The Springs Magazine • June 2026 • 2Kate Zunick relaxes in one of the most beloved features of the Moku Playland exhibit — a giant wooden “hot springs” tub filled with hundreds of smooth wooden balls inspired by the bubbling thermal waters of Hot Springs.Hidden somewhere among the balls is a special surprise: a uniquely shaped “chicken” ball that children and families love trying to spot during their visit.The playful installation blends imagination, movement, and discovery through the Japanese philosophy of learning through wood and play. We hope you’ll stop by the exhibit and immerse yourself in all the fascinating, creative, and downright fun things waiting to be explored. There’s something for everyone to enjoy, discover, and play with.Heartfelt thanks to our Hanamaki friends and all who helped bring this experience to Hot Springs. An extra round of appreciation to Erin Baber for her cover layout.And special thanks to Kate, whose candid moment in front of the camera was simply irresistible. We’re so grateful she let us share her sweetness on our cover.The Springs Team wishes everyone a bright and joy-filled June!About the Cover . . . “Moku Playland” Photo of Kate Zunick • Courtesy of Hot Springs Sister City(Learn more about Moku Playland on Page 14 of this issue)
3 • The Springs Magazine • June 2026The lineup is complete for the 2026 Stueart Pennington World Championship Running of the Tubs bathtub races through historic downtown Hot Springs. The race starts at 9 a.m. on Saturday, June 6. “We’ve got 26 tubs entered, and that’s about as many as we can squeeze in,” Visit Hot Springs Special Events Manager Alexis Hampo said.This year’s lineup:Traditional:Visit Hot Springs - Hot Springs BathersOaklawn - Oaklawn EliteNational Park College - The NPC Do Gooders and Be GoodersNational Park Medical Center - Yabba Dabba Doo for Nat’l Park Med CenterPafford Medical Service - Pafford Bathbulance PeepsRiser Ford - Riser FordThe Waters Hotel - Sandlot SquadArkansas Spa Pacers - Arkansas Spa PacersModified: Hot Springs Fire DepartmentHot Springs Police DepartmentNational Park College - Molten Mayhem (NPC Welding Students)Hollywood Feed - Delivery DogsU.S. Army Recruiting - ARMYPRIDE Hot Springs - Flamin’ OlympiansHamstra Party of 5 - The Quack PackOaklawn - Oaklawn EliteBath Fitter - Tubby and the PermafitsR.E.A.s and a C.E. - This Ain’t Rocket ScienceGarland County Sheriff’s Office - Garland County Sheriff’s OfficeReynolds Consumer Products - Rolling with ReynoldsCGI (Consultants to Government Industry) Fed - AR Passport Center - SS PassportElevation Physical Therapy - Elevation Physical TherapyHot Springs National Park Employees - Founding BathersThe Mountain Valley Spring Water - The Spring Water SprintersStockSun Bum / NICA (National Interscholastic Cycling Association) - Sun Bum’s Smells Like Summer TubOaklawn Chapel - Oaklawn EliteThe races feature costumed competitors pushing regulation bathtubs on wheels the length of World-Famous Bathhouse Row in the historic downtown district of America’s Spa. The competing tubs will be judged the evening of June 5 at 6 p.m. in the downtown area.The Running of the Tubs is named in honor of the late Hot Springs businessman Stueart Pennington, who advocated tirelessly for the establishment of bathtub races to emphasize Hot Springs’ reputation as a thermal bathing mecca.For information, contact Alexis Hampo at 501-321-2027.World Championship Bathtub Races Set for June 6The Hot Springs Fire Department entry nears the finish line in the 2025 Running of the Tubs. — Courtesy Visit Hot Springs
The Springs Magazine • June 2026 • 4“Let’s hope Henry Martyn Robert (1837-1923) will not be rolling over in his grave. He originated the Robert's Rules of Order. But if he is, I hope he will have a smile on his face,” commented Judy Corwin of the newly renamed Haiku Society of Hot Springs.After several years as The Hot Springs Haiku Club, a five-minute meeting of the poets was held, and the name was changed to The Haiku Society of Hot Springs. Now an active partner with the Cherry Blossom Festival and the Garland County Library, this local writing group is an affiliate of the Haiku Society of America and welcomes beginning or published poets to join them in the experience of writing the ancient art of Japanese Haiku poetry.“Sorry, Robert’s Rules of Order,” added Corwin, “here are excerpts of our last meeting: Howard Lee Kirby herded the eclectic poets (think hermit-like, stray, outdoor cats) to order. With 7 members and one guest voting, the motion to change the name was approved. Howard stated we needed a President. Since Capt. Billy Sayles was already the South region coordinator of the National Haiku Society, and most importantly, absent from the meeting… he was nominated and approved. (Shouldn't a motion be made first?)“We skipped nominating a Vice President since we didn't have a Yes from Billy. We never collect dues, so Howard will continue with his generous out-ofpocket donations. (No need for a Treasurer!) A secretary was approved (Me, Judy Corwin, who voted Nay, but was overruled.) It was decided we had achieved so many things, we would adjourn early and go and enjoy a beautiful day.”Note from so-called secretary: “At the next meeting, these minutes will not be approved and I will resign (or be fired).”If you enjoyed this article, they hope you will be curious to attend a fun meeting of the Haiku Society of Hot Springs. Meetings are 2:00 - 4:00 PM, on the first Friday of every month at Garland County Library, 1427 Malvern Ave, Hot Springs.Haiku Writing Group Updates Club NameHAPPY HAIKU MEMBERS INVITE YOU TO JOIN THEM.Pictured at a recent meeting are a few members of The Haiku Society of Hot Springs.Back row: Robert Carter, Bill Sayles, Charles B. Hunt, and Howard Lee Kilby.Front row: Maxine Dickerson, Judy Corwin.
5 • The Springs Magazine • June 2026JUNE ART MATTERS • GALLERY WALK #442 | Est 1989FRIDAY • JUN 5 • 5-9 PM • Visit HotSpringsArts.org for art newsJune in Hot Springs is packed with energy. The month kicks off with the quirky Running of the Tubs. Music lovers will enjoy the weekly Bridge Street Live concerts downtown. Art lovers wander Gallery Walk, while families dive into the colorful world of Moku Playland. Music, arts, shopping, and pure summer fun fill every corner of town, making June one of the most vibrant times to explore and enjoy Hot Springs. For more information about the arts, or to volunteer, visit HotSpringsArts.org. AMERICAN ART GALLERY Est 1989724 Central | 501-624-0550 | FB: AmericanArtGalleryLLCFeaturing Daniel Zero to Infinity. Ernie Bolieu jewelry. 20% off all Jewelry. Pottery by various potters. Native Works, Dryden, and others. Art by G Gilbert, Margaret Kipp, and Carole Beam, EG Robertson, Keri McLean. A variety of unique gifts. Mon-Sat: 10 AM-5 PM.ARTISTS’ WORKSHOP GALLERY Est 1990610A Central | 501-623-6401 | ArtistsWorkshopGallery.comJune’s featured Artists are Kristi Ahlquist and Jessie Roundy, and Lake Hamilton High School’s young artists, led by teacher Rana Ward. Featured Miniature Artists are Georgia Chastain and Jamie Craddock. Charlie Mink on dulcimer. Mon-Sat: 10 AM-5 PM; Sun: Noon-5 PM. Beginning May 22: Fri-Sat: 10 AM-8 PM.BLUE DONUT ART GALLERY Est 2019430 Valley St | 501-701-8036 | FB: BlueDonutArtGalleryUnique, contemporary art. Capt. Karen Luknis, Keith Rice, Norma Griffin, India Childress. Paintings, ornamental iron furnishings, and eclectic metal sculpture. Seeking Arkansas artists not currently represented by a local gallery. Send 10 images, titles, dimensions, artist statement, and short artist resume to [email protected]. Thur-Fri 1-4:30; Sat 10- 4:30; Sun 1-4, by appointment. COLLECTIVE ARTS GALLERY Est 2023620 Central, Ste 2B | 501-318-1600 | FB: CollectiveArtsGalleryClimb the spiral staircase or take the elevator to the 2nd floor to find the perfect gift in Hot Springs’ largest art gallery. Showcasing 60 local AR artists. Paintings, jewelry, sculptures, cards, glasswork, pottery, & more. Thur - Sat 11 AM-5 PM. Sun NOON-5 PM.DRYDEN ART POTTERY STUDIO/GALLERY Est 1946341 Whittington | 501-623-4201 | DrydenPottery.comDryden’s will have hundreds of pieces of Dryden pottery available, as well as pottery demonstrations and a tour of the studio. Mon–Sat 10–3 PM. Daily pottery wheel demos M–F, 10–11 AM. EMERGENT ARTS Est 2013341A Whittington | 501-655-0836 | EmergentArts.orgThe Color of Love. Emergent Arts will showcase artwork by local artists on the theme as we enter PRIDE month. The show will be on display through June 19. The opening reception will be during June 5 Gallery Walk, 5-8 PM. Hours: Tues-Fri Noon -5 PM.JUSTUS FINE ART GALLERY Est 2004827A Central | 501-321-2335 | JustusFineArt.comWelcoming summer with new work by Laura Raborn, Dennis McCann, and others. The exhibit will also showcase work by Michael Ashley, Robyn Horn, Sammy Peters, Dolores Justus Reuther, Sandra Sell, Gene Sparling, and others. Gallery offers a wide range of original art, including sculpture, paintings, ceramics, photography, and more by recognized artists. Wed-Sat: 10 AM–5 PM & by appt.THE ART GUILD Est 1963Facebook: The Art GuildTAG is a place to network within the larger creative arts community. Public meetings every 3rd Thurs. at GC Library. Next meeting, JUNE 18, 9:30 AM-Noon.
The Springs Magazine • June 2026 • 6Colorado GrillSouthwest restaurantThe ParlourMetaphysical shopAnchorHigh-end body piercing studioJust Swanky Consignment BoutiqueUpscale resale shopM&M Travel ConsultantsVacations & adventures Garland County CourthouseGovernment OfficesHamp Williams BuildingEvent venueSurfas Culinary DistrictQuality cookware & equipmentTaco Mama Side TownMexican restaurantStatements for the HomeInterior Design & exceptional gifts3B’s Bar & GrillDive bar, pool tablesBest Court CottagesBoutique cottagesBest CafeGourmet menuGarland Cty Election CommissionHS Chamber of CommerceThe Electric StrawberryWellness bar & soul repair shopGrand Avenue Habitat RestoreThrift storeSt John’s Catholic ChurchThe ClearspringSenior living communityKids SourceSpeech & Development therapyDairy Queen Grill & ChillIce cream and burgersLeo’s Auto ServiceAutomotive repairForever BeautifulPermanent cosmeticsSuperior Senior CareIn-home care servicesGrand Lagniappe ShoppeWomen’s apparel & Tea RoomGrand Ave United Methodist Church700 Block West Grand Ave800 Block West Grand AveLender’s Title CompanyTitle & escrow agencyLandmark BuildingSomething BleuBridal boutiqueLavish BoutiqueStylish & trendy women’s boutiqueSQZBX Brewery & Pizza JointLunch & dinner; entertainmentRavenGoth designs and decor LaBrujas DulceriaSouth of the border sweets/treatsKUHS 102.5HS Solar Powered RadioStaticVintage Clothing & Local ArtMountain Valley ArmoryBank OZKHome Instead Senior CareIn-home care for SeniorsThe Courthouse Chapel/Get Hitched Hot SpringsSixtyOne CelsiusFull-service communication firmThe Mood Floral CoFresh florals & giftsJane’s Curiosity ShopOddities & giftsThe Retro FitWomen’s, men’s, kids-retroStroope Tire, Inc.Tire dealer & repair shopFarmers InsuranceDarryl Wiltshire AgencySpa City CBD Massage22 years experienceOuachita Investment GroupWhite StoneReal estate agencySplash Wine BarWine, beer, appetizers & entertainment200 Block Ouachita Ave400 Block Ouachita Ave600 Block Ouachita Ave100 Block Ouachita Ave GRANDLAGNIAPPESHOPPE300 Block Ouachita Ave600 Block West Grand Ave JUST SWANKYTHERETRO FITTHE MOOD FLORAL CO500 500 Block West Grand Ave Block Ouachita AveBy Lana PierceOf all the weddings I ever attended, the ceremony joining my longtime friend, Jeni Emerson, and her soulmate, Glenn Thornton, remains fixed in my memory as one of the most romantic—and unconventional.Sixteen years ago, the pair took the stage of the old Malco Theatre. Below velvet curtains and dim spotlights, the proscenium framed Jeni and Glenn perfectly as they exchanged vows in a swirl of romantic music and the wafting scent of candles. To say the pair is still enthusiastically creative only hints at their myriad talents. Add two sons into the mix, and the Thorntons stand as one of the city’s most eclectic families. Their talents and artistic philosophy now fuel Blissful Hot Springs, an unusual wedding and event business. Prior to the business launch, Jeni and Glenn had spent years planning and hosting parties for family and friends. When asked to officiate a friend’s wedding, Jeni became ordained. She’d already designed the event and created the stationery. The idea seed was planted: why not build a business around the hobby of helping? She describes it as “a creative perfect storm.”Together, they've shaped a business model that branches out from the roots of \"traditional\" weddings. Elopement? Sure! Pop-up ceremony? They're ready for you. Need a backdrop for a birthday party or baby shower? They've got you covered. Specialized long-planned event or same-day spur-of-the-moment wedding? Blissful strives to take the unorthodox and make it beautiful, memorable, and within budget“There’s no single ‘right’ way to get married,” Jeni explains. While no two couples should feel pressured into a traditional mold, every couple should feel each wedding detail reflects them. “Nothing is an afterthought” in the Thorntons’ planning process. Thinking back to an autumn afternoon when Jeni outlined her idea for Blissful, I worried the local market might be saturated, but she and Glenn saw a void and knew they could help. “In the South,” she notes, “[couples] still face real challenges booking vendors.” In a region where interfaith couples, interracial couples, and same-sex couples encounter hurdles, Blissful builds on a respect for every couple’s beliefs, preferences, traditions, and expectations. I asked Jeni what it’s like building a business with her husband. “I tend to think three—maybe twelve—steps ahead, and he’s the partner who reels me back in, ticks off the checklist boxes, catches mistakes before they become problems, and flawlessly keeps the creative train on track.”As lifelong residents of Hot Springs, the pair still finds inspiration here. “What gets me is the range of it,” Jeni says. “You’ve got downtown with its stunning architecture, thriving arts scene…poetry, pottery, plays and more…The mountains, the water, and the layers of history… Hot Springs never stops being beautiful or interesting.”It’s the supportive community she appreciates as a new business owner. With the foundation established, Blissful’s owners hope to establish themselves as the go-to team for weddings and events. They are patiently letting their work speak for itself, one ceremony at a time.You can check out their work or speak to them about your special day in the following ways: blissfulhotsprings.com, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest - @BlissfulHotSprings, [email protected], or call 501-651-1825.Lana Pierce is owner of RetroFit in Hot Springs.Blissful Hot Springs: The Business of CreativityGlen & Jeni
7 • The Springs Magazine • June 2026By David Malcolm RoseWhen I moved to Arkansas, well over 50 years ago, my knowledge of the South was primarily derived from watching the Andy Griffith show. There were some differences between the show and reality, but for me, the transition was fairly easy. At that time, Southern culture was, even in urban areas, rural culture, and I was brought up country. Once clearing the language barrier, it was relatively smooth sailing. It delighted me to find that the South has better food. I’d like to say a few words here in praise of cholesterol and high blood pressure, both of which, I believe, have gotten a bad rap. Sure, if you eat a lot of chili dogs and fried chicken*, you stand a good chance of dying from a heart attack, but you could also eat bean sprouts and die from listeria. It all depends on what you want on your tombstone. I want pepperoni on mine. I am not arguing the fact that a land where macaroni and cheese is considered a vegetable and all actual vegetables are cooked nearly to death with fatback is going to take a few years off your life. But those aren’t going to be the years often referred to as your wasted youth. The years you will be losing are the ones at the end, when you can’t drive at night, put on your pants without leaning on the dresser, or sleep through the night without having to get up several times to pee. When you think about it, heart attack is a pretty good way to go. So much better than one of those wasting diseases where you shrivel up until you look like a bog mummy. *It is my belief that people in the North should not be allowed to fry chicken. They just don’t have the genetic makeup to do it properly.David Rose, of Hot Springs, is an author and artist. {More of David’s musings can be found at thespringsmagazine.com/category/arts/david-rose/.}Stranger in a Strange LandDavid RoseRegistration is now open for the Eighth Annual Gudrun Mountain Bike Festival on Hot Springs’ acclaimed Northwoods Trails. The mountain bike extravaganza annually attracts hundreds of bikers of all abilities to Northwoods, which has been voted the No. 1 trail system in Arkansas six times. There are events geared for professionals, novice riders, and beginners alike.This year’s Gudrun Festival is being moved to October 23 – 25, two weeks earlier than before, and the schedule of events is changing, according to Traci Berry, trails coordinator for Visit Hot Springs.“We’re changing things up a bit this year,” Berry said. “We’re fortunate to continue working with some great folks with TACO [Trail Advocacy Coalition of the Ouachitas] and Jackalope Cycling + ARHC Chuck Campbell.The Gudrun events that are now open for registration are:• Festival Camping• Slow Roll Fun Ride (which takes riders through the historic lobby of the Arlington Hotel Resort)• Dual Slalom• Strider Race, a kids’ race that is free• Waffles & Coffee Time Trial• Attila the Hun XC RaceRegistration for the following events in the festival will open later:• Ouachita Triple Crown (OTC) Powered by Jackalope Cycling • Gudrun - AES (Arkansas Enduro Series) Full & Mini Enduros Powered by the Ozark FoundationThe Gudrun events will be at Northwoods - Cedar Glades Trails, 461 Wildcat Road, Hot Springs. Information on registration may be found at www.hotsprings.org/events/gudrun-northwoods-mountain-bike-festival, www.northwoodstrails.org, Gudrun Events www.bikereg.com/gudrun, Attila the Hun: www.bikereg.com/attilathe-hun-xc-race. For more information, contact Traci Berry, [email protected] Opens for 8th Annual GudrunMountain Bike Festival
The Springs Magazine • June 2026 • 8Emergent Arts is proud to present the 8th annual PRIDE Hot Springs Walk and the second annual PRIDE Hot Springs Festival!Festivities will take place in downtown Hot Springs on June 27, starting on Exchange Street at 3:30 p.m. with the walk beginning promptly at 4:00. The parade will move down Central Avenue, turning onto Prospect Avenue, and returning to Exchange Street, where the festival will begin around 4:30 p.m.The celebration will continue until 8:00 p.m. and includes local artisans, food vendors, yard games, community resources, and live performances. As always, the event is free, and everyone is welcome! PRIDE Hot Springs is made possible because of dedicated volunteers, out and proud artists and performers, organizations like LifeNet and the Hot Springs Police Department to ensure safety, sponsorships of all sizes, and, most importantly, those who show up and show their colors. PRIDE weekend continues on Sunday, June 28, with OUT Day at Magic Springs! Thanks to partnerships with Central Arkansas Pride and Magic Springs, OUT Day features discounted entry, gathering at the pavilion, complementary fountain drinks, and a group photo at 3:00 p.m.PRIDE Hot Springs began in 2019 with the first pride walk starting at Emergent Arts. Each year, Emergent Arts hosts an inclusion exhibit; this year’s is entitled “The Color of Love” and will be open during Gallery Walk, Friday, June 5, at The Circle Gallery at Emergent Arts, 341 A Whittington Ave.You can also show your support of PRIDE Hot Springs at the Running of the Tubs on Saturday, June 6, at 9:00 a.m. and cheer on the queens and kings!For more information, email [email protected] or visit Facebook: PRIDE Hot Springs.PRIDE Hot Springs - June 27PRIDE Hot Springs Includesa Walk and FestivalPRIDE Hot Springs includes a walk down Central Avenueand a festival to follow.Request yourFREE 2026Hot Springs/Diamond Lakes Vacation Guideto help plan yourArkansas Tripshotsprings.org/vacation-guide
9 • The Springs Magazine • June 2026Tickets are now on sale for Ain’t Misbehavin’, The Fat Waller Musical Show, and the second production in The Rep’s 2026 Golden SummerStage season. The production will run June 16 - 28.Performances will be held at 601 Main Street, Little Rock, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at 7:00 p.m.; Fridays at 8:00 p.m.; Saturdays at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.; and Sundays at 3:00 p.m. Tickets are available at TheRep.orgor by calling The Rep’s Box Office at 501-378-0405.Tickets range from $25-$70: discounts available for seniors, students, educators, and active military personnel.ABOUT THE PLAY: Get ready to tap your toes and snap your fingers — Ain't Misbehavin' is a musical party set to the unforgettable music of jazz legend Fats Waller. Bursting with the spirit of a Harlem nightclub and the energy of a live bandstand performance, this Tony Award-winning revue celebrates the wit, charm, and groundbreaking music that helped define the sound of the Harlem Renaissance. Flirtatious, joyful, and a little mischievous, the show is pure swing from start to finish.Featuring a lively score packed with classics including “Honeysuckle Rose,” “The Joint Is Jumpin’,” “Keepin’ Out of Mischief Now,” “Mean to Me,” and the iconic title song, “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” the production blends powerhouse vocals, dynamic choreography, and infectious rhythm into an evening that captures the joy and sophistication of 1920s and 1930s Harlem nightlife. Rather than telling a single narrative story, the revue paints a vibrant portrait of an era — one filled with romance, humor, heartbreak, and celebration — through the music and spirit of Fats Waller and the artists who shaped American jazz. Produced in partnership with People's Light.ABOUT THE ARKANSAS REPERTORY THEATRE: The Arkansas Repertory Theatre creates vibrant, engaging, and accessible theatrical experiences to make the lives of all Central Arkansans more full, more connected, and more joyful.Ain’t Misbehavin’ Premieres atThe Rep in Little RockTickets on sale now for the Arkansas Repertory Theatre’s productionof the Fats Waller musical show, Ain’t Misbehavin’.When the sun dips below the Ouachita Mountains, Hot Springs reveals a vibrant and surprisingly diverse nightlife scene waiting to be explored. From cozy dive bars and bustling craft breweries to cocktail lounges and venues pulsing with live music, there’s an after-dark adventure suited for every mood.Whether you’re looking to unwind with a local pint or dance the night away, get ready to discover a city overflowing with after-dark activities.You’ll find Places to Stay, Places to Eat, Things to Do, and Events to Attend on the Hot Springs Blog. To dive into the local nightlife, visit www.hotsprings.org/blog/your-guide-to-nightlife-in-hot-springs/.
The Springs Magazine • June 2026 • 10
11 • The Springs Magazine • June 2026Hot times in the downtown this June when Hot Springs’ tremendously popular series of free public Bridge Street LIVE concerts returns for the sixth year.The concerts, which are held each Thursday evening in June in the Bridge Street Entertainment District — scene of the city’s globally famous World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade — will get the crowds dancin’ with bands that range from a hot funk group to a Jimmy Buffett tribute band.“Get ready, Hot Springs,” said Visit Hot Springs Special Events Manager Alexis Hampo, “this Bridge Street LIVE series is going to be the best yet. We've got a really great mix of tribute and cover bands and a whole night of local rock bands that are ready to blow you away. Bridge Street LIVE is just such a fun event, and it's made for everybody, plus it's free and in the heart of beautiful, downtown Hot Springs.”This year’s entertainment will feature these bands:• June 4 - Funk Factory• June 11 - Bluffett (Jimmy Buffett tribute)• June 18 - Arkansas Night w/3 local bands: OSO, Bad Habit, and DeFrance• June 25 - The Fabulous Freddie Mercury Tribute band• Funk Factory, which bills itself as “the hottest party band in the MidSouth,” covers a wide spectrum of music from Motown soul to guitar-soloin’ rock & roll, from smooth Sinatra jazz to modern pop, and some boot scoot country. • Bluffett takes on the atmosphere of a genuine Jimmy Buffett concert, right down to the audience participation and enjoyment and energy that goes with it.• The state-based Arkansas Night of Bridge Street LIVE will feature three bands: 1) Bad Habit, which has built a reputation as one of Arkansas’ most exciting and versatile cover bands known for their high-energy performances, passionate musicianship, and commitment to playing every song “like the record.” 2) OSO is a Hot Springs band that includes Sarah Bear Lee, Robert Zunick, Mitchell Lowe, Kyle Manning, Ambiance Martinez, and Ken Lambert. (3) DeFrance, formed in LR, has been making waves in the music scene with their authentic rock sound. • The Fabulous Freddie Mercury Tribute is the spot-on production featuring Randall Shreve, backed with amazing background vocalists, dancers, and musicians.Bridge Street LIVE is a free block party-style event scheduled for every Thursday in June on Bridge Street. It features music, food, vendors, and a whole lot of fun. The Entertainment District opens at 5 p.m., and the music starts at 7.Lawn chairs are welcome, as are pets on a leash, but coolers are forbidden.For more information, call Alexis Hampo at 501-321-2027.Fans get with it as a member of the Manhattan band joins the crowd for fun in an earlier Bridge Street LIVE performance. — Courtesy Visit Hot SpringsDowntown Heats Up as BridgeStreet LIVE Takes the Stage
The Springs Magazine • June 2026 • 12Arkansas Tower MotelShort-Dodson House/Tower MotelE-Z MartFast StopThe Gold InnQuaint Uptown motelDavid F. Watkins Memorial ParkCommunity Park & Amphitheater1884 Wildwood Bed & BreakfastBed and breakfastParkway CourtDaily, weekly, monthlyBower MotelBudget Inn/Relax InnLynwood MotelShell Gas StationFamily DollarNeighborhood shoppingRed Light Roastery Coffee HouseSmall batch, craft coffee roasteryCraft Coffee RoasteryThe Yoga PlaceHealth and WellnessNorthwoods Trail ConnectorPullman Avenue short cut to Northwoods Urban Forest TrailSettle InnUpscale modern vacation rental cottages. Newly renovated. Larkmartin SoapsHandmade soaps and lotions1010 LiquorWine, beer & spirits10FiyasideAuthentic Caribbean cuisineDesoto ParkWalking RecreationPark & PickThrift Store700 Block Park Ave800 Block Park Ave900 Block Park Ave1000 -1700 Block Park AveRED LIGHT ROASTERYMajestic LawnHistoric landmarkVapors LiveEvent & live music venueMusic Box LoungeLive performing arts and entertainment venueAir-FXHeating & air conditioningNorth Star Liquor/Big A’s LiquorWine, beer & spiritsBailey’s Dairy TreatOne of three drive-ins in townSimple but Effective CutzBarbershopPark Haven Community GardenCommunity vegetable gardenHaven United Methodist Thrift StoreBargains galoreDame Fortune’s Cottage CourtHistoric boutique motel. Modern amenities. Vintage-inspired designThe ArrangementFloristPark Avenue Fire StationGolden Raised DonutsDonuts and breakfast pastries400 Block Park Ave600 Block Park Ave100 Block Park Ave10FIYAHSIDE GRILL300 Block Park AveSETTLE INN Cottage CourtVapors Livenorthwoods trail500 Block Park AveThis Fourth of July, Hot Springs National Park is throwing a birthday party 250 years in the making!Hosted in partnership with the Friends of Hot Springs National Park and America’s National Parks, the “Red, White & YOU” celebration starts at 9 AM with an All-American Parade down Bathhouse Row - a community-led march through history where YOU are the main attraction.Dress as Uncle Sam, a Founding Father or Mother, or rock your best red, white, and blue. Small wagon floats encouraged.The parade begins at Hill Wheatley Plaza and ends at Arlington Lawn, where the fun continues until 3 PM with the “Red, White and YOU” community picnic. Enjoy hot dogs, burgers, and ice cream from food vendors alongside games, costume contests, and stage performances.Proceeds benefit the stained-glass ceiling in the Maurice bathhouse. There’s something for everyone because this is a celebration of the people, by the people! Learn more at nps.gov/HOSP or FriendsofHotSpringsNationalPark.org.Hot Springs National ParkCelebrates Our 250thWith Community Fun
13 • The Springs Magazine • June 2026Pawsome Pictures offers high-quality pet photography in Hot Springs and the surrounding areas. Photographer and owner, Peter Bean, is excited to capture lasting memories of your pet, no matter the species. All animals are welcome, whether they run, crawl, fly, gallop, or slither. Specializing in dogs, cats, and exotic species such as reptiles, scorpions, and spiders, Pawsome Pictures strives to capture natural images in picturesque surroundings, which show the unique spirit of your pet and the special bond between pet and owner.You can book a standard photoshoot at www.pawsomepictures.com or by calling 509-808-6050. A session typically lasts up to 2 hours, and the first 20 – 30 minutes are spent getting to know your pet. Sessions are available between 8 AM and 6 PM, Monday through Saturday. Photoshoot sessions are available for special occasions such as Easter, Halloween, and Christmas. Need an image for your custom greeting card? Pawsome pictures can tailor an image to your requirements. Is there someone you know who would like photos of their much-loved companion? Gift cards are available.Check out selected images on the website, where you can also find FAQ’s and contact forms. You can also follow Pawsome on Instagram @Pawsome529.Pawsome Pictures: Creative photography for Pawsome pets.Natural Portraits forPets with PersonalityMax is ready for his close-up shot.Join Friends of Hot Springs National Park in celebration of Bacchus, the Roman god of wine and the arts, by raising your glass to help “raise the glass” for the Maurice Bathhouse.The Friends will host the firstever Raise the Glass food and wine bash on Thursday, August 20, from 6:30 to 9:00 PM at The Vapors Live, at 315 Park Avenue.“When in Rome, do as the Romans do” Hot Springs style! Delicious canapés from Secret Handshake, J&S Hospitality, 501 Prime, and more. Vote for the celebrity who wears the toga best. All adults are welcome, and costumes are optional but encouraged.Follow Facebook: Friends of Hot Springs National Park on social media for details, announcements, and ticket sales. Or contact Roxanne at 501-525-3452.Raise the Glass: Save the Date
The Springs Magazine • June 2026 • 14Summer Reading ProgramIf you have a kiddo, you won’t want to miss sign-ups for summer reading at the Garland County Library, June 10 - July 31! The Summer Reading program is open to children ages 1-18. There is no deadline to sign up, but it’s best to sign up before June 10 so you don’t miss out on logging your reading hours to win amazing prizes. Participants can visit the library every 10 days to select a prize and to earn a raffle ticket for a larger giveaway at the end of the program. To sign up, simply visit the library at 1427 Malvern Avenue in Hot Springs. Guided by this year’s theme, “Color Your World,” groups are divided into kids ages 12 and under, teens ages 13-18, and adults 19 and up. Depending on age group, being read to, reading (defined very loosely), and listening to audiobooks count toward total reading hours that can be redeemed for prizes. While you visit the library, you can check out books, of course, but don’t forget that you can also get music CDs and age-appropriate movies, or do research on internet-connected computers. Also, be sure you don’t miss any library news by signing up for the “kids & teens” or “adult” email newsletters. Want to access resources from home? You’ll find links to kids’ media like the TumbleBook Library (which includes hundreds of books to read online), Coolmath, and PBS Kids programming, just to name a few. For more details on all of the above, visit gclibrary.com/services/kids. Hot Springs native Erin Wood is a writer, editor, and publisher in Little Rock. She owns and runs etaliapress.com. Wood is the author of “Women Make Arkansas: Conversations With 50 Creatives” (2019) and editor of and a contributor to “Scars: An Anthology” (2015).{Additional book reviews by Erin Wood can be found on our website at TheSpringsMagazine.com/AR Books.}Get ready for a show in the sky! Hot Springs' 4th of July Fireworks display will be held Sat., July 4, on Lake Hamilton. Rain date will be Sunday, July 5.Get a front row seat to the magic in the area surrounding the Highway 7 bridge. The fireworks will be fired from barges in the middle of the lake on the east side of Highway 7 at the first Highway 7 bridge opposite the DoubleTree Hot Springs hotel.Tune in. The display will be synced with music on radio station 97.5 FM US97 Country when fans watch the display. In case of rain, the fireworks will be rescheduled for Sunday, July 5. Save the date. The Labor Day fireworks display will be held Sunday, September 6 (rain date Monday, September 7).For more information, call 501-321-2277.Save the Fireworks DateFamilies and visitors to downtown Hot Springs will have the opportunity to experience a unique style of hands-on play this summer as Moku Playland opens June 1 for a special month-long pop-up at 831 Central Avenue.Open Thursday-Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Moku Playland is an interactive wooden play experience featuring handcrafted play structures, imaginative activity areas, climbing features, train displays, and collaborative spaces designed to encourage creativity, movement, and open-ended play.Designed as a screen-free environment for children and families, the experience encourages visitors to touch, build, create, and explore through hands-on interaction and imaginative play.“The goal is to create a space where children and families can slow down, play together, and experience creativity in a completely different way,” said Mary Zunick. “This is not a traditional exhibit where children simply look at something. The entire experience is meant to be touched, explored, and enjoyed together.”The playland features a variety of handcrafted wooden toys and large-scale interactive elements inspired by Japanese approaches to creativity, craftsmanship, and learning through play.Presented by the Hot Springs National Park Sister City Foundation, Moku Playland was developed in collaboration with the Hanamaki Toy Museum and is connected to the more than 30-year sister city relationship between Hot Springs and Hanamaki, Japan. Organizers hope the downtown pop-up will introduce more families and visitors to this unique style of play while exploring opportunities for future expansion. Tickets and additional information, including volunteer opportunities, are available at hotspringssistercity.org.About the Hot Springs National ParkSister City FoundationThe Hot Springs National Park Sister City Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering cultural understanding, educational exchange, and international friendship through the sister city relationship between Hot Springs, Arkansas, and Hanamaki, Japan.Moku Playland Pop-Up Opens June 1 with Interactive, Screen-Free Fun for FamiliesA One-of-a-Kind WoodenPlay Experience Arrivesin Downtown Hot Springs
15 • The Springs Magazine • June 2026Nearly two dozen Hot Springs restaurants, grills, and businesses served their finest and most inspired dishes during the Greater Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce’s Taste of the Park on Thursday, May 17.The food was remarkable, diverse, and of course delicious, from gourmet beef sliders and BBQ ribs to exquisite watermelon bites with feta and herbs, meatballs, mozzarella balls, gumbo dumplings, pineapple upside-down cake with a rum glaze, sushi rolls, and quesabirria tacos.But there could only be one winner, and for the second year in a row, the 2026 Taste Champion was Secret Handshake. Mitch Taylor and Chef Justin Ruttley served an elegant and deceptively simple, seared ahi tuna with a soy miso vinaigrette, sliced jalapeno, on a light-as-air rice cracker, along with crawfish etouffee with cheese grits and a gorgeous tiramisu ball with coffee syrup and mascarpone whipped cream.421 Beer Garden walked away with the Best Booth award for their lush and elaborate decorations.This year, hundreds attended Taste of the Park, which is an annual fundraiser for The Chamber of Commerce. That means each chef had to be prepared with hundreds of samples of each dish. After 19 years, Taste of the Park has become a celebrated, signature event in Hot Springs.Open Wednesday through Sunday, Secret Handshake is located inside Splash on Ouachita Avenue. For more information about Taste of the Park, contact the Greater Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce, 501-321-1700, or [email protected] The Winner Is…Taste of the ParkSecret Handshake Chef Justin Ruttley, Mike Gallagher, Mitchell Taylor, and Eddie Padilla.Ouachita Behavioral Health & Wellness (OBHAW) and Scars & Stripes, Inc. have partnered to provide coordinated services for veterans in Garland County, combining clinical behavioral health care with case management, housing support, and benefits navigation.Veterans can contact either organization directly to access services. Services through Scars & Stripes are provided at no cost.Garland County is home to approximately 7,875 veterans, representing about 9.8% of the population, according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates. Nationally, 6,398 veterans died by suicide in 2023, an average of 17.5 per day. About 61% had no contact with VA health care in the year prior.\"Our veterans deserve care that meets them where they are,\" said Susan Smith, CEO of OBHAW. \"This partnership helps ensure they can access both clinical care and the support services needed to move forward.\"Scars & Stripes operates from the Hot Springs Community Resource Center, 109 Hobson Ave., providing case management, housing and utility assistance, transportation support, and help navigating benefits. The organization also offers suicide prevention services, court-ordered anger management programs, and assistance obtaining identification and military records. Staff are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and can meet veterans at OBHAW locations when needed.OBHAW provides outpatient behavioral health services, including individual therapy, crisis services, medication management, and substance use treatment. Veterans can reach Scars & Stripes at 501-363-5417 or [email protected]. Additional information about OBHAW is available at obhaw.org.OBHAW, Scars & Stripes Partner to ServeGarland County VeteransMichelle Kveum, OBHAW Clinical Director, and Jared Eakin, Executive Director of Scars & Stripes.Oaklawn Hot Springs, the Number One tourism attraction in Arkansas, has become the presenting sponsor and the official festival host hotel for the inaugural Birding Festival of the South, which will be held October 8 through 10 in Hot Springs.“Oaklawn Hot Springs is proud to partner with the Birding Festival of the South as its sponsor and host hotel,” said Wayne Smith, General Manager, Oaklawn Hot Springs. “We trust our guests will enjoy our hotel and amenities before and after a fun day of birding in Hot Springs National Park.”Passes are $35 for the full weekend of birding activities and may be found at www.hotsprings.org/events/birding-festival-of-the-south/.Those who register by August 8 will receive a full package of extras that include an official festival laminate, tote bag, metal tumbler, a Birding Festival of the South Field Guide, access to vendor hall, workshops, panels, keynote speakers, kids’ activities, and meet-you-there field trips. Registration is required for the field trips, and capacities may vary. The festival pass does not include participation in exclusive field trips where transportation is provided.The festival will include field trips, live music, keynote speakers, workshops, panels, kids’ activities, arts and crafts, vendors, and more.The Birding Festival of the South will be designed around the interests of beginner, novice, and serious birders, alongside cultural arts events that will be inspired by birding. The timing of the event will coincide with the annual Fall Migration, opening the exciting opportunity to see birds not native to Hot Springs.For more information, call Bill Solleder at 501-321-2027.Oaklawn Hot Springs Sponsorsand Hosts Birding Festival of the South
The Springs Magazine • June 2026 • 16Legacy Fine Art GalleryArtwork by local & int’l artistsRobo World Coffee shop & arcade Malco TheatreHammer & StainEstablished & emerging artistsJustus Fine Art Gallery Established & emerging artistsDeluca’s Pizzeria NapoletanaAuthentic NY brick oven pizzaRebecca Peterman PhotographyPortraits photography Next Generation Tye-Dyes & ApparelCotton clothes & beddingPicante’s Mexican GrillAuthentic Mexican dishesBrick House GrillSteaks, burgers, salads and much more Steinhaus Keller German food & biergarten Outdoor seatingJenna-Rosity GiftsGift shopCatch My Eye MagicFreehand, temporary body artUnderground Lounge1-of-a-kind artistic beer & wine barGary Morris InteriorsUnique décor, lamps and giftsA Narrow EscapeBrain-teaser escape room. Ages 8 & upGo Foto Yourselfie StudioCreative selfie studio for all agesEspresso YourselfieCoffee & cafeSubwaySubmarine sandwich shopSmall’s Barbershop & Shave ParlorMirror Mirror SalonBeauty, cosmetics & personal care Lazyone of Hot SpringsHigh quality pajamas for family & petsOuachita Bar & GrillBurgers & BBQ Cafe KahloMexican Breakfast & brunchDestiny’s Bake ShopBreakfast, lunch, desserts, cakesGrateful Head Pizza Oven & Beer Garden Deadhead-Brauhaus Culture. Gin JointBathhouse Row400 Block Central AveFat Jack’s Oyster & Sports BarGreat food, music. Pets OK on patioKollective Coffee + TeaOrganic & local for breakfast & lunchThe Colonial Pancake & Waffle HouseBreakfast & brunch. Kringles & KonesChristmas-themed sweet shopDapper and DebonaireMen’s grooming goodsRings ‘n’ ThingsFun fashion jewelryFreedom United SalonHighly trained staff. Progressive work.The Villa BoutiqueApparel, bath & body, linens, jewelryColonial Candy CornerRetro & nostalgic candy, ice creamKringles in the ParkChristmas, seasonal, collectibles & giftsFaith & Flair BoutiqueWomen’s boutique clothingThe Springs Hotel & SpaCasual hotel and spa with 139 roomsMountain Valley Spring CompanyVisitor Center/Museum. Full line of MV Water merchandise.Rolando’s RestauranteLatin American fare. Full bar & patioSavory PantryGourmet gift baskets & edible essentialsPancake ShopServing breakfast exclusively. 3AM Gallery & GiftsArt gallery & gift shopRun StopSpecialty running merchandiseSilver CoconutCollegiate, boutique baby items, & moreBathhouse Row WineryAR wine selections. Tastings dailyHot Springs Hemp CompanyHemp oils and accessories Snazzies, Inc.Young, contemporary, funky boutiqueBeef Jerky OutletWall to wall jerky. Popcorn, saucesYOUR CBD STOREAlternative health servicesArlington Hotel Historic hotel, largest hotel in ARStarbucks Coffee (Arlington)Arlington Beauty Salon (Arlington)Arlington Bathhouse/Spa (Arlington)Black Ribbon Books (Arlington)Downtown Record & CDs (Arlington)Mamoo’s Paradice Cream (Arlington)Homemade ice cream.Uptown Market & SpiritsEssentials from sunscreen to spiritsJosephine Tussaud Wax MuseumJourney through its 7 Magic WorldsMaharaja BoutiqueEmbroidered dresses, sterling, t-shirtsChill & Go Handcrafted Ice CreamRolled ice cream4D AdventureAmazing 4D simulation KilwinsSince 1947, chocolates, ice cream & moreEarthbound Trading CompanyUnique apparel, accessories & home decorThe Buffalo Clothing Co.High quality men’s clothing & accessoriesTombstone Old Time PhotosWild West, gangster portraitsThai-Me SpaMassage, nail, body, & skin services Argentinian Coffee & Wine BarArgentinian delicacies, bar experience! Oxy-ZenOxygen bar to restore, relax & revive!Hot Springs Hat Co.Hats for men and womenSpa Souvenirs & GiftsUnique & locally made/designed items.The Ohio ClubOldest bar in AR. Great food & musicThe AvenueUpscale restaurant & bar in Waters HotelThe Waters HotelHistoric, boutique hotel, 62 roomsIt’s All About RocksRocks & unique merchandiseEVILO Oils & VinegarsDelectable oils & vinegars, tastings dailyGranny’s KitchenSouthern breakfast, lunch and dinnerBathhouse Soapery & CaldariumHandcrafted locally-soap & bath luxuriesNational Park Gifts & SouvenirsHS best selection of souvenirs & giftsVillianess AlchemyBath & beauty apotheclassesSuperior Bathhouse BreweryThermal springs brewery, restaurant & special event venueHotel HaleBoutique hotel and restaurantFordyce BathhouseNat’l Park Visitor Center & museumQuapaw Baths & SpaThermal pools & baths, spa servicesOzark BathhouseCultural center, open on weekendsBuckstaff BathsOur only remaining traditional thermal bathing facilityLamar Bathhouse Bathhouse Row Emporium Lauray’s JewelersBridal, custom designs, & repairsSpa City MarketConvenience storeWrapped Gift BoutiqueA gift for every occasionBubbaLu’s Bodacious BurgersBurgers, hot dogs & ice creamStella Mae’s…Out of the OrdinaryRetro inspired clothingJoJo and JessHome, fashion & personal accessoriesGinger’s PopcornThe best darn popcorn in the South!All Things NaturalBring home the wonder & beauty of natureNational Park Duck ToursLand & water tours on Lake HamiltonThe Glitzy Girls by Bear NecessitiesUpscale women’s boutiqueRenee’sWomen’s apparel, jewelry & home décorHot Springs Haunted ToursFacts, myths & legends of Hot SpringsFat Bottomed Girl’s Cupcake ShoppeAs seen on CUPCAKE WARS!MacKenzie’s Extraordinary Gift ShoppeUnique boutique gifts & plush animals Pour Some Sugar on Me Sweet ShoppeCandy & delectable delights.Gangster Museum of AmericaGuided tour of the HS gangster worldHistoric District AntiquesEstate jewelry, lighting, glass, & furniturePodunk AnniesWestern Boho - Boots, clothing, decorTrail MixOutdoor apparel & trail gearThe Gift GalleryUnique gifts, home decor, & apparelDiablos Tacos and MescalUrban tacos, tapas, drinks. Patio diningHot Springs Internal Medicine ClinicFamily internal medical clinicArtists’ Workshop GalleryCooperative gallery with 30 local artistsAll Things ArkansasProducts made in AR & relating to ARJubiTea Hot SpringsBubble tea, milk tea, smoothiesUS Post OfficeCollective Art GalleryCooperative art gallery. Upstairs.Beverly’s Casual ShopWomen’s boutiqueDeSoto Rock & Gift ShopLocally crafted jewelry & mineralsHot Springs Visitor Center Tourist information centerMaxine’s LiveLive music, food, craft beer & drinksHot Springs Trolley ToursTrolley tours. Special events.The Porterhouse Steak and SeafoodPrime-only steaks and seafood cuisineCopper Penny PubIrish pub, food, beer, big screen TVs Vault 723Timeless Vault Dining Downtowner MarketplaceVendors in one location with home decor, boutiques and artisansRocket FizzSoda pop & candy shopAmerican Art Gallery & Gifts Local, regional, national & int’l artistsJoanna A. BoutiqueWomen’s fashions & accessoriesThe HumidorCigar LoungeCapone’s LoftVacation Rental500 Block Central Ave600 Block Central Ave700 Block Central Ave800 Block Central Ave100 Block ExchangeBUBBALU’S BURGERS & DOGS200 Block Central Ave300 Block Central AveCOLLECTIVE ARTS GALLERY1000 Block Central AvePARKING 128 Exchange St Parking Deck PAID PARKING PAID Meters on Central AveSTEINHAUS KELLER100 Block Central Aveamerican art galleryJUSTUS ART GALLERY900 Block Central Ave801Spencer’s Corner
17 • The Springs Magazine • June 2026The Velvet Attic Boutique stands as a reflection of partnership, built and operated by Annie Smith and Melodi Cone, two women who share a vision for style, creativity, and community. Their collaboration brings together individual perspectives that shape the boutique into something both personal and distinctive, where every detail is considered, and every piece has intention behind it.Located at 800 Central Avenue, on the second floor in downtown Hot Springs, The Velvet Attic offers a space that feels set apart—welcoming customers into an environment that is thoughtfully arranged and quietly expressive.The setting mirrors the dynamic between its owners, blending different influences into a cohesive experience that feels natural rather than forced.The boutique carries apparel for men, women, and children, along with accessories that complement a wide range of looks. In addition to clothing, customers will find skincare accessories, candles, and Sassy Bees honey, expanding the shop into a lifestyle destination. A dedicated space for Oh Honey Children’s Boutique adds another layer, offering options for families shopping together.Annie and Melodi continue to build more than just a retail space—they create opportunities for connection through regular Saturday events.Through their shared effort and vision, The Velvet Attic Boutique continues to grow as a place where style, partnership, and community come together in a way that feels both intentional and lasting. Visit the boutique Monday-Saturday 10 AM-5 PM, and Sunday 1-5 PM.Annie Smith and Melodi Cone, co-owners of the Velvet Attic Boutique,take a break from stocking the shelves.Velvet Attic BoutiqueCarries a Varietyof Apparel & Accessories
The Springs Magazine • June 2026 • 183 Part Series–Last Saturday of the Month10AM-NoonDid you know that fish, amphibians, and reptiles tell us a lot about how healthy our water is? Some species are even considered Biological Indicators of healthy waterways.This FREE three-part series will be held on the last Saturday of the month (May, June, and July) from 10:00 AM-12:00 PM, at the Train Trestle along the Hot Springs Creek Greenway Trail.Come dip a net with Trails Coordinator, Hannah Rice, to find out what critters live in the creek. Parking is accessible at the corner of Shady Grove Road and Scott Street or in the Rotary Centennial Trailhead parking lot. Nets are provided at the event.Be sure to wear appropriate clothing and shoes that can get wet. This series is hosted by the Hot Springs Parks & Recreation Department, Garland County Conservation District.Creek Hopping Hot SpringsWhat makes a man buy an abandoned piece of property, close to the railroad tracks – a property that once housed an auto repair joint and machine welding shop, with the vision of creating an outrageously luxurious Airbnb, one that sleeps 42, an entire baseball team, and parents?Wallace Stone had the audacity to believe he could transform a grubby property on Belding Street into a remarkable addition to Hot Springs.Located right across from Majestic Park, Out of the Park is proof that with imagination and determination, a visionary can accomplish almost anything. And that’s why Wallace Stone was named the Historic Preservation Champion by the Hot Springs Metro Partnership this year. Out of the Park has an indoor batting cage, 11 bedrooms, some with bunk beds. Other bedrooms are exquisite private accommodations for grown-ups. There’s a gourmet kitchen, laundry room with a dozen washers and dryers - because baseball is a dirty game, and a great big patio for grilling. Soon, there will even be a pickleball court.This isn’t the first historic renovation project Stone has taken on. Capone’s Loft, across from Spencer’s Corner, is an exquisite Airbnb overlooking Central Avenue and Bridge Street. Mermaid Manor on Lake Hamilton is a beautiful property with a heated pool, hot tub, a game room with arcade-style Ms. Pac Man, kayaks, and room for any party or family reunion. Hot Springs has so many remarkable properties, each deserved to be saved and transformed. Hopefully, in the future, others will recognize the magic in these properties and follow in Wallace Stone’s footsteps.For more information, visit baseballairbnb.com, caponesloft.com, or mermaidmanoronlakehamilton.com.Preserving Hot Springs’Swinging HistoryWallace Stone was named theHistoric Preservation Champion bythe Hot Springs Metro Partnership. By Christi NationThere’s something I can’t stop thinking about. A student I worked with recently received a generous additional scholarship. Her family was relieved and excited. They thought this would finally ease the financial pressure of college.But when we reviewed her financial aid package together, something didn’t make sense. Even with that scholarship… student loans were still sitting there in the offer. And in her case, bringing in that outside scholarship had quietly reduced other aid. No one had explained that could happen. I watched the moment it hit them. “Wait… we still have to borrow this?” Yes. With interest. Here’s what most families don’t realize:Just because you earn scholarships doesn’t mean colleges automatically reduce your loans. And in some cases, outside scholarships can actually reduce other aid. It’s called scholarship displacement. And yes, unfortunately, it’s legal.So, we did something about it. I showed her exactly what to say to the Financial Aid Office, how to request adjustments, and how to communicate with scholarship donors strategically. The goal was simple: keep as much free money as possible and eliminate unnecessary loans. Most families never have this conversation. And it can cost them thousands. Student loan debt rarely comes from one big mistake.It comes from not knowing what questions to ask and when to ask them.That’s why I created Skip Student Loans. If you’re a parent of a middle or high school student, download my free guide: “5 Costly Mistakes That Lead to Student Loan Debt(And How to Avoid Them)” at SkipStudentLoans.com.Because the best time to avoid student loan debt… is long before that letter ever arrives.Why More Scholarships Don’tAlways Mean Less Student DebtChristi Nation
19 • The Springs Magazine • June 2026By Alison CraneFeeling the pinch at the grocery store? Being a savvy shopper can protect your pocketbook and your health.First, keep in mind that supermarkets are literally marketing machines. Years of research have resulted in a layout designed to keep you spending as much time and money as possible. This, combined with packaging on products that is designed to influence your decision-making, can make sticking to your budget a challenge. Watch those end caps and center aisle displays. They are there to attract your attention, and the items on them may or may not be on sale. Many times, they are set up to remind you of upcoming events or holidays to help increase sales. Purchasing items not on your list, even when they are on sale, can cause you to overspend. Be a comparison shopper. Compare store brands versus national brands for best value and nutrition. Keep in mind that national brands are usually more expensive because their cost includes the cost of advertising in magazines and on TV. Store brands are sold by individual chainsAvoid shopping on an empty stomach. Research shows we purchase more junk food when we are hungry than not. Stores utilize tantalizing bakery smells and free samples to whet your appetite and encourage impulse buying. Resisting temptation is easier when you are not hungry, and everything is less appealing. Contact the Garland County Extension Service for more tips on cutting costs at the supermarket, but keep in mind that a shrewd shopper needs to make good decisions about nutrition to be truly savvy. Planning meals before you head to the store allows time to consider your family’s schedule for the week and what they need nutritionally to keep going and growing. Apply these tips to be smart and healthy.• If two products are the same price and quality, compare the information on the nutrition label to decide which one to buy.• Buy a combination of fresh, frozen, and non-perishable items and eat your fresh food first so it does not go bad. • Utilize grocery stores, wholesale clubs, ethnic markets, dollar stores, and retail supercenters to add variety at a good price. The Garland County Extension Service offers research-based information and educational programs and classes to improve family life at all levels. Call 501-623-6841 or email [email protected] for upcoming programs and available resources. Alison Crane is a Family and Consumer Sciences Agent with the Garland County Extension Service. Pursuant to 7 CFR § 15.3, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services (including employment) without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual preference, pregnancy, or any other legally protected status, and is an equal opportunity institution.Savvy Shoppingat the Grocery StorePlanning meals before you head to the store allows time to consider your family’s schedulefor the week and what they need nutritionally to keep going and growing. By Annie GerberGet ready for a summer packed with books, fun, and unforgettable memories at the Garland County Library. Our annual Summer Reading Program officially begins Saturday, May 31, with an exciting kickoff celebration full of games, hands-on activities, delicious treats, giveaways, and fun for the whole family. Come celebrate the start of an amazing summer with us at the library.HOW THE SRP WORKSStep 1: Beginning May 31, pick up a paper reading tracker from the Library or print one from www.gclibrary.com/srp.Step 2: Set a daily reading goal. This can be anything - 10 minutes a day to 10 pages a day.Step 3: Color a space for each day you meet your reading goal.Step 4: Take the tracker to the Library to pick up a small prize and a ticket for every 10 days you read.Step 5: Enter tickets in raffle boxes for a chance to win special prizes.Step 6: Turn in completed trackers for an extra raffle ticket.*The SRP ends on July 31. All prizes must be picked up by noon Sat., Aug. 15.JUNE HIGHLIGHTSGarvan Gardens Book Trail - June 1 - 30 visit Garvan Gardens & the GCL Book Trail for FREE with your library card.Bubble Play Day - Tues., June 2 at 10:30 AM.The Circus Man Jason D’Vaude - Tues., June 9 at 10:30 AM.Scholastic Book Fair - Wedn., June 17 at 10 AM.Big Poppa Bubble - Thurs., June 18 at 10:30 AM.At Home in Mitford Bookclub - Saturday, June 27 at 11 AM.More information about everything mentioned above, as well as the thousands of other services and offerings from the Library, can be found online at www.gclibrary.com. Or, better yet, just come visit us at 1427 Malvern Avenue in Hot Springs. An active GCLibrary card is not required to attend Library programs.Annie Gerber is the Marketing Coordinator at the Garland County Library.Beat the June Heat withCool Library ProgramsBubble Day at the Garland County Library.Join this year’s bubble play day on Tuesday, June 2nd at 10:30 AM.
The Springs Magazine • June 2026 • 20AMP’DUP:FindingSolid FootingAfterEverythingFell Apart Katy Grainger’s journey through sepsis, limb loss, survival, and rebuilding a life with purpose.By Rick BontkowskiKaty Grainger remembers waking up alone on the floor of her Hawaii home unable to understand why her body was shutting down. The room was dark. Her body ached. She struggled to piece together where she was and how she got there. Just hours earlier, she believed she was dealing with a small infection on her thumb. By the following morning, she was in septic shock fighting for her life.What followed would permanently alter the course of her future.Grainger, now an amputee and author, shares that journey in her newly released memoir, Finding Solid Footing: Thriving Beyond the Unimaginable. The book is an unflinching look at survival, trauma, recovery, and the emotional rebuilding that comes after catastrophic loss. But beyond the medical crisis itself, the memoir explores something even deeper: the challenge of rediscovering identity after life changes forever.Before sepsis entered her life, Grainger was navigating a different kind of transition. Her daughters had grown and moved into adulthood, leaving her searching for purpose beyond motherhood. She writes openly about those moments of uncertainty, never imagining the answers she was searching for would arrive through tragedy.Within hours of becoming critically ill, Grainger’s body began shutting down. Her blood pressure dropped to life-threatening levels as doctors worked desperately to stabilize her. The infection and resulting septic shock ultimately led to the amputation of both of her lower legs and several fingertips. For many people, surviving such an event would become the defining end of the story. For Grainger, it became the beginning of an entirely new chapter.What makes Finding Solid Footing so compelling is its honesty. Grainger does not present recovery as a straight line or resilience as something effortless. Instead, she reveals the emotional complexity that follows trauma: the grief, fear, vulnerability, and gradual process of rebuilding a life that no longer resembles the one that existed before.The memoir also shines a light on the importance of community and human connection. Friends, family, and medical professionals became essential pieces of her survival and recovery, reinforcing a message woven throughout the book: no one is meant to navigate life’s darkest moments alone.Today, Grainger uses her story not only to inspire others, but also to educate readers about the dangers of sepsis and the importance of listening to the body when something feels wrong.At its heart, Finding Solid Footing is not simply a story about limb loss or survival. It is a story about resilience, purpose, and the difficult but beautiful work of learning how to stand again after everything falls apart.Katy Grainger was also recently featured on The AMP’D UP211 Podcast, where she discussed the emotional process of revisiting her journey through writing, life after trauma, and the deeper meaning behind Finding Solid Footing.-Rick Bontkowski, a Chicago native and amputee, is the host creator of The AMP’D UP211 Podcast. A drummer, cyclist, and advocate, Rick shares the stories of people with limb differences to inspire, inform, and challenge perceptions worldwide. Contact info: [email protected], ampup211.com, youtube.com/@theampdup211podcast6, instagram.com/rick_bontkowski.{Discover additional stories from Rick’s podcast on our website at thespringsmagazine.com/category/health-wellness/ampd-up211/.}By Sharon DentHave you noticed poison ivy more than normal this year? It seems diffused. Not big clumps but scattered all over. If you come in contact with it, wash your hands and other affected areas within 15 minutes with dishwashing detergent. Do it again. For good measure, wash your hands often with dishwashing detergent even when you are not aware of encountering poison ivy. It is good practice not only to help avoid poison ivy infections, but also to avoid other skin irritations. If you do get it, Benadryl Clear Gel is a good product to use on it.There are home remedies that are helpful, too. Oatmeal-for-one. It is an anti-inflammatory that can soothe a rash. Grind a half cup of uncooked, oldfashioned oatmeal into a fine flour in a blender. Add lukewarm water to dissolve it. Apply to affected area(s). Repeat several times a day.Sharon Dent volunteers with Garland County Master Gardeners of the UofA Div. of Agriculture, Cooperative Ext. Service. Master Gardeners pool skills and resources to improve home horticulture, stimulate interest in plants and gardening, and encourage beautification.Master Gardeners: Poison IvyBy Chana PrinceGreeting Fellow Travelers,June 2026 arrives like a soft golden doorway between worlds — a month where the heart becomes wiser than the mind and intuition begins leading the way forward. Jupiter in Cancer opens currents of emotional healing, creativity, homecoming, and soulful connection, reminding us that tenderness is strength and love is a guiding force.Uranus entering Gemini awakens brilliant new ideas, unexpected conversations, and creative breakthroughs, while Saturn and Neptune in Aries ask us to build lives that are spiritually authentic and courageously true.The Gemini New Moon on June 14, inspires writing, music, friendship, and fresh visions, while the Summer Solstice in Cancer wraps the collective in nurturing, feminine, deeply restorative energy. By month’s end, Mercury Retrograde invites reflection, reconnection, and the healing of unfinished emotional stories accompanied by the Full Strawberry Moon on June 29.June 2026 is not simply a month — it is a remembering. A return to beauty, feeling, creativity, and the sacred rhythm of being fully alive.With love, ChanaChana Prince is a Hot Springs native, lover of all things musical and mystical. Professional astrologer available for coaching & readings. [email protected].{Follow Chana’s “Signs” on our website at thespringsmagazine.com/category/health-wellness/signs-of-the-times/.}JUNE 2026A Sacred Turning PointChana PrinceBeware the Poison Ivy! Know your leaves.
21 • The Springs Magazine • June 2026In Tarot, this is the Celtic Cross Ten-Card Spread. —photo by Steve Bonner.TAROT:Choosing An Appropriate SpreadBy Michelle CrandellThere are many Tarot spreads, specific configurations of Tarot cards. Each spread provides insight into a particular problem or situation the seeker has in mind. The message a reading gives is determined by how many cards get used, where they are placed and the focus/intention of the reader and seekerSome typical spreads include:ONE CARD DRAW: Gives a “snapshot” of the present moment or consult on a specific concern. Often used for daily meditation or to answer yes/no questions.THREE CARD SPREAD: Very versatile; things that occur in threes. Subject to seeker’s designation of the meaning of the three cards; such as: past/present/future or mind/body/spirit or beginning/middle/end or good/better/best. Can designate the focus of the triad based on the information being sought.TEN CARD SPREAD: CELTIC CROSS: Traditional “full reading,” often done on a birthday, the ending of one year/beginning of another or a major life transition. Six cards interpret the present situation. Four cards provide guidance about how to proceed and the probable outcome if the seeker does not make changes to the path. Used for answering questions.TWELVE CARD SPREAD: YEARLY GUIDANCE: Draw one card for each month, starting at the month you determine is the first. HOROSCOPE: Each card corresponds to one house of the Zodiac and what it governs. For example: First house=Aries=the Self. Choose a significator representing you and place it in the center of this circular configuration. Used for looking within.Michelle Crandell provides individual Tarot readings for a fee. Once a year, she teaches LEARN TO READ TAROT. Call if interested in her next class. To learn more, email [email protected] or call 501-655-6242.{Find more of Michelle’s Tarot wisdom and articles on our website at thespringsmagazine.com/category/health-wellness/tarot/.}
The Springs Magazine • June 2026 • 22You Are the LimitBy Peggy LindseyOur childhood years contained many lessons of DOs and DO NOTs, forming our minds and hearts of what was acceptable, what was possible, and even what would make us worthy of love. Conformity was taught at the very beginning. Rarely were children encouraged to acknowledge their own uniqueness . . . to be a sovereign individual within a family or community. And now, many years later, we are unraveling that which has held us bound.We are not here to follow the leader anymore . . . we are here to create new ways and new worlds. The master blueprint is held deep within us. Foundations are shaped with our thoughts. Structures and their meaning are created with our emotions. And our beliefs define all that is possible. We are not “becoming” powerful, you see, because we always have been. Every idea that comes to us travels on waves of possibility! With nurturing and action, those ideas become reality. Each are given these ideas, and it is up to us whether we birth them into something more or stifle them. We are the boundary to what is possible . . . and we are also the breakthrough. This new age in history is our time to remember and reclaim who we are deep inside and allow our ideas to create something helpful, needed, beautiful . . . something that touches others in some way. We choose what we bring forth.So, when an idea inspires you say to yourself, “I am only limited by who I think I am,” then reach for the sky!Peggy Lindsey is a Professional Life Coach, Master Teacher of Arcing Light Energy Healing, and a Spiritual Mentor. Her passion is assisting women on their journey toward happy, healthy lives by empowering them to live more joyfully and consciously. She created her business, On Angels’ Wings Healing and Coaching, in 2012 and currently practices in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She can be reached at 928-273-8447. For more info, www.OnAngelsWingsHealing.com/.{Explore more of Peggy’s wisdom on our website at thespringsmagazine.com/category/health-wellness/lindsey/.}
23 • The Springs Magazine • June 2026By Missy Conry & Melissa StevensCan you spot where we took this picture? Take a selfie in front of the same mural and text to 501-651-0545 for a free drop-in class! You can also text us for hints if you need a clue.As we reflect on the past two months in our new studio location, we are overwhelmed with gratitude for the incredible support from our students and community. Transitioning into a new space came with excitement, challenges, and a lot of unknowns, but your encouragement, patience, and presence have made this new chapter feel like home.Seeing familiar faces continue to show up on their mats — and welcoming so many new ones into our yoga family — has reminded us why we do what we do. This community is the heart of our studio, and we are so thankful to grow alongside each of you.One of the highlights of this transition has been the success of our very first Community Yoga Class. The energy, connection, and generosity shared during that class were truly special. Because of the amazing response, we are excited to continue offering Community Yoga on the third Saturday of every month at 9 AM. These classes will remain completely donation based so that yoga can stay accessible to everyone in our community.We also invite you to join us for our upcoming Summer Solstice Sound Bath on June 26 — a beautiful opportunity to reset, recharge, and welcome the new season together.Thank you for believing in us, supporting local, and continuing to help our studio thrive. We couldn’t do this without you.See you in the studio! 879 Park Avenue, Suite C. To learn more, visit theyogaplacehs.com, and Facebook: The Yoga Place HS.Yoga:Two Months at The Yoga PlaceCan you tell where Melissa and Missy are in this picture? Snap a selfie in front of the same mural and text it to 501-651-0545 to receive a free drop-in class!
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