Anthony Valinoti

Southwest
Occupation: Owner/operator of DeLuca's Pizzeria
Originally from: Brooklyn, New York
New home: Hot Springs

Anthony Valinoti was used to city life. As a former resident of Brooklyn, Manhattan, Las Vegas, Santa Monica and Miami Beach, he had moved to more than one big city for a job. He came to Hot Springs for himself. “In a simple twist of fate, an old friend pointed me in this direction,” he said. “I was looking to open up a pizza shop in California and that didn’t work out. I flew to Vegas and ran into him.” After his friend recommended Hot Springs, Anthony went to Arkansas immediately. “I got on a plane the next day and fell in love with [this] wonderful city,” he said. Fortunately, once he was here, Hot Springs also provided a job opportunity: Anthony opened up DeLuca’s Pizzeria downtown. Anthony enjoys living in this smaller city. “The ease and pace of the city, having lived in so many concrete jungles, this is truly a breath of fresh air,” he said.

Insider Knowledge

Your town in three words: Beautiful, serene, magical

Best places to eat: DeLuca's Pizzeria, I hear they make some of the best pizza in this country.

Best local event: World's Shortest St. Patrick's Day Parade, Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival, and Valley of the Vapors Independent Music Festival

Must-do activity: Hike up West Mountain and see the springs from the wonderful panoramic view.

Favorite day trip: Float the Caddo River

Advice for folks planning to move to your town: Be prepared to stay; once you're here, you're never going to want to leave.