Eclipse Adventures at Catherine’s Landing

Ever heard of Catherine’s Landing? It’s been on our radar for a while, and we finally managed to book a spot during the 2024 Eclipse. And let me tell you, they pulled out all the stops for this cosmic event! Picture this: a whole weekend packed with events, live bands, and food trucks galore. Even Big Foot showed up to join the fun! And if that wasn’t enough, we had an unexpected visitor (a cat) who added to the excitement for a few days.

Exploring Hot Springs National Park

We couldn’t pass up a visit to Hot Springs National Park. If you stroll along Bathhouse Row, you’re in the flattest part of the park, surrounded by bathhouses built between 1892 and 1923. The rest of the park is all mountains, and those hikes are no joke. So, we opted for the North Mountain Scenic Drive and a trip to the observation deck on the Hot Springs Mountain Tower for a less strenuous overview.

Sweet Treats at Fat Bottomed Girls Cupcake Shoppe

Now, here’s a gem we almost missed: Fat Bottomed Girls Cupcake Shoppe, tucked away in a small shopping area. Featured on Food Network’s Cupcake Wars, we couldn’t resist stopping by. We grabbed a half dozen cupcakes, each a different flavor. With three taste testers, we couldn’t pick a favorite. Surprised we even got picture. We ate them all in one sitting!

Sipping at Bathhouse Row Winery

We couldn’t leave Hot Springs without sampling some native Arkansas wines at the Bathhouse Row Winery. They have a wide variety, from sweet to dry, plus a selection of hot sauces. Naturally, we left with a few bottles of wine and hot sauces to spice up our collection.

Historic Drinks at The Ohio Club

While searching for dinner, we stumbled upon The Ohio Club, the oldest bar in Arkansas, dating back to 1905. Imagine celebrities like Mae West and Babe Ruth sipping cocktails here. The hand-carved mahogany bar is a sight to behold. Despite the limited food menu for Eclipse weekend, the cleverly named drinks did not disappoint.

Taco Heaven at Diablos Tacos & Mezcal

We wrapped up our day with dinner on the patio at Diablos Tacos & Mezcal. It was the best Mexican food we’ve had in ages. The Birra Tacos were a hit (Shelly has the pics to prove it). I enjoyed a trio of urban tacos—Pastor, Shrimp, and Carne Asada. All were amazing, and I could easily see myself spending more time here, working through their extensive Mezcal and Tequila selection.

Casino Fun at Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort

While in the area, we couldn’t resist visiting the local casino. Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort is unique, anchored by a racetrack. It’s new, clean, and their player’s club offers great rewards for new members. The combination of racing and casino fun made for an exciting evening!

Witnessing the 2024 Solar Eclipse

The highlight of our trip? Witnessing the 2024 Solar Eclipse. As the sky darkened, the dogs started howling, and campers around us cheered. It was a magical moment where everyone forgot their worries. Here’s hoping to catch the next one in 2044!

We had an unforgettable time at Catherine’s Landing and Hot Springs. If you’re planning a trip, these spots should definitely be on your list. Whether you’re there for an eclipse or just for the fun, you won’t be disappointed.

Until next time, keep spinning the wheel of adventure!

Happy RVing!

2KidsatHeart 🚐💨