The Hidden Gem

05/14/2026

⛏️ Thinking about crystal digging during your Mount Ida stay? This article offers a fun look at rockhounding at Avatar Crystal Mine, one of several area quartz mines open to the public, and the kind of hands-on adventure that makes quartz hunting such a memorable part of the Mount Ida experience.

This Arkansas crystal mine lets visitors dig, sift, and search for glimmering quartz while soaking in red clay trails and Ouachita forest views.

05/12/2026

✨It means a lot to hear when guests feel comfortable, cared for, and right at home at The Hidden Gem 💎

We’re grateful to Janell for her kind words about the little details that helped make her stay special. From a clean and cozy space to thoughtful touches around the house, it’s wonderful to know those things were appreciated.

Thank you again, Janell, for staying with us and sharing your experience. ❤️

05/12/2026

⚒️Calling all Arkansas quartz crystal loving rockhounds! Collier Creek Crystals is opening its mine for public digging for the first time ever on May 22nd! Book your stay at The Hidden Gem 💎 and go check it out!

🛑STOP SCROLLING RIGHT HERE🛑 For the first time in the history of Collier Creek Mine, we will offer PUBLIC DIGGING. Yes, you read that correctly, we are opening to the public! Opening day will be May 22, 2026!! We are super excited about this new adventure, and we can’t wait to see where this journey takes us. But most importantly, we can’t wait to see you all AT THE MINE!
If you have any questions, please send us an email at [email protected].
Keep an eye out for more updates as we draw closer to opening day! 🪏⛏️⚒️🪣

05/10/2026

🍦One of the sweet little stops that makes Mount Ida so fun to explore. If you are out and about during your stay, Dairyette Mount Ida is a great spot for a treat and a bit of local flavor 🍟🍔. Thanks to Diamond State Foodie for sharing their visit and photos!

03/31/2026

🐴 Planning your spring getaway at The Hidden Gem 💎 ? Add a little adventure to your trip with a horseback riding experience nearby at Mountain Harbor Riding Stables in Mount Ida. For reservations, call 870-867-3022. It’s a fun way to take in the natural beauty of the Ouachitas.

03/19/2026

🌿 Planning a stay near Lake Ouachita this spring? The Hidden Gem offers a wooded retreat on 6 private acres between Mount Ida and Hot Springs, just 1.4 miles from the Twin Creeks boat launch and a short drive to Shangri-La and Mountain Harbor.

Rated 9.8/10 by VRBO guests, it’s a comfortable home base for lake days, exploring the LOViT, and rockhounding at nearby quartz crystal mines.

Book Online: https://www.vrbo.com/3301103

03/11/2026

Morning v***r rising from the Ouachita Mountains is beautiful and part of the natural cycle that feeds the thermal springs of Hot Springs National Park.

Take a look at this explanation from the National Park Service.

The tranquil morning v***r rising from Indian Mountain - as seen from the Hot Springs Mountain Tower - illustrates the ongoing thermal water cycle.

As these v***rs ascend into the sky, they gather and form clouds. When they become saturated with moisture, they eventually fall as rain back onto the recharge zone. This water seeps deep into the ground, where it heats up and eventually emerges as the thermal water springs.

For additional information regarding the recharge system of Hot Springs National Park, please visit:
https://www.nps.gov/hosp/learn/nature/hotsprings.htm



Photo HOSP/MSmith

12/08/2025

🍬 A Sweet Tradition in the Heart of Hot Springs: The Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa has unveiled this year’s giant gingerbread house. Built using real gingerbread, frosting, and candy, the design changes each season. ✨

Visitors are invited to guess how many candies were used to build it ❓ for a chance to win a prize. 🎁

With its impressive size and colorful details, it’s one of the most striking holiday displays in the area. This long-running tradition is a memorable part of the season.🎄

📍 Located in the hotel lobby. Free to visit.

12/08/2025

🎄 The Hot Springs Christmas Parade rolls through downtown Monday, December 8 at 6:30 PM, a festive night of floats, lights, and holiday cheer just a short drive from The Hidden Gem 💎. This year’s theme is “Toy Trains & Candy Canes”.

https://hschristmasparade.com

Join the Hot Springs Christmas Parade, a family-friendly event organized by the Oaklawn Rotary, supporting local scholarships and community projects.

11/26/2025

Planning your stay at The Hidden Gem? Check out the Hot Springs/Diamond Lakes Vacation Guide for things to do, places to eat, and must-see attractions during your visit! Order a printed copy or browse online to make the most of your time.

Vacation Guide for the Arkansas Diamond Lakes Region.