Hot Springs Resort and Spa
has been a special place to me since I moved to Asheville. Only about 40 minutes away from town, I’ve made the trip there quite a few times. A couple visits for my birthday, a few for a romantic get away, and some random times for a soak.
This time I’m here with my sister, Kelley as a sister day. We arrived at the resort and as we walk towards the entrance I stare at the sign for the spa treatments in awe, and think “definitely next time” as I begin dreaming of a massage with a mineral bath soak after. Though I’m excited, none-the-less for a nice hour long soak in their beautiful mineral water Jacuzzi style hot tubs. We get all in order, bathing suit ready and head down towards the river. We turn the corner and enter our lodge with the mineral tub front and center with a view of the French Broad River.
Though they have quite a few tubs I’m brought back to the last time I had this exact one. I was there with Luciano, my sweetheart, about two years ago in July. A great memory of an evening that was important in our relationship. That night when we got out of the hot tub we started walking under the stars. We’ve been “friends” since we met when I first moved to Asheville. Of course there was a love interest but we kept it pretty casual under my terms really. Moving to Asheville I had one goal in mind, I wanted to focus on myself without all the focus put on caring for a relationship. Though at this 
point our friendship has lasted a good bit and the feelings we had for each other were obvious. I could see a light from the campfire up the hill and smell the familiar scent of campfire smoke. Enjoying the beautiful night as the crickets chirp we walk towards the fire on the hill when he stopped to look at me and ask me to be his girlfriend. A short story in a longer love story but I’ll leave it there with this thought I’ve come to realize from this day at Hot Springs forward, you can still grow yourself while being with someone else.
As noon time hits and the sun is out and hot, Kelley breaks out some crystals to have around our hot tub bringing positive energy and I break out my bagel and cream cheese to bring positivity to my growling stomach. Getting into the tub I am reminded suddenly how I feel about soaking in a hot tub in the midst’s of summer.. and that is HOT. We crank up the misting fan and are finally able to sit comfortably catching up and enjoying our time together. Laughing about previous times spent here, highlighting my first time she brought me here in particular. It was for my birthday in January the first year I moved here. We are having a marvelous time in the winter chill as we sit comfortably in our hot mineral tub without a care in the world. Well until the tub starts draining and all my hot water is being taken away as I try to stay under the dwindling water for as long as I can. My sister, cold, but laughing at me as she dries off outside, listening to my screams to throw my towel and clothes so I can change the split second the water is gone. She didn’t though, leaving me there in my bathing suit in freezing temperatures. I don’t think she’s laughed any harder; sisters are just really sweet people. Ah yes hot springs you are near and dear to my heart and there’s no wonder why.
After the hot springs we go on a hike to enjoy the rest of our beautiful day, oh wait did I say hike? I should say walk, hiking was the original plan until after the soak. After being in the tub for an hour there is a relaxed feeling you just can’t shake to have the thought “yes let’s hike up the mountain”! Now before going to the springs is the time to adventure! I bet hiking in the morning and then going for a mineral soak after would be the perfect scenario. Our walk was still gorgeous though following the creek in the woods, a local spot the waitress at the Iron Horse Station told us about as one of her favorite places to be. Hot 
springs is a gorgeous town surrounded by mountains with rivers running through so no wonder there is gorgeous hiking. One famous hiking spot is even a part of the Appalachian trail. There are also a couple of cool spots right next to the resort, one of which is a bar (to add to the relaxation) with a patio that overlooks the creek. Luciano and I have enjoyed spending time there before. On the way back to Asheville I took one nap, and then came home to take another. I know this day may make me sound like a lazy piece of shit but when someone suggest a spa day I don’t just half ass things. Now as a sit here in my comfy bed nibbling on a bit of ice cream and brownie, I say Goodnight!