Once again, I teamed up with Arkansas Business Publishing Group to shoot a few new and fresh photos for the 2016 Hot Springs Guest Guide.
On your last vacation, have you ever noticed the local magazine in your hotel room that provided info on where you should: Shop? Dine? Experience the local nightlife?
Of course you have. Just about every major city around the country has something like this.
Hot Springs, which is Arkansas' top tourist destination is no exception.
This years trip was mostly a gastronomical one: Beer, Pizza and Cupcakes
Got Beer?
A flight of beers from Superior Bathhouse.
My first stop of the day was at Superior Bathhouse. I've been here on several occasions for dinner either by myself or with friends or clients. This place is great. I loved LOVED working with and photographing their owner and head brewmaster, Rose Schweikhart. She's the first person I've met that's more high-energy than me!
Rose Schweikhart, owner and head brewmaster at Superior Bathhouse.
Roasted Barley
I could have spent all day here, but there were other projects to get to.
I loved these taps. Two of their Superiors taps are topped with bathtubs which are actually vintage soap dishes that Schweikhart bought from eBay.
Got Pizza?
Tony Valinoti, owner of DeLuca's Pizzeria.
Later in the afternoon, we headed to DeLuca's Pizzeria to photograph their owner Tony Valinoti. This is some of the best pizza you'll eat anywhere. The only thing bolder and better than the pizza was the time I spent photographing Tony. His lively and big personality and just as wonderful as his pizza.
He made us a pizza and after one bite, I could not get it in my mouth fast enough. And neither could he. Tony only uses quality ingredients imports from the motherland...AKA Italy. You name it, he imports it: semolina flour, meats, cheeses and sauces. You can taste the difference.
Got Cupcakes?
My last stop of the evening satisfied my sweet tooth. I photographed Mackenzie Simon, the owner of Fat Bottomed Girls Cupcakes and a few of her namesakes.
Mackenzie Simon owner of Fat Bottomed Girls Cupcakes.
If you've never had these cupcakes you're missing out. We photographed, and sampled, a few of their favorites including their best seller, the Ooey Gooey Buttercake. As you started to unwrap the parchment wrapping, you can smell it. This cupcakes simply melts in your mouth.
They are simply perfect....every. delicious. bite.
Ooey Gooey Buttercake from Fat Bottomed Girls Cupcakes.
For your next trip to Hot Springs, check out these local eateries. Skip the boring chains and eat local. While you're at at, shop local too.