Hot Springs, AR

Hot Springs, Arkansas, is the tourist remains of a town built because of hot and smelly water. This water bubbled up through cracks in the ground at a temperature of 140+ and was regarded as having therapeutic properties because of the dissolved chemicals. The therapeutic properties brought visitors looking for cures for various ailments. At the heights of popularity, the main street consisted of opulent bathhouses and associated medical services. Eventually, the medicinal capabilities of mineral waters fell into dispute, the bathhouses fell into disrepair, and most services shut down.

The National Parks service pretty much saved the community as a historical site and things have been rebuilt and restored. You can still soak in the hot water, but most such experiences come with a massage, pedicure, etc. I passed, but in my younger days, we did try the natural hot waters of other locations. The hot water is not recommended for those with various medical conditions and I did not bring my suit.

Cindy noted that the male bathing area was more ornate. From the artifacts still on display, I must agree.

Evidently, the hot water soaks were so relaxing you were pretty much shot for the rest of the day. To accommodate this condition, the bathhouses typically had large from porches with rocking chairs allowing guests to cool and recover.