Library and Music

This week has been busy. Time to slow down a little and stimulate our minds by delving into history. Our first stop of the day is also our first-ever presidential library visit. Well, we did stop by Lincoln's home and state museum in Springfield, Illinois last April. As the ranger there pointed out, it was prior to the presidential libraries of the modern era, so nothing in comparison to this.

The Clinton and Reagan libraries rival in size so I read. Not having seen Reagan’s (yet), I cannot compare them. I can confirm that Clinton’s is packed with so much detail. Every year of his presidency is documented with video, artifacts and more. Every single “daily schedule” is laminated and put into labeled three-ring binders so you can easily find a specific day and see the minute-by-minute outline of the day. Whew! And I thought I was detailed. 

White House China. Golf bag.  Saxophones he played. Full-size replicas in detail of cabinet room and Oval Office. The presidential seal is even embossed on the ceiling. 

Beautiful large grounds surround the library and other buildings. There is an old bridge over the river, which provides a nice walk. Flowers enhance the rusty bridge and provide great photos. There are boardwalk walking trails. Outdoor seating for the restaurant “42”. 

Ok. Presidential libraries are cool. They might join our list of future travel stops. 

From the presidential library in Little Rock, Arkansas, we drove the two-hour stretch of I-40 to Memphis, Tennessee. Ten years ago we visited Memphis for the first time and toured Graceland. 

This year, we walked to Beale Street for an early dinner remembering the huge partying crowd when we visited after dark last time. Beale Street isn't exactly our typical vibe. This year was great. We enjoyed live music and good food without the crowds. 

Source: https://youtu.be/RLeANPP7DZY?feature=shared

A Walk in the Park

After a couple days of touring and sight-seeing, it's time to return to nature as we meander eastward. Today we had a beautiful and unusual hike, the Lower Dogwood Trail in Hot Springs National Park. It is an easy hike just under two miles. To get to the loop, however, we had to access the Arlington Trail, which is located behind the Arlington Hotel and Spa. The historic hotel is huge with over 500 rooms. The staff are incredibly kind and accommodating. I spoke with someone via phone a couple weeks ago and couldn’t believe their instructions to do this hike, but it was as they described. 

First, we drove into their parking garage and received valet parking for $5. “Park as long as you need. Enjoy your hike.” Ok, when have you ever had valet parking for a hike? 

Second, this is our first hike where we started on the sixth floor of the hotel. Yes, that's right. We went inside the hotel, took their elevator to the sixth floor and exited to the Arlington trailhead, which is right by their outdoor pool and spa. See the black railing in the far middle on the photo where we exited the 6th floor, then walked around the pool and through two gates to find the trailhead by the spa. A sixty-foot elevation gain when hiking has never been so easy.

We capped off a great day with a wonderful dinner at Fisherman's Wharf (no not in San Francisco). This restaurant has been around for years and is still popular. It has a large outdoor seating area that extends over the water, allowing boats and wildlife on Lake Hamilton to come right up to the edge. Locals drive up to the restaurant in their boat and dock. How fun. I wish we could have stayed until sunset. It’s a beautiful place and the food is good too!

This is our first visit to Hot Springs. I was impressed. Lots of hiking and boating options. Beautiful area. Restaurants. Great summer playground!