Who else has made it out to Hot Springs recently? I guess it's pretty well known that the area has seen better days, but I think it's still a really interesting place.
I feel like it's another frustrating example of low expectations and missed opportunities though. You can tell there just hasn't been much unifying vision since the end of the bathhouse era. The original plans for the national park and Bathhouse row were so outstanding, it's a huge shame that never got built. So much of what was built has been taken down piece by piece in favor of parking and crap development that has already faded out.
Right now they are demolishing the old Majestic Hotel as I type this. Such a shame, although the part of it that was truly worth saving burned down in a suspicious fire right after the found somebody willing to make an attempt at saving it. That whole area north of the strip is a wasteland now, and I have a feeling it's going to be turned into dollar generals and strip mall development before too long.
I think the bathhouse concept with natural hot springs water could actually be brought back these days though. Not on the level of the 1920's, but spa's and resorts are getting more popular again. Throw in a small indoor waterpark and you have a real attraction on your hands.
