Top 10 Things to Do in October in Hot Springs, Arkansas

Well, it is finally here; cooler weather!

For most of us in the United States it is a much-anticipated event in that most of the country has had unseasonably warm temperatures this summer. So Cooler Weather is more than Welcome!

Avenue

With cooler nights the next natural event is the turning of the leaves and the official ringing in of Fall. It does not actually become official until September 21st of this month but with the beginning of school and the passing of Labor Day for most of us IT IS FALL!

There is no more celebrated Fall activity than Halloween!

A holiday that is loved by both adults and children and is the second most popular holiday in the country, followed only by Christmas. With national sales from last year exceeding 4.75 Billion (according to the National Retail Federation) it is obvious that we love to celebrate in "style".

Hot Springs, Arkansas is a small community in size (with less than 40,000 full-time residents )but it is larger than life when it comes to the various activities and events it offers to visitors and residents alike.

The celebration of Halloween is a combination of many ancient rituals and superstitions:
One of which includes the thought that this was a day when the dead could return to the earth Ancient Celts would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off these roaming ghosts

As with many communities, Hot Springs believes in providing family, fun and entertaining activities and the month of October is no exception with the community wide "Spirit" of Halloween.

 

The streets are decorated with Bales of Hay, Pumpkins, Mums and Corn Stalks. Stores stay open late and pass out candy during the city-wide Trick or Treating Event. (Awaiting official date for this activity)

Things to do in Hot Springs, Arkansas during the month of October; all worth checking out:
Haunted Tours of Hot Springs offer nightly Walking Tours at their street side location at 430 Central Avenue. There are 2 Tours; the first one is at 8:00 pm and the late one is at 10:00 pm. this is a fun way to see the downtown area and learn the "History of the Ghosts and Spirits" who still linger. 501-339-3751. The concept of the Tour came to owner Terry Riciano as he took photographs of Historical Hot Springs. He kept uncovering countless unexplained stories, vanishings, screams and ghostly visions all of which evolved into the Tour. Be sure to wear compfy shoes as this is a walking tour, however, not a difficult or challenging walk at all. Wheelchair accessible as well.
The Gangster Museum of America (TGMOA) which recently moved to this larger location due to popularity is another great venue to learn about the "Past". They provide the Notorious Past with stories on the "Mob / Gangsters" who once walked the streets of Hot Springs and America There is a 45 minute Tour inside that is very informative and fun to experience. Countless Authentic items are shared and displayed. 510 Central Avenue, 501-318-1717
Maxwell Blade Theatre where the Master Illusionist offers Magic. He can win over even the most skeptical and is housed next to the original mortuary in Hot Springs at 121 Central Avenue, 501-623-6200
Gallery Walk-Friday, October 7, 2011 an city wide event where ALL Art Galleries keep their doors open late and many offer drinks and snacks for visitors.
43rd Annual Hot Springs Arts & Crafts Festival from October 7th thru 9th Hot Springs is home to countless talented and well-known artists and this Festival is an exceptional opportunity to experience their Talents first hand.
Dracula will be presented at The Pocket Theatre from October 13th thru 16th and also from the 20th to 24th. What better way to get caught up in the fever of this Haunting Time of year than to see local talent become the devilish characters from Transylvania. The Pocket Theatre is located in a historical neighborhood at 170 Ravine, 501-623-8585
The International Documentary Film Festival takes place from October 14th thru the 23rd. This annual event is in its 20th year and this year there will be over 50 filmmakers participating. Hours on most days are 10:00 AM until 10:00 PM. Shown at the historical Malco Theatre located at 817 Central Avenue 501-321-4747
The Antique / Boutique Walk is on Friday, October 21, 2011 and the Boutiques and Antique stores welcomes visitors for a late shopping experience.
Visit Perkins Restaurant at 3630 Central (close to Highway 270).501-624-5000. They serve everything PUMPKIN during the month. Their pancakes and muffins are some of the best I have ever tasted. You cannot go wrong with your choices.
Bathouse Soapery & Caldarium at 120 Central Avenue and is owned and operated by the fiesty and eneergetic Charlene Simon warrants "Saved the Best for Last"! This unique and whimisical shop which is on the left just past The Arlington Hotel welcomes visitors with an antique tub in the window with glass bubbles. The inside is just as welcoming and inviting with warm, original wood cabinets and caligraphy style signs and drawings. Currently, the soap scents include Cranberry, Pumpkin Butter and Sweet Potato and for Halloween Charlene will offer Kandy Korn is that not the cutest! She and her husband are also opening a CUPCAKE Store next Door with the most cleverist of names; Fat Bottomed Girls! We know the cupcakes will taste aswesome with a name like that.

Parking: Hot Springs is a popular destination for residents and visitors and so there is plenty of parking in a large parking garage off Central Avenue in Historical Downtown Hot Springs.There are also clean, well light restrooms here. It is best seen behind the Gangster Museum of America and the Haunted Tours Stand on Central Avenue. There is some parking on Central with Parking Meters (however, strongly recommend you use the parking garage).

Hopefully, these events and activities have gotten you ready for not only the month of October and the season of Fall but also for the spooky and fun activities in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

Enjoy and let us know what your favorite was and tell them Debbie and Phil sent you.

Top 10 Things to Do in October in Hot Springs, Arkansas

Phil & Debbie Saviano are self-proclaimed Tour Guides and Ambassadors for Hot Springs, Arkansas.
They enjoy spending time in Hot Springs discovering unearthed gems through unusual and unique activities, places to eat, and events that the non-traditional visitor will enjoy!
Their recommendations are for those persons who Love to meet new people and to experience everything a new location has to offer.
Visit us at http://www.hotspringsvacationdestination.blogspot.com for continued and updated stories.