I learned the secret to eating southern panÂcakes at The Pancake Shop. The pancakes fill an entire dinner plate. To ensure my lap wasn’t covered in syrup, I followed the servÂer’s instructions to cut a hole in the centre of the stack before filling it with butter and warm syrup. Delicious!
There’s live music every night at the Ohio Club, right on Central Avenue. This historic club dates to 1905 and is the only original club still open. During Prohibition, it was called the Ohio Cigar Store; if you knew the right password, you were allowed into the drinking and gambling area hidden behind the false wall. I spent a Wednesday night listening to The Hump Day Blues Band. If past bands were as good, it is no wonder that the Ohio Club was frequented by celebrities like Tony Bennett, Sammy Davis Jr, Babe Ruth, Al Jolson and Mae West.
Where to stay
History-buffs favour The Arlington (left), a “grand old hotel”. The hotel has views of the national park and Bathhouse Row, and famous guests like Al Capone (who had his own suite, complete with secret escape route) and home-town son Bill Clinton in the presidential suite. The restaurants serve classic dishes and the lobby bar innovative cocktails.
If you prefer more modern decor, choose The Hotel Hot Springs & Spa. Attached to the convention centre, this 14-story hotel was completely renovated in 2016. Its rooms are spacious and come with extras like a microwave and large mini-fridge. Breakfast with delicious biscuits and honey is included in rates.
Lookout Point Lakeside Inn is a boutique option just outside of town, on Lake Hamilton. With views of the lake, the Ouachita Mountains, and garden waterÂfalls, you’ll be sure to relax at this B&B.
