Tucked in a valley along the French Broad River and Spring Creek, a small community known as Hot Springs exists. The town, about 45 mins from Asheville, borders the Pisgah National Forest and Blue Ridge Mtns, and has the Appalachian Trail running directly through it.

It's most well known for its natual mineral hot springs. The Cherokee were the first to find and utilize the 100 plus degree water for natural healing properties and other healing ceremonies. 

Of course, as with most of Western NC, the Cherokee were forced out in the late 1700's in favor of tourism and trade. Thus, the tourism boom of the hot springs began.

In the early 1830s, James Patton bought the springs. Building hotels, marketing the healing properties of the springs for the wealthy that lived in smog infested citiies, and the railroad brought tourism ..and money.. to the area. 

Of course, with any tourism industry of the time; fires, the war, and stock market crashes caused the area's stability to rise and fall.

Today, there sits Hot Springs Resort and Spa. Feed by the natural water of the Hot Springs, mineral baths can be booked for your own enjoyment. 

Now, I had heard of the town, but I have never experienced the Hot Springs myself (or visited the town). When one of my friends called me a couple weeks ago, asking of my interest level in this specific activity, I jumped on it. We knew we had an afternoon free at our annual conference and both of us have had various life events that have caused stress, trauma, and a need for quiet. 

To be honest, this was the perfect adventure as I was already becoming overwhelmed at the conference as I process a personal event that occurred last week. So it was the perfect time to hope into a car and head up the mountain, despite getting car sick (and be sure to plan for traffic on the way back too).

So how does the resort create mineral baths using the hot springs waters?

Basically, water is pumped into a jacuzzi, you get to enjoy for whatever time you book, and then afterwards, water is pumped out, the tubs are cleaned, and then refilled for the next guests.

These tubs are in private outdoor enclosures and staff are available to help ensure privacy. It's very quiet, tranquil, and most are along the creek that help feed the hot springs into this site. 

Minerals that are naturally included in the water may be magenesium, agnesium, calcium, silica, potassium, lithium, and iron. Most likely, many of us lack these type of minerals today and they most certainly did during the tourism boom too. 

These minerals help prevent inflammation, high cortisol, high blood pressure, alleviate skin conditions, promote better sleep, and alleviate anxiety. It's no wonder that those who first used them felt much relief!

Our group of booked a spa with jets for one hour, for about $20 each. Not bad for an hour of relaxing! Of course, those that choose to stay onsite receive mineral baths with their lodging. We were in the Arden area for a conference and had an afternoon free. It was well worth the drive! 

A few notes:

• Bring water, especially if visiting on a warmer day. The heat of the hot springs (much like massage) can be between 100 & 104 degrees farenheit. That means that your body is going to be processing all the minerals, releasing sweat & electrolytes, you can become dehyrated (or feel the affects the day after). Personally, I became very fatigued that night and did wake up with a headache because I didnt drink enough water.
• Fans are provided. Turn it on. It's such a relief!
• 2 hour sessions are available, but be sure to take active cooling breaks after about 20 minutes. 
• Know your body and medical conditions. Hot Springs aren't recommended for pregnancy and be sure to check with your doctor regarding diabetes, blood pressure issues, etc as soaking in hot water may have negative effects on you. 

The area was hit by Helene and is still rebuilding, so some lodging is just being restored (along with road access and bridges). We did not go into town, but were told it's a cute quaint area to visit. 

If you are ever in the Asheville area, want a "spa" afternoon but don't wanna pay those pesky prices at popular spas, head over to Hot Springs for some r&r. Changing rooms, bathrooms are available, but right now no public showers. Don't forget your towels too!

Want to visit?

Be sure to reserve your tub in advance because the Hot Springs Resort & Spa does sell out! 

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