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As a city built around the revitalizing effects of its water, Hot Springs is all about before-and-after transformations. Named for the naturally flowing thermal springs in the area and renowned for elegant architecture and antique treasures, it’s an ideal place to spend a day searching for items to refurbish your rooms or refresh yourself.
We asked local designers and shop owners for insider tips on places (in addition to their own stores, of course) they like to frequent. Our experts include:
Ashley Campbell, design consultant and owner of Statements Interior Design
Kimberly Elias, interior designer and owner of Verdigris
Jennifer Huett, interior designer and owner of House to Home
Sandy Sutton, ASID, interior designer and owner of The Design Center with Sandy Sutton
Antique Finds
Antique Fellows ‘N Friends
1819 Central Ave., 501-623-2012
Elias says this is a favorite stop for a diverse range of antiques. Check out their selection of primitive and one-of-a-kind furniture, as well as decorative pieces.
Bath House Row Antiques
202 Spring St., 501-623-6888
“It’s a classic antique store with period furnishings and lighting, and it’s in the historic part of town,” says Elias.
Central Station Marketplace and Flea Market
3310 Central Ave., 501-623-4484
“This place is over 70,000 square feet, and you never know what you’ll find,” says Campbell. “I’ve even bought old sofas here and reupholstered them.”
Historic District Antiques
514 Central Ave., 501-624-3370, www.antiquesar.com
“I’ve found fantastic antique fireplace mantels, in both elegant and casual styles,” says Sutton.
Tillman’s Antiques
118 Central Ave., 501-624-4083, www.tillmanshotsprings.com
Several of the designers mentioned Tillman’s for the best in fine antiques and the fun of shopping in the heart of downtown.
Shaw’s Antiques
1526 Central Ave., 501-624-0163
“Rare books and furnishings are the draw here, and it’s a great store that’s been around forever,” says Sutton.
Renovating or Refurbishing
The Design Center with Sandy Sutton
4330 Central Ave., 501-520-4646, www.thedesigncenterwithsandysutton.com
Sutton has brought together 17 vendors under the same roof to create a one-stop shop for home design and renovation.
Designer Hardware
1217 Malvern Ave. #C, 501-321-4088
“This is great source for cabinet hardware if you’re looking for something different than what the home improvement stores carry,” says Campbell.
De Madera Trading Co.
4334 Central Ave. Ste. A, 501-520-5712, www.demaderafurniture.com
Several designers commented on their environmentally friendly furnishings, including pieces made from reclaimed wood and antique ceiling tiles.
Gary Thorson’s Furniture
350 Malvern Ave., 800-648-8452, www.garythorsonfurniture.com
This place was noted as a local, family-owned business, featuring a wide range of brands and styles of home furnishings.
House to Home
4328 Central Ave., 501-520-4949
Huett brings in vintage and new furniture and accessories and mixes them with architectural pieces, like antique mantels and cabinetry.
The Material World
4328 Central Ave., 501-525-0204, www.thematerialworldinc.com
Bargain prices on top-quality fabrics make this shop a decorator favorite.
Verdigris
307-B Broadway, 501-321-0307
Elias travels the U.S. to fill her shop with top-quality vintage finds, including a selection of mid-century modern pieces.
Lunch
Back Porch Grill
4810 Central Ave., 501-525-0885, www.backporchgrill.com
“It’s on Lake Hamilton, so it’s a great spot if you want to be near the water,” says Huett. “Seafood and steaks are the big draw.”
Belle Arti Ristorante
719 Central Ave., 501-624-7474, www.belleartigroup.com
Hands-down a favorite for classic Italian cuisine.
Café 1217
1217 Malvern Ave., 501-318-1094, www.cafe1217.net
“This is a great gourmet lunch place, and they change their menu monthly, so at the start of each month everyone comes by to check out what new salads, soups and sandwiches they have,” says Campbell.
Central Park Fusion Cuisine
200 Park Ave., 501-623-0202, www.centralparkfusion.com
A perennial favorite, this place was on everyone’s list. “I come here for their fresh fish, crab cakes or salads, and every meal is always good,” says Elias.
Rolandos Nuevo Latino Restaurante
210 Central Ave., 501-318-6054, www.rolandosrestaurante.com
“Great food and drinks, exciting menu and the daily chef specials are sure to please,” says Sutton.
Taco Mama
1209 Malvern Ave., 501-624-6262
A sister restaurant to Café 1217, Campbell notes this is a new favorite for quick and casual meals.
Spa Treatments
Ablution
4904 Central Ave., 501-525-6450, www.ablutiondayspa.com
“Their building overlooks Lake Hamilton, and it’s my favorite place to go for a manicure and pedicure,” says Campbell. “You get to look out at the lake, which is extra relaxing.”
Chrysalis Day Spa
4332 Central Ave., 501-520-5400, www.chrysalisdayspa.com
“I love the facials, and the massages are more than awesome,” says Sutton. “I especially like the hot stone massage after a long day of moving furniture and hanging art.”
Fordyce Bathhouse Visitor Center
369 Central Ave., 501-620-6715
This historic bathhouse is now a museum, so even though you can’t get a spa treatment here, several designers noted its inspirational architecture and the chance to see how Hot Spring’s reputation as a spa city started.
Nurture Day Spa and Yoga Studio
300 Ouachita, 501-623-9642, www.nurturedayspa.com
“It’s very relaxed and comfortable, and I like to come here for facials, manicures or pedicures,” says Huett.
Quapaw Baths and Spa
413 Central Ave., 501-609-9822, www.quapawbaths.com
Located downtown on bathhouse row, designers suggested the Quapaw as a place to enjoy the famed thermal waters in a historic setting.
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And More…
Gallery Walk
Downtown Hot Springs, 501-624-0550
Nearly all the designers mentioned this monthly gallery open house as a great way to enjoy the downtown nightlife. In its 18th year, Galley Walk offers a chance to view original art, meet artists and gallery owners, and take in the sights. It’s held the first Friday of each month from 5-9 p.m.
The Hot Springs
Bathhouse Row, Downtown
“You can bring your own jug and fill it up with water directly from the springs,” says Huett. “It’s absolutely free and known to be rejuvenating!”