What's New at Riverbend Hot Springs

Cleaner and Greener with Steam!

2011-05-26T10:46:00.000-07:00

We have just moved from gas powered, cold pressure washing to an electric, wet steam washer. Our new Mi-T-M washer is so much quieter and is more effective at removing algae from the pool surfaces. It is also capable of temperature up to 300 degrees, so it also sterilizes the pool and should reduce the future growth of algae. Check out the demo video below. We are excited!

Riverbend Featured in AAA New Mexico Journey Magazine

2011-02-27T13:32:00.000-08:00

The article is also on their website.

We love this tagline: "the feel of a wild pool with the comfort of nearby spa facilities."

Nice mention and photo of Riverbend in Trailer Life Magazine

2010-11-04T12:47:00.000-07:00

We are excited to be in the latest issue of Trailer Life Magazine. Our photo is on Page 2 and we are mentioned as the writer's favorite spa on page 4.

A big thank you to Ruanna of Sierra County Tourism for scanning and reformatting the article to be web friendly.

New Landscaping up front

2010-10-16T16:17:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since our last post, but we have been busy. We added native plants, boulders, gravel, and lights in between the walkways near the parking lot. We also updated the tree lights and added lights to the outside of the tree wells. That made the old (half asphalt/half dirt) parking lot look bad, so we repaved and striped the whole thing (pics coming soon of that). Since we were on a roll, we paved the other side of the street and gained another 5 parking spaces (which we really need these days). Drive by at night sometime. The place looks pretty sweet. Stay tuned for more landscaping to come!

BEFORE

Vanessa Lively in Concert

2010-07-22T21:00:00.000-07:00

Come to Riverbend's riverside patio for a free show, Monday July 26th 7 pm

Vanessa Lively from Austin, Texas has been quite busy creating music for the last few years. While living in Ecuador in 2006, she recorded her debut album "Let Me Rise." One year after it's release, she and her husband Jason Lively went to Northern England to record the next album "A Chain Unbroken." Talented musicians and friends leant their talents and spirits to the full, rich sounds heard on both albums. Lively has just released her brand new EP titled "Canto y Cantera." This album pays tribute to singers and songwriters of Latin America.

Lively was recently honored by the mayor of Austin who proclaimed December 17th as "Vanessa Lively Day" in Austin, Texas.

"I am really excited to see where music can take us," says Lively. "I'm just a creative person who's always looking for new ways to express myself. Music is beautiful in that it brings people together and can change lives. That, to me, is the most important thing."

Links
Website: www.vanessalively.com
Press Kit: www.sonicbids.com/vanessalively
Social Networks: myspace + facebook + twitter /vanessalively

A few before and after pics of Room 3

2010-07-01T16:24:00.000-07:00

Room 3, our Triple Suite is now available!

2010-06-30T15:21:00.000-07:00

We took our time, and after several months of refurbishing Room 3, an era officially ends and a new one begins. Few people know that what is now our best room, used to be our only room. Way back in the early 90's, when we first started Riverbend Hot Springs Hostel, Room 3 (a three bedroom apartment) was our Women's Dorm, Men's Dorm, and Couples Room. This was long before our customized mobile homes came along and added fully private rooms to the mix (the King Suites were monthly rentals).

Throughout the years, Room 3 always remained the heart of our lodging options. It was always the center of our communal meals and potlucks, game nights, indoor concerts and served as the main common area before the patio was built. Though it was primarily the Women's Dorm for many years, it also served terms as massage rooms, the office, and most recently, as our Semi-Private rooms.

Combining and refurbishing the three semi-privates into one deluxe suite, marks the official end of our hostel era. No more shared accommodations folks, but the communal feel of Riverbend's spirit lives on, as we are still the only place with public pools, potlucks, concerts, and coffee bar to make meeting fellow travelers that much easier.

Enough reminiscing. On to the specs! Our new Triple Suite is adorned with local artwork, ranging from metal work to artists prints and paper-mâché petroglyphs. It features room for eight people, with three bedrooms (one queen and two full beds) and a futon. Full kitchen with granite counters and oak cabinets add to luxury, while the tile work, Southwest furniture and faux finishes add to the rustic charm. Guests will love the 42" LCD HDTV with BluRay player as well as the electric fireplace and the full bathroom with tiled rain-shower bathtub and ceramic sink. Lots of light (eight windows) and the best views of the courtyard and mountain top off this deluxe suite.

Our Triple Suite is available to book now, but will surely be one of the first rooms to go, especially for families and groups. Stay tuned for some before and after pics!

Concert Schedule at Riverbend

2010-05-28T16:20:00.000-07:00

We have 1-3 free concerts a month all Summer long on our patio! keep up with our schedule below.

Introducing Our New Mural!

2010-05-20T22:50:00.001-07:00

We are pleased to unveil our newest addition at Riverbend. Muralist Bill Galbreath of Tucson, AZ, painted this wonderful showpiece for us in just one week! After discovering and staying at Riverbend this Spring, Bill collaborated with us for weeks and we came up with this concept: a 3-d hole in the wall, revealing our springs and famous view within. The pictures show the one week transformation, from tracing the outlines from a projected image, to the final mural. Man, this guy can work! If I had his work ethic, imagine what Riverbend would already look like. Come see the mural in person, but for liability reasons, we ask that you don't try jumping though the hole!

New deluxe bedding at Riverbend!

2010-04-18T20:10:00.000-07:00

We've been busy the past few weeks. Not only because we have been completely full for nearly two months, but because we have been upgrading our bedding in every single room. It started with a few mattress replacements with new Serta Pillow-Tops. Then we replaced all of our wheeled bed frames with new solid metal bed bases (our housekeepers' backs thank us). When our new custom made and fitted coverlets (bedspreads) finally were delivered, we decided to go all out and upgrade everything!

All of the pillows were replaced with soft and fluffy new ones and each bed now gets 4 pillows (instead of two). All of the old vellux blankets were replaced with new soft and warm fleece ones and new matching color microfiber bedskirts followed.

The biggest change was to move to all white sheets. If you are thinking "that is boring, sterile and so unlike Riverbend," you would normally be right. But these sheets are 300 thread count microfiber ones, which make them feel softer than 600 thread count sheets. Plus they don't shrink, they stay gleaming white, and they release stains like no other sheets we've ever seen.

So now "THE place to soak" is also THE place to stay! With affordable rooms, starting at $70 including tax, and a new deluxe 3 bedroom suite on the way, we can suit several budgets and group sizes. See you soon!

Pictured below, a sample of our current options: La Casita, #2 King Suite, #8 Budget Double, and #6 Budget Single

New Promo Video

2010-04-05T21:28:00.000-07:00

Photojournalist, Eric Alfredo, has produced this wonderful video for our use as a promotional tool. Enjoy!

Go to YouTube

Riverbend in Around 505 Magazine

2010-03-23T18:38:00.000-07:00

Riverbend is in the press again, as we were listed as the choice for pet-friendly lodging in Truth or Consequences, in the Spring issue of Around 505 Magazine. The magazine is distributed throughout Albuquerque and Santa Fe and it "celebrates our unique lifestyle in the metropolitan Southwest." The article was written by Jill Lane and her sidekick, Travelin' Jack, her bulldog reporter. Jack has his own blog and helps Jill find all of the best pet-friendly destinations throughout New Mexico.

Riverbend is proud to consider ourselves one of the most pet (dog) friendly spas in T or C. At Riverbend, your furry friend can lounge on your private pool deck while you soak, or at a comfortable reserved space next to the public pools, just for our canine customers. All of our rooms are dog friendly (with a nightly fee), and we are just 1-4 blocks from two riverside parks, a river trail, and a fish pond. See you at the springs!

click to download the article.

Riverbend Featured in New Mexico Magazine

2010-03-02T09:40:00.000-08:00

Riverbend was just featured in this month's issue of New Mexico Magazine. The article "Spring Loaded" showcases 4 hot springs destinations from around the state. Riverbend is highlighted in the Truth or Consequences section and is among destinations such as Ojo Caliente, Jemez Springs, and Gila Hot Springs.

Our section was written by NM Magazine's Editor herself, Tricia Ware, and was inspired by a magical weekend spent with her friends here, nearly a year ago. Tricia describes us as "Budget and Bohemian" and as a "relaxing oasis," and it is clear from her write up that she and her "tribe" thoroughly enjoyed their stay here. What is really cool, is that they were here on a personal vacation (anonymously), not a press assignment, so the experience they got was the same one that all of our guests get.

Surely this article will make our already busy Springtime, one to remember and will likely give the whole town of T or C a tourism boost. We are certainly always happy to share the spotlight with the other wonderful spas of T or C, but to be highlighted like this isn't so bad either!

For the full article, download here.

Happy Birthday Riverbend! 20 years in the making.

2010-01-07T20:59:00.000-08:00

Riverbend Hot Springs celebrates 20 years in business this year! It's hard to believe that in 20 years we have gone from a bait shop to a youth hostel and now into an internationally known resort. Enjoy a few pics from our early days as a hostel. I don't think that we ever had bait and baths at the same time, but my folks always had a good sense of humor about our history. Hence the "hot minnow baths" sign above the pools. Curious WTH I'm talking about? Allow me to give a brief history lesson to our new fans:

What is now Riverbend Hot Springs was originally built by the Pierce family sometime in the 1930s or 40s. It was a small building, that the whole family lived in, and their riverside bait shack, where they sold live minnows to the many fishermen in the area. "Pierce's Minnows" later became "Smiths Minnows" in the late 70s and then my family bought it in 1988.

We were taking a little vacation/future home scouting mission and right as we were driving by, Mrs. Smith was hanging a "for sale" sign. My folks asked her to take it down and they bought our little slice of heaven right then and there. My older brother, my dad, and I would trap our own minnows in the Gila Mountains and ran our little bait shop on the Rio Grande for two years.

One fateful day, my brother was to let some of the water out of our truck tank that housed months worth of minnows. He spaced out and let all of the water out, killing all of the minnows and halting our business. It was a happy accident that turned out to be the crossroads that led my folks to following their dream of having a hot springs in T or C. They took the leap of faith, dug a well which hit 109 degree water, bought and transfered our water rights from and old school local healer "Dr. Dave Cloverleaf" and we began to pump the mineral water RIGHT INTO THE MINNOW TANKS! (we cleaned them first ;-) The famous "minnow baths" and Riverbend Hot Springs was born, January 1990.

Now, the question was, how could we make a small building and a couple of mobile homes into a hot springs destination. A friend of the family suggested that we open up a youth hostel. It is like a lodge, but for backpackers, and young international travelers. Bathrooms, kitchens, and sometimes bedrooms are shared among guests and hostels give off this feeling of welcoming community that is lacking from most hotels. Communal meals, shopping and day excursions are a commonplace and you never leave a hostel without having more friends than you came with.

Besides some dormitories and semi private rooms, we had riverside hot springs in bait tanks, a couple of tipis, retrofitted trailer rooms, and a floating room on the river called "The Love Boat"! We were a quirky, unique hit waiting to be discovered. That happened when we were highlighted on the back cover of Lets Go USA in the early 90s. Soon we had guests coming from all over the world and guide books were raving about this little funky hostel on the river with hot springs. A decade of fun ensued that my parents could write several books and sitcoms on, but I'll we'll save the details for the documentary.

In 2001 the world changed as we knew it. The patriot act halted much of the international travel to the US and hostels around the country suffered. My folks knew that if they could focus on private rooms and domestic travelers, we could make it. Times were tough, but they stuck it out.

In 2006, I returned home after eight years away to take the reins from my parents. Quitting my career to take over a youth hostel in tough times may seem like it was a leap of faith, like the one my folks took in 1990, but to me, it was a no-brainer. Riverbend is so special to so many thousands of people throughout the world and I am honored and thrilled to be the new "care taker" (as my parents always liked to be called). I hope you all continue to enjoy the next 20 years as much as we enjoyed the first!

Fun with a few "Before and After" pics

2009-12-22T22:35:00.001-08:00

After browsing through our photos from 2004, I realized just how things really have changed. You may not realize it if you are here everyday, but our guests who haven't been here in years keep reminding me that we have come a long way. Hope you enjoy these as much as we do.

Long overdue update!

2009-12-21T16:51:00.000-08:00

Welcome back Riverbenders! It has been over four months since our last post and a lot has happened since then. It's not that I haven't had some time or just keep forgetting to post. I just haven't been taking photos lately and I wanted to have some photos to show what we have added. I managed to get out today and shoot the highlights of our recent additions. The past four months were busy indeed. We've had a few major projects and literally dozens of small ones. Only a few really come to mind right now, so I'll start with them, with more updates to come.

First, the biggest ongoing project (Aug-Nov) was the construction of our new stamped concrete walkways. We formed and poured literally hundreds of feet of walkways that go to nearly every place at Riverbend that our guests and staff would walk. The walkways are 3-4 ft wide and are made up of dozens of separate pours that went on all Fall. Though we still have plans to add contrasting borders to the segments in the main courtyard, the walkways are essentially done.

They are comprised of very strong (4000 psi) concrete with fiber reinforcement. We stamped them with a stone pattern and then stained them with a very inexpensive and ecologically safe fertilizer, called Iron Sulfate. The fertilizer is mixed with water and sprayed on the concrete, creating a chemical reaction that stains the concrete to a range of rusty browns. Then we sealed them with low VOC, water based sealer with a matte finish to maintain traction for wet/bare feet.

The guests are all very happy to be able to walk from the springs to the rooms and restroom without shoes and without tracking in pebbles. Checkout the video walkthrough of some of the walkways, below.

The next big project, which we actually did before the walkways, is the construction of the new 12x50' porch covering. The old covering was a very weathered mis-mosh of old twisted 2x4s and 1x4s that did provide sunscreening, but no protection from the rain. We replaced the bad tree-trunk posts and kept the good ones. Then, the structure was reframed and covered with a seamless, and hidden fastener, metal roof colored metallic copper. We then faced the beams with rustic tree bark and added low voltage dome lights and spot lights. The resulting porch is a happy marriage of modern technology and old rustic charm, which is the basis of everything we try to do now at Riverbend. Before and after, below.

The next big additions are our new stone tree wells. The trees used to be simply bordered by a few loose stones laid halfway in ground. The new wells have a concrete foundation and are mortared stone walls that double as casual seating for guests. We stained the mortar joints black for the same high contrast effect on our rock pools and we sealed them with a wet-look sealer that brings out the random local stones' color. The new tree wells, not only add to the look of the place, but will help us to deep water the trees with river water, by flooding them. Coming soon: low voltage dome lights around the exterior of the wells.

In addition to the artwork of our talented hard-scapers, we have also started to add some commissioned artwork from outside sources. Right now, several of our rooms are appointed with the work of the very talented, Mary Alice Winchell. She has sent us more work, that will likely be used in some common areas. Her work is already featured throughout La Casita and the Public Pool Bath House. Stay tuned for some photos of her work, custom made for Riverbend.

We recently acquired some stunning pieces from Aryen Hart. His work consists of metal, treated with heat, grinding, and chemical reactions, then printed over with archival ink and sealed with a gloss coating. Photos don't do his work justice. His work comes alive with spot lighting and movement, like a hologram. We hung 3 of the 4 pieces that we have in front of our King Suites, which really classes up the courtyard. The pieces that we got seem to go perfectly with our Flowing Water motif.

Another well known artist, Georgia Stacy, custom made us a gorgeous entry gate last spring. She designed it for us to be used for our main entrance, but we felt that it fit better between our colorful mural and straw-bale wall. We finally installed it recently, and though it will likely be enhanced somehow on the sides, it already adds so much to the look of our front facade. The flowing water motif shows up here, loud and clear. Click her name above for just a few other examples of her master wood carving skills.

Well, there have been countless other little projects keeping us all busy around here and if you haven't been here in a while, a stroll around the property will reveal many of them. However, I want to save some of them for future posts.

I would like to give a shout out to Big John Murphy, who is here right now brightening up the place with updated and new paint jobs, Keith Pedersen, for his master carpentry and masonry skills on the porch and walkways, the Rios brothers for their work on the tree wells, and of course, Jeff Thomas for his ever dependable help on nearly every project that we have taken on in the past 3 years. Thanks guys! Riverbend has you written all over it.

Riverbend featured on "Explore! New Mexico" radio show

2009-08-10T21:48:00.000-07:00

We were recently featured on an hour long episode of Explore! New Mexico, hosted by Cheryl Fallstead. It aired on KSNM 570 AM of Las Cruces on Tuesday July 21st. Click here to listen.

Gift Shop now open!

2009-08-03T18:23:00.000-07:00

Check out our new gift shop on CafePress.com

Visit http://www.cafepress.com/riverbendhs to get your Riverbend Hot Springs gifts and memorabilia today!

The Honey Dewdrops to play on Monday, July 20th

2009-07-15T13:43:00.000-07:00

Another installment of Riverbend’s Free Summer Concert Series rolls on as the we host The Honey Dewdrops on Monday, July 20th at 7 PM. “Husband and wife duo, The Honey Dewdrops, mix elements of bluegrass, folk, country and old-timey music with modern-day sentiment for something haunting, melancholic and altogether charming" - Jeff Royer, Fly Magazine.

If the Sun Will Shine, their debut record, was just released May 2009. Recorded live and mixed in a 1920s barn, the record is meant to pay homage to their live performances - full of the same energy and emotion the Honey Dewdrops bring to the stage. The album is a collection of songs that The Honey Dewdrops have written over the past two years and it features material that comes straight from the heart. There are eleven original tunes - some of which are award winners, and a few of the songs got Laura and Kagey plane tickets to St. Paul, Minnesota where they appeared on A Prairie Home Companion's "People in their Twenties Talent Show" (and won first place) in March 2008.

Come join Laura and Kagey for this free show on Riverbend's riverside patio at 7 pm on Monday, July 20th, or come soak in the adjacent public pools and enjoy live music in the hot springs for $10/hr. Donations will be accepted for the performers travel costs.  To hear their music visit http://www.myspace.com/thehoneydewdrops

So far this year, Riverbend has hosted: Raina Rose, Johann Wagner, Harbor Collective, Molly Venter, and Frogs Gone Fishin’. Upcoming scheduled shows include Gabrielle Louise and Martha Reich, both in September. Keep checking the blog for updates.

Another Before and After shot

2009-06-07T19:32:00.000-07:00

Though the first shot was taken 8 months ago, all of the work that we've done in this area has been in the last 3 months. Updates and additions in this area include the now famous River Pier, the mineral water feature, new tile embedded grout lines on the flagstones, trex railings with custom copper balusters, new steps and railings to the river, and updated landscaping and potted plants.

Molly Venter returns to perform June 18th

2009-05-29T21:34:00.000-07:00

Singer/songwriter Molly Venter will return to entertain guests and locals with a musical performance on our riverside patio, Thursday June 18th at 7 pm. Molly wowed a full audience with her amazing voice and melodies during her last performance here in March. Despite high winds and cold temperatures her instant fans stuck it out to hear every last note that she was willing to give us.

Molly successfully combines Alternative Folk Pop with strong undertones of Soul, Gospel and a hint of Country. Molly’s voice is undeniably compelling; drawing comparisons to Tracy Chapman, Fiona Apple, Natalie Merchant and Patty Griffin. She infuses soulful passion and a gutsy edge to her rich, textured lower tones. As written in American Songwriter Magazine: “Few singers turn first time listeners into eternal fanatics as effortlessly as Molly Venter… Her voice is like an unbelievable burgundy; many notes, flavors, fragrances, and it all goes down like silk.” To hear Molly's music visit http://www.myspace.com/mollyventer.

Come join Molly for this free show on Riverbend's new riverside patio, or come soak in the adjacent public pools and enjoy live music in the hot springs for $10/hr. Of course, overnight guests will enjoy the springs and the music at no additional cost. Donations will be accepted and appreciated for Molly's travel expenses.

Tour our Public Pools

2009-05-23T23:29:00.000-07:00

Check out this video of our public pools and surrounding area. This video features our new riverside water feature.

New water feature uses the mineral water

2009-05-23T22:43:00.001-07:00

After 3 days and eight blisters on one hand later, I finished our newest addition, a spillway and multitiered waterfall that uses the excess water from the public pools.

Other great things that were done these past two weeks: we replaced all of the posts and railing on the public pool deck with Trex brand railings and built custom horizontal balusters out of copper pipe. We also spray painted all of the handrails leading into the lower pools.

By popular demand and after 19 years of complaints, I reworked all of the plumbing on the public pools and was able to do away with the old plugs that made an annoying "sucking" sound and replaced them with valves and a inconspicuous riser pipe to maintain the pool's water level.

The addition of flowing water sounds and the subtraction of sucking water sounds are very welcomed additions that contribute to making Riverbend a truly relaxing place to spend time.

Massage makes a comeback at Riverbend!

2009-05-23T22:27:00.000-07:00

Riverbend Hot Springs is pleased to announce that by popular demand, we once again have a Massage Therapist on site!

W. Dale Cosby is a Licensed Massage Therapist who has partnered with us as a private contractor to offer his services to both our lodging guests and walk-in soakers. Mr. Cosby has been licensed for 18 years, and has spent much of the last 6 years as a nationally certified continuing education instructor.

Dale will be offering both chair and table massages at the rate of $1 per minute, and on most days, will be set up on the patio behind Riverbend’s public pools for walk-in customers. He can also bring his portable table and chair to you, in your home or hotel room. To make an appointment or for further details, please call Dale directly at 575-497-9458.

Riverbend featured in Better Homes and Gardens magazine

2009-05-14T21:52:00.000-07:00

We are proud to announce that we were recently featured in an article in the May issue of Better Homes and Gardens. The article, named "Healing Waters" lists Riverbend and five other hot springs and their healing properties. We are so humbled by the fact that we are not only listed in a major national magazine, but are listed among such hot springs superstars as Hot Springs Arkansas and the Blue Lagoon in Iceland. Thank you to the author, Sara Altshul. This was a pleasant surprise.
Click the images below to read the article.

http://www.bhg-digital.com/bhg/200905/?pg=221

Riverbend on Honda Insight "webisode"

2009-05-14T21:49:00.000-07:00

Check out this episode of Honda's Insight Challenge from http://hondainsight.yahoo.com

Two performances in April

2009-04-07T21:35:00.000-07:00

Riverbend will host two performances this month. On Friday the 17th, Brianna Lane and Cahalen David Morrison will perform as Harbor Collective. The following Tuesday the 21st, Raina Rose and Johann Wagner return to Riverbend to perform again. Both concerts are at 7pm on our riverside patio and are free for our guests and any locals.

You can hear music and learn more about Harbor Collective at

http://www.myspace.com/harborcollective

Check out their solo sites at

http://www.myspace.com/briannalane and

http://www.myspace.com/cahalen

You can hear music and learn more about Raina and Johann at their sites

http://www.rainarose.com

http://www.myspace.com/rainarose

http://www.myspace.com/johannwagner

Come join these talented performers for these free shows on Riverbend's new riverside patio, or soak in the adjacent public pools and enjoy live music in the hot springs for $10/hr (free for overnight guests). The concert is free, but donations will be accepted for the performer's travel expenses.

Room 5 gets window and floor upgrades

2009-03-30T21:38:00.000-07:00

Though you can't tell from the pictures, Room 5 got a much needed upgrade. New Pella windows were installed in early March and while we were at it, we upgraded the flooring to Pergo- laminate flooring in the bedroom and porcelain tile in the bathroom. We also gave it a faux finish and updated the furniture and microwave. As the only standard room with a large bathroom and full bath, Room 5 is sure to be popular.

Before and After

A before and after of the public pools.

2009-03-21T21:59:00.000-07:00

It's fun to look back at older photos and see how quickly things have been changing around here. The top photo was taken in the Summer of 2004, but just one year ago, our public pools were virtually the same as in this photo. 2008 was a big year for us, as we built our patio, a new hot pool (replacing the stock tank cold plunge), landscaped around the pools, and built our new river dock/deck. It's a bummer that we lost the lower cottonwood tree due to the beavers last year, but the upside is that it opened up the northern river view a bit.

2009-03-21T18:40:00.000-07:00

Molly Venter to perform March 26th

2009-03-11T19:18:00.000-07:00

After our September concert with Raina Rose and Johann Wagner, the word is spreading among Austin, TX musicians that Riverbend is the coolest place to play in southern NM.

Molly Venter will play on our riverside patio on Thursday, March 26th at 7 pm. Check out her music at http://www.myspace.com/mollyventer

From Molly's press release:

Pairing creative hooky melodies, smart lyrics, and a voice that stops listeners in their tracks, Molly Venter successfully combines Alternative Folk Pop with strong undertones of Soul, Gospel and a hint of Country. Molly’s voice is undeniably compelling; drawing comparisons to Tracy Chapman, Fiona Apple, Natalie Merchant and Patty Griffin. She infuses soulful passion and a gutsy edge to her rich, textured lower tones. As written in American Songwriter Magazine; “Few singers turn first time listeners into eternal fanatics as effortlessly as Molly Venter… Her voice is like an unbelievable Burgundy; many notes, flavors, fragrances, and it all goes down like silk.”

Once she has drawn listeners in with her vocals and melodies, Venter wins over fans with the depth of her writing. Her insightful, creative lyrics follow in the tradition of Folk greats like Joni Mitchell and Bob Dylan. Looking at the world through the lense of relationship – romantic, familial and personal – Venter manages to find a narrative that is raw, curious and self-aware without being blaming or self-deprecating.

Molly’s voice and songwriting combined with her warmth and authenticity onstage make her a commanding presence. Idaho Mountain Express noted; “Molly Venter’s voice seems larger than her small frame could possibly produce – see her perform live, though, and one learns that her stage presence magnifies her, steals any show, and demands attention…”

Her song “Walking Backwards” appeared in the 2004 Warren Miller Ski Movie “Impact”, as well as subsequent Jeep promotional CD’s in ‘05, ‘06. This year she has been selected as a finalist at the Kerrville Folk Festival New Folk competition and placed second at the Rocky Mountain Folk Festival’s songwriting competition. After 3 solo albums since 2004 and frequent coast to coast touring, Molly has been building an audience in a number of cities across the country, most notably New York, Boston and Austin, TX. Venter has now paired with Pavilion Entertainment and IDN distribution to create her first nationally released album, scheduled for March of 2008.

Venter grew up in New England, lived in the North-West and in Mexico before settling in Austin, TX, which she now calls home.

Room 8 gets a facelift

2009-03-11T18:53:00.000-07:00

One of our most popular rooms got a facelift in late February. We removed the carpet and put down hardwood laminate flooring and vinyl tiles throughout. We also painted the walls with a faux finish resembling a cloudy sky. The result is a room that is now dog friendly and nicer than before, all of this without a price increase at all. Room 8 has two queen beds and a large kitchen/dining room with picnic table. If it wasn't already the most popular room for families on a budget, it will be now.

Improvements to La Casita

2009-03-10T21:50:00.000-07:00

We have just finished some major changes and improvements to La Casita Cottage. What started as a simple re-flooring of the dining room and bathroom, turned into a full re-plumbing of the house, a new water heater, a new tiled shower, a new tiled vanity and backsplash, tiled floors, AND, a new private yard, paved with flagstones and including a patio set and BBQ. Fans of La Casita will love the new (larger) shower and the increased privacy provided by the yard. The price increase is a modest $10 including tax. Below are some pictures of the new La Casita. Enjoy.

Welcome

2009-03-10T21:40:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Riverbend Hot Springs Blog! I will be using this to post info of upcoming events, new developments and changes, and just to keep our guests and past Workampers in touch with what is going on at Riverbend. Welcome!