Luxury in Hot Springs

One of the characteristics that I picked up from my father (of Swedish descent) is being tight with money.  So I have to tell you about one of the aspects of hiking that I love... the incredible value of hikers hostels.  I stayed the night in Hot Springs, NC at Elmer's hostel.  Elmer has been an avid supporter of the AT for many years, having hiked the trail way back in the 70's.  He owns a beautiful 1840's constructed building that is listed on the National Historic Building register.  I stayed in his room #2... and this is what it looked like:

The next morning, Elmer put his well known culinary skills to work in preparing an unbelievably delicious breakfast with an omelet and all the trappings.  The total bill for the stay and the meal... $26.  Makes you want to be a hiker, huh?

Hot Springs is just a great trail town.  I had two other great meals there... one at the Smoky Mountain Diner ("Fat Boy" burger with 16 oz of beef and a large Appalachian salad) and one at the Riverside Grill.  The latter restaurant is deceiving.  It looks like a greasy spoon type of place inside a convenience store.  They actually serve gourmet meals at an incredible value.  My lunch before departing was a beet burger (that is no typo) and homemade potato salad.

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy's mission is to preserve and manage the trail ensuring that this natural beauty can be shared for years to come.  This web site has invaluable information including history, maps and up to date information and resources for anyone who may want to learn more or hike the trail. If you are interested check it out!

http://www.appalachiantrail.org/home