From Capitol City to Spa City: Effects of Clinton Library Far-reaching

Former president Bill Clinton`s documents are on the move to their new home, at the Clinto Library. Once that library opens, it`s effects could reach farther than just the Capitol City. The Convention and Visitor`s Bureau at Clinton`s boyhood home of Hot Springs is planning several displays, revamping brochures and even issuing a new Clinton Baseball card to get ready for the library`s opening. So once visitors leave the library, they`ll head to the Spa City for more. Cashing in on the Clinton craze should be easy for one Hot Springs restaurant. McClard`s Barbecue is one of Clinton`s favorites. "There`s a lot of places to eat in Hot Springs. There`s a a lot of places to eat in Central Arkansas, but there`s a lot of people that seek us out, because of our reputation," says Scott McClard. McClard says the summer business is already booming, and they`re not expecting any slow down during the fall. "I`m very sure we`re going to see a large influx in tourists, people that are going to come, like him or not," he said. The Convention and Visitor`s Bureau says it`s hoping that spirit will make it`s way to the rest of the city. "See the Clinton sites here, this is where he grew up this is where he laid his foundation basically," said Steve Arrison, executive director of the CVB. He says tourists can pay visits to the home where Clinton grew up or the high school he attended as a teenager. "There`s only 43 presidents in the United States and 43 hometowns of presidents, so I think it`s real important," he said. And vendors are hoping once tourists arrive, they`ll find more than just Clinton`s hometown in Hot Springs -- keeping the spa city on during the off-season. "We think it`s a great day trip from Hot Springs, where people stay here, go out spend a couple of hours, see the library, come back and stay here," he said. The Convention and Visitor`s Bureau says they`re also planning a celebration at the Old Statehouse Convention Center the weekend of the library opening to honor Clinton.