re: hot springs, ark. : off the beaten path

Organized crime museum
Duck boat tour
The racing season is over, but I think they have slots at Oaklawn if you're into that

They're trying to cultivate an arts scene along the lines of Asheville. There are a few galleries and such downtown, but they have a long long way to go.

The town has seen better days, It used to be a real winter resort for high rollers. It's far from that now, but you can find enough to keep yourself occupied for a day or two.