Hats off to Hot Springs

What a fun and busy weekend we had. My South Carolina brother and his wife came to town so we had an impromptu Friday night dinner in town. Then the four of us had a fun-filled stroll along Central Avenue during gallery walk. We ran into many of his 1954 classmates and sipped wine all the way to the Thompson Building. Here he reminisced about when our great uncle had his law office there and during one of the major floods that have happened more than once in the "valley of the vapors," our uncle climbed out his window onto the ledge to be rescued. Billy remembered much better than I, as he is older, and Uncle Garner died in 1947. This Classic Revival style building was designed by architect George Mann of Arkansas State Capitol fame.

Saturday morning, Leon and I made our weekly visit to the Farmers' Market for some fresh veggies and then had a typical Saturday walkabout in town. We strolled up the promenade behind bathhouse row and sat on the Arlington porch for awhile. I can't remember the last time I have seen so many tourists in town. It was fun to just observe. This old hotel had so much splendor and charm in past years and has been the heart of downtown for decades. It is the 3rd Arlington Hotel and was built in 1924 after the previous one was destroyed by fire in 1923.

I shared with Leon about how the tallest building in Arkansas when it was built in 1929, located across from the Arlington Hotel, was once where all the doctors had their offices.  The ceiling fan in my den is one that we got from the Medical Arts Building in the 1950's when they replaced them with window air conditioners. I notice that those haven't been replaced yet. I hope this old sentinel does not totally deteriorate as it has been empty for years. The 16 story Art Deco structure was built in 1960. 

We stopped for lunch at Fat Jack's, the new oyster bar in town. You just never know what you will see. How about for the motorcycle buff who has everything? Why not be buried in a motorcycle hearse. This man will provide the service! I wonder if he drummed up any business?

The first Hats in Hot Springs festival was held over the weekend and although we did not make it to any of the hat judging events we did enjoy the band while we attended gallery walk on Friday. The free event sponsored bands, various hat judging activities and a Simon Sez game which had a good turnout. I can see where Catherine Wolf deserved the trophy she got for her hat! 

Next year we will see if we can't get Leon to be a little more creative! You had to wear a hat to attend the festival and it was our intention but lunch got in the way! 

Hot Springs and baseball

I have always been aware of the role that Hot Springs played in the development of baseball and the fact that before Florida this was the place for spring training. Recently the city decided to bring this history to the forefront with new plaques around town. We decided to take a look.

I am amazed that the remains of the concrete bleachers are still evident in the background. From this spot folks watched Babe Ruth hit his home run across the street into the Alligator Farm.

We picked up a brochure at the visitor's center and followed some of the trail around town. This should be of interest to baseball fans and is well done. Each plaque has a phone number to call and a qr code that gives access to information on a smart phone.

Hot Air Balloon 101

So we were on the way to breakfast and as we passed Cornerstone we spotted Spa Force One and the early morning crew. "Brakes, Leon!" How fun to watch from beginning to end.

I never realized how really small the baskets are!

Good idea! Especially if  you are pilot Mike Hickey.

Things are starting to take shape - it does take a crew.

It is eight stories tall and 58 feet in diameter and has 872 yards of nylon material held together by seven miles of thread.

Up, up and away!  It contains 90,000 cubic feet of air when inflated and can lift 1,980 pounds.

At last .. on to the English Muffin .. I am starving! But what a great way to start the day.

Balloon Rally

This year we were finally home for the balloon rally. 

There was a lot of hot air at the airport where a sizeable crowd gathered for the event.

 This is the first year that Hot Springs has had a balloon.

 At sunset they started the balloon glow. Twelve balloons from around the country were here.

After the balloon-glow we were treated to a concert by Clint Black. And all this for free!! Nice!