Heartland Classics 2023 Hot Springs Classic
April 21 and 22, 2023
with a pre-event on April 20th
It’s the SPRING opener for boating season in the Heartland.
Lake Hamilton will be surrounded by SPRING green in the hills, bright azaleas blooming on the shoreline and warm sunshine on blue water for cruising on Lake Hamilton.
Here’s the plan …
April 20th (Thursday) (optional day of cruising)
Pre-event cruise on Lake Ouachita.
Cruise will start at 10:00 am at the Mountain Harbor Marina.
Ramp located at the marina and covered slips.
Lunch at Shangri La (Thompkins Bend).
Early arrivals dinner on the 19th at Mt Harbor Restaurant, 6:30 PM. Wed. evening
April 21st (Friday)
Lunch at Fisherman’s Wharf at 12:00 noon, 5101 Central Ave. Dutch treat.
Captain’s meeting at 1:30 PM on the docks at Fisherman’s Wharf then depart for afternoon cruise on Lake Hamilton returning to Fisherman’s Wharf by 4:30 PM
(If you need a ride on one of the boats see John Davenport at the Captain’s meeting)
Dinner at Blitzed Pig (Pizza) at 6:30 PM. 4330 Central Avenue
April 22nd (Saturday)
Hamburger Lunch (Included in event fee) and social at Clay and Patty Thompson’s on Lake Hamilton beginning at 11:30 AM. Their address is: 715 NorthShore, Hot Springs, AR
For those needing a boat ride to Clay and Patty’s meet on the docks of Bubba Brews at 11:00 AM.
Bubba Brews is located at 1252 Airport Road.
Saturday afternoon optional Lake Hamilton cruise ending at Bubba Brews at 3:00 PM for early Happy Hour
OR continue the social at Clay and Patty’s then meet with the crew at Bubba Brews.
Dinner at The Porterhouse at 7:00 PM, 707 Central (Included in event fee) Cash bar.
Public parking 2 1/2 blocks north on Exchange St.
The Event Registration Fee is $25 per person with an additional $65 per person for the Saturday evening meal at Little Rock’s famous The Porterhouse.
Click a button below to print and mail a paper registration OR to register online with a credit card.
Suggested Accommodations
The Hamilton (formerly The Country Inn Lake Resort)
1332 Airport Road, Hot Springs, AR (501 767 3535)
Launch boats at nearby Hill Wheatley Park public ramp.
Covered slips available on first come first serve basis. Limited trailer parking.
DoubleTree Hotel
4813 Central Ave., Hot Springs, AR (501 525 1391)
Onsite ramp and uncovered slips available for a per visit fee
Best Court 638 Ouachita, Hot Springs, AR (855 516 1090)
Off lake lodging in a restored 1940’s era motor court near downtown Hot Springs. Onsite restaurant with an excellent breakfast.
Mountain Harbor (Lake Ouachita Pre-Event)
994 Mt Harbor Road, Mt Ida, AR (800 832 2276)
(26 mile drive from The Hamilton)
Ask for room and slip package ($128.23 / night)
Mention Heartland Classics
THANKS to the committee for planning the event and their generosity in hosting members and classic boats for this early spring kick-off to the 2023 Boating Season!
John Davenport at the helm of the event.
* Here are links to past Hot Springs Classic events.
The Annual Spring Opener at Lake Hamilton, AR
The Hot Springs Classic is held in April each year to welcome boaters to the boating season. Event dates are determined by the calendar of the Easter holiday and when the Arkansas Derby Day is held.
In the past, this spring opener has included boating on Lake Ouachita, Lake Hamilton and a pre-event in Little Rock, AR.
Arkansas offers even more for travelers when attending this event such as; Garvan Gardens, Bathhouse Row, Hot Springs Mountain, museums, historic gangster hangouts, and more.