Guest Author - Phyllis Doyle Burns
Sometimes Mother Nature does an exceptional job of creating a place where beauty, healing, rejuvenation, and tranquility all blend together to provide an exquisite paradise. The town of Hot Springs, North Carolina is just such a place. Hot Springs is a world famous vacation spot for the legendary healing energies of the natural hot mineral waters.
Thirty miles north of Asheville, the quaint little town is situated right on the Appalachian Trail where the French Broad River runs through a valley that is surrounded by the Smoky Mountains, Blue Ridge Mountains and the Pisgah National Forest. It was discovered that prior to European contact, the Cherokee tribe of the area knew about the hot springs and the beneficial waters that have a temperature of over 100 degrees. By 1778 the hot springs was known to Europeans and people began visiting the area to take in the luxury of the hot mineral waters and their healing properties.
In 1788, two-hundred acres of this paradisaical land was deeded. A tavern built that year became a place for travelers and cattle drivers to stop and rest. There are local legends that the tavern was infamous for robberies, and even where murders took place -- but, no need to worry about that now, for that was long, long ago. The tavern eventually became a hotel that was much needed and quite popular with the visitors to the area.
In 1828, the area became more accessible when a major road, the Buncombe Turnpike, was constructed through what is now the town of Hot Springs. The Turnpike ran from Asheville to Warm Springs and then into Tennessee. Originally the little town was called Warm Springs. However, when hotter waters were found in other springs, the town name was changed to Hot Springs.
When railroad service reached the little town, the area grew into a world famous resort. Other hotels and eventually mountain cabin rentals were built and the town prospered.
Planning a vacation in Hot Springs can be done year round. There is hiking, mountain biking, swimming, fishing, skiing and other winter sports -- not to mention luxurious soaking in the hot springs -- and many accommodations available. This can be a romantic vacation for a couple or a fun-filled vacation for family. With the town sitting right on the Appalachian Trail, this is a great opportunity to explore the beauty of the trail and why it is so popular with hikers. The beauty and tranquility of Hot Springs will leave you with wonderful memories and a place to visit again and again.
Call your travel agent or go online to Hot Springs, North Carolina for accommodations and further details.
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