When in Rome, so to speak!  I have to say that I have never been interested in even the idea of spa days but Hot Springs is known for its Bath Houses so how could I not give it a try.  Buckstaff Bathhouse first opened its doors in 1912.  Today, under the watchful eye of the National Park Service, they offer what they bill as the traditional experience of that time period.  I have no idea how closely it resembles a modern spa day but I enjoyed the experience.

First a hot mineral spring tub soak in a giant cast iron tub including a fresh cup of 143F water to sip…after it cooled a tad of course.  Mattie kicked on the whirlpool jet pump and let me soak.  Ahh.  Next (my favorite), hot packs.  Columns of steam rose from towels wet with mineral spring water.  My skin tingled when she first applied them but as the heat soaked into my back, shoulders and legs I felt like I was just melting.  The heat was balanced by the cool air I breathed in across an icy cold towel wrapped around my face and head.  Thumbs down for the steam cabinet, it was just icky and uncomfortable.  I really had my doubts about it but my time in the odd sitz bath tub of just tolerably hot water spoke to my arthritic hips.  Not bad.  They had toned down the needle shower to more of a cascade so it was a bit anticlimactic but a welcome cool down after all this heat.   It was a strong “B” as new experiences go.  I’d probably try it again sometime.

I can’t really understand the concept of a couple’s spa day though.  This was an all about ME experience.  Having to be social would distract from collapsing into just feeling. Just me I suppose?

Kent gave the Bath House a try too…separately of course as they did back in the day.  He rated it a not so rousing “OK”.  Based on his account of the experience I’d say his attendant was probably not as smooth at it as mine.  They make or break the experience.

Try water sampling from the various springs as you wander Bath House Row.  It’s interesting to try to discern differences in taste and feel based in the varying chemistries.  Oddly, some don’t really feel wet…weird.