Just this last week I took a roadtrip out to Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas. It was a very long drive and at times I grew discouraged. Slept at Walmart and rest stops along the way, drank way too much coffee and stopped in Cracker Barrels for meals. Found all kinds of funky old buildings along the way and of course had to get pictures.
Something so cool about naturally weathered signs.
Beautiful old buildings in Flagstaff, Arizona.
I loved the windows and arches of this old brick building. So appealing to the eye.
Just before pulling into Hot Springs I stopped at this wayside BBQ place and had a delicious pulled pork BBQ sandwich. Thank you Lord!
By the time I got to Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas, I was ready for a good rest. I camped in Gulpha Gorge Campground, right by this little creek.
That would be me in the campground, so happy to have landed!
Hot Springs National Park is our smallest National Park! It protects the natural hot springs for 4 miles square around the Visitor Center. The Parks have federal jurisdiction over the area and are in the process of restoring some of the old buildings. The Visitor Center is so gorgeous, and is located in one of the original old bathhouses.
I happened to arrive in Hot Springs on the weekend of St. Patrick's Day! The whole city was very festive and full of life.
The steaming hot springs bubble up from the ground all around the city. This waterfall flows over natural volcanic rock and is located in the heart of the city.
Spring daffodils bloomed in brilliant patches of yellow and white.
Colorful old buildings lined the street in the old historic section of the city.
Two feisty fellows dressed for the "The World's Shortest St. Patrick's Day Parade. It seemed like the whole city came out for the event!
Jim Belushi was the Grand Marshall of the parade and instead of riding in his float, he walked up and down the street, greeting people and throwing out green necklaces. He came to our side of the street and came right up to me and shook my hand! Definitely made my day!
This crazy character called Mountain Man from Duck Dynasty, handed out necklaces with little rubber ducks on them. Everybody wanted one of those!
That would be me, all ready to walk the city in my new turquoise tennis shoes!
Pastel painted houses bring the colors of spring to a side street in the city.
Beautiful white flowering trees blossomed throughout the city, sharply contrasting against bare, spindly branches.