re: Hot Springs Village

It's a gated community, known locally as "The Village". I've been there many times but it has always been for speaking engagements, campaign events, etc. Lots of retired people from the North and elsewhere live there so there's mostly older folks type stuff to do. If you are in to quilting and ballroom dancing it might just be the spot. Personally I don't golf but I understand they have some good courses to play on. There's a little recreational stuff to do with the lakes and whatnot. Basically you either have to own property or purchase a license for entry--maybe with family living there you'll be able to get a pass. There isn't anything really wrong with the place and it is very safe but there's just not much to do unless you just want to chill out around senior citizens and there's nothing wrong with that either.

As far as really being able to see and do things you would be best served going to Hot Springs which is a few miles away and it is one of my favorite places in the State. You can also access Lake Ouachita from HSV at least on the lake's North side.

Edit: Not implying HSV is on Lake Ouachita but it's not far away.