Guidebook for Hot Springs
Food Scene
Fresh, local, southern comfort to specialized organic. Check their events schedule as they often have live music and even an Open Mic during the week. Try to get a table by the fireplace. This is one of the better dining establishments for the area.
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Iron Horse Station
24 Andrews Ave SFresh, local, southern comfort to specialized organic. Check their events schedule as they often have live music and even an Open Mic during the week. Try to get a table by the fireplace. This is one of the better dining establishments for the area.
This is a sweet spot for something a little more leisurely and romantic with excellent local and mostly organic food. This historic property sits a little bit up the road from the hustle and bustle of town. You can also join them for the breakfast for $15. Call in advance to make a reservation. Try to get a seat by the fireplace in the window. Menu is seasonal.
Celebrating something special? Call ahead to enquire about the availability of the Chef’s Table, a 5-course meal with the option to add wine pairings. Plan on a 2 hour meal, and one that you won’t soon forget! If you have special dietary requests, they will typically work around it.
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Mountain Magnolia Inn
204 Lawson StThis is a sweet spot for something a little more leisurely and romantic with excellent local and mostly organic food. This historic property sits a little bit up the road from the hustle and bustle of town. You can also join them for the breakfast for $15. Call in advance to make a reservation. Try to get a seat by the fireplace in the window. Menu is seasonal.
Celebrating something special? Call ahead to enquire about the availability of the Chef’s Table, a 5-course meal with the option to add wine pairings. Plan on a 2 hour meal, and one that you won’t soon forget! If you have special dietary requests, they will typically work around it.
Smokey Mountain diner opens at 6am and goes through to the evening. Whether it be the breakfast skillet, the biscuits and gravy or beyond, this is basic southern comfort food. If the special happens to be cinnamon buns, don’t resist! For lunch or dinner, they offer typical diner-fare but with a southern twist, fried okra, collard greens and the like. If you are vegetarian or a ferocious carnivore, there are options for you both. I love to get a little hike in at the Appalachian Trail first thing in the morning to really work up my appetite, and then slip into the diner for breakfast or brunch. Be careful not to slip into a food coma! Parking is tight, so I suggest the 5-10 min walk.
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Smoky Mountain Diner
70 Lance AveSmokey Mountain diner opens at 6am and goes through to the evening. Whether it be the breakfast skillet, the biscuits and gravy or beyond, this is basic southern comfort food. If the special happens to be cinnamon buns, don’t resist! For lunch or dinner, they offer typical diner-fare but with a southern twist, fried okra, collard greens and the like. If you are vegetarian or a ferocious carnivore, there are options for you both. I love to get a little hike in at the Appalachian Trail first thing in the morning to really work up my appetite, and then slip into the diner for breakfast or brunch. Be careful not to slip into a food coma! Parking is tight, so I suggest the 5-10 min walk.
Basic bar fare with 50 bottled brews and 12 on tap with American menu for lunch or dinner, including wood-fired pizzas. Walk there and back and you can burn off all the carbs from the pizza! Live music on some weekends, but not as much as you will find at the Iron Horse. I prefer to sit out on the deck overlooking Spring Creek (they do have heaters outside for the cool mountain nights). Note: Food can be touch and go, so go for the views and the alcohol.
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Spring Creek Tavern
145 Bridge StBasic bar fare with 50 bottled brews and 12 on tap with American menu for lunch or dinner, including wood-fired pizzas. Walk there and back and you can burn off all the carbs from the pizza! Live music on some weekends, but not as much as you will find at the Iron Horse. I prefer to sit out on the deck overlooking Spring Creek (they do have heaters outside for the cool mountain nights). Note: Food can be touch and go, so go for the views and the alcohol.
Best place for wine, juices/smoothies and has good coffee and ice cream. It could easily be a go to for breakfast fare. All of that, and, it is a gallery that displays some great photography, metalwork, stonework, lotions, oils, candles, etc. It is great if you are looking for a gift to bring back home or just to grab a little afternoon delight.
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Artisun Gallery and Cafe
16 Andrews Ave SBest place for wine, juices/smoothies and has good coffee and ice cream. It could easily be a go to for breakfast fare. All of that, and, it is a gallery that displays some great photography, metalwork, stonework, lotions, oils, candles, etc. It is great if you are looking for a gift to bring back home or just to grab a little afternoon delight.
Organic coffee shop that talks there brew seriously and great place to buy a walking stick, or pick up poison ivy balm. Located just outside of Hot Springs a few miles, this does require you to get in your car, but is a great way to explore some of the local crafts women. Check out their freezer for the infamous “The Hop” ice cream from Asheville, or in the summer, go for a Snowball in 35 different flavors! Typically opens at 7am. If you don’t find a parking space up front, cross over the bridge and park across the river. Also, this connects onto the Big Laurel River Trail, a 3.5 mile (7 mile round trip), old railroad grade trail that follows the Big Laurel River all the way down to the
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Laurel River Store
Organic coffee shop that talks there brew seriously and great place to buy a walking stick, or pick up poison ivy balm. Located just outside of Hot Springs a few miles, this does require you to get in your car, but is a great way to explore some of the local crafts women. Check out their freezer for the infamous “The Hop” ice cream from Asheville, or in the summer, go for a Snowball in 35 different flavors! Typically opens at 7am. If you don’t find a parking space up front, cross over the bridge and park across the river. Also, this connects onto the Big Laurel River Trail, a 3.5 mile (7 mile round trip), old railroad grade trail that follows the Big Laurel River all the way down to the
Essentials
Forgot some toiletries when you packed or want to pick up some ketchup or a birthday card? Dollar General is your go to for groceries/supplies unless you can make it to Hot Springs Homegrown & Handmade Market, on the lawn beside the Post Office ( 81 Bridge St), April – October, Saturdays
hotspringsmarket.wordpress.com
Fresh local food and artisan crafts only accessible on Saturdays, a must drop by if you are in town. A great place to pick up local produce, locally roasted organic coffee, fresh baked treats and locally made gifts.
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Dollar General
50 Lance AveForgot some toiletries when you packed or want to pick up some ketchup or a birthday card? Dollar General is your go to for groceries/supplies unless you can make it to Hot Springs Homegrown & Handmade Market, on the lawn beside the Post Office ( 81 Bridge St), April – October, Saturdays
hotspringsmarket.wordpress.com
Fresh local food and artisan crafts only accessible on Saturdays, a must drop by if you are in town. A great place to pick up local produce, locally roasted organic coffee, fresh baked treats and locally made gifts.
Entertainment & Activities
Heated deep within the earth, the crystal clear waters are world famous for their mineral content and legendary healing powers. Natural mineral waters are piped into modern outdoor hot tubs and are drained and sanitized after each use. You and/or your group will have privacy in your own hot tub with views of Spring Creek or the French Broad. I believe the last reservations is taken at 11:45pm, but make a reservation, these tubs book up quickly.
Enjoy a relaxing soak in the natural hot mineral spring, get a massage, or meander about the resort to learn more about it’s fascinating and troubled history. If your feet are tuckered out after a big hike, get the “Treat Your Feet” service.
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Hot Springs Resort And Spa
315 Bridge StHeated deep within the earth, the crystal clear waters are world famous for their mineral content and legendary healing powers. Natural mineral waters are piped into modern outdoor hot tubs and are drained and sanitized after each use. You and/or your group will have privacy in your own hot tub with views of Spring Creek or the French Broad. I believe the last reservations is taken at 11:45pm, but make a reservation, these tubs book up quickly.
Enjoy a relaxing soak in the natural hot mineral spring, get a massage, or meander about the resort to learn more about it’s fascinating and troubled history. If your feet are tuckered out after a big hike, get the “Treat Your Feet” service.
Advance reservations required to guarantee space
Think of a ski slope, but in the summer and on a bike. This gravity-specific bike park features over 1000 vertical feet of elevation with 15 downhill and flow trails. This is for an advanced or intermediate mountain biker. If you are an adrenaline junkie, this is quite the rush. Wear long pants and long sleeve shirts. You can rent bikes and safety gear from here and even request a guide which if you or members of your group have not been down hilling before, I would suggest!
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Bailey Mountain Bike Park
1370 Bone Camp RdAdvance reservations required to guarantee space
Think of a ski slope, but in the summer and on a bike. This gravity-specific bike park features over 1000 vertical feet of elevation with 15 downhill and flow trails. This is for an advanced or intermediate mountain biker. If you are an adrenaline junkie, this is quite the rush. Wear long pants and long sleeve shirts. You can rent bikes and safety gear from here and even request a guide which if you or members of your group have not been down hilling before, I would suggest!
Fun yaks, tubing or rafting, guided or unguided, gentle floats or white water adventures, this is a great customize your own adventure outpost. Whether half day or fully day rafting, self-guided funyak (inflatable kayak also called duckies) or pretend you are Huck Finn and float on down the river in a tube. Make sure to reserve in advance as tubes and rafting trips go fast. River tube rentals are ~$20 per day from 9am – 430pm.
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Hot Springs Rafting Co.
81 Bridge StFun yaks, tubing or rafting, guided or unguided, gentle floats or white water adventures, this is a great customize your own adventure outpost. Whether half day or fully day rafting, self-guided funyak (inflatable kayak also called duckies) or pretend you are Huck Finn and float on down the river in a tube. Make sure to reserve in advance as tubes and rafting trips go fast. River tube rentals are ~$20 per day from 9am – 430pm.
A great family guide with sprinkled in history of the French Broad River and a little rapid action (Class II and III – which really means, a good mild float with a few rapids to create a fun adventure, but nothing that will make your hair stand on end). Choose a half day or a full day with lunch. They also take photos you can purchase at the end of your adventure.
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NOC French Broad Outpost
9825 US-25A great family guide with sprinkled in history of the French Broad River and a little rapid action (Class II and III – which really means, a good mild float with a few rapids to create a fun adventure, but nothing that will make your hair stand on end). Choose a half day or a full day with lunch. They also take photos you can purchase at the end of your adventure.
Float, tube, rent an inflatable kayak (or duckie as they call it) or venture a little farther away for a zip lining adventure. Mix and match to customize your own adventure.
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Aventuras em French Broad
12 Good Adventures LnFloat, tube, rent an inflatable kayak (or duckie as they call it) or venture a little farther away for a zip lining adventure. Mix and match to customize your own adventure.
Combine a fishing and bear or turkey hunting trip with local guides. They also serve real pit-smoked BBQ. As one reviewer said, “Great food and guns who could ask for more.”
For more information on fishing in Madison county visit: https://advguides.com/madison-county-fishing-guide
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High Ridge Adventures Outfitting & BBQ
4223 US-25Combine a fishing and bear or turkey hunting trip with local guides. They also serve real pit-smoked BBQ. As one reviewer said, “Great food and guns who could ask for more.”
For more information on fishing in Madison county visit: https://advguides.com/madison-county-fishing-guide
Enjoy riding horses through scenic mountain meadows and forests on this secluded ranch. They offer guided rides ranging from 1-4 hour rides to an all-day adventure, leaving daily from their stables between 10am and 3pm. Open year round, all abilities welcome.
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Sandy Bottom Trail Rides
1459 Caney Fork RdEnjoy riding horses through scenic mountain meadows and forests on this secluded ranch. They offer guided rides ranging from 1-4 hour rides to an all-day adventure, leaving daily from their stables between 10am and 3pm. Open year round, all abilities welcome.
Ride to mountain high vistas to see deep valley views and smoky mountain ridge tops on this Historical 550 acre property. The terrain is dramatic and rugged. Special pricing for 5 people or more.
Make sure to visit their bison farm if you go here! Only open in the summer.
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Smoky Mountain Trail Rides
1959 Walnut Creek RdRide to mountain high vistas to see deep valley views and smoky mountain ridge tops on this Historical 550 acre property. The terrain is dramatic and rugged. Special pricing for 5 people or more.
Make sure to visit their bison farm if you go here! Only open in the summer.
Open year round
They call it “golf with a shotgun” and it is the newest and fastest growing shotgun sport in America. A fifth generation family business, the Fowlers provide this 11 course sporting clay course in the midst of their beautiful land. Each course station provides a different type of bird flight to keep things interesting and your skills sharp and you’ll get a little hiking in too. Any shotgun up to a 12 gauge is permitted and any level experience. If you don’t have a shotgun, or left yours at home, shotguns can be rented at the farm for about $15 per person. Relieve a little stress and try something that may be new to you or other members of your party!
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Fowler Farms Sporting Clays & Game Preserve
490 Fowler Farm RdOpen year round
They call it “golf with a shotgun” and it is the newest and fastest growing shotgun sport in America. A fifth generation family business, the Fowlers provide this 11 course sporting clay course in the midst of their beautiful land. Each course station provides a different type of bird flight to keep things interesting and your skills sharp and you’ll get a little hiking in too. Any shotgun up to a 12 gauge is permitted and any level experience. If you don’t have a shotgun, or left yours at home, shotguns can be rented at the farm for about $15 per person. Relieve a little stress and try something that may be new to you or other members of your party!
Parks & Nature
My favorite hike thus far in the Hot Springs area is Max Patch, with a summit of 4,616 feet above sea level. It is a mountain bald, meaning no trees grow on top, so you get incredible 360 degree views of the Blue Ridge of both Tennessee and North Carolina. I think it takes much longer to get to than anticipated given the winding gravel roads, but the views are incredible. I suggest going at sunrise or sunset to take in the magnificence of nature and bring a picnic and blanket to fully enjoy the experience. This can be a very special and romantic place, or just an incredible view.
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Max Patch Loop Trailhead
My favorite hike thus far in the Hot Springs area is Max Patch, with a summit of 4,616 feet above sea level. It is a mountain bald, meaning no trees grow on top, so you get incredible 360 degree views of the Blue Ridge of both Tennessee and North Carolina. I think it takes much longer to get to than anticipated given the winding gravel roads, but the views are incredible. I suggest going at sunrise or sunset to take in the magnificence of nature and bring a picnic and blanket to fully enjoy the experience. This can be a very special and romantic place, or just an incredible view.
A lot of confusion and work for what feels like little reward. I know people talk about this one a lot, but it was not my favorite. It was confusing on how to get to, does not have signage, and the way I went in was very steep, and the views, though offering an overview of the quaint town of Hot Springs, just paled in comparison to other vistas like Max Patch that I had seen. I also kept trying to reach the summit, but was never found, so we turned around and headed back down once we had more than depleted our water reserves.
Lover’s leap Loop is a 1.8 mile dog-friendly trail and is recommended for very experienced adventurers. Great birding from March to November.
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Lover's Leap Hiking Trail
138 Silvermine RdA lot of confusion and work for what feels like little reward. I know people talk about this one a lot, but it was not my favorite. It was confusing on how to get to, does not have signage, and the way I went in was very steep, and the views, though offering an overview of the quaint town of Hot Springs, just paled in comparison to other vistas like Max Patch that I had seen. I also kept trying to reach the summit, but was never found, so we turned around and headed back down once we had more than depleted our water reserves.
Lover’s leap Loop is a 1.8 mile dog-friendly trail and is recommended for very experienced adventurers. Great birding from March to November.