Goldmeyer Hot Springs Nothing beats a hot bath, especially with friends. Mineral-rich hot springs have played a special role in many cultures, uniting bathers, pilgrims, and the infirm for thousands of years. Hamat Gader, a 2000-year-old Israeli spa once shared by Greeks, Romans, Jews, and Muslims alike, was revered as a place of healing. Roman bathhouses were provided as a public service and place for social and political exchange. Native Americans considered hot spring spots sacred no-conflict zones where warring tribes bathed together in peace. Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas is the site of a lavish national spa built by the U.S. government in 1832. In its prime, it attracted the wealthy and the indigent from all over the world. Today, Japanese hot springs called onsens offer bathers the chance to step outside stratifying social roles. So next time you need a good soak, why not share a hydrothermal spring with friends? Even the monkeys do. Suggested Sites... The Soaker's Bible - guide to the best soaking spots throughout the western U.S. Roman Baths Museum - stroll through the birthplace of the Roman baths. Japanese Onsen - want to immerse yourself in a Japanese hot spring? Geocache Gallery - view pictures captured by hot springs geocachers throughout the world, or share your own.

Directory categories: Hot Springs, Public Hot Springs, Resorts

Archived under: Cultures, Nature, Outdoors

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