Date: June 11, 2013 |
When it comes to Arkansas icons, you might think Hot Springs has more than its fair share. Long known for its historic architecture and tempting respite, Bathhouse Row remains a favorite destination for both travelers and locals alike. In a similar fashion, Oaklawn Park and events such as the Arkansas Derby often conjure up stories of weekend trips or day outings. Still, for many it’s the area’s natural beauty that first comes to mind, including the tree-lined shores of the city’s three nearby lakes—Lake Ouachita, Lake Hamilton and Lake Catherine—as well as the majestic appeal of the Ouachita National Forest. Whatever it is that comes to mind when you think of Hot Springs, here are a few of our top places to visit when you’re in the area, as well as a few of our favorite resources for building and design if you plan to take up residence in this scenic city.
{Accessory Gallery and Sparkle! Accessories boutique} 2200 Central Avenue, (501) 321-9168
Known as Hot Springs’ family owned destination boutiques, Accessory Gallery and Sparkle offer well-curated lines of clothing and accessories. Along with their energetic staff, owners Debbie Grubb, Lori Hamilton and Betty Hasstedt work together to provide customers with a wonderful shopping experience and the best selection season after season. You’ll find lines such as Tribal, Flax, Nic & Zoe, Frank Lyman, Joseph Ribkoff, Sharon Young, Jag and NYDJ at Accessory Gallery. Next door, Sparkle! Accessories Boutique offers jewelry and handbags, including Big Buddha, Waxing Poetic, Echo, Brighton, Charleston Shoe Company and their newest addition, Spartina 449. Pop in to find the latest trends for your closet.
{Arkansas Furniture} 1901 Albert Pike, (501) 623-3849, arkansasfurniture.com
As a family owned-and-operated business, Arkansas furniture strives to bring their customers the highest quality at the lowest price. Enter the showroom, which is conveniently located on Albert Pike, and you’ll find a large variety of home furnishings and accessories from lines such as Bernhardt, Broyhill, Lane, Hickory Chair, Ashley and Wesley Allen. In addition to fine home furnishings, they also carry a variety of mattress options to improve your sleep quality and help you to wake up fully rested. If you’re in the market for a new mattress, browse their showroom and choose from lines such as Tempur-pedic, Serta and Jamison. Whatever your home furnishings needs may be, you’re sure to find numerous options at Arkansas Furniture.
{Café 1217} 1217 Malvern Avenue, (501) 318-1094, cafe1217.net
“Feel It. Touch It. Taste It.” That’s the catch phrase of Hot Springs’ Café 1217. As the chef, founder and owner of the local “gourmet on the go” café, Diana Bratton selects only the freshest ingredients and prepares them in an unpretentious manner, which allows both the food and her expertise to shine. Her inventive menus, which change monthly, keep diners coming back time after time to sample the fresh fare. You’ll find everything from fresh green salads to fish tacos to baked Florentine stuffed pork chops at this palate-pleasing local favorite. What’s more, they offer boxed lunches, catering and special orders on request.
{De Madera Trading Company} 1118 Malvern Avenue, (501) 520-5712
Since 2004, De Madera Trading Company has been bringing Central Arkansas the finest in specialty wood imports. De Madera, which means “made of wood,” is a phrase that holds true to the store’s inventory. You’ll find only the highest quality pieces made from solid wood at this Hot Springs gem. Owners Jessica and Griff Gulley carefully select pieces from Indonesia, India and South America for the showroom. In addition, they also carry leather and upholstered furnishings, as well as accessories and gifts. Visit them in their new location at 1118 Malvern Avenue beginning in June.
{Red Oak Ridge Community} 140 Red Ridge Boulevard, (501) 262-3080, redoakridge.com
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful place to retire or a friendly community to raise a family, Hot Springs’ Red Oak Ridge is filled with beautiful homes and welcoming neighbors. With two private fishing lakes, a sweep of breathtaking views, running and biking trails and a community pool, Red Oak Ridge was built with nature’s beauty in mind. What’s more the neighborhood’s well-positioned address is just minutes from Garvan Woodland Gardens, Oaklawn Park and all of Hot Springs’ amenities. Whether you’re looking for a lakefront estate or prefer the charm of a garden home, you can live comfortably in these controlled access, gated communities nestled in the nature.
{Garvan woodland Gardens} 550 Arkridge Road, (800) 366-4664, garvangardens.org
Nestled in the Ouachita Mountains with 4 ½ miles of wooded shoreline along Lake Hamilton and 210 acres of picturesque flora and fauna sits Garvan Woodland Gardens—the botanical garden of the University of Arkansas. With stunning waterfalls as well as brightly blooming annuals and perennials, the Gardens offer something for everyone. Now through the end of September, visit the Gardens to see “Splash of Glass,” an expertly crafted display of Arkansas artist James Hayes’ colorful art glass, which has been “splashed” throughout the peninsula. What’s more you can even sign up to sponsor individual pieces of the glassware, which will be yours to take home after the exhibit closes. Don’t miss your chance to see James Hayes’ colorful works come alive in Garvan Woodland Gardens’ natural setting.
{Gary Morris Interiors} 801 Central Avenue, Suite 27, (501) 321-0400
With more than 15 years of experience in interior design as well as wedding and event planning, Gary Morris is in the business of creating beautiful as well as memorable designs. His shop, which has been in Hot Springs for the past six years, features an eclectic mix of lamps, art, accessories and all things home. There’s truly something for every taste. Whether you’re in need of residential design or event planning services, visit them Wednesday—Saturday from 10 a.m.—6 p.m. Also, be sure to drop by the first Friday of every month for the area’s Gallery Walk, featuring wine, hors d’oeuvres and fun.
{PRO Millwork, Inc.} 518 West Grand, (501) 623-8100
Since 1996, PRO Millwork, Inc. has been providing quality windows and doors for both new construction homes and remodels. Whether you need new doors for the exterior of your home or the interior, they offer a large selection of both along with trained professionals to ensure accurate installation. In addition to doors, PRO Millwork can also repair mirrors and shower doors, and will create custom shower doors on request. Their newest line, Phantom Screens, features retractable screens for windows, doors and patios. Perfect for lakeside vistas or simply a community back porch, the convenient retractable screens offer unobstructed views so you can sit back and enjoy.
{House to Home} 4328 Central Avenue, Suite K, (501) 520-4949, shophousetohomeblog.com
Whether you’re browsing for a gift or looking to freshen your home with a few decorative updates, this popular Hot Springs boutique has a huge selection of the latest trends for the home. Owner Jennifer Huett has filled the inviting shop with beds made up in luxurious linens, upholstered furniture pieces, colorful artwork and all the accents you need to pull a room together. If you love the comfortable, inviting look of House to Home, be sure to ask the friendly and knowledgeable staff about their interior design services. No matter what type of space you inhabit Huett and her team can help to make your house a home.
{Sanders Supply} 107 East Belding, (501) 525-2420, sanderssupply.net
Since 1978 Sanders Supply, Inc. has served Arkansas’ electrical, plumbing, lighting and HVAC needs. Family owned since day one, the original Sanders Supply was started in Hot Springs. However, through the years they have grown to 10 locations around Arkansas to better serve the needs of the state. Whether you’re building a new construction home or just making a few updates, Sanders Supply has a variety of plumbing and lighting fixtures available for every style and budget. Browse their 3,100-square-foot showroom in Hot Springs to see the latest trends for chandeliers, pendants, ceiling fans and lamps as well as faucets, vanities, bathtubs and showers.
{The Design Center with Sandy Sutton} 4330 Central Avenue, Suite G, (501) 520-4646, thedesigncenterwithsandysutton.com
With more than 20 years of experience in the home design business, Sandy Sutton has both the enthusiasm and know-how necessary to complete projects of any size. Conveniently located on Central Avenue, The Design Center features 5,400 square feet of the latest offerings for flooring, furnishings and accessories—including their new line of Heritage cabinetry, which is known for its affordable beauty as well as commissioned pieces from artist Carole Katchen. In addition, they now carry private-label, ready-made drapery panels—an easy and beautiful option for any room in the home. Plus, The Design Center is your destination for complete start-to-finish interior design services for both residential and commercial spaces. Bring your plans and ideas into The Design Center, and Sandy and her team will help to make the dream a reality.
{Tillman’s Antiques} 118 Central Avenue, (501) 624-4083, tillmanshotsprings.com
Known for their extensive collection of antiques and estate jewelry, Tillman’s is recognized as one of the South’s finest sources. You’ll find everything from 18th and 19th century Wedgwood pieces to more contemporary art objects by Fabergé. Don’t miss the amazing artifacts they carry including Chinese terracottas from the Han Dynasty and 19th century ivory figurines. At Tillman’s they delight in bringing the most discriminating customers the finest and most affordable luxuries from around the world. It is their goal to make certain your purchases are lifetime investments.
{Wilson’s Home Improvement} 1964 East Grand Avenue, (866) 262-9908, wilsonssiding.com
For Wilson’s Home Improvement, customer service is the number one priority. Owners Paul and Sandra Wilson have striven to provide their customers with the best selection, service and value since they first opened their doors in Hot Springs in 2002. Home consultations allow their skilled craftsmen to assess each situation independently. From there, Wilson’s will diagnose any problems or potential trouble areas and provide solutions to help repair or replace your home’s windows and doors. In addition, they guarantee they will meet or beat anyone’s price when it comes to comparing similar products.
