The Great Outdoors
The state of Arkansas boasts 600,000 acres of lakes, two mountain ranges and more than 1,500 miles of hiking trails. Outdoorsy honeymooners can spend time rock climbing, white water rafting or even hunting for diamonds at Crater of Diamonds State Park, the only public diamond mine where visitors can keep what they find.
For the ultimate in honeymoon adventure try Hot Springs National Park, the oldest unit in the National Park system. The park has plenty of open space perfect for a peaceful picnic lunch and more than 26 miles of hiking trails for working up a sweat before relaxing in the hot springs. At Hot Springs National Park, visitors do not sit in outdoor, rustic springs. Instead, guests soak in traditional bath halls where a private tub is filled with fresh water ranging from 98 to 100 degrees. End your visit to Hot Springs National Park by stopping by the Hot Springs Mountain Tower which overlooks the Ouachita Mountains. Finally, set up camp at the nearby Gulpha Gorge Campground and snuggle up to a blazing campfire.
Hot Springs National Park
101 Reserve Street
Hot Springs, AR 71901
501-624-2701
nps.gov/hosp/index.htm
Bed and Breakfasts
cape may bed and breakfast image by Jorge Moro from
Fotolia.com
The Bed and Breakfast Association of Arkansas lists more than 59 Bed and Breakfasts throughout the state. Bed and Breakfasts are located in all regions and are as diverse and colorful as the state itself. If old, Victorian-style romance is what you're looking for, then look no further than The Gables Inn, a charming landmark on the National Register. The Gables Inn specializes in romance: two of the rooms in this lovely manor feature heart-shaped whirlpool tubs for two.
The Gables Inn
318 Quapaw Avenue
Hot Springs, AR 71901
800-625-7576
gablesn.com
If rustic romance is more your style, the luxury log cabin retreat in central Arkansas called An Enchanting Evening may be the right fit for you and your honey. Located just 20 minutes from Little Rock, the state capitol, An Enchanted Evening features mountain views, a stacked rock fireplace, and a hot tub on the back deck built for stargazing. Chocolate fondue awaits each new guest, ensuring that romance is cultivated from the moment of your arrival.
An Enchanted Evening
29300 Highway 300
Little Rock, Arkansas 72135
501-330-2182
anenchantingevening.com
Spas
Every honeymooner deserves a little pampering. Luckily, Arkansas is home to many fabulous and luxurious spas. The Turtle Cove Spa at Mountain Harbor was named the number one spa of the south in 2008 by SpasofAmerica.com. Choose from a number of spa services and packages including couples massage, facial therapies for men and women and a variety of holistic spa services.
After enjoying the spa, relax into a number of lodging options at the Mountain Harbor Resort located on Lake Ouachita. Condominiums, cabins and rooms in the lodge are all available for honeymooners.
Turtle Cove Spa
P.O. Box 1268
994 Mountain Harbor Road
Mount Ida, AR 71957
800-832-2276
turtlecovespa.com
Another fantastic Arkansas spa is the New Moon Day Spa and Salon. After the stress of wedding planning, honeymooners can treat themselves to the New Moon Renewal Package that includes a two-night stay in the 1886 Crescent Hotel; breakfast for two and two one-hour Swedish massages, body wraps, facials, and hand and foot treatments. Many other packages are also available.
New Moon Spa
75 Prospect Avenue
Eureka Springs, AR 72632
800-599-9772
newmoonspa.com
