The Hidden Gem

12/22/2024

Heading to Hot Springs for the holidays? Be sure to check out the Hot Springs Holiday Guide to plan your visit! Discover a comprehensive list of restaurants open on Christmas Eve and Day, as well as New Year's Eve and Day, plus a roundup of festive activities to enjoy.

Visit Hot Springs, Arkansas for a relaxing spa vacation getaway in the beautiful Ouachita Mountains, where you can enjoy hiking, shopping, boating, horse racing, sporting events, outdoor activities and much more.

12/22/2024

Holiday guests, please note! Bob's Food City will close early at 7:00 pm on Christmas Eve and closed on Christmas Day.

12/16/2024

12/15/2024

If you're planning a visit to look for Arkansas quartz crystals at Crystal Vista, take note! There have been some changes. Take a look at this update from Crystals of Arkansas:

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/CizLT1aY99Phx499/

12/15/2024

Our regulars have relentlessly asked us to open during the winter holidays, and we've decided to give the people what they want this year! We will be open the weekend after Christmas, so bring your family to Patty's :) Full hours below:

Wednesday 12/25 -- CLOSED
Thursday 12/26 -- CLOSED
Friday 12/27 -- 7am to 8pm
Saturday 12/28 -- 7am to 7pm
Sunday 12/29 -- 7am to 2pm
Monday 12/30 -- CLOSED
Tuesday 12/31 -- CLOSED
Wednesday 1/1 -- CLOSED

We'll be back to regular hours beginning Thursday, January 2nd.

PS: The last day to order Christmas pies is Sunday, December 22nd.

12/15/2024

Book your Holiday stay in Mount Ida at The Hidden Gem 💎!

12/01/2024

The Ouachita Mountains, Arkansas 🇺🇲

11/12/2024

11/05/2024

11/05/2024

🍽️🏆 The current standings for the 2024 Feast Month Visitors Choice Awards, Week 1, are in! Feast Month is presented by Visit Hot Springs and AY Magazine.

Check out the current top three Hot Springs restaurants in each category below! 👇 Vote for your favorite restaurants now through November 30 at : https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7SSMQRG

🍖 Best BBQ :
1. Smokin In Style BBQ *2023 Visitor's Choice*
2. McClard's Bar-B-Q
3. Ouachita Bar & Grill

🍔 Best Burger :
1. The Ohio Club
2. David's Burgers
3. Ouachita Bar & Grill *2023 Visitor's Choice*

🍕 Best Pizza :
1. Rocky's Corner *2023 Visitor's Choice*
2. SQZBX Brewery & Pizza Joint
3. Deluca's Pizza

🌮 Best Tacos :
1. Capo's Tacos *2023 Visitor's Choice*
2. Quetzal Authentic Mexican Cuisine
3. Taco Mama

🥩 Best Steak
1. 501 Prime *2023 Visitor's Choice*
2. Texas Roadhouse
3. Longhorn Steakhouse

🍲 Best Southern-Style Food :
1. Mama Vee's Southern Homestyle Cuisine *2023 Visitor's Choice*
2. Phil's Family Restaurant
3. DONS Southern Social

🥗 Best Vegetarian :
1. Cafe 1217 *2023 Visitor's Choice*
2. The Pho House Vietnamese Kitchen
3. Cafe Kahlo

🍬 Best Sweets :
1. Ambrosia Bakery
2. Fat Bottomed Girls Cupcake Shoppe *2023 Visitor's Choice*
3. Kilwin's

🥞 Best Breakfast :
1. The Pancake Shop *2023 Visitor's Choice*
2. Colonial Waffle & Pancake House
3. Best Cafe

🍜 Best Asian Cuisine :
1. The Pho House Vietnamese Kitchen *2023 Visitor's Choice*
2. Osaka Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar
3. AI Sushi & Wok Express *TIE*

🍝 Best Italian Cuisine :
1. Via Roma's Italian Restaurant *2023 Visitor's Choice*
2. Mama's Little Italy Italian Restaurant
3. J&S Italian Restaurant & Bar

🚚 Best Food Truck :
1. Rock & Roll Hibachi *2023 Visitor's Choice*
2. Bubba's Catfish
3. Ouachita Bar & Grill

11/05/2024

11/05/2024

The leaves are changing, the weather is cooler, and the days are shorter. That can only mean one thing- fall is here!

Some things to keep in mind for a fall visit to Hot Springs National Park:

🍂Want to peep some leaves? Peak fall foliage is typically at the end of October to early November. You can call the park information line (501-620-6715) for any updates on fall colors in the park.

🍂The name of the season is fall. That doesn't mean you should. Watch out for slippery leaves.

🍂Leaves are best observed from sidewalks and trails, not the driver's seat. Pay attention while behind the wheel.

🍂Ranger led programs are available at the Fordyce Visitor Center. Stop and have a chat with the rangers there- they won't leaf you hanging on things to do in the park!

To best prepare for your fall visit, head to: https://ow.ly/RMSV50TSKga



NPS Photo/ H. Fischman

11/03/2024