Arkansas Town Makes Forbes 50 Best Places to Travel in 2024
I know it's only January but if you are like most folks it takes a little special planning to pull off that perfect summer vacation destination.
Forbes has released their 50 Best Places to Travel in 2024 and it's probably not a surprise that one Arkansas city turned up on that list, Hot Springs National Park.
For years people have been traveling to this region of Arkansas to enjoy the naturally heated springs and thermal water on Bathhouse Row located in the historic district of this beautiful city that's nestled between the Ouachita Mountains.
The infamous Bathhouse Row got its name because of 8 bathhouses from the 19th and 20th centuries that line the sidewalks with hanging trees and several fountains including a water fountain where people can come and fill up their jugs with the thermal waters. Make sure you visit the park's visitor center and museum to learn more about this charming town that has been nicknamed the Spa City.
Shopping and Restaurants
There are plenty of restaurants within walking distance where you enjoy just about any kind of cultural cuisine you can think of from German, Italian, Mexican, and American food. One of my favorites downtown is the Brickhouse Grill, they have some of the best steaks in the area served up with some downhome southern hospitality.
If you love to shop, Hot Springs is well known for having some of the best shopping downtown with quaint little shops, antique shops, and boutique shops with one-of-a-kind gifts. There's even a Gangster Museum that you must put on your to-do list with memorabilia from the infamous Al Capone who frequented Hot Springs during the Prohibition era. There's even a downtown loft you can rent that's been turned into a bed-and-breakfast inn where he used to stay to avoid law enforcement authorities.
You can't go wrong when you make Hot Springs, Arkansas your vacation destination spot this summer, according to AY.
What About Texas?
These two Texas cities also made the Forbes list of the 50 Best Places to Travel in 2024.
New Braunfels/Gruene Texas
With two rivers that flow through New Braunfels, this makes it a perfect spot for floating lined with tall Cypress trees for an unforgettable experience. With plenty of shops, restaurants, and live music venues put on your cowboy hat for a Texas two-step good time.
Fredericksburg, Texas
You could call Fredericksburg the Wine Capital of Texas with over 60 wineries and vineyards with tasting rooms where you can sample Texas-made wine and learn more about the history of the Hill Country. Fredericksburg is located near both San Antonio and Austin and is home to Enchanted Rock a summit trail with incredible views of the surrounding area.
To see the entire Forbes list of the 50 Best Places to Travel in 2024 including around the world go here.