The site of the ceremony venue. The day of the wedding, Saturday 22 October, all guests will be granted free entry to this amazing botanical garden. Please consider taking some time to stroll the grounds before or after the ceremony.
The wedding venue!!! The chapel itself is within the Garvan Woodland Gardens and is considered part of the grounds and therefore does require an entrance fee to view. However, if you have the opportunity to check it out you totally should! The chapel offers breathtaking views of the gardens and the surrounding Lake Hamilton. The architecture is worth taking your time to absorb and the surrounding areas is chock full of landscaping and waterfalls that are perfect for getting off a dope instagram. So check it out and we'll see you there on Saturday!
The reception venue!!! Superior Bathhouse Brewery is the only brewery in a U.S. National Park and the only brewery that uses thermal spring water in the brewing process of their beers. How cool is that?! Kate and Matt love the food and beer menu here! It's not uncommon for there to be a line, but it usually moves pretty quickly. Kate and Matt's top food choices are the pretzel with beer cheese, the steak sandwich, and the Brie-LT and their favorite beer options are the The Beez Kneez, Mango Ate My Baby, and Space Force. We can't wait to celebrate with y'all here and try all the beers!
Not for the faint of heart! This is the old-school bathhouse that Kate and Matt have been to twice now and it is an EXPERIENCE. According to local history, this is where the likes of Al Capone, Bugs Moran, and even Babe Ruth would go to sweat all the toxins out of their sin-filled bodies. Probably best to make reservations and to have no reservations about nudity. You've been warned. Buckstaff? More like Bucknaked!
Hot Springs Mountain Tower is a great way to see the entire Hot Springs Valley and if the tree colors are changing this is a must visit. The tower elevator will transport you 216 feet to the observation decks where you’ll enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Ouachita Mountains, Hot Springs Mountain, and Diamond Lakes area. Hot Springs Mountain Tower is accessible by a beautiful scenic drive or a 1.5 mile hike from Bathhouse Row for the adventurous types.
Quapaw is home to the more modern spa experience on Bathhouse Row. Quapaw offers thermal hot spring fed pools, private baths, their signature spa, and a steam cave. All the benefits of a conventional spa with the added benefits of mineral-rich, thermal waters. Be sure to call or book online in advance as this is a popular spot for relaxation!
Oaklawn is a casino, horse track, and resort all in one! A great place to stop by and play some blackjack, grab a drink and roll some dice, or place a $10 bet on the Browns to win the Super Bowl! Whatever bad decisions you're looking to make, Oaklawn is here to provide you with options and opportunities. I don't know what the over/under is on times Matt is going to cry this weekend, but you should absolutely take the over.
Fantastic German restaurant and biergarten. Reservations are pretty much a must due to how busy they get, but its absolutely worth it. Schnitzels as big as your face and beers even bigger make this a favorite of Kate and Matt whenever they're in town.
Kate and Matt's favorite "dive" in town. This building was once one of the most notorious brothels in Hot Springs, but now Maxine's is just a great place to grab a drink and bite away from some of the big touristy spots. Named after the madam of the former brothel, Maxine's is an eclectic live music venue and Italian eatery that frequently hosts burlesque and drag shows, karaoke nights, and touring indie bands.
Arkansas' oldest bar and named after Kate's home state so you know we've been there a time or two. Its a cool little bar with so much history packed in it from its history as a casino to a live music venue that hosted Mae West in the 1930's. The Superior Bathhouse Brewery across the street brews a couple beers exclusively for the Ohio Club and the sandwiches are always a hit!
Crystal Ridge Distillery is a wonderful place to stop in and learn about Hot Springs' illustrious history of moonshine and the gangsters that shipped it cross country labeled as "Mountain Valley Water". Swing by Crystal Ridge for a moonshine tasting or call ahead to schedule a personal distillery tour!