Green windy roads and tall trees are easy to enjoy. With the temperate weather, I wasn’t sure of what more that I could wish for. Well, the lack of a pandemic comes to mind, but we have all heard and stressed enough about that. It must be busier without the drama but we do not require a crowd. There were enough people around to keep it interesting and to not feel like we were keeping anyone working just for us.
Our Honda handled the roads well and the traffic was manageable with only one road works slow down on our way out. A dinner guest of the Rooftop Bar at our hotel mentioned that they had an atrocious drive from Dallas due to road improvements.
The Rooftop Bar was good but they stuck us at the edge without the cover. We asked if we could have a table near the heaters when someone left and they said yes, but forgot and left us sitting out in the cold until we reminded them and moved into the warmer spot out of the wind and rain. The Avenue at The Waters was closed.
This is my third time in Arkansas but I don’t recall being in or near the Ozarks from a holiday with the family early years. Well worthy of a road trip or two to explore the lakes and spend time in the mountains. Mount Magazine is on the list for a visit.
Hots springs is worthy of more than just a stop off on our way north. A historical spa town, with lakes all around, in a national park – that we did not get a chance to explore enough of – but we did make it to the lovely Garvan Woodland Gardens.
Our timing was good for Mountain Tower.
It wasn’t too busy, clear with panoramic heaven.
The historical road with the spas.
We could see our hotel from the tower.
Hot spring water is complimentary in a few places. Very tempting but to get full benefit I reckon large bottles were needed and would be heavy to carry, if collecting enough to fill a tub. Foot soak,maybe???? I thought…Hey, we travel with bottled water…takeaway water for the road. Someone from the group circling the fountains mentioned that one had cold water. Not sure if they were being hopeful for us, or just sending us off to get us out of the way. We checked a few fountains for cold water and were directed to an additional few places but nothing cold to drink. Filling the water bottles for the road didn’t work out. We fell back to the Ozarka water that traveled with us from Texas.
The Waters Hotel appeared the obvious choice near to the springs and national park. A historical hotel lacking the hot spring water connection that some accommodations have but updated with a rooftop restaurant. Top floor room facing the front with a view of the greenery was grand but unfortunately had a leaking toilet. Having recently replaced our own commodes, Andrew reminded us that it is rarely a quick fix and we should select another room. Front desk placed us just one floor down, a little smaller and closer to the road but still nice.
There was a moderate amount of road noise overnight but a reasonably quiet place. We are light sleepers. Our neighborhood is quiet and we use an air filter that makes a gentle hum so we are conditioned to sleeping with the white noise. Yet to find the white noise app that works for us.
The parking is extra but handy and there is a public garage within walking distance. To keep an eye on the vehicle we went with the valet parking.
We could see our ride from the hotel grounds. The Waters backs into a hill accessible to guest to climb and walk down the slope to eateries and a few shops.
Being there for only two nights we stayed close to the Waters.
Cycling is not allowed in the national park. We rode along the high street and looped around the back roads.
