Page 2 - TL Spirit of Hot Springs May 2016

2TT • SPIRIT OF HOT SPRINGS • SUNDAY, MAY 22, 2016 TRILAKES EDITION OF THE ARKANSAS DEMOCRATGAZETTE ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT
JIM LEWIS/CAPTURE ARKANSAS
The Bathhouse Row Historic District features eight bathhouses built between 1892 and 1923. Some of the bathhouses, such as the Buckstaff Bath House, still offer spa treatments.
CARLA PRICE/CAPTURE ARKANSAS
The 216-foot-tall Hot Springs Mountain Tower offers a 360-degree view of the Ouachita Mountains surrounding the city.
By Sarah DeClerk
SPECIAL SECTIONS WRITER
Many people who have visited or lived in Hot Springs know that it is a city unlike any other. In addition to its colorful history and beautiful scenery, Hot Springs offers numerous attractions that are unique to the city. Here are some activities that can take explorers off the beaten path.
ARKANSAS ALLIGATOR FARM AND PETTING ZOO
Come face to face with fearsome reptiles at the Arkansas Alligator Farm and Petting Zoo. In addition to watching alligator feedings and holding baby alligators, visitors can see a “merman” at the mini museum and meet a menagerie at the petting zoo. For more information, call 501-623-6172 or visit www. alligatorfarmzoo.com.
BATHHOUSE ROW HISTORIC DISTRICT
Soak up the history of Hot Springs in the Bathhouse Row Historic District, which features eight bathhouses built between 1892 and 1923, the National Park Service website states.Visitors can shop at the Bathhouse Row Emporium in the
Lamar Bathhouse, tour the Fordyce Bathhouse Museum and the Hot Springs National Park Visitor Center, and get spa treatments at the Buckstaff Bath House or Quapaw Baths & Spa.
HOT SPRINGS NATIONAL PARK DUCK TOURS
Tour the city in a unique way when you ride an amphibious Duck. Hot Springs National Park DuckTours offers an hour-and-a-half tour across land and water through downtown and Lake Hamilton. A tour guide provides information during the trip.To learn more, call 501-321-2911 or visit www.rideaduck.com.
THE GALAXY CONNECTION
Venture to a galaxy far, far away at The Galaxy Connection, a museum of Star Wars memorabilia. The museum includes out-of-this world exhibits such as Darth Vader’s starship, Jabba’s dungeon and the swamps of the Dagobah system, the museum’s website states. For more information, call 501-276-4432 or visit www.thegalaxyconnection.com.
THE GANGSTER MUSEUM OF AMERICA
At the Gangster Museum of America, learn about the notorious criminals who
frequented Hot Springs in the 1920s, ’30s and ’40s. The museum’s galleries provide plenty of information about Al Capone, Alvin Karpis, Owen Madden and others who led an underground network of bootlegging and illegal gambling in the city. For more information, call 501-318-1717 or visit www. tgmoa.com.
HOT SPRINGS MOUNTAIN TOWER
Get a birds-eye view from the 216-foot- tall Hot Springs Mountain Tower, which offers a 360-degree view of the scenic Ouachita Mountains. Visitors can also hike the Hot Springs Mountain Trail, which begins near the tower. The tower is at 401 Hot Springs Mountain Drive. To learn more, call 501-623-6035.
JOSEPHINE TUSSAUD WAX MUSEUM
View historic scenes and meet notable celebrities at the Josephine Tussaud Wax Museum, which features a variety of lifelike wax figures. The whole family can mar vel at the skillfully crafted replicas. For more information, call 501-623-5836 or visit www. hotspringswaxmuseum.com.
MAXWELL BLADE THEATER OF MAGIC
See the unbelievable at the Maxwell Blade Theater of Magic, where magician Maxwell Blade enter tains audiences with illusions and comedy.Visitors can also tour the odditorium and curiosity museum, which features more than 300 intriguing exhibits, the theater’s website states. To learn more, call 501-623- 6200 or visit www.maxwellblade.com.
NATIONAL PARK AQUARIUM
Wonder at water-loving wildlife at the National Park Aquarium, which boasts 60 exhibits and more than 300 animals, including frogs, salamanders, lizards, turtles, tortoises, invertebrates, and freshwater and saltwater fish. For more information, call 501-624-3474 or visit www.nationalparkaquarium.org.
TINY TOWN TRAINS
Conduct miniature trains through pint- sized scenes from across the country at Tiny Town Trains. The models include hundreds of moving parts and were handcrafted by the Moshinskie family during a 40-year period, the establishment’s website states. To learn more, call 501-624-4742 or visit www. tinytowntrains.com.
UNIQUE HOT SPRINGS
Uncommon attractions make Spa City special