March 1, 2008

Talk about the perfect little weekend trip. Unexpectedly, spending a couple of days in Arkansas was the epitome of an ideal non-rev mini-break.

Did you know that in the midst of Arkansas is a full-fledged wine country? Yeah, me neither. But, driving out of Fort Smith, we quickly encountered several wineries in the suddenly hilly countryside. This next bit is for the wine lover; skip if not interested! Arkansas grapes come in several unique varieties, making for tastes you can’t get anywhere else. Some of the favorites we tried (and brought home) were: vignoles (according to postfamilie.com: medium-dry, honeysuckle nose. Slightly effervescent, flavors of apple and pear), ives noir (medium, cotton candy nose. Light-bodied with flavors of spicy, sweet grapes), and muscadine (sweet, with scents of a warm Southern evening. Light-bodied, but flavorful). How pleasantly surprising from an area with not such a sophisticated image.

After lunch a charming English-style pub (another surprise), we were on our way to Hot Springs. Arriving in the evening, we enjoyed a walk through the old-fashioned downtown area. A row of former bathhouses intrigued us as we read of the storied saga of Hot Springs – by the 1920s, a health destination featuring not just spas but horse racing and a national park. Thus educated, it was our turn to experience the hot springs firsthand.

Arriving at the upper floor of the old, grand-dame hotel, we were ushered back to our respective dressing rooms. The spas are certainly historic, looking somewhat like a World War II hospital with their chipped white tile and long rows of cots. Each bather gets an individual tub room, but, unfortunately, these were nothing to write home about. After soaking in the mineral-rich waters for fifteen minutes, I was loofahed by the attendant and then taken to the steam room for a bit. Now glowing and feeling robust, I laid on a cot and received hot, damp towels wrapped around my entire body. Following this final rest, I dressed and met Clint in the lobby. Internally warmed, we enjoyed a stroll around in the cool night air.

Now, how can a weekend get better than wine and the spa? I’ll tell you: American history. Yep, Fort Smith, the beginning and end of our little road trip, was once the gateway to the west. Here, soldiers were first stationed (1817) to maintain peace between warring Indian tribes. Here too, “Hanging Judge” Isaac Parker ordered 80 convicts to their deaths. And here, located right on the edge of the proposed Indian territory, Cherokee, Creek, Seminole, Choctaw, and Chickasaw forced to leave their homelands marched this way on the Trail of Tears. All in all, it was a different view of history than those usually gained at Southern plantations, colonial settlements, and pioneer homesteads. Appropriate enough for a place full of unexpected pleasure.