Blending Health, History and Community at a World Wellness EcoFest by Gail Condrick
Warm Mineral Springs D
o you like your wellness experience laced with legend
and the world-famous healing powers of mineral water? Mix in close to home, affordable and even free, the third week- end in March, and you have the beginnings of your own healing adventure at Warm Mineral Springs of North Port, Florida.
History, wellness and a commitment to a green and holistic lifestyle have led Natural Awakenings – Sarasota Publisher Jason Cross to join with the springs and the city to create a World Wellness EcoFest at the site on March 19 and 20. Festival activities will include a vendor fair of holistic and green products; an activity area for kids; kayaking; a ropes course; music; and demonstrations of dance, yoga, martial arts, paddle boarding and more.
Attendees can also enjoy the springs’ healthful benefits. “Warm Mineral Springs has been named one of the top 10 healing waters in the world,” says spokesperson and Man- ager Gene Vaccaro. “We have 9 million gallons of warm, 87-degree water flowing daily, and it’s full of 51 different minerals, the highest healing mineral content of any springs in the United States, and third in the world. In fact, we be- lieve that Warm Mineral Springs is the legendary Fountain of Youth sought by Ponce de Leon—and it’s right here in North Port.”
Pilgrims in search of healing have “taken the waters” for centuries, looking for miracle cures for diseases ranging from skin disorders to arthritis. Andrew Weil, M.D., says that warm mineral springs can ease the pain of arthritis, lessen the fatigue associated with fibromyalgia and reduce stress. Warm Mineral Springs’ promotional materials claim that chemical analysis shows the spring has more healing miner- als than the famous Vichy spa, in France, Baden-Baden, in Germany and Hot Springs, in Arkansas.
The Warm Mineral Springs day spa has been in opera- tion since 1946 and draws more than 80,000 annual visi- tors. The $20 admission fee covers soaking and enjoying the healing energy of the spring waters, as well as free dance and yoga classes that are offered daily. Spa services are both mainstream and holistic: You can book a Swedish mas- sage, an acupuncture appointment, a facial or an ionized foot bath detox, all of which use natural products featuring minerals from the spring. If you are hungry, the Cafe features healthy spa cuisine and fresh, organic vegetables, grown
in the Warm Springs garden. The gift shop carries organic chocolates with flax, and or- ganic tea for relaxation. “We have a unique envi- ronment that cannot be dupli- cated anywhere in the world,” says Vaccaro. “History, science and even archaeology are all together in one location.” He notes that the secrets beneath the springs are as interesting as what bubbles to the surface. Sarasota County and the city of
North Port have recently purchased the property, listed in the National Register of Historic Places, to ensure that archaeo- logical discoveries can be protected for future generations and to increase tourism in the area.
“Warm Mineral Springs is a tremendous asset to the North Port community, not just for tourism, but also as a natural resource and from a historical perspective,” says North Port Community Outreach Manager Erin Bryce. “The warm waters have yielded unprecedented information about the Florida Paleo Indians’ way of life. The remains of an 11,000-year-old man were pulled from the springs, along with evidence of saber tooth tigers and giant sloths and tor- toises. In addition, the water itself is full of minerals and has been said to have healing power.”
Publisher Cross says that the natural healing waters of Warm Mineral Springs, its open environment and the eco- conscious mindset of the city of North Port make the site a perfect venue for a wellness and ecology festival. “These are values our readers and advertisers live and support and that Natural Awakenings believes in,” he explains. “World Well- ness EcoFest will offer a community-based celebration of our Earth, along with education and commerce from healthy, eco-friendly businesses, organizations and practitioners.” The EcoFest will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Satur- day, March 19; and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, March 20. Admission is free, a $20 savings per person over the daily admission price.
“I invite everyone to come, have fun and relax in the na- tion’s top healing waters on these special days,” says Cross. “Get ready for a gathering of innovators in green practices, healthy living products and an experience for everyone in the family.”
For more info, including sponsorship and vendor opportuni- ties, call Natural Awakenings – Sarasota at 941-351-3740 or visit their website at
NASRQ.com. See ad, page 53.
natural awakenings March 2011 31
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