Boiling Springs is our little village. Originally settled in the 1730s, Boiling Springs became a popular weekend destination during the late 19^th century. It remains a popular weekend retreat. People come for the fishing, the art galleries, and hiking. There’s even a resort playhouse a mile down the road.

The day after the storm we ventured into town to play in the snow and grab a few pints at The Tavern. 

Boiling Springs got its name from the deep artesian wells underneath Children’s Lake. The wells are up to 1,800 feet underground, and they produce 24,000 gallons of water a day. You can see the “bubbling” next to the ducks. The lake stays at a constant 52 degrees year round. Here are some mallards swimming in the spring. 

The Appalachian Trail (AT) blazes right through our town, skirting Children’s Lake. A regional office of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy makes its home here. Nice folks there. In the summer, hikers can be found relaxing on the porch or by the lake.

          The pavilion was built during the 1870s, and sits right on the trail.

                         Here's the community Christmas tree.

                                                   The AT and Children’s Lake.

On the south end of town, on the AT,  is the old iron works. We call it the Forge. It was built during the 1740s and produced cannonballs for the Continental Army during the American Revolution.That white blaze is the AT trail marker

Footbridge across the Yellow Breeches Creek. The Appalachian winds through a farm field for about two miles before heading up to forests of South Mountain, the northern most section of the Blue Ridge.

                                                            The Forge

                                                 Heading back into town.

                                   South Mountain in the background. 

The clock tower is a distinctive feature of the village. It was built in the 1950s for the veterans of Cumberland County.

Medal of Honor recipient Sergeant First Class Randy Shughart. He became famous for his selfless action in Somolia in 1993.  His story is told in the book and the film Black Hawk Down. Sergeant Shughart is someone I have looked up to over the years. He was the real deal.

No matter what is going on with you this holiday season, please take a moment to think of our brothers and sisters serving away from home. Think of them, live well, and be good to each other.

This is the Boiling Springs Tavern originally built in 1832 as an inn. Today it is a really great restaurant, the perfect place to catch a bite and a pint. I recommend the trout sandwich or if you're really hungry try the chicken and polenta.

Let's head in for a little cheer. 'Tis the season!

                               Happy Holidays all! And be good to each other!