Kislovodsk is a resort city located in the Stavropol Krai in southern Russia. It is famous for its mineral waters, which are used to treat many diseases, including heart disease, ear-nose-throat disorders, gastrointestinal diseases, genitourinary system diseases, nervous system disorders, and musculoskeletal system disorders. For several years in a row, Kislovodsk has been in the top resorts in Russia and is confidently moving towards improving the infrastructure for tourists. And now I will tell you how not to get bored on vacation in Kislovodsk.
The resort town of Kislovodsk was founded in 1803 and since then has become a popular place for treatment and relaxation. The city is surrounded by picturesque mountains and is located at an altitude of about 800 meters above sea level, making it an ideal place for health and leisure. And Kislovodsk is also recognized as the sunniest city in the country. It has the most sunny days per year than any other inhabited locality in Russia.
Kislovodsk is undoubtedly a drinking balneological resort and people come here primarily for health improvement. Not so long ago, such a vacation was called "retirement", but recently the situation has changed dramatically and many young, active, and spoiled tourists have discovered that Kislovodsk is full of surprises. So, what can you do in Kislovodsk to avoid getting bored while drinking healing Narzan and during breaks between procedures? Here is my top list for an unforgettable vacation in Kislovodsk.
Caucasian cuisine and more - a restaurant tour
Don't forget that Kislovodsk is located in the North Caucasus, which immediately brings to mind Caucasian shish kebabs, hot lavash and an abundance of vegetables. And that's exactly what you can find in Kislovodsk - numerous cafes and restaurants serving Caucasian cuisine, including dishes from Georgian, Circassian, Azerbaijani, Karachay and Armenian cuisines. You can't try all the dishes, but there's definitely plenty to choose from. But Kislovodsk doesn't only offer Caucasian cuisine. More and more establishments are appearing in Kislovodsk that can compete with those in the capital, such as the "Height" restaurant by Arkady Novikov on Kurortny Boulevard in Kislovodsk. So if you're tired of the monotony of a healing diet, don't be bored, go and explore the local restaurants and cafes - it's exciting and delicious.
Cultural leisure
In Kislovodsk, there is a rich selection of house-museums where famous personalities lived. For example, the dacha of Fyodor Shalyapin, the great opera singer, which he bought in 1912. Or the Dacha of the artist Yaroshenko, also known as the White Villa. It was built in 1898 by the architect Leonid Polezhayev. This house belongs to the most striking examples of Art Nouveau style in Russia.
Kislovodsk Philharmonic is the largest cultural center in the region and hosts numerous concerts, music and theater performances, festivals, and competitions. Its repertoire includes a wide range of classical music, opera and ballet productions, jazz concerts, and other genres. It is located in the former winter theater building, which was built in the early 20th century and is a monument of architecture. In addition to classical music, popular artists and celebrities regularly perform in Kislovodsk.
To follow in the footsteps of Cheburashka
Many scenes from the popular movie were filmed in Kislovodsk. The most popular and large-scale scene is undoubtedly the one with oranges, for which 6 tons were required, by the way. The street is now often called "Cheburashka's street" by the locals. But if you look closely, an experienced resort visitor will see several more locations in Kislovodsk from the movie: the Valley of Roses, the Drinking Gallery, the "Frog" Fountain, and the Main Narzan Baths. If you are going on vacation with children, be sure to take a quest walk through the places of Cheburashka, and then go to the "Snowflake" cafe to try the famous Kislovodsk donuts.
Nordic walking in the largest man-made park
Kislovodsk Park is the largest man-made park in Russia and one of the largest in the world. Founded in the late 19th century, Kislovodsk Park covers an area of about 1000 hectares and includes various areas: a forest zone, a promenade along the riverbank with fountains, mountain slopes, mineral water springs, groves, alleys, flower beds, and other landscape elements. Thanks to such diversity, Nordic walking and even just walking here become not only useful for strengthening the heart muscle but also a pleasure for the eyes, which, by the way, also relaxes the nervous system. And at the end of your vacation, head to the Kurortny Park to throw a coin into the Mirror Stream fountain and be sure to come back to sunny Kislovodsk.
