Dan and I recently spent a few days in Hot Springs, Arkansas. We had never experienced this area before, but had often heard about it from my parents. They loved to travel in the winding roads and scenery of this beautiful land laden with trees. My brother, Jeff, and his wife, Jane, invited us to join them on this November journey. When they asked us in the summer, we told them we would have to see whether harvest would allow us to go. For many weeks we didn’t think it was going to happen, but it all worked out for us to take the time away.
We could have stayed longer to enjoy more of what the area had to offer, but in the few days that we were there we had fun and much laughter. One thing that our parents always talked about were the baths in the warm mineral water found in Hot Springs. This thermal water is at a temperature of about 104 degrees. The four of us enjoyed the Buckstaff Bathhouse, one of the oldest establishments beginning in 1912. To say the baths and massages were relaxing and rejuvenating, would be an understatement!
The thermal water comes from 47 protected springs located along the lower slopes of Hot Springs Mountain. At the source of the water supply, maintaining an average flow of 700,000 gallons per day, the water emerges at about 143 degrees. It is then cooled and used in the thermal mineral water baths. The Buckstaff facility uses this same water for heating during the winter months.
Another of our favorite activities was taking part in the Holiday Lighting at Garvin Gardens. This is advertised as the most celebrated light display in Arkansas. We took part in the walking display for over two hours, taking in the breathtaking glow of four and a half MILLION lights! The weather was cool, but pretty comfortable with a light jacket.
We found out that the workers at this immense park begin putting up these lights the day after Labor Day. The display is open to the public from Thanksgiving to New Years. After that time, during the month of January, the park is closed for all of the beautiful display to be taken down until another year. Garvin Gardens actually is a large plot of land donated to the University of Arkansas with the stipulation that it would remain a “park” and enjoyed by the public.
As the four of us enjoyed our time together, we talked about the upcoming holidays. Growing up in my family one of our traditions was having eggnog every Christmas Eve. As we discussed this delicious drink, my brother shared the following punch recipe with me. He said, “It sounds weird, but tastes great!” I am going to give it a try; maybe you will too!?!
Holiday Punch
1 quart peppermint ice cream
4 cans ( 12 ounces ) gingerale, chilled
1 quart eggnog
Combine everything in punch bowl. Can serve in cups with peppermint sticks if desired.
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