I was always fascinated by the phrase "taking the waters," which appeared in Jane Austen's novels and referred to the custom of visiting Bath (in England) and bathing in and drinking the steaming mineral waters found there. I finally got my chance, but the waters in question were just a bit over an hour away from home, at Riverbend Hot Springs, a mineral springs resort and spa on the Rio Grande in the picturesquely-named Truth or Consequences, New Mexico.
 |
| One of the soaking pools with a nearby dry and shaded spot for your dog |
To tell the truth, much of T or C is not particularly picturesque, although there is a section of funky second hand stores that I'd like to explore on the next trip. However, the Riverbend resort was just the sort of place I like; not too formal, just a nice comfortable, friendly, and very
reasonably-priced place. And we found three great restaurants in town that added to our enjoyment: The Arizona Cafe for lunch,
Cafe BellaLuca for supper (best rigatoni Bolognese I've ever tasted, and some very yummy bourbon-pecan gelato), and the
Happy Belly Deli for breakfast.
 |
| The dining patio, where you can grill and eat your own food if you wish |
Taking a room for the night gives you access to patios, decks, five public soaking pools (there are private pools available by the hour), and even the use of the big gas grill. There is a free coffee and tea bar, with service out to pools in the early morning hours. Imagine watching the sun coming up over the nearby hills and soaking in the a steaming mineral bath in the cool morning air while watching for deer, raccoons, and coyotes; then having a nice young man deliver a cup of hot coffee or chocolate right to your pool! It was pretty nice...
 |
Two stone-lined pools, taken from the river observation deck; these photos
look a little dark because the sun wasn't quite up yet |
 |
| The owners are installing this sauna, a nice addition |
 |
| We love our aliens and chile here in New Mexico |
 |
On the left, you can see one of the waterfalls flowing out from the soaking pools;
in the center are stairs leading down to the river for those who want a cool dip
|
 |
| Dawn arrives over the Rio Grande; we were ready for a hot dip in the cold morning air |
 |
Overflow water from the hot springs flows down into the river. The resulting warm water
attracts fish and the birds that prey on them |
13 comments:
Looks like a terrific place!! I'd love to go there -- you know, take a break for packing and moving!! But then I guess any place would look great to me right now!! Hope you have a wonderful week!
It does sound like a wonderful place. I could stand to soak my bones in some wonderful warm springs ;-)
I've had this place on my wish list for years. I've been to T or C before, but alas, have not had the opportunity to 'take the waters' ;)
I'm glad you enjoyed yourself,
~Lisa
It was heavenly!
2 Times I Have enjoyed Your Hospitality Looking Forward to my 3rd **********************:)
Namaste *********************:)
This sounds absolutely wonderful!!!!
I've been to T or C, but stayed a different place for the hot springs. I have yet to go to Ojo... though it's on my list. Just a bit over an hour drive from here.
Happy Spring, Clair!
Thanks for the pictures. Looks wonderful.
Have you been to Ojo Caliente...haven't been there in years but would like to go since it's been remodeled. Ten Thousand Waves in Santa Fe is a bit more plush but heavenly also. Decided that despite our lovely two months in SC, we prefer New Mexico. If only there was water, lakes, etc!!
Kate, this is the first time I've found myself immersed in [natural] water with a water view since we've been in New Mexico. To think that this place is so close to home and is so healing in every way, especially for us desert-dwellers! I've got Mr. Zee talked into a trip up there soon...
I'm very excited that you are choosing the enchanted state. Can't wait to hear more.
New Mexico ought to hire you as a consultant and pay for your trips around the state. So much has changed--often for the better. You make me long to visit. You are a treasure to your new state!
May you enjoy the Easter weekend without wind or dust, and enjoy your desert spring!
Your photo of the hollyhocks is beautiful! I associate those with New Mexico gardens, though we didn't have them. A friend of Mother's--from Boston, taught me as a little girl to make the "ladies" out of the stems and a cleared bud to make arrangements of dancing ladies in low bowls on the table.
This looks like something I could use about now...only I'd like to go alone (as in, all by myself with no one else to worry about or plan for or check in with or text or phone or...) yeah, I'm worn out these days and something like this looks to be just the ticket! Glad I checked in today ... and I got caught up on the shrug/shroud subject and once again have found you to live up to your image in my mind as the clever knitter! I don't get to follow as much as I used to, so this was a nice stop this morning!
Post a Comment