This past Saturday Nate and I both woke up with Weston around 6:30am and felt the need to DO something. We’ve lived in Little Rock for 3.5 months and still haven’t really ventured outside of the city very far, so Nate decided (and after doing it I totally agreed) that it was time to make a change and go somewhere. While we were driving Nate mentioned that one of his co-workers/mentors at work said that if he could go back in time and do things over again, he would travel more. Even if it meant going somewhere close by once a month – just getting out and exploring the world is so important. We couldn’t agree more, so we’re hoping to make these weekend trips a regular thing! I’ll be posting about it on here to track our travels and hopefully share some fun and new places with you guys!
All that being said, we ended up in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Nate is actually from Arkansas and as such has been to Hot Springs several times, but he never really took any time to explore the city. When we got there it was POURING rain, but we figured we’d just go for it. It’s not every day we’re in a new town after all!
The first thing I noticed when we got there were all of the adorable shops and restaurants. We spent the majority of our time in the downtown area, and I can’t wait to go back when it’s a little drier outside. It was such a fun place! The first thing we did was pull up the the Pancake Shop and order a little breakfast. Little did we know that a simple order of eggs and sausage would basically fill us up for the rest of the day!
PLUS it has been recognized as a top breakfast joint by Food Network, The New York Times, Southern Living and more – not too shabby! It was the only place in Arkansas in the article (below middle), and didn’t disappoint. When we walked in we were pushing Wes in the stroller and the owners welcomed us right in, finding a table for us and letting us store the stroller paraphernalia in the corner of the restaurant. THEN I got to meet a sweet reader (hi Anne!) while we were waiting for our food! It’s not every day I get to see you guys in person!
Anyway, the Pancake Shop was delicious and I now know that next time I’ll probably be ordering a huge stack of ‘cakes – they looked so good!
Right next door to the Pancake Shop is a great little boutique that was basically made for me – The Savory Pantry. They have so many foodie goodies, plus samples of everything, PLUS amazing recipe cards for how to use some of the delicious products they sell. Nate and I were so impressed and were happy to chat with Cathy and the owner, Keeley, about where they get their products, how the store came to be and how they’re looking to potentially move into the Little Rock market. I told them about a fabulous shopping area near our house that has a few retail spaces open…mainly because I want a Savory Pantry shop I can walk to.
Selfish? I think not! But if that didn’t happen I could always order the deliciousness online 😉
I could have spent hours in that shop talking about food and traveling and social media, but we figured it would be a good idea to get out and see Hot Springs while it wasn’t raining, so we left and walked around the downtown area some more. I wish I’d taken more shots of the shops we went into – there was one that had some really cute clothes that I’m now kicking myself for not getting – but sadly I didn’t. Guess that means I have to go back!
Around this time it started POURING rain, and Nate and I just kept on going. We had Weston asleep in the stroller with a massive umbrella over him, so he was toasty and dry, but we were a little soaked to say the least. Making memories is always fun though!
It’s funny to me that being stuck in the downpour with our rain jackets in the middle of Arkansas reminded me a lot of our trip to Kauai a while back. I remember being slightly upset that our island vacation was being rained out almost every day, but looking back I had SO much fun. This time around I tried to soak up the storm a little bit more so that I could really remember the fun that we had as a result of it. So many memories were being made in the storm that day!
We ended our little excursion with a trip past all of the historic bathhouses. I don’t think any of them were open while we were there, but Weston was so fast asleep that we didn’t dare wake him up to go in one. This Spring we’ll likely be making a trip to Hot Springs again where we can really explore the city when the weather is more accommodating!
So there you have it – our first trip of the year, one of many that we’re planning on taking – and I’d call it a huge success! If you’re ever in the area you should definitely take the time to explore Hot Springs – and let me know, I’ll meet ya there 😉
I lived in HS for 7 years as a child! And since then I’ve always had a weird fascination with it since. I’m obsessed with the Arlington and the Bath House Row. AND the Wax Museum. And Magic Springs. And the horse races. Okay and the watch tower. AND the Mid America Museum.
I WANT TO GO BACK.
You’re missing the American Gangster Museum – I’m pretty sure that was the sole reason Nate wanted to go!
Ummmm you’ve convinced me that I need to go.
Can’t wait to visit with you in the future–looks really fun! Mom
Fun! We took a trip there a while back and stayed at the Arlington and got baths– a unique experience for sure. 🙂 It was raining when we were there too, actually!
Crazy! It definitely storms more here than in ol’ Colorado – I love it, just takes some getting used to!
What a fun day trip! I love exploring surrounding areas. I really wish David & I would do it more.
You should! As much as I love traveling with Wes it’s so much fun when it’s just the two of you. Take advantage of it!
Cool trip! i used to live in fayetteville and took a trip with friends to HS once. I’m glad I did it was fun! I don’t know why I still remember this but my fiend ordered frog legs one night for dinner–yuck! He was more brave than I. Eureka Springs is a quaint little town to visit too. Also, Memphis is only like 3 hours from you so that could be a future getaway spot. 🙂
I’d be a little wary of frog legs too – that guy was pretty brave!
Looks like you guys had so much fun! And that Savory Pantry place… I could so live there!
YES! Me too – next time I’ll just set up a cot 😉
My husband and I have driven over to Hot Springs once, and I would really love to go back and explore a little bit more. It’s about two hours from us. You guys should make Memphis one of your weekend trips. It’s not too far from you all! Also, if you’re looking for just a day outdoors, there is great hiking and canoeing at the Buffalo River around Jasper, Arkansas. We backpack frequently there!
Good to know about Jasper! We’ve made the trip to Memphis from LR before and we definitely have it on our radar for the future!
My husband and I often make a point to take at least one weekend away each month (it’s ambitious and doesn’t always happen, but we have good intentions). We stay at little family-owned motels and B&B’s and enjoy shopping, eating and not having to make our beds in the morning. It’s so rewarding and nice even if it’s just a two hour drive away 🙂
And look at Weston being a trouper in the rain!
SO smart to do that especially when you don’t have kiddos – we had so many people tell us that and we didn’t heed their advice as much as we should have!
Oh you were so close to me. I’m in Little Rock and grew up in Hot Springs. I’ve only eaten at the pancake shop once! I do love the Savory Pantry though. I’ve spent plenty of money in there 😉
I live in Little Rock – I didn’t realize you were here too! All I know is if Savory Pantry opens a store here both my waistline and my pocketbook will be in trouble 😉
I just read you’ve been here 3.5 months (missed that). I thought you had lived out of state but remembered you had talked about the Big Dam Bridge once upon a time (I think). We need to meet up sometime. So cool to have another blogger here! I’ve felt so alone 😉
We were in Denver before here, but since my hubby’s from Little Rock we’ve always been familiar with it. Love it so far! And YES we should meet up sometime!!!