Does anyone have any recommendations for yummy places to eat or fun places to go in Hot Springs, AK? We are a group of 6 middle aged women on a girls weekend. We like to shop and eat at unusual, non touristy places. We will be there Friday eve thru Sunday afternoon - quick trip. We will have a car. Thank you for any tips!

McClards BBQ. Bill Clinton was a regular before he changed his diet.

Frankly, I don't get the lure of Hot Springs. It's ok, but not really an shopping, fine dining, or anything special to stay at, IMOP. I've been to most of the National Parks in the lower 48. Hot Springs would easily be at the bottom of my list. There are 15 or so, State Parks in Arkansas that I like far better. All this said, thousands of people go every year and love it. I am not a gambler, but I do enjoy Arkansas Derby Day(think of it as a Mini Kentucky Derby).

Sorry, but I was very disappointed in Hot Springs last year.

Now if you go when the fall colors are good, there are beautiful drives in that area.

I dont' know which direction you are coming from but when I look at a map, Vicksburg, Natchez, Memphis, Eureka Springs, Natchitoches are all good for girl trips and not terribly far from Hot Springs.

For Fall Colors, Drive Scenic HWY 7. I love love love The Buffalo National River area in Arkansas!!!

Have you considered going to Eureka Springs? It's a beautiful little town and Chrystal Bridges Museum is getting fabulous reviews.

I vote against Eureka Springs too. I don't care for it either.

Personally, I have a lot of fun in Hot Springs, and it think it would be fun for a girls' weekend. Go to the Buckstaff bathhouse and get the bath and massage in the morning, then go to the races at Oaklawn Park, or shop in downtown in the afternoon. For dinner, check out Cajun Boilers for good seafood, or the aforementioned BBQ place.

If you want to go to Oaklawn you should check their race schedule. I'm sure it's online someplace. But again, Crystal Bridges is one of the best museums in the country, and its hotel and restaurant are top-notch, too.