Category: US Destinations | Couples Travel | Food & Drink
Ten years. A decade of adventures, inside jokes, and building a life together — and we wanted to celebrate it properly. No kids, no agenda, just the two of us and an open road. We landed on Hot Springs, Arkansas, and honestly? It delivered in ways we didn’t fully expect. Here’s everything about our long weekend getaway — the food, the soaks, the stargazing, and the honest reviews you actually need before you go.
The Drive Up: Don’t Skip Little Rock
We left Thursday morning and faced a solid seven-hour drive to Hot Springs. If you’re making this trip, we strongly recommend breaking it up with a stop in Little Rock — specifically at a place called The Root.
This farm-to-table café has a charming garden courtyard that immediately sets the tone for a relaxed getaway. We both ordered the lettuce bed burger with fresh-cut sweet potato fries, and they did not disappoint. But the real stars? The cocktails. Curt had an old fashioned made with fresh-squeezed orange juice — elevated and perfectly balanced. I went with the hard honey ginger lemonade, and I would order it again without hesitation. It’s the kind of drink you think about on the drive home. The Root was a genuinely happy stop that made the long drive feel intentional rather than just a means to an end.
We rolled into Hot Springs in the early evening with just enough time to check in, freshen up, and get out to explore.
Where We Stayed: Starlight Haven Geodesic Dome
This was the highlight of the entire trip, and we are not exaggerating.
We stayed at Starlight Haven in a geodesic dome — and if you’ve never done glamping in a dome, this is your sign to put it on the list. Our dome came with a private hot tub, total seclusion, and unobstructed views of nature and the night sky. There’s something about soaking in your own hot tub while staring up at a canopy of stars that makes you feel a million miles away from real life — which, for a 10-year anniversary, is exactly the point.
The privacy factor here is a big deal for a couples trip. You’re not sharing space with strangers, not navigating a crowded resort — it’s just the two of you in your own little bubble. We loved every minute of it.
We planned it out to have a workout session each morning, which was easy given you’re awakened with the sunrise. We packed our own weights, knowing this place did not have an on-sight gym. There were however great trails for warm up and cool down hikes.
If you’re planning a romantic escape to Hot Springs, Starlight Haven is a non-negotiable. Book it first, then plan everything else around it.
Bathhouse Row: The Heart of Hot Springs
Hot Springs is famously known for its natural thermal springs, and Bathhouse Row is where history and relaxation collide in the best way. Walking the row is a free experience in itself — a beautiful stretch of ornate, historic bathhouse buildings that date back to the late 1800s and early 1900s. Even just strolling it is worth your time.
We did a couples bath at Quapaw Bathhouse, and it was a wonderful experience. The thermal pools are gorgeous, and the whole vibe is relaxed and rejuvenating. One very important note if you’re going for a specific package: book in advance. We planned this trip somewhat last minute and did not have prior reservations, which meant we couldn’t snag the packages we originally had our eye on. Learn from us on this one — Quapaw’s packages sell out, so get ahead of it.
We also learned about Buckstaff Bathhouse, one of the oldest operating bathhouses on the row. However, Buckstaff maintains separate facilities for men and women and doesn’t offer couples packages — so for a couples trip centered around shared experiences, it just didn’t fit our vibe. It may be perfect for a solo or same-gender visit, but we’re glad we did our research beforehand rather than showing up and being surprised.
Food & Drink: The Full Breakdown
Let’s talk about food, because Hot Springs has a really fun dining scene and we made it our mission to explore it properly.
Superior Bathhouse Brewery — Thursday Night Dinner
For our first dinner in town, we headed to Superior Bathhouse Brewery, located right on Bathhouse Row. The concept alone is cool — they brew their beers using the natural local spring water, which gives them a distinct character you can’t get anywhere else.
We did a beer flight: dill pickle, spicy jalapeño, basil honey, and a blonde. All four were fun, flavorful, and worth trying. The dill pick was a standout for me. For food, we got the burgers (solid) and the large pretzel with beer cheese. The beer cheese was a touch thinner than we expected, but the flavor was still good. Overall, a really fun first night spot — especially for beer lovers or anyone who appreciates a good concept executed well. I recommend sitting out in the beer garden for the full experience.
Pancake Shop — Also Worth a Visit
We also grabbed breakfast at the Pancake Shop, which has been a Hot Springs institution for decades. There was a short wait, but it moved quickly, and the food is fresh and straightforward — exactly what you want from a classic breakfast spot. Nothing reinventing the wheel here, just good, honest food that hits the spot.
Alexa’s Crêperie — Breakfast Gem
We had originally scoped out The Best Café, which has excellent reviews, but the wait was just too long for us that morning. On a whim, we wandered into Alexa’s Crêperie. The crêpes are delicious and the coffee is great — but what made the experience truly memorable was learning that the owner is originally from Ukraine and has been running this little spot for 15 years. He was working the floor himself and greeted us warmly. There’s something special about a place with that kind of story behind it, and the food did back it up. This is the kind of hidden gem that makes travel feel like discovery. Don’t overlook it.
Steinhaus Keller — German Dinner (Honest Review)
We wanted one nice sit-down dinner experience and opted for Steinhaus Keller, a German restaurant with very high reviews. We’ll be honest — it was a bit underwhelming, though it’s possible we just caught them on an off night.
The best thing we had was the smoked trout dip appetizer, served with small pretzel twists and crispy tortilla-like triangles. That was good to me, although not Curt’s favorite.
For entrées, we shared the Jäger Schnitzel with fried potatoes and candied Brussels sprouts, and the Braised Beef Roast (Sauerbraten). The beef was fine, but the sauce was quite sweet and reminded us more of a canned brown gravy than a traditional sauerbraten. The schnitzel itself was noticeably small compared to portions we’ve had at other German restaurants over the years. The Brussels sprouts had great potential — good seasoning and spice — but were undercooked and tough to chew through.
Again, the reviews are strong and many people clearly love it, so we wouldn’t tell you to skip it entirely. Just go in with tempered expectations and know that some of our expectations are from our many meals from Bavaria itself.
Brick House Grill — Casual and Solid
Brick House Grill was a great addition to the rotation — a solid menu with a comfortable, casual vibe. Fair warning: their prime rib is apparently the signature dish and it was sold out when we went, so get there early if that’s your goal. We pivoted to the grilled chicken, which was good, and sampled a few appetizers. The cheese fries with house-cut fries were tasty — our only note would be that crispier fries would have taken them to the next level. The mozzarella sticks were a solid order too.
The real standout here, though, was the drinks. Curt had the smoked old fashioned and I had the Southern Belle margarita, and we would both order those again in a heartbeat. If you’re looking for a relaxed dinner with great cocktails and a menu that has something for everyone, Brick House Grill is a great pick.
Kollective Coffee & Tea
A cute stop along the way was Kollective Coffee & Tea. An artisan style local cafe with a large loose leaf tea menu and great coffee selection with a selection of crafted eats and small bakery assortment. The date snickers was a surprising treat. Curt enjoyed the iced pomegranate green tea (they were out of the nitro cold brew) and I had a hot oolong that was reminiscent of my college tea shop days. The fresh loose leaf tea made a great second cup later that evening too.
Getting Outside: Hiking Hot Springs National Park
One of the most unexpectedly cool things about Hot Springs is that it sits inside a national park — and we mean that literally. The trails wind through the city itself, which makes for a genuinely unique hiking experience unlike anything we’ve done before.
We started with the Peak Trail up to the observation tower, then connected to Honeysuckle, Lower Dogwood, and the Arlington Trail. The trails are semi-light to moderate — a fun, accessible hike that doesn’t require serious gear or experience. The highlight of the Arlington Trail? It ends at the historic Arlington Hotel, making it the first time either of us has finished a hike by walking into a hotel lobby. That alone is worth it for the novelty factor.
We also did the Gulpha Gorge Trail, which is a step up in difficulty. It’s a great trail, but we’d flag that it’s probably not the easiest option if you’re hiking with young kids — keep that in mind when you’re planning.
A few practical hiking notes: Use the bathroom before you start. The trail shelters you’ll pass are not bathroom stops, and you may regret assuming otherwise. Also, trail conditions and access can vary, so check the national park website before heading out.
And if you happen to be there on a Saturday, look for the local farmer’s market — hours vary by season, but it’s a lovely way to spend a morning.
Garvan Woodland Gardens: Nature, Architecture, and a Midday Treat
If you have any love for beautiful outdoor spaces, Garvan Woodland Gardens needs to be on your Hot Springs itinerary. It was one of the most peaceful parts of our whole trip — quiet, scenic trails winding through gorgeous natural surroundings that feel worlds away from the bustle of the main strip. It’s the kind of place where you naturally slow your pace and just take it all in.
One standout moment for us was the glass cathedral, which is as stunning as it sounds. The architecture is unlike anything we’ve seen — and the bell tower in particular is a striking, one-of-a-kind structure. It’s the rare combination of nature and architecture that genuinely leaves you in awe.
Practical tip: order your tickets online. You’ll save $8 per ticket, which adds up — especially if you’re already spending on experiences throughout the weekend. It takes two minutes and is absolutely worth doing ahead of time or even on arrival.
Before we started on the trails, we stopped at the on-site Chipmunk Café for a quick bite and it was a happy little lunch. I had the turkey melt, Curt went for the chicken philly, and both hit the spot perfectly for a midday refuel. But the real move? We splurged on milkshakes — and if you do nothing else we suggest in this entire post, get the espresso in the chocolate milkshake. It is worth every calorie and we have zero regrets.
The Hot Springs Themselves: Don’t Miss This
We want to give a special mention to the natural hot springs throughout the city, because they were genuinely beautiful and something we didn’t fully anticipate. You can see and touch the thermal water at various points, and there are water fill stations along the way — some hot, a couple cold. It’s a surprisingly tactile, memorable experience.
Bring your own water bottles to fill, or pick up a souvenir glass jug on site. It’s a small thing, but sipping actual Hot Springs water feels like a proper way to connect with what makes this place special. If you’re really prepared, have your own stainless mug and tea bag ready for on the go thermal spring tea while you’re out.
Tips for Planning Your Hot Springs Couples Trip
A few things we learned that will save you time and frustration:
Book Quapaw packages early. They sell out. We can’t stress this enough. If a couples thermal bath experience is on your must-do list, lock in your reservation before you finalize anything else.
Starlight Haven fills up too. Unique accommodations like geodesic domes get booked fast, especially around anniversaries, Valentine’s Day, and summer weekends. Don’t wait.
Build in walking time on Bathhouse Row. It’s free, it’s beautiful, and it gives you a real sense of the history and character of Hot Springs. Do it at a slow pace.
Hot Springs is very driveable for a long weekend. Thursday through Sunday is the perfect format — enough time to truly decompress without burning too much vacation time.
Check wait times before committing to breakfast spots. Places like The Best Café and Pancake Shop can have lines, especially on weekend mornings. Have a backup in mind (Alexa’s Crêperie, in our case — and we’re glad we ended up there).
Use the bathroom before hitting the trails. Trail shelters are not restroom stops. Plan accordingly.
Bring water bottles for the springs fill stations. There are hot and cold fill stations throughout the city. It’s a fun, free experience — or grab a souvenir glass jug on site.
Check the farmer’s market schedule. It runs on Saturdays with hours that vary by season, but it’s a lovely low-key morning activity if the timing lines up.
Hot Springs is an ideal quick weekend getaway. If it’s close enough to drive, it is compact enough to explore fully in a long weekend, and has enough variety to keep two people happily busy the whole time.
Don’t Overlook the Little Moments
We want to be real about something: not every meaningful part of this trip happened at a restaurant or on a trail. Our dome at Starlight Haven was about 10 minutes from the main strip — just enough distance to feel like a true retreat. One evening we wandered over to the property’s cute clubhouse, which had a pool table, shuffleboard, and board games. We brought our own bottle of wine, claimed the space, and just played. No phones, no itinerary, just us. It turned into one of our favorite nights of the whole trip.
We also brought along the Five Love Languages Couple Card Game, and we’d highly recommend it for any couples trip. We flipped through cards on the drive down and it genuinely sparked some great conversations — the kind you don’t always make time for in the day-to-day rush. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone anniversary or just need a reconnection weekend, having something intentional to talk about on a long road trip is a simple idea that pays off in a big way.
Final Thoughts
Hot Springs surprised us. It’s a city with real character — historic, quirky, relaxed, and genuinely romantic if you set it up right. Between the starlit dome, the private hot tub, the thermal baths on Bathhouse Row, the brewery, the hikes that end in hotel lobbies, the thermal spring fill stations, and that crêperie we never would have planned on — this trip gave us exactly what we were looking for: a chance to slow down, reconnect, and celebrate ten years together the right way.
It’s a great destination for a couples trip, and equally great as a launchpad for planning your next family adventure. Come here to remember why you love each other, and leave already talking about where you’re going next.
Here’s to the next ten.
— Heather & Curt Tiger Tales Travel
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