Romantic Restaurants, Getaway Places in Lake Catherine

"Located on more than 200 pristine acres just outside of town, Garvan Woodland Gardens is about a ten-mile drive from the town’s center and is renowned for its professionally managed grounds boasting a fantastic variety of plants, trees, and wildflowers. Owned by the University of Arkansas, it’s funded mainly with grants, admission fees, and donations. It’s a great place to visit to escape the crowds in town, but the gardens are closed during January and on Thanksgiving and Christmas days as well."

"Established in 2002, the Garvan Woodland Gardens is a botanical garden that sits on 210 acres of land. The garden features an impressive display of rare trees and shrubs, such as roses, magnolias, and camellias."

"Garvan Woodland Gardens, Arkansas' premier botanical garden is located on a 210-acre peninsula on Lake Hamilton ...... More About Garvan Woodland Gardens"

"You might expect to find The Gangster Museum of America in New York, LA, or Chicago, but it’s conveniently located right in downtown Hot Springs. Guided tours are available, and the museum’s multiple rooms are decked out in different themes. You’ll likely find it fascinating learning about the lives of the guests who used to frequent the area."

"Hot Springs hasn’t always had the reputation as a sleepy town famous for its therapeutic warm mineral pools. In the ’20s and ‘30s, it was a rough and tumble place full of gangsters, elegant women, and high-rollers who came to gamble and enjoy the swank. Back in those days, the town was run by a notorious New York gangster who was on the run."

"If you’ve never visited, you may find Hot Springs National Park different than other national parks. Located in an urban setting, the town surrounding the springs is full of inviting restaurants, shops, cafes and coffee shops that make it more convenient than its more rural national park cousins. The hot springs are open year-round, and there’s a great visitor center that’s worth a look, especially if you’d like to learn about the area’s interesting geology and history."

"Hot Springs National Park is small, but because it's developed, there's a lot to dig into here. The visitor center offers guided tours, so you can choose one that speaks to your interests and start from there. There's no NPS parking, so find something along a street, in the garage a block off of Bathhouse Row, or in a private lot downtown."

"The oldest park in town, it can be found sitting right in between the surrounding mountains. Hot Springs National Park is like a hub for the city for outdoors lovers. You have access to multiple trails, a public bathhouse with natural mineral baths, and plenty of outdoor amenities to make your stay as comfortable as possible."

"Located on a winding road on the edge of Hot Springs National Park, Rolando’s Restaurante was established by Ecuador native Rolando Cuzco. The restaurant is housed in a historic building dating back to the 1800s and features a warm and welcoming interior and a patio area illuminated by twinkling tree lights. Specializing in traditional Latin American fare, the house specialty is quesadillas de chivo, which is grilled flour tortillas stuffed with goat’s cheese and green onion, topped with Argentinian mango sauce and available with either chicken or pork, with the option of additional shrimp."

"When your date is asking for some Latin cuisine, make your reservation for Rolando’s Restaurante. With three locations, it’s easy to see why they’ve expanded so much with a delicious fusion of South and Central American cuisines. When you’re ready to order, be sure to check out some of the house favorites, like the Popeye burrito or the fried tilapia."

"You will love their bean and corn-based salsa (different than the tomato based salsas that I’ve been used to). I tried my first mojito. They created this minty mixture with a blackberry compote which was delicious and refreshing!"

"Open since 1905, this bar offers live jazz and blues, a menu of solid pub grub, and endless history. Ask a bartender about the gangsters and athletes that once gambled here."

"This place was super cool- I'd highly recommend stopping in for dinner even if you don't drink. The Ohio club is the oldest bar in Arkansas. If features an…”more"

"First time in Hot Springs and this place was the cherry on top. If you go make sure you have Callie(if you're reading this sorry if I spelled your name..."

"Another popular attraction in Hot Springs, the petting zoo is a nice place to visit for it contains a wide variety of animals such as alligators, deer, ponies, goats, lions, ostriches and many more. What distinguishes this little wildlife park than others is the way the zoo functions. The place has been devised and maintained to provide a friendly and comfortable environment to both animals and...Read more"

"Visit the Arkansas Alligator Farm and Petting Zoo today for an opportunity to be a kid again. This is a privately owned zoo located on Whittington Avenue in Hot Springs, Arkansas that was founded in 1902. Hold a baby alligator, feed and pet miniature goats, and see wolves, mountain lions, monkeys, raccoons, and more."

"Hold a baby gator, feed and pet mini goats, and see wolves, mountain lions, monkeys, raccoons and more. Guests also have the chance to feed baby alligators and see live gator feeding shows."

"Located on a winding road on the edge of Hot Springs National Park, Rolando’s Restaurante was established by Ecuador native Rolando Cuzco. The restaurant is housed in a historic building dating back to the 1800s and features a warm and welcoming interior and a patio area illuminated by twinkling tree lights. Specializing in traditional Latin American fare, the house specialty is quesadillas de chivo, which is grilled flour tortillas stuffed with goat’s cheese and green onion, topped with Argentinian mango sauce and available with either chicken or pork, with the option of additional shrimp."

"When your date is asking for some Latin cuisine, make your reservation for Rolando’s Restaurante. With three locations, it’s easy to see why they’ve expanded so much with a delicious fusion of South and Central American cuisines. When you’re ready to order, be sure to check out some of the house favorites, like the Popeye burrito or the fried tilapia."

"You will love their bean and corn-based salsa (different than the tomato based salsas that I’ve been used to). I tried my first mojito. They created this minty mixture with a blackberry compote which was delicious and refreshing!"