Hot Springs on $20 a day (per person)

Even as a young child I knew Hot Springs was special. As I roamed freely through downtown and in my neighborhood of rolling hills and magical streams, I sensed the difference. Possibly the yearly trips to hot and humid Houston made me appreciate home.
Last week in a discussion the question "What resources in your community do you cherish?" First thing that came to mind "Water!" We have the best drinking water in the world and plenty of beautiful water to look at and enjoy. Driving downtown on Reserve and Spring seeing the steam rise out of the mountain, or sitting on an island at Lake Ouachita, looking out over the sun set of Lake Hamilton as you cross the three bridges....seriously beautiful, all of it.

As for visitors I often think of them as I drive past the expensive attractions downtown and realize these are not the places I take my own guest. So here it is folks. Hot Springs on $20 bucks a day (per person).

Start your day off by choosing to eat only one meal out. Pack a small cooler with one on the go meal, and eat one meal at your hotel or home.

Things to do for free:
1. Hike one of the beautiful trails. (Go to the Hot Springs Visitors Center)There are trails for the easily tired and for the athletic.
2. Walk the Promenade and go down the steps to Arlington Park, preferably at Sunset. Dip your hands in the Hot Water. Let kids climb the tress and big rock.
3. Walk downtown, along bath house row. Visit the Fordyce and take the guided tour if this is your first time...It's FREE! If it's raining you can do this:)
4. Walk into the Convention Center and admire the beautiful Art Work. There is usually a showing on the upper level walls.
5. Take a walk or bike ride on the Green Way and take the kids to Hollywood Park.
(there are multiple parks, find one that fits your desires at the Visitors Center).
6. Visit Lake Catherine State Park, Lake Ouachita, or Lake Degray State Park. Take a picnic lunch.
7. The Library is awesome. Take your kids in for a potty break, pic up a magazine, take the kids to the kids area to play and look at books or play a game on the computer while you read a magazine.
8. Drive atop Hot Springs and West Mountain, stop at the different lookouts. I don't really recommend using the lookout tower. It's okay but the gift shop will suck you in.
9. There are many galleries open on the first Fridays of the month. No need to buy, but it is a good place to take home a souvenir of real value. Try Star Gallery or The Art Church for local artist at a reasonable price.
11. Visit these thrift stores: The Goodwill and The Potter's Clay.
12. Visit the mall, lobby, and pool deck of the Arlington Hotel.

Things to do for cheap.
1. Mid America Science Museum/ Cost $7 kids, Adults $8 and the simulator will add $3 per person. Still if you haven't spent much money this is a deal. You still have $9 to $10 left per person.
2. I would recommend staying at a hotel or condo where the kids can swim and breakfast is included, and ideally a beverage bar is always open. Spend your days visiting the local beauty and history and your nights swimming or sitting in the hot tub.
3. Forget Magic Springs on a budget...it's just not happening and will break you.
4. YMCA: Full disclosure, I work here. If you have a membership in another town you can come on your membership, if you come with a member it's free the first time, or if you are visiting only you pay $10 per adult,$5 for children. There is an indoor pool, many yoga classes, basketball, weights, a track, and a WiFi area to sit and hang out in.
5. Visit Lark Martin, a great little store carrying handmade and local crafts, buy locally made soap or candles for $5.
6. On Saturdays visit the Farmers market for local foods,music,crafts and food tastings.
7. If you are a member of another Garden you may be able to use your membership at Garvan Gardens, otherwise it's about $7 a person & worth it on a beautiful day, there is a wonderful children's garden.

In the evening around sunset you need to do a few things. Drive over the three bridges heading north. Also you will want to then go to the Promenade and walk from the Rehab area North towards the Arlington and explore Arlington Park and walk back down bathhouse row to your car.
Bring your water bottles, ideally glass (The water is HOT!) however you can get cold water at the base of Hot Springs Mt. or on Whittington to fill your water bottles.

Meals: all meals under $10 per person with tip. Mostly local eateries.
Breakfast:
The Pancake Shop: Share a Ham and Cheese Omelet or an order or Pancakes. Plan to spend about $10 bucks per person for a full meal with drink and tip.$$
Gilligans: A beautiful view.
The English Muffin: Also a beautiful view.
Shady Corner Cafe: Great breakfast
Subway: Only chain, super cheap breakfast and good coffee.

Lunch:
During the week you can eat cheaply off the lunch menu at many restaurants. My favorites
1.La Hacienda
2. Rolando's (order appetizers and sit outside if it's nice) drink water.
3. Colorado Grill (Soup)
4. Don Jauns: Cheap lunch, share the Guacamole Mexicanos and the Chicken soup, Cheap Margarita's at Happy Hour.
5.Hunan's: Super reasonable lunch: Drink water
6. Kid friendly: Only time you'll see me post a chain- Chick Fil A and Subway.
7. King Kone Drive in. Veggie burgers :)
8. Rods pizza buffet.
9. I don't go here often but my kids like Bubbalu's downtown. Hot Dog and Burger joint.

Dinner: It's a little harder here.
1. Rolanodo's : Share a meal, they are huge!
2. LaHacienda: Order the Nacho's and share them.
3. Hunan's (Share)
4. Smokin in Style (try the sandwiches or the potato: You can share the potato)

Snacks:
LOVE Nom Nom's: Ice cream and fruit bars are only $1.50!!!
King Kone (next to Library) Small to Med cone under $1.50.

There are many other places I am sure I have forgotten but you can enjoy a nice family weekend in Hot Springs for very little if you plan right and avoid the tourist trappings.