Sarah & Matthew
Things To Do
Take a Hike
Hot Springs is located on the Appalachian Trail, and there are several hikes you can do right from town. Lover’s Leap Trail is the most popular nearby trail. The hike goes along the French Broad River and then turns up the mountain’s edge with switchbacks taking you to great views of the river and valley below. The hike then goes to the north slope of the mountain with lots of moss and tunnels of rhododendron. You may also want to consider the Pump Gap Trail, the Laurel River Trail, Betty Place….to name just a few. You can find area trail maps at our local outfitters store, Bluff Mountain Outfitters, OR the town’s Welcome Center, just across the street from the Post Office.
Experience and Outdoor Adventure
There is great whitewater rafting on the French Broad River that runs right through Hot Springs. Hot Springs Rafting Company is located in the center of Hot Springs and offers guided rafting trips along with self-guided tubing down a calmer section of the river, shuttles included. Horseback riding is a 20 minute trip outside of Hot Springs and affords an opportunity to visit a garnet mine and enjoy beautiful scenic mountain views in route. Navitat is a zip line course in the trees on 50 acres of wooded land about 40 minutes away. The nearest golf course is also about 40 minutes away and a beautiful course set in the mountains. *Hot Springs Rafting Company --www.hotspringsraftingco.com *French Broad Rafting Company (rafting and ziplines, 15 minutes from town) www.frenchbroadrafting.com *Sandy Bottom Trail Rides --www.sandybottomtrailrides.net *Navitat Zipline Canopy Tours --www.navitat.com *Reems Creek Golf Course - www.reemscreekgolf.com
Shopping
Artisun Gallery features the work of 50 area artists and craftspeople. You can also enjoy a latte or delicious local ice cream along wtih a selection of wines by the bottle or the glass. Bluff Mountain Outfitters is also located on the main street of downtown and has lots of wonderful things to look at, delicious snacks, and friendly staff.
Visit an Old Time Hardware Store
Keith Gentry is a 2nd generation Gentry in Gentry Hardware. He is a great guy and will take whatever time it takes to find you the right gadget. If you don’t need a gadget, he’s got lots of other stuff plus Moon Pies.
Pamper Yourself
The Hot Springs Resort and Spa has private hot tubs to soak in the hot mineral springs and massage therapists onsite.
Have a Picnic Lunch at Max Patch
This 5000 foot bald mountain with incredible long-range views is known throughout the region and is a great ½ day trip. There is a scenic 45 minute drive to the trailhead and some good hiking when you arrive as well. For those not into hiking long distance, this is a gentle walking path to the top of the bald which takes about 20-25 minutes.
Visit Trust and Luck
Highway 209 south out of Town is a Scenic Highway and heads to nearby Trust and Luck. There’s a General Store in Trust and a little chapel that is open to the public. Nearby Luck is an unincorporated spot on the map with a quaint old storefront reminiscent of the 1930’s. The scenic drive is about 30 minutes one way.
Visit Downtown Marshall
The county seat of Madison County is located about 20 minutes from Hot Springs and has a charming downtown with art galleries, several shops, and a delicious coffee shop called Zuma, Zuma Coffee (zumascoffee.com).
River Road
A drive down River Road, just across the river from town, is scenic and enjoyable. The road goes along the river and turns to gravel at the entrance to the National Forest. There is a picnic area about a mile up the gravel road called Murray Branch Recreation Area. The road continues to an intersection with Paint Creek on the border of NC/TN. The area offers great spots to enjoy the great outdoors, hike, bike, and splash in the creek.
Visit Asheville
The Biltmore Estate, vineyard and grounds are magnificent. If there is time during the event weekend and guests would like to venture to Asheville, the estate could be a great destination. www.biltmore.com The Grove Park Inn is another fun destination in Asheville. The historic hotel has main parlors, porches, shopping, and dining that are open to the public. www.groveparkinn.com Asheville downtown has a ton to offer with shopping, entertainment, and dining. Too many places to list. You just have to go there to find out.