Harrell House Guidebook
Food scene
A 2 block walk from the Harrell house or 5 minute drive from Black Fox Den camp, locally roasted coffee, teas and fresh baked goods! Relax on the wrap-around front porch or cozy up to the wood stove in winter. Purchase fresh ground coffee to go and divine homemade soaps! Dog friendly space.
46 locals recommend
Brick City Slice House
765 Park AveA 2 block walk from the Harrell house or 5 minute drive from Black Fox Den camp, locally roasted coffee, teas and fresh baked goods! Relax on the wrap-around front porch or cozy up to the wood stove in winter. Purchase fresh ground coffee to go and divine homemade soaps! Dog friendly space.
501 Prime
215 E Grand Ave5 star dining 5 minutes away!
Personal favorite! Highly recommended Ecuadorian inspired cuisine. When the weather is nice ask for seating on the back patio that is carved into the mountain and beautifully landscaped. Pre-orders and curbside pick-up available too!
105 locals recommend
Rolando's Restaurante
210 Central AvePersonal favorite! Highly recommended Ecuadorian inspired cuisine. When the weather is nice ask for seating on the back patio that is carved into the mountain and beautifully landscaped. Pre-orders and curbside pick-up available too!
Blooming tea! Delicious light, healthy fare for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
57 locals recommend
Kollective Coffee & Tea
110 Central AveBlooming tea! Delicious light, healthy fare for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Excellent food and service. The best people watching perch in town. Craft beers and root beer brewed with the natural Hot Springs thermal waters inside a National Park bathhouse. What's not to love?
152 locals recommend
Superior Bathhouse Brewery and Distillery
329 Central AveExcellent food and service. The best people watching perch in town. Craft beers and root beer brewed with the natural Hot Springs thermal waters inside a National Park bathhouse. What's not to love?
The good people of Hot Springs debate about the best water and the best burger. Bailey's is always on the burger list! This 1950's drive-in is on the National Register of Historic Places, but it is the family run atmosphere that makes Bailey's a local treasure. Burgers, fries, ice cream, egg rolls -- there's something for everyone.
10 locals recommend
Bailey's Dairy Treat
510 Park AveThe good people of Hot Springs debate about the best water and the best burger. Bailey's is always on the burger list! This 1950's drive-in is on the National Register of Historic Places, but it is the family run atmosphere that makes Bailey's a local treasure. Burgers, fries, ice cream, egg rolls -- there's something for everyone.
A foodies paradise in a beautifully renovated historic building downtown. Perfect for a romantic evening or a family/friends gathering.
76 locals recommend
VAULT
723 Central AveA foodies paradise in a beautifully renovated historic building downtown. Perfect for a romantic evening or a family/friends gathering.
Truly world class BBQ! 10-12 minute drive from the house, but it will not disappoint!
77 locals recommend
McClard's Bar-B-Q Restaurant
505 Albert Pike RdTruly world class BBQ! 10-12 minute drive from the house, but it will not disappoint!
Since 1905, Arkansas' oldest bar, yes even through Prohibition thanks to Al Capone, Bugsy Segel, Bugs Moran and Lucky Luciano. Mae West loved the place too. Hot Springs has a history and this downtown speakeasy is in the middle of it all. The burgers (beef or plant based) are arguably the best in town, but the hand carved bar, mixologists and live local music make this a happening place to this day.
143 locals recommend
Ohio Club
336 Central AveSince 1905, Arkansas' oldest bar, yes even through Prohibition thanks to Al Capone, Bugsy Segel, Bugs Moran and Lucky Luciano. Mae West loved the place too. Hot Springs has a history and this downtown speakeasy is in the middle of it all. The burgers (beef or plant based) are arguably the best in town, but the hand carved bar, mixologists and live local music make this a happening place to this day.
The place for brunch on Saturday or Sunday between 10 and 2! Hotel Hale is a recently remodeled, architectural gem on bathhouse row downtown. Hotel Hale is home to a beautiful restaurant, Eden, which features a living wall that offers guests the experience of enjoying their delicious meal surrounded by a fresh and flourishing garden beneath a heavenly skylight in what once was the bathhouse solarium.
7 locals recommend
Hotel Hale
341 Central AveThe place for brunch on Saturday or Sunday between 10 and 2! Hotel Hale is a recently remodeled, architectural gem on bathhouse row downtown. Hotel Hale is home to a beautiful restaurant, Eden, which features a living wall that offers guests the experience of enjoying their delicious meal surrounded by a fresh and flourishing garden beneath a heavenly skylight in what once was the bathhouse solarium.
All of the hot pink boxes you'll see people carrying downtown are Fat Bottomed! After a great meal, or before (you're on vacation, right?) get one of their phenomenal cupcakes for a stroll on the Grand Promenade behind bathhouse row, or because it's really hard to choose just one get an entire box of them. You'll walk, hike or bike it off. No problem.
40 locals recommend
Fat Bottomed Girl's Cupcake Shoppe
502 Central AveAll of the hot pink boxes you'll see people carrying downtown are Fat Bottomed! After a great meal, or before (you're on vacation, right?) get one of their phenomenal cupcakes for a stroll on the Grand Promenade behind bathhouse row, or because it's really hard to choose just one get an entire box of them. You'll walk, hike or bike it off. No problem.
Delicious delights. Great place to pick up the best birthday cake or dessert you've ever eaten, and get a scrumptious breakfast or lunch while you're there. Adjacent to the Hot Springs Veteran's Memorial and the Greenway Trail. Start your day with Ambrosia.
21 locals recommend
Ambrosia Bakery
307 Broadway StDelicious delights. Great place to pick up the best birthday cake or dessert you've ever eaten, and get a scrumptious breakfast or lunch while you're there. Adjacent to the Hot Springs Veteran's Memorial and the Greenway Trail. Start your day with Ambrosia.
SQZBX (pronounced Squeezebox) Pizza and Brewery has become our favorite pizza in town. Family owned and operated, they have a great selection of unique pizzas and craft brews. Pre-order and pick-up curbside too. They're 5 minutes from the Harrell House.
84 locals recommend
SQZBX
236 Ouachita AveSQZBX (pronounced Squeezebox) Pizza and Brewery has become our favorite pizza in town. Family owned and operated, they have a great selection of unique pizzas and craft brews. Pre-order and pick-up curbside too. They're 5 minutes from the Harrell House.
Another favorite pizza place with incredible outdoor tiered decking just a block behind bathhouse row tucked up on the mountainside. Kids love exploring the hillside landscape elements while the grown-ups enjoy a well deserved cold beverage.
71 locals recommend
Grateful Head Pizza Oven and Beer Garden
100 Exchange StAnother favorite pizza place with incredible outdoor tiered decking just a block behind bathhouse row tucked up on the mountainside. Kids love exploring the hillside landscape elements while the grown-ups enjoy a well deserved cold beverage.
Hot Springs' history isn't all about the water and architecture. Up until the 1960's there was a seedy underside of gangsters, bootlegging and backroom gambling. You can learn all about it at the Gangster Museum. Downtown. 5 minutes from the house.
81 locals recommend
Gangster Museum of America
510 Central AveHot Springs' history isn't all about the water and architecture. Up until the 1960's there was a seedy underside of gangsters, bootlegging and backroom gambling. You can learn all about it at the Gangster Museum. Downtown. 5 minutes from the house.
Family fun, dog friendly, food truck court with covered pavilion seating and outdoor games (giant jenga or ping-pong anyone?). While trucks vary, they are all awesome and have something for everyone. The 'usuals' include hibachi, Mexican and soul food options.
10 locals recommend
420eats
420 Malvern AveFamily fun, dog friendly, food truck court with covered pavilion seating and outdoor games (giant jenga or ping-pong anyone?). While trucks vary, they are all awesome and have something for everyone. The 'usuals' include hibachi, Mexican and soul food options.
You probably wouldn't expect the find the best cinnamon rolls you've ever eaten in Hot Springs, but that's exactly what you will find at Will's. Made fresh daily. They also have fantastic sandwiches and ice cream.
42 locals recommend
Will's Cinnamon Shop
1001 Central AveYou probably wouldn't expect the find the best cinnamon rolls you've ever eaten in Hot Springs, but that's exactly what you will find at Will's. Made fresh daily. They also have fantastic sandwiches and ice cream.
Family owned and operated with Grandma’s recipes for fried catfish, fried chicken, meatloaf, hamburger steak, mac & cheese, fried green tomatoes, purple hull peas, mashed potatoes, dressing, yams, hot water cornbread, greens, coleslaw and more. Don’t forget dessert! Get it to go or dine in.
6 locals recommend
Emma Lee’s
765 Park AveFamily owned and operated with Grandma’s recipes for fried catfish, fried chicken, meatloaf, hamburger steak, mac & cheese, fried green tomatoes, purple hull peas, mashed potatoes, dressing, yams, hot water cornbread, greens, coleslaw and more. Don’t forget dessert! Get it to go or dine in.
A phenomenal German restaurant below street level with an outdoor beer garden and some of the finest schnitzel and sauces! If you’re lucky you’ll catch the Chef Special roulades. Weekends during summer you might find live music. Large array of imported beers. NOTE: Dog friendly in the beer garden not the main dining room.
49 locals recommend
Steinhaus Keller
801 Central AveA phenomenal German restaurant below street level with an outdoor beer garden and some of the finest schnitzel and sauces! If you’re lucky you’ll catch the Chef Special roulades. Weekends during summer you might find live music. Large array of imported beers. NOTE: Dog friendly in the beer garden not the main dining room.
Saturdays 7am – 12pm. In season locally grown veggies, fruits and herbs; responsibly raised local beef, chicken and pork; fresh baked goods made with love; arts, crafts and community.
18 locals recommend
Hot Springs Farmers & Artisans Market
121 Orange St Saturdays 7am – 12pm. In season locally grown veggies, fruits and herbs; responsibly raised local beef, chicken and pork; fresh baked goods made with love; arts, crafts and community.
On top of The Waters Hotel ambience, drinks, appetizers, full delicious menu with a rooftop view of downtown and all of bathhouse row.
26 locals recommend
The Rooftop Bar
340 Central AveOn top of The Waters Hotel ambience, drinks, appetizers, full delicious menu with a rooftop view of downtown and all of bathhouse row.
Best Cafe
632 Ouachita AveLocals LOVE the traditional home cooked southern breakfast!
Indoor or patio dining in the heart of downtown. Urban tacos, tapas, full bar and specialty agave (Mezcal) based drinks.
30 locals recommend
Diablos Tacos & Mezcal
528 Central AveIndoor or patio dining in the heart of downtown. Urban tacos, tapas, full bar and specialty agave (Mezcal) based drinks.
Another well-kept locally owned and operated authentic cuisine secret! There is something for everyone including a wide range of vegetarian, beef and seafood options. Excellent service and can accommodate groups in a family style setting.
18 locals recommend
Pho Hoang My - Vietnamese Food and Coffee
608 E Grand AveAnother well-kept locally owned and operated authentic cuisine secret! There is something for everyone including a wide range of vegetarian, beef and seafood options. Excellent service and can accommodate groups in a family style setting.
Sightseeing
A world class, hands-on, Smithsonian, science museum fun for the whole family 15 minutes from our Harrell House! We love this place!
144 locals recommend
Mid-America Science Museum
500 Mid America BlvdA world class, hands-on, Smithsonian, science museum fun for the whole family 15 minutes from our Harrell House! We love this place!
Do not forget to pack your swimsuit when you visit Spa City! We are all about our thermal waters and this beautiful modern bath and spa in a Historic downtown bathhouse will not disappoint. After enjoying the pools and a massage, you have to do the steam cave, which is literally the hot spring underneath and feeding the building.
106 locals recommend
Quapaw Baths & Spa
413 Central AveDo not forget to pack your swimsuit when you visit Spa City! We are all about our thermal waters and this beautiful modern bath and spa in a Historic downtown bathhouse will not disappoint. After enjoying the pools and a massage, you have to do the steam cave, which is literally the hot spring underneath and feeding the building.
Pronounced wha-Chih-taw, named after one of the many Tribes that called Hot Springs home, this pristine State Park managed lake in the heart of a National Forest is why Arkansas is known as The Natural State. Swim, boat, kayak, scuba, fish... relax.
36 locals recommend
Lake Ouachita
Pronounced wha-Chih-taw, named after one of the many Tribes that called Hot Springs home, this pristine State Park managed lake in the heart of a National Forest is why Arkansas is known as The Natural State. Swim, boat, kayak, scuba, fish... relax.
The nation's first Federal Reserve and only National Park situated around a city. The Harrell House is a block from National Park lands and 2 minutes from the heart of the park. Tour the bathhouses, walk the promenade, hike North Mountain, definitely catch a sunset from West Mountain, get free natural spring water from one of the many kiosks around town, bathe in the waters at the modern Quapaw or the traditional Buckstaff baths. Hot Springs is all about its water and parks!
47 locals recommend
Hot Springs National Park
The nation's first Federal Reserve and only National Park situated around a city. The Harrell House is a block from National Park lands and 2 minutes from the heart of the park. Tour the bathhouses, walk the promenade, hike North Mountain, definitely catch a sunset from West Mountain, get free natural spring water from one of the many kiosks around town, bathe in the waters at the modern Quapaw or the traditional Buckstaff baths. Hot Springs is all about its water and parks!
A short ride on the cyclist friendly Park Avenue will connect you to phase one of the IMBA rated Hot Springs world-class Northwoods Trails, which include 15+ miles of mountain biking trails. Construction of the park began in November 2017 with plans for a 44.6 mile system of trails on the 2000 acre property in the Northern section of Hot Springs. This project represents an ongoing, collaborative effort to establish Hot Springs as one of the premier mountain biking destination in the United States. The Northwoods system includes Green, Blue and Black single track, multi-track, flow trails, jump lines and the Lucky 13 expert section.
49 locals recommend
Northwoods Trails
300 Pineland DrA short ride on the cyclist friendly Park Avenue will connect you to phase one of the IMBA rated Hot Springs world-class Northwoods Trails, which include 15+ miles of mountain biking trails. Construction of the park began in November 2017 with plans for a 44.6 mile system of trails on the 2000 acre property in the Northern section of Hot Springs. This project represents an ongoing, collaborative effort to establish Hot Springs as one of the premier mountain biking destination in the United States. The Northwoods system includes Green, Blue and Black single track, multi-track, flow trails, jump lines and the Lucky 13 expert section.
Amazing illusionist that performs in the historic Malco Theater downtown, just a couple of minutes from the Harrell House.
60 locals recommend
Maxwell Blade's Theatre of Magic & Comedy
817 Central AveAmazing illusionist that performs in the historic Malco Theater downtown, just a couple of minutes from the Harrell House.
A teaching art gallery for kids and adults just 2 minutes from the Harrell House. Class offerings vary by semester, but include Summer Art Camps for kids, wine drinking poetry lessons for adults (Words & Wine with poet Kai Coggin), yoga, pottery, belly dance, ballet... They are also open for First Friday Gallery Walk with edgy themes.
Emergent Arts
341-A Whittington AveA teaching art gallery for kids and adults just 2 minutes from the Harrell House. Class offerings vary by semester, but include Summer Art Camps for kids, wine drinking poetry lessons for adults (Words & Wine with poet Kai Coggin), yoga, pottery, belly dance, ballet... They are also open for First Friday Gallery Walk with edgy themes.
On top of West Mountain in Hot Springs National Park you will find the mountain tower where you can see the Ouachita Mountains and forests for miles. A 5 minute drive from the Harrell House, or a moderate hike up the mountain from bathhouse row through the National Park.
136 locals recommend
Hot Springs Mountain Tower
401 Hot Springs Mountain DrOn top of West Mountain in Hot Springs National Park you will find the mountain tower where you can see the Ouachita Mountains and forests for miles. A 5 minute drive from the Harrell House, or a moderate hike up the mountain from bathhouse row through the National Park.
Garvan Woodland Gardens is the crown jewel of the University of Arkansas botanical gardens. Nestled in the picturesque Ouachita Mountains, the Gardens are a wonderful gift to all people from local industrialist and philanthropist Verna Cook Garvan.
Garvan Woodland Gardens is an example of The Natural State at its best: a canopy of pines reaching skyward providing protection for delicate flora and fauna, gentle lapping waves that unfold along the 4 ½ miles of wooded shoreline, and rocky inclines that remind us of the surrounding Ouachita Mountains.
From the dynamic architectural structures to the majestic botanical landscapes, Garvan Woodland Gardens offers breathtaking sights (and fantastic photo opportunities) at every turn.
231 locals recommend
Garvan Woodland Gardens
4819 Arkridge RdGarvan Woodland Gardens is the crown jewel of the University of Arkansas botanical gardens. Nestled in the picturesque Ouachita Mountains, the Gardens are a wonderful gift to all people from local industrialist and philanthropist Verna Cook Garvan.
Garvan Woodland Gardens is an example of The Natural State at its best: a canopy of pines reaching skyward providing protection for delicate flora and fauna, gentle lapping waves that unfold along the 4 ½ miles of wooded shoreline, and rocky inclines that remind us of the surrounding Ouachita Mountains.
From the dynamic architectural structures to the majestic botanical landscapes, Garvan Woodland Gardens offers breathtaking sights (and fantastic photo opportunities) at every turn.
A true delight for kids and kids' at heart!
9 locals recommend
Garvan Woodland Gardens Childrens Garden Treehouse
550 Arkridge RdA true delight for kids and kids' at heart!
Looking for something different and memorable to do with friends or the fam? Look no further. You will get your hands dirty, but you will find (and keep) quartz crystals. In addition to the history, water and gangsters, Hot Springs is known for its abundance of quartz crystals; there's even one in the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History from the Coleman mine.
22 locals recommend
Coleman Rock Shop & Crystal Mines -Jim
5837 AR-7Looking for something different and memorable to do with friends or the fam? Look no further. You will get your hands dirty, but you will find (and keep) quartz crystals. In addition to the history, water and gangsters, Hot Springs is known for its abundance of quartz crystals; there's even one in the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History from the Coleman mine.
A tree house, challenging forest disc golf, RC plane field, mountain biking/hiking trails and a jump track, all 5 minutes from the Harrell House and adjacent to the Northwoods Trails. Pack a picnic and eat in the pavilion.
34 locals recommend
Cedar Glades Park
461 Wildcat RdA tree house, challenging forest disc golf, RC plane field, mountain biking/hiking trails and a jump track, all 5 minutes from the Harrell House and adjacent to the Northwoods Trails. Pack a picnic and eat in the pavilion.
Learn about the long and rich history of Hot Springs on this guided trolley tour.
Hot Springs Trolleys
706 Central AveLearn about the long and rich history of Hot Springs on this guided trolley tour.
Walk or roll on the shaded multi-use paved path along Hot Springs Creek through a sculpture garden, to the skate park, to Hollywood Park with a castle and dragon themed playground or to the Bark Park off-leash dog park. A gem of a trail at all ability levels.
Hot Springs Convention Center
134 Convention BlvdWalk or roll on the shaded multi-use paved path along Hot Springs Creek through a sculpture garden, to the skate park, to Hollywood Park with a castle and dragon themed playground or to the Bark Park off-leash dog park. A gem of a trail at all ability levels.
Words cannot describe how cool Tiny Town is! Kids and kids at heart, train enthusiasts and crafters, will love this little, unique tour of one man's lifelong hobby.
9 locals recommend
Tiny Town
374 Whittington AveWords cannot describe how cool Tiny Town is! Kids and kids at heart, train enthusiasts and crafters, will love this little, unique tour of one man's lifelong hobby.
Hold a baby alligator, feed and pet miniature goats and see wolves, mountain lions, monkeys, raccoons and more up close and personal. There’s something fun for everyone in your family. You can also feed baby alligators meat on a stick and witness live alligator feeding shows every Thursday, Saturday and Sunday at noon May through mid-October.
68 locals recommend
Arkansas Alligator Farm & Petting Zoo
847 Whittington AveHold a baby alligator, feed and pet miniature goats and see wolves, mountain lions, monkeys, raccoons and more up close and personal. There’s something fun for everyone in your family. You can also feed baby alligators meat on a stick and witness live alligator feeding shows every Thursday, Saturday and Sunday at noon May through mid-October.
Hot Springs Central Theater
1008 Central Avenue