Hot Springs National Park | A Road Trip with My Dog 🚗🐕

Escaping Texas’s warm winter, I took my “Garurumon” (husky) north to Arkansas to awaken his true roots ❄️. The moment his snout touched snow, this husky’s IQ instantly skyrocketed 📈! Hot Springs’ downtown is dotted with bathhouses, feeling a bit like Northeast China 🛁. The main street is small and easily walkable. Keep an eye out for street signs – an unassuming right turn might lead you to a serene mountain trail 🏞️. Garvan Woodland Gardens, one of the main attractions, was rather underwhelming. The holiday lights and a few peacocks didn’t leave much of an impression 🦚. But Anthony Chapel in the garden was worth the trip ✨. I’ve seen many Gothic designs with vertical lines and pointed arches, but this chapel felt uniquely light and transparent without traditional stone bricks. Glass walls cleverly incorporated the surrounding forest as part of the building, while the wooden ceiling resembled interwoven branches, forming a forest-like dome. There aren’t many must-see spots in Little Rock, but the Old Mill (filming location for Gone with the Wind) is worth a 30-minute visit. The Big Dam Bridge across the Arkansas River is perfect for an uninterrupted dog walk at sunset 🌉. The dark brown bridge has a unique, rusty beauty in the cold wind. Before heading back, my pup earned his Bark Ranger badge 🎖️, sporting a little bandana and basking in everyone’s compliments 😎. Red’s Pro Traveler Tips: 1️⃣ Hot Springs National Park’s main street is small and easily walkable. 2️⃣ Garvan Woodland Gardens is average overall – Anthony Chapel is the only highlight. Great for photos or quiet reflection. 3️⃣ Big Dam Bridge can be windy in winter – dress warmly! 4️⃣ Keep a tight grip on your husky during hikes – I lost hold of mine twice! 🦮 #Arkansas #Little Rock #HotSpringsNationalPark #HiddenGemsUSA #USRoadTrip