by Kate Johns

Created on: June 26, 2008   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

Hot Springs Arkansas has a lot to boast about. And they are proudly heralding what they have, that the rest of the world doesn't have. It's almost as if they are little kids on the playground going, "Phooey" to each other. Did you know that Hot Springs Arkansas is the hometown to our 42nd President, Bill Clinton? Did you know that this area has thermal water hot springs that people have been traveling thousands of miles to relax at?

Well, it's true. Hot Springs Arkansas has so much packed into this mountainous, lake, hot springs region that once you get here, you won't have any trouble figuring out what to do next. And much like the Native Americans and many other peoples that have traveled here before you can proudly boast, "Phooey" to all that have not visited this incredible area.

Exactly what appeals to vacationers in Hot Springs Arkansas? Everything is appealing in Hot Springs Arkansas. This area has something for people of all ages to enjoy:

HOT SPRINGS

Hot Springs Arkansas is called Hot Springs Arkansas for a reason. There are numerous hot springs here to relax at. People have literally been traveling to this area for hundreds of years to soothe their ailments. Hot Springs National Park boasts over 47 naturally flowing thermal springs. In the city, there is the famous Bathhouse Row where the equally famous Fordyce Bathhouse is located. It's where people would take spring water baths to cure ailments and enrich their spirits.

FAMILY ATTRACTIONS

Besides the world famous hot springs and world famous drinking water that people jump out of their vehicles with jugs to fill up, there are numerous family activities here. There's an Alligator Farm and Petting Zoo to visit, but don't even try to pet one of those alligators. You can go on a Lake Hamilton Riverboat ride and see the majestic beauty of this wondrous area. There's an amusement- water park located here called, Magic Springs. There's even a tour to show you what President Bill Clinton liked to do as a kid growing up here. Besides that there's miniature golf, family shows, and museums including a wax museum of famous people. You'll get to see Bill Clinton again!

NATURAL ATTRACTIONS

Ouachita Mountains are located here that includes the Diamond Lakes region. In this area are located three crystal clear lakes that offer every kind of water sport imaginable. And with the mountains being located here in Hot Springs, you can go mountain backpacking, hiking, mountain biking, mountain climbing, camping, and horseback riding or just go for a nature walk with your family to enjoy the natural beauty of this area. Oh yes, I almost forgot. A really cool activity here is hunting for quartz crystals. And some of them are really big!

As far as water sports goes there's everything under the sun in Hot Springs. Tournament fishing for bass and trout are big events here in Hot Springs. You can participate in year round water sports such as swimming, boating, floating, wave running, water skiing, canoeing, kayaking, jet skiing, and relaxing on a lake or a fishing tour.

OTHER ATTRACTIONS

There's still more to do! It's truly amazing how much there is to do in Hot Springs Arkansas. There is a 210- acre botanical garden that has several natural springs running through that you can relax at while looking at all the colorful flowers. This mystical valley region even has world-class golf for the golf enthusiast to enjoy. And there's thoroughbred horseracing located in Hot springs to enjoy also.

Come visit the area where former President Clinton grew up, that is alive with history. You'll have a great time relaxing in the natural hot springs, playing in three lakes exploring the mountains, and enjoying all this wonderful region has to offer.

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