Hot Springs, NC is the home of 600 or so permanent residents, breathtaking mountain scenery, hot mineral springs, multigenerational family shops, up and coming businesses, and a revolving cast of thousands of hikers, bikers, diners, and river enthusiasts that daily swarm this rugged, unique spot to partake of its natural beauty. This walking tour of Hot Springs, NC shows most of what we have to offer curious travelers.
Visit the Hot Springs Resort & Spa
As you drive into town on 25/70 from Asheville, we invite you to drive through the wrought iron fence to have a look at the Hot Springs Resort & Spa, where you can spend an hour soaking in therapeutic thermal baths. Call ahead to make an appointment.
A North Carolina Town on the Appalachian Trail
The spa waters are the second thing that distinguishes Hot Springs from other Western North Carolina mountain towns. The first thing is the Appalachian Trail. This roughly 2,200 mile hiking adventure connects Georgia to Maine, takes months to complete, and dissects the town. Yearly a critical mass of “thru-hikers” descends on the town. As such, a lot of the activity in Hot Springs caters to hikers, rafters, and other outdoor enthusiasts.
However, the oasis of coolness that is Hot Springs has so much more to offer, as we will show in this virtual walking tour of Hot Springs.
Parking
After visiting the Spa and driving across the railroad tracks, you can turn right on Andrews Ave. to find parking, either at the Town of Hot Springs Public Parking or along the street.
Red Bridge
From the public parking lot, if you turn to the left, you will eventually end up at the Red Bridge. This lovely spot overlooking Spring Creek was once a main thoroughfare connecting the residential and business sections of town. Now it serves as a walking path and a place to enjoy the sight of fishing enthusiasts trying their luck.
Big Pillow Brewing
Outdoor Arts Market
As you get ready to cross Bridge Street you may see to your right a collection of EZ Up tents shielding jewelers, woodworkers, farmers, and vendors of wondrous things from the hot summer sun. One of two semi-official, semi-permanent art markets found in this town, this art market springs up almost every weekend during the warm season in the vacant parking lot across from Town Hall.
Artisun Gallery
Continue across the street to Hot Springs’ signature coffee shop, Artisun Gallery and Cafe. Come in for your favorite espresso beverage or ice cream cone, and stay for the deliciously inventive locally sourced bakery items, the eclectic ambiance, and the dizzying array of artifacts, souvenirs, jewelry, and original art that cover every possible surface.
Iron Horse Station
To get back on track, you turn left and pass Artisun again, which offers you another chance to get one more caffeine hit before turning left to get to know the rest of our town. After ordering an Appalachian Fog IPA at the Pillow, a double scoop of Ultimate Chai Ice Cream at Artisun, and a Shrimp Po Boy and fried Mozzarella at the Iron Horse, you may require an extra shot of espresso to make it through the tour.
Mountain Home Properties and Hot Springs Public Library
Shortly after that, you will encounter the newest addition to the Hot Springs business community, Vinyl Pies Pizza. Enjoy one of their ‘Greatest Hits’ pizzas, such as Good Vibration, Buffalo Soldier, or Start Me Up, in 2 album sizes. The owners have stenciled their favorite music quotes on the walls and added a dazzling pizza oven, aptly labelled ‘She’s a Brick House’. This charmingly renovated space was once our local bank.
Vaste Riviere Provisions
Vaste Riviere Provisions is next. The V.R., as the locals call it, is a gourmet grocery and deli that also offers a great selection of wines and beers. The delicious, bold menu is made in-house, and the grocery offers imported goods and other upscale items. So if you are in need of Arroyabe wild caught anchovies from Spain, you have come to the right place. The V.R. deck also offers a great perch from which to sip a beer and view the town.
Bluff Mountain Outfitters
Gentry Hardware
Gentry Hardware is next, after crossing Spring Creek bridge. This hardware store was established in 1946 and is run by the same family today. Anybody who wishes to witness the kind of mom and pop shop ubiquitous in small towns in America 50 years ago or more will really enjoy this shop. As well, Gentry’s would be a good next stop if you managed to secure property after your recent visit to Mountain Home Properties and were casting about for renovating the deck or stocking the kitchen – a wide diversity of hardware, household goods, and construction supplies will sort you right out.
Hot Springs Welcome Center
Further along Bridge Street you will pass by the Alpine Court Motel, and then arrive at Tobacco Road Burley and Brew, your one-stop-shop for anything legal you might desire to smoke or drink. An epic collection of fancy wines, diverse beers, and cigars make this an excellent location from which to begin one’s road to a fun campfire evening on any random Hot Springs night. Tobacco Road is also a locals hangout. Stay for a fun glimpse of the daily lives of local residents.
Sara Jo’s Station, Smokey Mountain Diner, and Hillbilly Market
The hub of all this activity is Sara Jo’s. This gas station is also a community gathering point. Fuel for the body – in the form of delicious, locally sourced baked goods, snacks, adult beverages – as well as fuel for your car are available here. Another Little Free Library near the front door allows you to trade in the book you found at the Welcome Center’s Little Free Library for one you may enjoy better.
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Hot Springs Rafting Co.
Make your way back down 25/70, past the Lion’s Club, Hot Springs Medical Center, and an auto mechanic shop to get to the last two stops on our tour of Hot Springs, NC.
You should be on the left side of Bridge Street, facing town. Here you see the Hot Springs Rafting Co., your portal to adventures on the French Broad River. This is where you come to go on rafting and tubing adventures. You can also “get the T-shirt” to commemorate your adventure at the gift shop in the big white Victorian structure that houses the rafting company. Tours generally depart once an hour, weather and river conditions permitting. In the summer season, the lawn is a site for the other Hot Springs arts market.
Spring Creek Tavern
Article and Photos by Alicia Araya, August 2022