What’s New in Hot Springs for Oaklawn Park’s 2021-22 getaway

Oaklawn Park opens on Friday, introducing the race in December for the first time in the track’s history. New schedule includes first stake, 2 year old race and a day in honor of the fan favorite Whitmore. Hot Springs has also grown and changed since the track hosted last season without being affected by the global pandemic. Here’s a look at what’s new in the Arkansas resort town.

Where to stay

Oaklawn hotels opened at the end of last season and is an obvious choice if you’re going to Hot Springs in 118^NS Season. The eight-storey structure has 198 rooms, including two suites for the president. Guests staying on the track can watch the morning or afternoon races from their rooms.

A former private residence and national heritage landmark recently opened as Sanctuary at Hot Springs, a luxury boutique hotel with 12 rooms. Located down the street from Oaklawn, this property features a contemporary style based on a tradition of Southern hospitality. The 4-acre property also hosts weddings and special events, and features the culinary expertise of Executive Chef Joshua Garland and Pastry Chef Brandon Peterson.

Discover a piece of Hot Springs’ gangster history and stay Capone’s Loft. Sleep where the man has stayed and enjoy the spacious facilities, pool table, draft beer tower and third-floor balcony overlooking the historic center.

Food and drink

Oaklawn’s expansion includes several new dining venues, including The Bugler, is a signature fine-dining restaurant, and First Turn Bar. Both settings skip the track and pick up passengers in a live race.

420 Eats Food Truck Court is a family and pet-friendly hotspot where innovation and deliciousness intersect. Diverse options include hibachi, vernacular southern cuisine, Thai food, vegan options and Indian fast food. Backstage Bar serves beer and wine.

New to Hot Springs nightlife is Splash Wine Bar. Enjoy a variety of labels and live music on weekends in a renovated 1900s building downtown.

Going off the track

NS Astral Spa in Oaklawn become part of the town’s history providing healing water. It features metal showerheads that are representative of the iconic Baths Series in Hot Springs National Park; infrared sauna; and a Himalayan salt wall. The spa compliments the town’s rejuvenating experiences including modernity Quapaw Bathhouse and the tradition of Buckstaff’s Bathhouse, has been in continuous operation since 1912.

NS Northwoods . Trail, a system of more than 26 miles of world-class mountain biking trails just five minutes from downtown Hot Springs, continues to add new trails and events. Newbies and experts are invited to bring their bikes and experience lake views, a floating trail and 2,000 previously unused acres north of the city. The system was designed and built by the International Mountain Bike Association and made possible in part by matching funding from the Walton Family Foundation, whose goal is to make Arkansas a riding destination world class mountain bike.