us all in the mood for Trick or Treating!

Moonlight Antiques is one of those family owned establishments that is a committed member of the entire community; they provide the Props for the Pocket Theatre as well as other various projects that they are involved in.

Paul and the newest staff member of Moonlight Antiques

Another shop well worth visiting is Bathhouse Soapery.

Owner Charlene is delightful, creative and Loves to assist her Visitors.

Bathhouse Soapery is located at 120 Central Avenue which is down across from the Arlington Hotel.

Guests are greeted with a Claw Foot Tub in the window which is spewing "bubbles" and when you enter you will be assailed by the wonderful aromas fresh from the many daily soaps that are handmade on site.

In celebration of Fall you can find the luxury scents of Pumpkin Butter, Cranberry and Sweet Potato.

Handmade Soaps are made Daily!

The Leaves are Turning! Time to get Outside!

Fall-that special time of year when we seek the coolness in the air,
 the changing of the leaves

and the beauty that only Nature can provide.

Time to get out and Enjoy the Abundance!

Lake Catherine provides ample opportunities to enjoy Nature in all it's Glory.

October 15, 2011 You can meet at the Trailhead to enjoy a Fall nature Hike at 9:00 AM. Remember to bring your Water bottle and wear compfy shoes. This 1 mile hike gives you a peek into all the changes taking place in the forest.
October 21-23, 2011 the 5th Annual Antique and Tractor Show will be held. The Event host a Parade, Vehicle Demonstrations, Cooking Display and Vendors selling their wares.. This 3 Day event is popular as it is clearly designed for lovers of Antiques, Automobiles and Autumn.
No better way to spend a weekend in the FALL. Call 501-844-4176 for more details

Celebrate Fall in Hot Springs, Arkansas

Are you ready to enjoy cooler temperatures, the beauty of golden hued leaves and activities that Shout;
Fall is Here!

If so, then you need to head to Hot Springs, Arkansas.
Friday, October 7, 2011 you can stroll downtown and enjoy the vast array of Art Galleries that will be open to the Public and many who host Open Houses with refreshments for Gallery Walk.
Another venue available for Friday and Saturday will also take stage in Downtown  will be the Hot Water Hills Music and Art Fest.
You can enjoy the Music, Art, Beer, Wine and Food as you stroll through the natural beauty of Bathhouse Row and the Downtown area.
If you enjoy Crafts then the 43rd Annual Art & Crafts Show is for you!
It  will be at the Garland County Fairgrounds and begins on Friday, 10-7-11 and continues through Sunday, 10-9-11
Maybe some early shopping for Christmas?
If you want to do something totally spooky to get ready for Halloween then consider taking a Walking Tour of downtown with  Haunted Tours.
You can check in and buy your ticket at 430 Central Avenue for nightly walks at 8:00 and 10:00 PM on Friday and Saturday.

Regardless, of your choice there is much to do to get in the spirit of Fall!

Discover Fall in Hidden Places!

Fall has finally arrived and with it comes;

• Cooler Temperatures
• Golden Colored Leaves
• Wildlife preparing for Winter
• Mystery and Intrigue
• Hidden Places ready for YOU to Discover!

In Hot Springs, Arkansas you have the Unique Opportunity to Discover all the Hidden Gems that burst forth when the temperatures begin to Fall.
Arkansas is known as the Natural State and within just a few miles of Hot Springs, you have access to Hidden Places among 3 area Lakes.

1. Lake Catherine
2. De Gray Lake
3. Lake Ouachita

During October there are countless opportunities to enjoy the Natural State of Arkansas, and Discover Fall.
There are a wide range of Activities, Events and Experiences waiting for You!
If you are looking to Discover something To Do in Hot Springs, Arkansas look no further !