Vichy Springs

 For Nick's birthday (since the poor boy had to study the whole day on his actual special day), we took off for the weekend to head north to Vichy Springs resort, home of some hot springs. Here's the description: 

"Vichy Springs Resort, established in 1854, is a unique 160-year old historic hot springs resort only two hours north of downtown San Francisco.

Vichy Springs is the best of two worlds, a country inn and hot springs resort. Vichy Springs offers the only naturally warm and carbonated "Vichy" mineral baths in North America. Vichy Springs offers rooms and cottages for overnight stays. Included in room rates are full use of the naturally warm and carbonated “Vichy” mineral baths, hot soaking pool, Olympic size swimming pool (in season) and 700 private acres for walking and hiking."

I had NO idea what to expect from these mineral baths. We arrived, ate our picnic lunch, and hiked. We checked out all of the hikes on the grounds, and boy, were the maps bad! The trails were also poorly marked, and we were playing a guessing game most of the time whether we were on the right path...or not. The famed waterfall was nothing more than a trickle this time of year. 

After a hot afternoon of hiking, we were able to check in and head to the mineral baths. There were the beauty baths, the mineral baths, and then the hot tub. The mineral baths are definitely unique! The water is so carbonated the bubbles form all over your skin. I can honestly say that it wasn't my favorite experience, but Nick really loved it. I really enjoyed the hot tub.

After our fill of the baths, we ordered some Thai drunken noodles and picked up some yummy desserts from a local grocery store. We chowed down, and then went to the baths again at night, which was a wee bit chilly for my taste. I most enjoyed looking at the stars in the hot tub. So pretty! 

We had a lovely getaway for Nick's birthday. I would honestly not recommend for the price that we paid, unless you are super into mineral baths and healing. But any time spent away with my hubby is time well spent!