’
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R acing season is here again and brings with it a
high energy atmosphere and a whole lot of fun that has crowds from all over flocking to the beautiful Spa City. But the races form only a small fraction of what Hot Springs has to offer. So take a break, and venture outside the park for a bit and take in award winning food and entertainment this one-of-a-kind town offers up.
Revitalizing retreats and palate pleasers in the Spa City! The Arlington
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ARKANSAS DEPARTMENT OF PARKS & TOURISM
We start this year’s section off with what some consider the heart of Hot Springs; The Arlington is a self-contained resort with all of the ambiance and hospitality of a traditional, grand old Southern hotel. Established in 1875, it features full spa service, which was recently named in the top 100 Spas in the country by Healthy Living and Travel and some outstanding restaurants with award winning Sunday brunch and a Friday Night Seafood Feast. The Arlington’s Lobby Bar was recently rated in the top 15 bars of the world (#6) by Refinery 29 and has live entertainment Thursday, Friday & Saturday nights. The hotel Veranda is a perfect place to relax with your favorite cocktail. During the racing season, a handicapper will review the day’s races every Saturday morning in the Lobby for hotel guests. Guests may swim year-round in the twin cascading pools or relax in the hot tub on the mountainside pool deck. 239 Central Ave., (501) 623-7771.
REMEMBER TO VOTE FOR US IN THIS YEAR’S READERS CHOICE AWARDS!
BEST DELI/GOURMET TO GO AROUND THE STATE
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BEST MEXICAN AROUND THE STATE
BEST RESTAURANT HOT SPRINGS
The Austin Convention Hotel & Spa
Mardi Costume Ball & Contest MardiGrasGras Costume Ball Hot SprinGS Jazz SoCiety’S only fundraiSer
Saturday, February 7 • 6 PM
The Austin Hotel and Convention Center combines accommodations with exceptional service. Their 200 guest rooms rise 14 stories over lovely Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas and offer guests a beautiful view of downtown Hot Springs and the Ouachita Mountains. From the moment you arrive, you’ll receive warm, personal attention from the friendly hotel staff. Conveniently located next to the Hot Springs Convention Center, within walking distance to historic downtown Hot Springs and the famous Bathouse Row, and only minutes from Oaklawn Racing Track and Magic Springs Amusement Park, the Austin Hotel is your best bet! While staying at the Austin, be sure to take time to relax in their full service Spa, featuring discreet, private baths in the soothing Hot Springs thermal waters as well as therapeutic massages at surprisingly affordable prices at the Spa in the Park. 305 Malvern Avenue., (501) 623-6600.
Costume Contest with $1,000 in cash prizes! The Austin Convention Hotel And Spa 305 Malvern Avenue • Hot Springs
Get Your Tickets Now!
Tickets Online At hsjazzSociety.org 501-627-2425 $60 Per Person • $600 For Table Of 10
Benefitting The Hot Springs Jazz Society’s Educational Programming & Annual JazzFest
Welcome To The World Of
Bleu Monkey Grill Serving Fine Cuisine From Around The Globe
Sun-Thur 11am-10pm • Fri & Sat 11am-11pm • Monkey Business Happy Hour Mon-Thur 3-7pm Bleu Monkey To Go & Catering Available
(501) 520-4800 4263 Central ave. Hot SpringS bleumonkeygrill.com
Taco Mama
Just across the way from Café 1217 you’ll find Taco Mama, one of the tastiest Mexican restaurants in the area. Voted Best Mexican in the state in 2014 by the readers of the Arkansas Times, all the food at Taco Mama is hand prepared and made daily. Head there to enjoy daily happy hour drink specials with some of the coldest margaritas and draft beer in town. Lunch and dinner. 1209 Malvern Ave., (501) 624-6262.
Revitalizing retreats and palate pleasers in the Spa City! Rolando’s, Mexican Restaurant
Bleu Monkey Grill
The Bleu Monkey Grill offers diners one of the most diverse menus found anywhere in the country serving up anything from burgers and fries to the highest quality, hand prepared Salmon cooked to perfection. Co founders Joey and Ozzy, scoured the country in search of great dishes to add to their menu and have crafted one that caters to each and every age and palette. The Monkey Nacho’s, the Kobe Burger with sautéed mushrooms and onions and the Napa Chicken are must tries. So stop by!
Rolando’s cuisine is authentic Latin Fusion at its finest. Chef Rolando’s recipes, include handmade tamales, traditional Cuban black beans and rice with pulled pork, and their most popular dish, the tantalizing Pescado de Mesias (fish of Jesus)— grilled tilapia on a bed of white rice with pureed mango and a buttery caper sauce served with black beans. You’ll come for the food, but you’ll linger for the atmosphere. Adding to the ambiance, there’s live music on Friday and Saturday nights. Rolando’s also caters events and offers a wide variety of dishes, including items not listed on the menu. Lunch and dinner. 210 Central Ave., (501) 318-6054. Just above Rolando’s and fitting for the history of Hot Springs comes a new bar by the owners of Rolando’s. Rolando’s Speak Easy, as the name implies is a prohibition era bar with a themed drink menu, and servers in flapper dresses on weekends, which will make patrons feel like they have entered a 1920’s time capsule.
BEST RESTAURANT IN HOT SPRINGS
We Have The #1 Customers In The State!
BEST OTHER ETHNIC AROUND THE STATE
Open Daily at 11am 7 Days A Week 210 Central Avenue Hot Springs 501.318.6054 rolandosrestaurante.com
Stubby’s Bar-b-que
Stubbys has been creating fantastic barbecue and the tastiest sauce since 1952 when founder Richard Stubblefield Sr. first fired up his BBQ slow cooking ribs, beef, pork and chicken over fragrantly smoldering logs. Originally located on Park Ave. in Hot Springs, Stubblefields BBQ Sauce quickly became the mainstay in this tourist mecca, rivaling barbeque operations large and small in several other states. Through the years, Stubby’s has gained a following of devotees not only from the south, but from across the nation. Stubby’s has also been recognized by many food critics, and boasts write-ups in top food guides and in national publications such as“Food and Wine” magazine, “Restaurant Business”, “Restaurants and Institutions” and even books like “Road Food, Good Food“. Whether you are looking for a bbq restaurant, a unique catering experience, the awesomest bbq sauce or just a stop along the way, Stubby’s is always the right choice. 3024 Central Ave in Hot Springs, Arkansas. (501) 624-1552.
Café 1217
Winner of Best Deli Gourmet togoinArkansasTimes2014 Reader’s Choice Awards. Café 1217 prides itself on the fact that anything that comes from their kitchen is created from scratch, using only the freshest, finest ingredients. In this spirit, the café’s menu is changed monthly. However, the café still has its base of customer favorites, such as the Southwest Cobb Salad, Shrimp and Crawfish Cakes and a wide variety of homey desserts. Café 1217 offers catering services in Hot Springs and the surrounding areas. Lunch and dinner. 1217 Malvern Ave. #B, (501) 318-1094.
Full Bar With A Throwback Drink Menu Live Entertainment 210 Central Ave • Hot Springs Above Rolando’s Nuevo Latino Restaurante
Amuse and indulge yourself! The Spa City Sweethearts Burlesque Revue Stephens Jewelers
When you are looking for exquisite, fine jewelry, let me personally invite you to Stephens Jewelers in Hot Springs, conveniently located just north of the Oaklawn Race Track. Our jewelry is elegant, stylish and, best of all, affordable. We have been offering diamonds, gemstones, estate jewelry, and pearls for over 40 years …..the perfect jewelry for every occasion or just because. We consider our jewelry to be of heirloom quality, perfect for passing down to future generations. Each piece meets the test of time; beautiful with lots of personality and all the bling you are looking for. If you wish to have a custom selection made, we offer the creativity and knowledge to produce an individual piece just for you. We provide exceptional craftsmanship along with a pleasant buying experience. We also offer jewelry repair at affordable pricing and will gladly assist you with insurance or personal appraisals. Come by anytime to have your jewelry cleaned and polished! We make purchasing fine jewelry a memorable experience at Stephens Jewelers! Call us, stop by for a visit or browse our website. We are located at 2200 Central Avenue, Hot Springs, open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (800) 364-3093, www.stephensjewelers.com
Your
Best
The art of burlesque, with roots extending to the late 1800’s, is enjoying a revival in modern day America. Hot Springs is no exception to the current fascination with classical, theatrical strip tease. Beautiful women, in elaborate costumes, often hand-made are timeless high entertainment. “The Spa City Sweethearts Burlesque Revue,” features over two dozen performers, who performed to sold out audiences at Low Key Arts in 2011, 2012, 2013 & 2014, making it the largest annual fundraiser for The Valley of the Vapors Independent Music Festival. Expect to see the sultry sauntering of Ms. Ruby Lead, Doris Night, Rosa Lee Bloom, Violet D’Vine, Darla Beauregarde and so many more! The Spa City Sweethearts Revue returns to Low Key Arts on February 13 and 14, the popularity of the show necessitating an additional performance. Doors open on both nights at 7:30PM, Show at 8PM. Tickets are $10 in advance ($15 day of show) and are available on-line at www.prekindle.com. For more information contact Low Key Arts, 118 Arbor in Hot Springs at (501) 282-9056. For ages 18 and up only.
Bet Open 7 Days a Week 11am-8pm
3024 Central Ave., Hot Springs
Just Walking Distance From Oaklawn 2200 Central Avenue, Hot Springs Monday – Saturday 9am-5pm 501-624-4667 www.stephensjewelry.com
501-624-1552 • 1-800-36-SAUCE Sauce Shipped Around the World! www.stubbysbbq.com
As seen on Travel Channel’s BBQ Crawl
Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism
Hot Springs is a popular destination in Arkansas, and it’s no wonder. The beautiful spa city has a little bit of something for everyone. Exciting adventures for families, romantic retreats for couples and spa weekends for the girls are all found in one city. So grab your suitcase and spend some time getting to know one of the state’s most beloved cities. SUPERIOR BATHHOUSE BREWERY AND DISTILLERY Historic becomes hip at the new brewery in town. Superior has turned a classic bathhouse into a craft microbrewery, giving it the distinction of being the only one located inside a national park. To add to its bragging rights, Superior is also the only brewery or distillery to use thermal spring water, which enters the Superior at close to 150 degrees. The food menu is eclectic pub fare and includes vegetarian and gluten-free options, as well as locally grown produce and handmade products. Not to be overshadowed, the gelato counter offers a bit of Italian dessert heaven to conclude an already special experience.
Hot Springs Jazz Festival Second Annual Mardi Gras Party
The Party of the Year will happen on Saturday, February 7th in the Austin Convention Hotel Ballroom from 6:00p-11:30pm. For tickets go to HSJazzSociety.org and check out pictures from last year’s party while you’re there. You’ll find all the glamour of New Orleans when you arrive, starting with the Spa City Stompers playing Dixie Land to get the party kicked off. New Orleans Specialty Drinks and Food will be available for purchase the entire night. Costumes will be amazing and contest winners will share the $1,000.00 cash prize. After the King & Queen are brought in during the Second Line Dance, Dizzy 7 (the wildly successful opening act of the “Jazz in the Streets” concert during the 23rd JazzFest), will perform dancing music throughout the evening’s festivities.Cloud Cloud 9 Magazine Cloud 9 Magazine Cloud 9 Magazine 9 Magazin While Costumes are not required, Get one and have some fun! A photographer will be on 2014 Issue 2014 Issue 2014 Issue 2014 Issue hand to take pictures of you in your Mardi Gras splendor. One of Hot Springs most elite Full Page, Full Page, 4-Color Full Page, 4-Color Full Page, 4-Color 4-Colo Silent Auctions will be available for you to win. The Mardi Gras Costume Ball is the only fundraising event presented by the Hot Springs Jazz Society. Proceeds from the evening 7.225 x7.225 9.725x7.225 9.725 7.225 x 9.725 9.725 will go toward the year-round educational and concert programming. For tickets orxinformation visit HSJazzSociety.org or email HSJazzSociety@gmail.com or call (501) 627-2425.
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The Heart of Historic Hot Springs National Park
Thermal baths and spa A national park outside any door. Venetian Dining Room and Lobby Lounge with weekend entertainment. Private beauty and facial salon Championship golf courses.
Make The Arlington your home for thoroughbred racing season.
www.ArlingtonHotel.com For Reservations: (800) 643-1502 239 Central Ave. • Hot Springs, AR 71901
Calendar of events JAN 15-APR 11 111TH ANNUAL LIVE RACING AT OAKLAWN LOCATION: Oaklawn Racetrack FEB 1 11TH ANNUAL CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL LOCATION: Embassy Suites Hot Springs Hotel & Spa, 1PM3PM FEB 7 HOT SPRINGS JAZZ SOCIETY MARDI GRAS COSTUME BALL & CONTEST LOCATION: The Austin Convention Hotel Ballroom, 6PM For tickets and more information go to HSJazzSociety.org FEB 13-14 THE SPA CITY SWEETHEARTS BURLESQUE REVUE The Spa City Sweethearts Revue returns to Low Key Arts, 118 Arbor on February 13 and 14, the popularity of the show necessitating an additional performance. Doors open on both nights at 7:30PM, Show at 8PM. Tickets are $10 in advance ($15 day of show) and are available online at www. prekindle.com. For more information contact Low Key Arts at 501-282-9056. For ages 18 and up only. FEB 14 AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION HEART BALL LOCATION: Hot Springs Convention Center FEB 15 & MAR 15 STARDUST BIG BAND LOCATION: The Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa, 3PM FEB 27-MAR 1 HOT SPRINGS BOAT, TACKLE & RV SHOW LOCATION:Hot Springs Convention Center
MAR 7 REOPENING OF THE MID-AMERICA SCIENCE MUSEUM LOCATION: Mid-America Science Museum MAR 12-14 ARKANSAS HIGH SCHOOL STATE BASKETBALL FINALS LOCATION: Bank of the Ozarks Arena MAR 14-15 THE MUSES PRESENT “CELTIC SPRING” LOCATION: The Muses Cultural Center/Garvan Woodland Gardens MAR 17 FIRST EVER 12TH ANNUAL WORLD’S SHORTEST SAINT PATRICK’S DAY PARADE LOCATION: Downtown Hot Springs MAR 20-24 VALLEY OF THE VAPORS INDEPENDENT MUSIC FESTIVAL The 11th Annual Valley of the Vapors Independent Music Festival will take place March 20-24, 2015 at various venues in downtown Hot Springs. The VOV is a small venue festival featuring the music, workshops and visual art of today’s artistic innovators. All events are all ages, smoke free and handicap accessible. For information about the VOV, please contact bill@valleyofthevapors.com MAR 21-22 JAMFEST NATIONALS LOCATION: Bank of the Ozarks Arena
Offering a Variety of
Join us for our Scrumptious
Sunday Buffet $12.95 11AM-2PM
Large Groups Welcome!
SPA PACKAGES
With the Original Hot Springs Thermal Healing Water.
FACIALS
THE REJUVENATOR ULTIMATE SPA RETREAT A DAY IN THE PARK
Couples RetReat Go to www.theaustinhotel.com for special discount coupons for Sunday Buffet and regular restaurant hours and specials. 7,000 Square Feet of Banquet Facilities available for Conventions, Groups, Meetings, Weddings, Family Reunions & More!
Convention Hotel and Spa
HOT STONE MASSAGE FOOT THERAPY SWEDISH MASSAGE FULL BODY MUD MASK A Shimmering Sugar Glow Hot Springs Thermal Bath BODY TREATMENTS STEAM TENT Now offering Geriatric Massages
Call 501-547-5017 for
SPA Hours and Appointments
A Full Service Hotel, with on-site Restaurant, Lounge, Spa, Catering & Banquet Facilities.
305 Malvern Ave Hot Springs 501-623-6600 Reservations: 877-623-6697 Group Sales: 800-844-7275 TheAustinHotel.com
Garvan Woodland Gardens, Hot Springs
There’s a lakeside botanical garden in Arkansas with a few surprises alongside the peonies, tulips and chrysanthemums. Let us surprise you. ORDER YOUR FREE VACATION PLANNING KIT AT ARKANSAS.COM OR CALL 1-800-NATURAL.