Hot Springs, Arkansas: The Arlington Hotel

Hot Springs, Arkansas, is to me an ideal place for a sojourn: it's low-key and there's plenty to do (or not do) in a day, a few days or over a more leisurely period. For those into this kind of thing, it's situated in an area that features an extensive geological "crystal bed" and hot spring mineral waters. That is, the "Valley of the Vapors" is a concentrated "power point." The Arlington Hotel is part of Hot Springs National Park. It maintains much of its original 1920s and 1930s charm -- and "Spanish Colonial" eccentricity. I love it. Pictured above is the front lobby after hours, on the side away from the bar. Outside, there's a spacious wraparound veranda.

At the Arlington, also plenty of history and hauntings, as they say. The parade of big-hitter guests over the years has included: Al Capone, FDR, Harry Truman, certain Republican presidents best left anonymous, Babe Ruth, Will Rogers, Mae West and Bill Clinton.

Today's Rune: Joy.