Journey of Joy - Finding warmth in Hot Springs NC

On the way back from Knoxville, I stopped at Hot Springs, NC on a chilly, sunny day for a soak in the natural mineral water and massage. I see why the AT (Appalachian Trail) thru-hikers love stumbling upon this little town. Enough creature comforts, but not a shock to the system for hikers who haven't bathed in  75 or so miles on the trail. The Hot Springs Resort and Spa wasn't as luxurious as you might expect from their website. Tub water was in the low 100's, towels were tiny and scratchy, and the campfire outside the soaking area was a smoky surprise. But the river view from the private tub was meditative, and my massage was first rate. I stopped at the Laughing Heart Lodge & Hostel, about a mile from the Hot Springs Resort. Located on a hill adjacent to an AT trailhead, the hostel is only for thru-hikers March-October. The lodge/B&B is a beautifully renovated Jesuit retreat center. I met the on-site staff woman, who recently moved to Hot Springs from the Keene, NH area. She was cheered to see my VT license place, and gave me a full tour.

Private riverside soaking cabanas

Backside of Hot Springs Resort from hot tub area

As they say in Costa Rica, "Pura vida!"*

Picnic area and campfire -- bring your s'mores!

Stay here if you visit Hot Springs NC!

Laughing heart beside the chapel - now a yoga studio

Trailhead leads right to the Hostel

*Pura vida! Means that no matter what your current situation is, life for someone else can always be less fortunate than your own. So you need to consider that maybe...just maybe, your situation isn't all that bad and that no matter how little or how much you have in life, we are all here together and life is short...so start living it "pura vida style".