Discover Hot Springs

Date: June 1, 2026 | Story: Tiffany Adams | Photography: Bailey Dougan |

From sunny days on the water to nighttime strolls through the historic downtown, one restaurant owner recounts his love of The Spa City

Whether you grew up on the water or were lucky enough to be a transplant—like Deluca’s Pizza owner Anthony Valinoti—there’s something about Hot Springs that resonates with natives and newcomers alike. From spring horse races, to waterways fit for summer days, and plenty of restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues to visit in cooler weather, the historic town offers places for kids and kids at heart to play. We sat down with Anthony to find out more about the allure of this Arkansas city and what keeps him rooted there.

Q: You didn’t get your start in Hot Springs. How did you hear about it and make your way here?
A: No, I didn’t; I’m from the streets of Brooklyn. It was a very fun and adventurous way to grow up. Later, I lived in Las Vegas for a number of years, and a friend I knew there that I call “Old Man George,” told me that if it wasn’t for his ex-wife he would be living in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

Q: Did you drop everything and move to Hot Springs or did that stick in your mind for later?
A: I had always intended to do this—open a New York-style pizzeria—in California, but it never worked out there. That same friend told me, If you want to be in the pizza business, I know a guy there in Hot Springs. It was a stroke of fate. Sometimes you run into a fork in the road, and you have to decide which way to go. For me, it was Hot Springs. The original place he sent me to couldn’t have opened, but after I got here, the girl who cut my hair told me about a building on Park Avenue. We opened there with six tables at the onset. I had two or three employees, and we were only open a few days a week.

Q: So, the people here fell in love with your pizza while you were simultaneously falling in love with the city. What did you like about Hot Springs?
A: I spent summers in Saratoga with my aunt and uncle when I was young. I have a real soft spot for that, and now for Hot Springs, because it reminds me so much of that place and that time. It brought it all back to me. Plus, the people here are so kind. This concept would never have worked anywhere else in the country. Pizza is ubiquitous, but what I was making was different; for me, it was a childhood memory, and that was well-received.

Q: Why do you think people who visit are drawn to The Spa City?
A: It’s a completely different lifestyle than what many people are used to. I think they fall in love with it because it’s filled with wonderful people. Hot Springs is unlike any other location in the state. We’ve got so many little shops. We’ve got The Pancake Shop, Maxine’s, and historic buildings. It has such good energy; it’s like a theater. And Deluca’s is the theater of my imagination. I’m a 13-year-old boy, and I want to have a pizza party every day!

Q: There’s a huge outdoor scene in Hot Springs and the surrounding areas. Where do you send out-of-towners to enjoy this?
A: I always tell them about the Northwoods Trails for biking and hiking. You can also walk the city or drive up to the West Mountain vista, which is just incredible. It’s kind of like a postcard! The most fun I’ve ever had here is being on a boat. You cannot get me out of the lake now!

Q: Are there any particular events or shows you look forward to each year?
A: The World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade is one of the greatest events. Steve Arrison [the former CEO of Visit Hot Springs] deserves a medal for what he has done with that. Racing season at Oaklawn has been unbelievable this year, and I always look forward to the Running of the Tubs in June and the 4th of July celebration. I think more and more people are seeing the beauty of Hot Springs, and I’m really proud of what’s happening here. It’s a quirky place, but it has just the right amount of quirk.

Read on for more of our favorite ways to discover Hot Springs.

Anthony Valinoti

Cheeseburger at Deluca’s Pizza

Deluca’s Pizza

SHOP
Sprucing up your space? Make Statements for the Home (statementsforthehome.com) your first stop. The full-service interior design firm has an expansive showroom on Ouachita Avenue that is brimming with furniture, fabrics, accessories, and everything you need to make your house a home. For local art, stop into Justus Fine Art Gallery (justusfineart.com) where you can choose from landscapes, abstracts, sculptures, and more, from over 40 artists. If you need a hostess gift or want to expand your palate, visit The Savory Pantry (savorypantry.com) on Central Avenue. You’ll be delighted by the selection of specialty food items, culinary treats, and kitchen must-haves.

DINE
Locals and out-of-towners alike flock to Taco Mama (tacomama.net) to get their fix for fresh, classic Mexican fare. The Malvern Avenue location has a bar where you can often catch live music, plus a brunch menu and happy hour specials. Looking for a quick weekday lunch, visit the Side Town location on Ouachita Avenue, which serves from 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. The Purple Cow (ilovepurplecow.com) on Higdon Ferry Road is a statewide favorite for burgers, sandwiches, and salads. However, the diner’s signature Purple Cow milkshakes and frozen treats seem to hit a little different after a day in the sun. Downtown, don’t miss Anthony Valinoti’s Deluca’s Pizza (originaldelucas.com) where the cheeseburger is now claiming a spot almost as beloved as the handmade pizza dough. For a special occasion or after-meal treat, head to Ambrosia Bakery (ambrosiabakeryco.com) for cookies and cakes or breakfast items and artisan breads you can take home for the next day.

Fisherman’s Wharf

Mountain Harbor Resort

Statements for the Home

The Local Seafood & Oyster Bar

VISIT
If you’re ready to create something special and make a memory along the way, Hammer & Stain (hammerandstainhotsprings.com) in downtown Hot Springs is the destination. Host a private party or join one of their DIY hands-on classes with an instructor to paint, stain, or even sew a project that will personalize your space. When you’re ready to recharge, go to Beyond Wellness (beyondwellnessar.com) in nearby Hot Springs Village for a variety of both aesthetic and functional services. Schedule a hydrofacial, try the infrared salt sauna, or reboot with IV therapy, among other services on their expansive menu. Visit The Landing on Lake Hamilton (501.525.6400), where you can arrive by car or boat! With a full-service marina, Maritime Lakeside Shop, and The Local Seafood & Oyster Bar, there’s something for everyone at this waterfront destination.

STAY
Looking for a place where you can play, eat, and stay all in one? Hot Springs has that, too. Oaklawn (oaklawn.com) is a fan favorite during horse-racing season but makes a great escape any time of the year thanks to on-site gaming and the acclaimed Astral Spa. Make plans to dine at The OAK Room and Bar or The Bugler restaurant when you book your stay.

Want to be on the water? Take the whole family on a getaway to Mountain Harbor Resort (mountainharborresort.com) on Lake Ouachita where you can reserve a room or a cabin for a weekend or a week. Enjoy boating, fishing, or even scuba diving along with access to nearby hiking and biking trails and horseback riding. End the day at the Harbor Lodge Restaurant where you can bring in your fresh catch and have them prepare it for dinner.

Mountain Harbor Resort