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North Carolina

Signature City Asheville

Program No. 21758RJ

Discover Asheville’s unique qualities as you join experts to explore art deco and arts and crafts architecture, delve into the arts district and learn the story of this American gem.

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Itinerary

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Duration

6 days

5 nights

What's Included

12 meals ( 5B, 3L, 4D )

2 expert-led lectures

8 expert-led field trips

1 performance

An experienced Group Leader

5 nights of accommodations

Taxes and customary gratuity

Road Scholar Assurance Plan

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Day

Check-in, Registration, Welcome Dinner, Orientation

Location: Asheville

Meals: D

Stay: Cambria Hotel Downtown Asheville

Activity Note

Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m.

Afternoon:

Program Registration: 5:00 p.m. After you check in and have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table in the conference room to register with the program staff, get any updated information, and fill out menu choices. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived. Orientation. At orientation the Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Dinner:

At the hotel.

Evening:

At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.

Day

Asheville History & Field Trip, Chocolate Factory

Location: Asheville

Meals: B,L,D

Stay: Cambria Hotel Downtown Asheville

Activity Note

Getting on/off a motorcoach; riding about 5 miles, approximately 3/4 hour riding time. Walking up to 1.5 miles; paved city sidewalks. slight inclines.

Breakfast:

At the hotel.

Morning:

We will be joined by a local historian who will tell us about Asheville from its beginning as a crossroads for Native American Indians into one of the highest ranked destinations in the country over more than 200 years. We’ll learn about its history and how it became a storehouse for music, culture, arts, crafts, Art Deco architecture, and how it came to be known as the “Paris of the South.” We’ll also hear about the coming of the railroad and its role in the city’s history as well as how it was affected by the 1929 stock market crash. Over 200 years of history will be condensed into a single morning session to help us gain a greater understanding of Asheville before we set out and explore the sites by trolley.

Lunch:

At Pack’s Tavern, built in 1907. An underground passage that led from the building’s basement to other buildings in the vicinity was used during the Prohibition era to distribute illegal “moonshine” to people who didn’t respect the dry laws.

Afternoon:

We’ll board our coach and travel to an art gallery in the River Arts District where we will have an educational pottery workshop and demonstration by a local artisan. Next, we will make a stop at a Chocolate factory to hear the story of how the Cacao bean is transformed into delicious chocolate, and to witness the process in real life. We’ll return to the hotel after our field trip.

Dinner:

At the hotel.

Evening:

At leisure.

Day

Biltmore Estate & Gardens, Antler Hill

Location: Asheville

Meals: B,L

Stay: Cambria Hotel Downtown Asheville

Activity Note

Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 5 miles, approximately 1/2 hour riding time. Walking up to 2 miles; uneven terrain at the Biltmore Estate and grounds, standing up to 2 hours at a time.

Breakfast:

At the hotel.

Morning:

We will board a motorcoach and set out on a field trip to the extraordinary Biltmore Estate. We will have individual audio guides for our self-directed exploration as we meander through this singular achievement of Gilded Age living that was completed in 1895. We’ll get a glimpse into the luxurious living areas of the Vanderbilt family, lovingly restored to the grandeur of their time, filled with priceless, carefully-preserved artworks and furnishings.

Lunch:

At Biltmore.

Afternoon:

Our field trip will continue as we explore the Estate Gardens and Conservatory. The gardens, formal and informal, were designed by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, who designed parks throughout the U.S. including Central Park in New York City. Present-day horticultural experts work diligently to preserve Olmstead’s vision. The Conservatory, designed by Richard Morris Hunt and completed in 1895, features hundreds of exotic plants nurtured in several purposely designed “rooms” beneath an expansive glass roof covering more than 7,000 square feet. We will be able to see the Palm House, Orchid Room, Exhibit Room, and Cool House. The conservatory was carefully placed at the lower end of the garden so as not to obstruct the view from Biltmore House. Leaving the gardens, we will ride to the Biltmore Estate Winery and adjacent Antler Hill Village with time to see and do what interests each of us most. George Vanderbilt appreciated fine wines and it was his grandson, William A. V. Cecil, who developed Biltmore’s vineyards and winery in the 1970s. Antler Hill includes a barn and farmyard recalling the lives of those who lived and worked on the estate more than a century ago with demonstrations by blacksmiths, craftspeople, woodworkers, and more. We will ride back to the hotel after our exploration of the one and only Biltmore.

Dinner:

On your own to have what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Evening:

At leisure.

Day

Cherokee History, Blue Ridge Parkway, Music

Location: Asheville

Meals: B,D

Stay: Cambria Hotel Downtown Asheville

Activity Note

Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 30 miles, approximately 1.5 hours riding time. Walking about 1/2 mile; sidewalks, moderate inclines.

Breakfast:

At the hotel.

Morning:

We will be joined by a long-time resident of the Southern Appalachians, a folksinger-folklorist for more than 30 years. We’ll learn about Cherokee and Appalachian history and culture as it relates to Asheville and the surrounding area.

Lunch:

On your own to have what you like in downtown Asheville.

Afternoon:

We will regroup in the hotel lobby at an announced time and board the motorcoach for a field trip on the Blue Ridge Parkway. At 469 miles long, it connects Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina with Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. We’ll stop at the Visitor Center and see a film on the history of the Parkway’s construction. We will visit the Southern Highland Craft Guild, Folk Art Center, a museum of Appalachian folk art and crafts. We’ll return to the hotel after our ride.

Dinner:

At a local restaurant.

Evening:

As a special highlight, we’ll enjoy a performance by a folk musician who plays instruments including the fretless five-string banjo, Appalachian dulcimer, Cherokee flute, rattle, water drum, guitar, and mouth bow. He has performed at Carnegie Hall and has earned a reputation among folk music performers for his authentic style and traditional rhythms. We’ll hear traditional Appalachian and Adirondack mountain music.

Day

Thomas Wolfe Home, Omni Grove Park Inn, Grovewood

Location: Asheville

Meals: B,L,D

Stay: Cambria Hotel Downtown Asheville

Activity Note

Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 10 miles, approximately 1/2 hour riding time. Walking up to 3/4 mile and standing during field trips. At Thomas Wolfe home, no elevator to second floor; approxkimately15 steps down/up-to/from dinner location.

Breakfast:

At the hotel.

Morning:

We’ll board our motorcoach for a field trip to the Thomas Wolfe Memorial where we'll see a film about the life and times of Thomas Wolfe. As the website states, “Considered by many to be one of the giants of 20th Century American Literature, Thomas Wolfe immortalized his childhood home in his epic autobiographical novel, ‘Look Homeward, Angel.’ Wolfe’s colorful portrayal of his family, his hometown of Asheville, North Carolina, and the Old Kentucky Home boarding house earned the historic Victorian home a place as one of American Literature’s most famous landmarks.” We will then ride to the grand Omni Grove Park Inn. This beautiful hotel has captured the hearts of many travelers who sought the peace and tranquility of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Grove Park Inn has withstood time to secure a permanent spot as a landmark in history. During a self-directed exploration, we will have an opportunity to view the Inn’s historical displays.

Lunch:

At the Omni Grove Park Inn.

Afternoon:

Next, we’ll take a short walk behind the Grove Park Inn to Grovewood Village that once housed the Biltmore Industries weaving and woodworking operations. A docent will lead us through their classic car and textile museums. Returning to the hotel, we’ll have some “down” time to explore independently, enjoy the hotel amenities, or just relax.

Dinner:

At a local restaurant.

Evening:

Returning to the hotel, the remainder of the evening is at leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.

Day

Program Concludes

Location: Asheville

Meals: B

Activity Note

Hotel check-out 11:00 a.m.

Breakfast:

At the hotel.

Morning:

If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!

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Please Note: This program has itinerary variations on certain dates.

Nov 9 - Nov 14, 2025 Itinerary Differences: This date falls over the 2 month Christmas celebration at the Biltmore Estate. More than 100 hand-decorated Christmas trees adorn the home and the estate, the centerpiece being a 35-foot Fraser fir. A daytime visit to Biltmore features fragrant wreaths, glittering garland, and the sparkle of thousands of ornaments from Biltmore House.

Signature City Asheville

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Protecting the Environment

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