The Travel 100 100 100

By: Lisa Mowry

Hot Springs: A City within a Park

Thanks to its historic bathhouses, thermal hot springs, crystal-mining and incredible natural beauty, Hot Springs, Arkansas can be the sort of destination people didn’t think needed to be on their bucket list—but it should be. Hot Springs is a rarity, a town that is entirely located in a national park. In addition to its gorgeous lakes and gardens, the town was an early (perhaps seedier) version of Las Vegas for decades, hosting gangsters, brothels and gambling as a money-maker. Intrigued by this interesting, quirky town? Read on.

What to do:

The town’s 47 mineral hot springs are a main reason this central-Arkansas destination continues to draw visitors year-round. History and architecture lovers will marvel at Bathhouse Row, the downtown block of original bathhouses. Don’t miss the National Park-sponsored tour of bathhouse history at Fordyce Bathhouse, and then sign up for either an authentic 1920s-style bath experience at Buckstaff or soak in the thermal springs at Quapaw.

One of the original bathhouses, Superior Baths, has been turned into a full-service restaurant and local brewery, with a claim to fame of being the only brewery in the U.S. using thermal spring water as an ingredient. Their innovative menu—both beverages and food—and prime location in the middle of town make it a don’t-miss. The Gangster Museum of America is across the street, providing a glimpse into Hot Springs’ colorful history as a place for the likes of Al Capone and “Lucky” Luciano to visit. Alongside jazz clubs, casinos and bootlegging, the early scene was quite a mix for a small town full of thermal springs. The purported medicinal benefits of the springs helped fuel the gambling, and later helped bring in the nation’s first spring-training for major league baseball.

Attractions outside the city are also fascinating. Garvan Woodland Gardens is set in the Oachita Mountains with lakeside vistas; visitors enjoy the woodland trails but also the strong architectural delights such as a chapel and treehouse. Arkansas’s geography contributes to the wealth of quartz crystals found in the area, and as a unique activity, visitors can check into Avant Mining and dig for their ownh crystals in the dirt.

Where to stay:

The charming Lookout Point Lakeside Inn has earned accolades such as one of TripAdvisor’s top small inns in the country, and it’s easy to see why: the setting on Lake Hamilton and gardens to enjoy are a peaceful backdrop to a stay. The elegance of the Gilded Age is found at The Reserve, a Neoclassical estate across from Oaklawn racetrack that’s been lovingly turned into a luxury bed-and-breakfast.

What to know:

The closest airport to Hot Springs is in Little Rock, about an hour away. Because of that and all the attractions spread out in Hot Springs, a rental car is highly suggested. It would be a nine-hour road trip from Atlanta area, with potential interesting stops in Mississippi and Memphis along the way. For more information, visit hotsprings.org.

The INNside story: Pier House RESORT

An oceanside oasis in exuberant Key West

Why you should visit:

It’s the quintessential Key West, Florida experience, with gorgeous sunsets, a dive bar, views of the Gulf, and plenty of good food—all on property.

People flock to Key West for its quirky charm, but at the end of the day, it’s sure nice to have a peaceful retreat for escaping the town’s high-energy level. With its enviable location of Duval Street on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other, Pier House Resort & Spa offers the proverbial best of both worlds. It’s also got that rarity in Key West: an actual sandy beach and palm trees (because you can’t come to Florida without a bit of that). Add in a dive bar on property, full-service spa, and views for miles to complete the picture, and we agree after a recent visit that Pier House is an ideal home base for exploring Key West.

As part of its claim to fame, Key West is the southernmost city in the U.S., closer to Cuba than Miami. Part irreverent cultural mecca, tropical destination for snorkeling, a darn good place for a daquiri, and the spot for some major people-watching, Key West draws folks for a lot of reasons. If you like history, the Little White House populated by Harry Truman is an ideal place to explore, a few blocks from the hotel. Ready for a sunset cruise? The on-site concierge can set you up on a boat. Since Key West is only four miles long and two miles wide, it’s easy to explore with a bike or a pair of good walking shoes.

Pier House began life as a small 50-room hotel in 1967, but it’s expanded over the years to 143 guest rooms and suites, two restaurants, a spa and lush landscaped property surrounding it all. The oceanside suites have unparalleled views and the most up-to-date interior design, with a coastal vibe (think rattan furnishings and a blue-and-white color scheme), although the cozy spa rooms are charming, too, tucked into the palm trees as a value option. Speaking of the spa, theirs is the only full-service one intown, and is a must-do for any relaxing getaway. After a massage or facial, dedicate another hour to relaxing in the whirlpool al fresco.

Food and beverage options on the resort cover a lot of ground, even with just three destinations. The resort’s signature restaurant, One Duval, does day-long service as the place for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Its menus range from hearty omelets to start the day on up to sophisticated seafood and steak options at night, all with the option to sit outside at the tables located above the ocean. The Beachside Bar is the sort of laid-back spot by the beach and pool that dream about while they’re stuck in an office. With plenty of beers, lunch treats like fish tacos or calamari, and often a local minstrel playing Yacht

Rome, Georgia

Rock tunes, the Beachside Bar is usually hopping all day long. Tucked into a spot near the lobby, the Chart Room Bar channels Old Key West, with its memorabilia stuck on every corner of the walls and ceiling, and its legends of locals such as Jimmy Buffett and Mel Fisher stopping by. With its complimentary peanuts and hot dogs available alongside specialty cocktails, this funky bar can entertain guests for hours.

Key West is a three-hour drive from Miami, but these days, several airlines offer direct flights. The small airport is only a 10-15 minute rideshare journey to Pier House, and once you’re there, it’s easy to get around by walking or taxi. The small-but-in-a-goodway size of Key West makes it an easy getaway when you’re in the mood for a Margaritaville-type of weekend.

An easy getaway for history and architecture

Rome, Georgia may be 5,000 miles from Rome, Italy, but it does share a few attributes. The northwest Georgia city was built on seven hills with rivers running through it, similar to the capitol of Italy. A trio of rivers — Etowah, Oostanaula and Coosa River — wind through our Rome, giving it a picturesque look and good spot for kayaking. And then there’s Berry College, with its Italian-inspired architecture at its Ford campus, bringing the nod to Italy back again.