It started off a beautiful day...sun shining, temperature so comfortable (I think in the low 70's)...and then the rain came and the temperature dropped very quickly to 63! Regardless, it was a great day! When we parked downtown, we were in front of the Mountain Valley Spring Water Company's International Headquarters and Visitor's Center so we decided to go in. We ended up talking to Bob Ridley, the Visitor Center/Museum Coordinator, who was so personable and informative. It was a pleasure meeting him. He took us up to the third floor where the Executive Offices are to show us how they restored the 1921 Ballroom to it's original beauty. Talk about going over and beyond the call of duty! It was a fascinating visit and we left with some Mountain Valley Sparkling Water!
Our plans to have lunch at the Arlington Hotel (for old times sake) were squashed when we got there and discovered that they are only open for dinner this week. We walked down the street and ended up at Granny's Kitchen...could be one of the best meals we have had! And the hostess and server were so accommodating and personable. Hot Springs (season) ended Labor Day and business everywhere is slow unless major conventions are in town (which they are not this week...lucky us!).
Then on to our "Bathhouse" tour at the National Park. Also fascinating! We had thought about getting a "spa package" at the Buckstaff Bathhouse but, unfortunately, they are closed on Thursdays in the "off season"! The Buckstaff Bathhouse is a National Historic Landmark that has been in continuous operation since 1912 and remains the only bathhouse providing the traditional bathing experience in Hot Springs National Park.
Now, we can't hike and we can't get a traditional spa experience... so we drove to Hot Springs Mountain Tower, road the elevator to the top, and took pictures! It was also fun and informative! Then we rode by Bill Clinton's boyhood home and church and took pictures.
Now...what to do? Shop? OK! What can I say...it's always fun and something we both enjoy!
It's been such a great stop...even though we only had one day! Too much fun reminiscing about when we were here 25 years ago! It's a beautiful town and the "southern hospitality" has been refreshing!
On to Memphis tomorrow...see you then!
Click on the link below to see today's pictures.
https://picasaweb.google.com/104959812223133937279/September222011HotSpringsAR?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCNLUi770wsvtIQ&feat=directlink
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