Pretty Penny Adventures

Hot Springs, Arkansas, is famous for its thermal springs—sacred to Native Americans and later turned into a spa paradise for sweaty tourists and shady gangsters. Designated as the first federally protected land in the early 1800s, it eventually became Hot Springs National Park. By the late 19th century, the city had it all: healing waters, glamorous bathhouses, illegal gambling, and more mobsters than a Scorsese film. No wonder it earned the nickname “America’s First Resort.”

We soaked in the sights (not the springs—it was already 100 degrees out), camped in the national park, and embraced the heat like amateurs. Our campsite backed up to a lovely creek where we enjoyed evening cocktails, deep conversation, and the occasional mosquito ambush. During the day, we waded through the water with the dogs, trying to keep cool and pretending it was refreshing. Morning hikes were our only option unless we wanted to melt into the trail.

In the afternoon, with the heat index pushing “surface of the sun” levels, we retreated indoors for intense rounds of cribbage. Tara even beat Julie once—an event so rare it may require a commemorative plaque.

Hot Springs is officially in the rearview. Next up: one night at Lake McClellan National Grasslands in Texas, then on to Raton, New Mexico. Pretty Penny and crew roll on, slightly sunburned but undefeated.