English Novelist Jane Austen said, “to love is to burn, to be on fire.” Rock ‘n roll legend Elvis Presley said, “you light my morning sky with burning love.” And Rege-Jean Page and Phoebe Dynevor, in the hit Netflix series Bridgerton, showed us what it means to “burn” for one another.
What would any of these greats have to say about visiting Hot Springs during the season of love?
Whether you’re spending it in love with a partner, or yourself, Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas, is a perfect romantic getaway for when things start heating up with love around February 14th.
Every romantic getaway needs a charming place to stay. There’s no better place than Hotel Hale, located on Bathhouse Row in downtown Hot Springs. Located inside the oldest of our six historic Spanish Colonial Revival style bathhouses, Hotel Hale boasts nine suites. The accommodations, designed for comfort, boast a comfortable bed and a bathtub running mineral water from our famous hot springs. Spa services are also available to guests, and you'll want to visit the hotel's restaurant, Eden, during your stay.
Are you looking for a gorgeous brunch? Of course you are. Who wakes early on a romantic getaway? Though Eden is a primary contender, we have many fabulous brunch spots. My pick for a romantic brunch is The Best Cafe, right up the road from Hotel Hale. But get there early! There’s almost always a wait to get into this hopping brunch spot.
Just a few bathhouses down from Hotel Hale, you will find Quapaw Bathhouse, one of two bathhouses on the row that still operate solely as a bathhouse. Come on down and start your romantic getaway with a massage. Quapaw offers a wide variety of massage services, all accommodating both individuals and couples. Add-ons like hot stones, paraffin wax, and 25-minute foot rubs are also available. Look to their site to book your preferred massage ahead of time.
After a steamy bathhouse experience, cool off and take a romantic stroll on the Grand Promenade above Bathhouse Row. Spend some time admiring the nature and hot springs surrounding you on this red brick trail inside Hot Springs National Park.
Once relaxed and raring to go, venture out a bit and head down to the tranquil botanical Garvan Woodland Gardens and see the beautiful Anthony Chapel. As the site of hundreds of weddings, this massive glass and wooden chapel surrounded by gardens couldn’t be anything less than romantic. Unfortunately, the general public can only enter Anthony Chapel if they attend a scheduled event. But just like the rest of Garvan Woodland Gardens, the chapel is considered a “must-see” when visiting Hot Springs.
Do you want more outdoor beauty to continue the serene, romantic moments? Options surround us. One of my favorite spots to get away from (and above) it all is the overlook at the Hot Springs Mountain Pagoda.
Driving to the overlook is scenic, and I recommend going during the golden hour. Experience the flickering sunlight through the trees on the way up and sunset once there. However, these scenes genuinely are breathtaking any time of day. Access the mountain’s entrance from Fountain Street off Central Ave. downtown. You’ll know when to stop when you see the large, white pagoda to your left. It is adjacent to the Hot Springs Mountain Tower.
Wrap up any romantic day with a candlelit dinner at Via Roma — a quaint, charming Italian restaurant. Located at 1521 Malvern Ave., this restaurant gem has well-deserved high ratings and reasonable pricing.
Would you like an after-dinner drink? We have a few exceptional places for a quiet nightlife experience. Splash Wine Bar has a wide selection of wine (but also a full bar) and has one of the most romantic settings in Hot Springs. Dine indoors underneath the dim lights or outdoors by one of the many fire pits.
Another romantic setting for after-dinner drinks is The Heist, a private little bar above The Vault in downtown Hot Springs. This luxurious lounge pays attention to every detail, from dining to decorating. It will go over well for any romantic night out.
After late-night drinks, if you’re feeling lucky and not ready for the night to be over, keep going and head to Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort. This place has no curfew. Roll the dice or pull the lever and see how lucky you can get this Valentine’s Day in Hot Springs.
One word I’ve always used to describe Hot Springs is “charming.” These quality spots are just 10 of our little town’s many. So, you're looking to have a fairytale Valentine's Day? Look no further and visit Hot Springs National Park during this season of love.
Cassidy is a Hot Springs-based freelance journalist. In her free time she enjoys playing games, skating, walking her dog Murphey and spending time with her nieces and nephews. Cassidy aspires to create a positive impact with her writing, be it fun or informative (or both!).