Hot Springs to Start Monthly Antique Walk

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. October 14, 2008

HOT SPRINGS NATIONAL PARK, AK, February 12, 2007. Beginning March 16, the shops on Hot Springs' Antique Row on Upper Central Avenue will start a new monthly tradition "Antique Walk." The event will be held the third Friday of each month, according to Davis Tillman, one of the city's leading antiques dealers and an organizer of the monthly walk.

"Antique Walk will mirror the 17-year success the city's Gallery Walk has had for the art galleries on the southern end of the Historic District," Tillman said. "The antique dealers and boutiques at the north end of the downtown area will remain open until 8 p.m. during the walk, offering a unique shopping experience."

Tillman said there would be lectures on a variety of subjects dealing with antiques, plus, the first Antique Walk will host a scavenger hunt to familiarize participants with the wide range of antiques and gifts available on Antique Row. One person's name will be drawn from those who correctly completed the scavenger hunt, and that person will win a 1.75-carat emerald ring, enhanced with diamonds and set in a Victorian style rose gold mounting.

The lecture in March is "The Psychology of Restoring and Preserving Antiques," featuring Michael and Jessica Crenshaw of Aeon Lighting and Restoration from Little Rock. Lectures will be held at the Downtown Hotel beginning at 5:30, 6:30 and 7:30, including clues necessary to complete the scavenger hunt.

The drawing for the emerald ring will take place in the lobby of Antique Row's Downtown Hotel at 8:15 p.m.

Hot Springs has long been recognized as a City of the Arts, Tillman said. However, it is hoping to expand that designation to include antiques. The south end of the Downtown Historic District began to develop their art community in the early 1990's. The north end is now developing a reputation for antique shops of quality. The renovation of the 100 Block of Central Avenue, known as Antique Row, boasts five stores with a diversity of fine antiques ranging from European and American furniture to rare porcelains, sterling and jewelry. A sixth store is expected to open soon that will add to the existing 27 antique businesses in Hot Springs.

Developer Kenneth Wheatley says he hopes this concentration of antique shops will create a destination and a new reason for visiting Hot Springs Historic District. He believes that antique shops are a wonderful compliment to the vibrant art galleries. The 100 Block was selected for this project because of its inventory of historic properties, says Wheatley. The block consists of buildings constructed during the 1890s to 1905. All buildings have been renovated and during the renovation many were discovered to have wonderful hidden tin ceilings and architectural elements long covered up.

Tillman's Antiques, celebrating 25 years in the 100 block, has been joined by the new shops - Rampant Lion, Art-Tiques, Manor House Antiques and Joan Good Antiques of Royal Street, New Orleans. These dealers hope to attract others who will expand Antique Row further into the Historic District and create an area whose reputation for fine antiques will be unmatched in the Mid-South.

Antique Row, with over 15 shops, two restaurants and a hotel, also includes wonderful upscale boutiques featuring ladies clothing, decorative accessories, jewelry, linens, gourmet food, luxury bath items and a children's store. Restaurants include the Colonial Pancake and Waffle House celebrating its 45th year in the 100 Block, which has expanded its menu to include plate lunches, and Jernigan's Restaurant celebrating its 12th year on the 100 Block serving up traditional Southern fare.