Hot Springs
I set aside the day to explore Hot Springs, AK. The town offers many spas, great dinning, casinos, horse racing, entertainment and a rich history. There have been many famous and infamous people associated with the town, including Bill Clinton, Bill Bob Thornton, Bobby Bones and Kalin Olson. As I later learned, Hot Springs was a hangout for many notorious gangsters in the 1930s, including Al Capone, Frank Costello, Bugs Moran, Frank Nash, and Lucky Luciano.
Buckstaff Spa
I though I’d get to Buckstaff Spa early to avoid any line. It was Saturday and all public parking on the street was free. It was now 8:15 am and the parking area one block from the spa was virtually empty (a good indicator). The temperature was in the low 30s. As I got close to the Spa, I could see there was a line out into the sidewalk area. The line slowly creeped forward. People were rocking, shaking, rubbing their hands, and sending family members to get coffee. It was cold despite the sun shining on us. One woman in her 80s went inside and waited allowing her daughter to hold their place in line.
Buckstaff Bathhouse is one of the eight remaining bathhouses on historic Bathhouse Row in Hot Springs, Arkansas. The bathhouse was established in 1912 and has been in continuous operation since then, making it the oldest operating bathhouse in the city. It was founded by Charles Buckstaff, a prominent businessman in town. He wanted to create a bathhouse that would offer the best spa treatments and services to its clients.
The bathhouse was frequented by many famous people, including Babe Ruth and Al Capone. The bathhouse was known for its luxurious and relaxing treatments, such as the famous "mineral whirlpool bath" and "needle shower massage." I took the mineral bath and massage package. The needle shower has been discontinued since COVID. The Buckstaff Bathhouse in 1984 was designated a National Historic Landmark.
It was slightly after 11:00 am when I left the spa. The air outside had warmed significantly. I walked to Deluca’s Pizza for lunch before my history tour.
Deluca’s Pizza
I had tried to eat a Deluca’s Pizza before. I stumbled into this place with no expectations. The pizza in the picture on the web looked like a properly made pizza and not the heavy dough and cheese pizzas many restaurants served. I decided I was going to have something lighter for lunch and would come back for pizza later.
I took a seat at the bar and struck up a conversation with Brittany and Bennny (Ben) the bartenders. I was the only one not drinking at 11:30 am. Two couples sat down on either side of me. The guy to my left and I were chatting and we eventually got on the topic of the restaurant. He proceeded to tell me the entire story about the founder and the history of Deluca’s Pizza Restaurant. The restaurant has in its short history moved and expanded two times. The guy told me this was the best pizza he had every had. He offered me a slice but I declined. My food was delivered and the guy on my other side asked me where I was from. He was the CTO of a technology firm in town and he told me they come here several times a month. The pizza arrived and he kept insisting that I try the pizza.
Deluca’s makes a limited amount of dough every morning. When they run own of dough, they stop making pizza. I finally accepted a slice of pizza. It had so many layers of flavor. I told him it had such a rich taste. Then he said, “Just wait till you try the hamburger, it is unbelievable.”
Brittany told me they make espressos using a Nesspresso machine with Firenze Arpeggio pods. One of my two favorite esspressos, the other being Lavazza Crema.
I had some time to kill before I met mike at the Copper Penny Pub at 3:30 pm for my history tour. I walked around the shops in downtown Hot Springs.
History Tour
I met mike a few nights before at Little Italy while he was waiting for his takeout order. He gave me his card and said to call if I wanted a history tour. His card says, “See historic downtown Hot Springs in a different light and never view it the same.” I would say this is very accurate.
Mike (r)
The tour started at the Copper Penny Pub and went to the Arlington Resort hotel. Mike is seventh generation and delivered so many details about the mob operations, brothels, local politics and corruption, alcohol during prohibition, shootouts, the FBI, architecture, and in general a comprehensive overview of what I would call the mob years in Hot Springs.
The tour lasted about two and a half hours for $15. It was worth every penny. Unfortunately, there was so much detail that I couldn’t retain the rapid fire of details and characters being described. He told me he’s working on a book of the history in fiction form. I look forward to reading that. I left wanting to dig deeper into all the stories.
The Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade
The town also hosts the World's Shortest St. Patrick's Day Parade. Mike showed me where this unique event takes place annually on March 17th. The parade route is only 98 feet long. It lasts about an hour but there are lead up events that proceed the parade. A green die is added to all the fountains in town for the festivities. Apparently, the parade draws a large crowd of participants and spectators who come to enjoy the festive atmosphere, which includes floats, live music, and plenty of green attire.
Mike showed me the green lines on the street that mark the start and finish of the 98 foot parade route. He also told me the Dallas Cowboys Cheer Leaders were there recently. Each year there is a celebrity grand marshal chosen to lead the festivities, which have included Bo Derek, John Corbett, Kevin Bacon, Jim Belushi, etc.
It was after 6:00 pm and I decided to go back to Deluca’s Pizza to get my own pizza.
Deluca’s Pizza - Visit 2
I sat at the corner of the Bar close to the entrance. Britany saw me and said, welcome back. I ordered a beer and she asked me if I was eating. I told her I was going to have a pizza and she said, “I’m so sorry, we are sold out of pizza dough.” I was disappointed and then remembered the hamburger was supposed to be amazing. I ordered the burger with coleslaw. I noticed that pizzas continued to come out of the kitchen long after I had received my burger. Britany explained, that people call in and order their pizza dough sometimes days in advance.
By 7:00 pm the bar was packed and the conversation was very lively. I hungout meeting people including Anthony Valinoti the owner. I left around 9:00 pm.
The photos on the wall were taken by Jeff Fuller Freeman.
A really fun day in Hot Springs and I would highly recommended the town for relaxing experience.