Sometimes we have no idea what we will enjoy until we're there. I have a wonderful gentleman that I'm blessed to have in my life that planned an amazing rendezvous. I traveled to Hot Springs, AL knowing what we had planned and feeling all excited for such a new adventure. He always treats me well, holding my hand as we walk, opening doors and even paid for an item I did not expect him to pay for. We walked around Hot Springs for a while while we waited for out Gangster Museum tour to start. We checked out the historic bath houses where many famous people would come to heal in the water.

The bath houses were very interesting and educational. The healing power of the spring water is underrated today. The knowledge has somewhat been lost. It was very cool to see some of the old equipment they used and the differences between males and female areas of the bath houses. They spoke to the culture of the time and of the town. People traveled from all over to visit these bath houses and experiences the healing powers of the water.

The Gangster museum was interesting, provokes the desire to learn more and the tour guy seemed like he may have been a gangster in his previous life. He was very informative and looked the part. The museum itself is made up of different rooms with different themes. The final room is a game room set up to look like an old time gambling hall (not sure if that's the proper term for it) We got to experience what gambling may have been like. On the way out, my date, knowing I like to read, blessed me with a book. How thoughtful! 

The history of this place is truly amazing, the rise, apex and fall of the time has a lot of lessons and hidden messages in it. Gangsters at one time ran this area until they were finally taken down by other gangsters...the government. My wonderful date was a wealth of information. He was like my personal tour guide. I opened my mind and learned so much from him! He sent me home ready to do some more research and learn more.

We spent some time walking around, checking out little shops and enjoying the excellent food. This is an interesting area of our beautiful country that everyone should visit. History books are great but do not catch the essence of a place or time period. We made some private memories afterwards before saying our good byes. I'm very grateful for this wonderful experience I had with a wonderful human being. 

All I can say is a heart felt thank you!