Happy weekend, Hot Springs! In today’s edition: Mountain views and candlelit dinners, a new America 250 flag ceremony, a Clay Walker concert, and more.

— Cait Baker

🏆 Most popular this week

Curated by popular demand — here are this week’s most-clicked events, local spots, and stories.

Mountain views and candlelit dinners: Published January 5, a roundup spotlights eight romantic Arkansas small towns for a three-day escape, including Eureka Springs, Bella Vista, and Mena, with picks within reach of Hot Springs — read the full roundup.

Ceremony highlights 2026 plans: Oaklawn in Hot Springs unveiled a new Arkansas “America 250” flag at the track, replacing its infield flag and marking the nation’s 250th, with state and local leaders on hand — get all the details.

Your brows, upgraded: Whether you’re after microblading, ombré powder, or the lower-commitment combo of lamination with a shape-and-tint, Polished Society Beauté Bar + Ink delivers precise brow mapping and meticulous detail, so you head into the week with arches that suit your features…and your coffee habit.

Dial in your swing: Rain or shine, Golf Shots lets you play full rounds, hone your swing, or stage a friendly showdown in a comfy simulator bay. It’s member-friendly, easy to book, and low pressure, perfect for focused reps before weekend plans or when the course is soggy.

Clean up your look: Erick’s BarberShop keeps it simple, delivering solid haircuts, beard clean-ups, and kid cuts from a crew with 20 years of experience. In and out fast… you’ll look sharp without losing your afternoon.

Country hits under the stars: Country star Clay Walker will perform at Magic Springs’ Timberwood Amphitheater in Hot Springs on July 18, part of series with Justin Moore. Tickets will offer lawn and VIP options — get all the details.

Gold & silver are hot: Gold just had its best year since 1979. Silver did even better, climbing nearly 150% in 2025… and analysts expect the momentum to continue. If you’re curious about adding precious metals to your portfolio as a market hedge, American Hartford has a helpful guide that covers everything you need to know. It’s free — and definitely worth a read.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial fee just to be seen to x-rays, surgery, medicine, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could get up to 90% cash back on your vet bill with this pet insurance plan.

📆 Sneak peek at next week

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🏟 Hot Springs Trojans vs Lake Hamilton Wolves @ Hot Springs Junior Academy | Wednesday (1/21) – Rivalry night brings the Trojans and Wolves nose to nose for bragging rights, childhood vendettas, and concession-stand nachos. Expect packed stands, loud bands, and that one ref everyone recognizes. Bring your loudest voice, your best jacket, and pretend you found a seat.

💎 Great Estate Buy-A-Thon @ Lauray’s The Diamond Center | Wednesday (1/21) at 10:00 AM – Time to liberate the jewelry box, the coin jar, and that watch you swear you’ll fix. For four days only, Lauray’s is buying fine jewelry, gold, silver, coins, diamonds, and watches with free evaluations and immediate payment. Trade toward something new for a 20% bonus.

🎵 Music Exploration Class @ Red Oaks Cottage | Wednesday (1/21) at 2:45 PM – After-school chaos calls for rhythm, not more screen time. Starting next Wednesday, send the kids to a fun, engaging music class with Ms. Melissa Stevenson, where they will sing, clap, and find their groove while you enjoy a rare, quiet cup of coffee.

🚀 “Mars’ First Friends” @ Mid-America Science Museum | Thursday (1/22) at 10:30 AM – Scientots is going interplanetary at the Kye-Yac Clubhouse, with a reading of “Mars’ First Friends” by Susana Leonard Hill and Elisa Paganelli. The kids get cosmic wonder and a friendly Red Planet, you get a seated breather, and the chance to actually finish your coffee.

❓ Lounge Trivia @ The Music Box Lounge Hot Springs | Thursday (1/22) at 6:00 PM – Nothing beats flexing your strangely specific knowledge at Music Box Lounge’s trivia night every Thursday, with good cocktails, comfy banter, and zero pretension. Bring the crew, claim a booth, and trade smug answers for bragging rights, laughs, and an excuse to order just one more.

🏀 CMS Basketball Homecoming @ Cutter Morning Star High School | Friday (1/23) at 7:00 PM – If you’ve been waiting for a sign to dust off your Eagle gear, this is it. Homecoming needs 1 to 2 folks to run the merch table, plus pantry donations of toilet paper, napkins, paper towels, tissues, and school supplies, as we mop the Outlaws.

🎸 AO @ The Blitzed Pig | Friday (1/23) at 7:00 PM – Skip the noise and catch The AO Acoustic Show, a stripped-down set with warm vocals, real musicianship, and zero fog machines. You can actually hear the lyrics, finish your drink, and still make it home before the dog starts judging.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

📻 Hot Springs report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 41°F – Low: 18°F – Precip: 1%

Partly sunny, with a high near 41. Northwest wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 18. Wind chill values as low as 11. Northwest wind around 5 mph.

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Tomorrow – High: 44°F – Low: 27°F – Precip: 0%

Sunny, with a high near 44. West southwest wind 5 to 10 mph, with gusts as high as 20 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 27. West northwest wind 0 to 5 mph.

Most popular house this week

Perched above Lake Hamilton, this contemporary home frames sweeping views of the water and most of Hot Springs from nearly every room. Clean lines, generous glass, and decks on both levels blur indoor and outdoor living. Expansive windows capture sunrise to sunset panoramas. Three bedrooms plus built-in bunkbeds sleep up to ten, and dual living areas make gathering effortless. Sold tastefully furnished, the property pairs style with function.

A hot tub sits ready for evenings under the skyline. An extra lot expands possibilities. Currently a successful short term rental, with no STR license required. Suited for a primary residence, a vacation escape, or an upscale investment.

Take a peek inside →

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