THE SURROUNDING AREA

Crystals and Diamonds

The Ouachita Mountains are uniquely rich in naturally occurring quartz crystal veins. Near the Grotto, you’ll find three crystal mines within 15 minutes: Twin Creek Crystal Mine, Wegner Crystal Mine, and Avatar Crystal Mine. If you feel like driving a bit further, the Ron Coleman Mine pairs rock digging with zip lining. And then there’s Crater of Diamonds State Park, the world’s eighth largest diamond-bearing volcanic crater. All locations allow you to search and dig for crystals and other minerals for a reasonable fee.

Hiking and Mountain Biking

Lake Ouachita Vista Trail (LOViT) covers 40-plus miles of shoreline and ridge-top hiking/riding -- a favorite for both mountain bikers and distance runners alike.

The Womble Trail, listed as an IMBA Epic Ride, is considered the mountain bike jewel of the Ouachita Mountains.

Lake Ouachita

Lake Ouachita, Arkansas’s largest lake, offers 40,000 acres of clear, clean water surrounded by the scenic Ouachita National Forest. Enjoy swimming, skiing, scuba diving, boating, kayaking, and fishing. Fish in open waters or quiet coves and catch bream, crappie, catfish, striped bass, and largemouth bass.

Hot Springs

Hot Spring takes its name from the world-famous thermal waters that flow into the historic downtown district of the city. About a million gallons of the 143°F water bubble forth daily from 47 hot springs. Named one of the most beautiful cities in the South, spend a bliss-filled day checking out the historic bathhouses, strolling through the charming downtown, and eating at any of its many fine restaurants. Go here for more information:

• Hot Springs Visitors Center
• The 17 Best Things to Do in Hot Springs
• The 15 Best Restaurants in Hot Springs

Horse Racing

Looking for the best in thoroughbred horseracing? It's hard to beat the Oaklawn Racetrack, home of the Arkansas Derby.