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MONTREAT, NORTH CAROLINA

Biltmore Estate’s Victorian Christmas Splendor and an Appalachian Mountain Christmas

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 NC

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 $500 - $700

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Road Scholar
Program #10345RJ

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6 Days | 5 Nights
ACTIVITY LEVEL: Moderate
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While all of our learning adventures offer extraordinary value, our "Best Value" programs were rated by our participants themselves who thought their dollar went particularly far.
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EasyFor people looking to exercise their minds more than their bodies. There’s minimal walking and not too many stairs.
ModerateThese programs get you on your feet and include activities such as walking up to a mile in a day through a city and standing in a museum for a few hours.
ActiveFor people who enjoy walking as much as two miles a day, perhaps to explore historic neighborhoods or a nature trail.
Moderately ChallengingFor hardy explorers who enjoy a good physical challenge, spending most of their days on the go.
ChallengingGet ready to keep up with our highest-energy group. These demanding — and rewarding — programs are for seasoned outdoor enthusiasts.

Program Details > Daily Schedule

Elevation Note
Participants may wish to hike on their own in surrounding mountains, which peak elev. exceed 5,400.

Itinerary for Dec 2 — Dec 7, 2012

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Type: Conference Center

 Description: This stately hotel overlooks a small lake. It has a beautiful, spacious lobby with a fireplace. The building was made from native stone that sparkles with mica.

Ship Information: 401 Assembly Drive, Montreat, NC 28757

Contact info:
401 Assembly Drive
Montreat, NC 28757 USA
phone: 828-669-2911 x316
web: www.montreat.org/plan/hotel

Room amenities: Rooms have a desk, a clock radio, kleenex, closets, nightstand lamps, a sink and mirror. Blankets, sheets, pillows, bath mat, and a towel set will be provided (clean towels available daily). No phones or televisions in the rooms.

Facility amenities: Wireless Internet access (with personal laptop) in the lobby. Computer in main lobby for access to email and internet. Private baths for all participants. The impressive Lobby of Assembly Inn boasts multiple couches and a massive stone fireplace, with a Baby Grand piano and large screen cable TV, as well as courtesy phones.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights before:
Rooms are not typically available, due to retreats. Participants may call to check availability. If no rooms are available, the coordinator will assist them in finding a hotel nearby.

Check in time: 4:00 PM

Day One: Sunday, December 02 - Orientation 
Afternoon: Arrival at the Assembly Inn, check in between 4 - 5:30 PM.

Dinner: Dinner will be served from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Assembly Inn Dining Room

Evening: Our opening program/orientation will be at 7 PM.

Lodging: Assembly Inn, Montreat Conference Center

Meals Included: Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Conference Center

 Description: This stately hotel overlooks a small lake. It has a beautiful, spacious lobby with a fireplace. The building was made from native stone that sparkles with mica.

Ship Information: 401 Assembly Drive, Montreat, NC 28757

Contact info:
401 Assembly Drive
Montreat, NC 28757 USA
phone: 828-669-2911 x316
web: www.montreat.org/plan/hotel

Room amenities: Rooms have a desk, a clock radio, kleenex, closets, nightstand lamps, a sink and mirror. Blankets, sheets, pillows, bath mat, and a towel set will be provided (clean towels available daily). No phones or televisions in the rooms.

Facility amenities: Wireless Internet access (with personal laptop) in the lobby. Computer in main lobby for access to email and internet. Private baths for all participants. The impressive Lobby of Assembly Inn boasts multiple couches and a massive stone fireplace, with a Baby Grand piano and large screen cable TV, as well as courtesy phones.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights before:
Rooms are not typically available, due to retreats. Participants may call to check availability. If no rooms are available, the coordinator will assist them in finding a hotel nearby.

Check in time: 4:00 PM

Day Two: Monday, December 03 -  
Breakfast: Breakfast served from 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. in the Assembly Inn Dining Room

Morning: Morning Lecture on "The Men Who Built the Biltmore" with Righton McCallum mid morning, we'll have a refreshment break in the lobby, We'll return to class for a lecture on the Vanderbilt Family History and a video from "biography" about the Vanderbilts (with Righton McCallum)

Lunch: Lunch is served from 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. in the Assembly Inn Dining Room

Afternoon: The afternoon class begins our exploration of the literature and music of the Victorian era with Bobbie Pell. 3:00 - 5:30 free time or optional walk around Montreat

Dinner: Dinner will be served from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Assembly Inn Dining Room

Evening: 7:00 "Fun in the Mountains" with Glenn & Evelyn Bannerman Games/cards and tv available in the lobby of the Inn for fellowship.

Lodging: Assembly Inn, Montreat Conference Center

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Conference Center

 Description: This stately hotel overlooks a small lake. It has a beautiful, spacious lobby with a fireplace. The building was made from native stone that sparkles with mica.

Ship Information: 401 Assembly Drive, Montreat, NC 28757

Contact info:
401 Assembly Drive
Montreat, NC 28757 USA
phone: 828-669-2911 x316
web: www.montreat.org/plan/hotel

Room amenities: Rooms have a desk, a clock radio, kleenex, closets, nightstand lamps, a sink and mirror. Blankets, sheets, pillows, bath mat, and a towel set will be provided (clean towels available daily). No phones or televisions in the rooms.

Facility amenities: Wireless Internet access (with personal laptop) in the lobby. Computer in main lobby for access to email and internet. Private baths for all participants. The impressive Lobby of Assembly Inn boasts multiple couches and a massive stone fireplace, with a Baby Grand piano and large screen cable TV, as well as courtesy phones.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights before:
Rooms are not typically available, due to retreats. Participants may call to check availability. If no rooms are available, the coordinator will assist them in finding a hotel nearby.

Check in time: 4:00 PM

Day Three: Tuesday, December 04 -  
Breakfast: Breakfast served from 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. in the Assembly Inn Dining Room

Morning: The morning course will explore (though videos and discussion) the different seasons at the Biltmore (the preparation for Christmas and the Gardens and Flowers). Mid-morning, we'll have a refreshment break to enjoy fellowship and discuss what we've learned so far... Then, we'll return to the classroom to discuss aspects of the Gilded Age

Lunch: Lunch is served from 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. in the Assembly Inn Dining Room

Afternoon: We'll board the bus for visit to the All Souls Cathedral, located in Asheville (built by George Vanderbilt as a worship center for his family and the community). There will be time to explore the Biltmore Village area and to see the train depot and the architecture from the period. From there, we'll go onto the Biltmore Estate grounds for our visit to the Winery (wine tasting at end of tour)

Dinner: Dinner at Deerpark Restaurant, on the Biltmore Estate This charming, rustic restaurant was originally an historic barn designed by Richard Morris Hunt. Now transformed into a courtyard restaurant with walls of windows, Deerpark Restaurant serves a generous array of Southern family-style dishes and Appalachian specialties.

Evening: Following dinner, we'll enter the Biltmore House for our Candlelight tour. Biltmore House is beautiful in all seasons of the year, but the Candlelight experience is nothing short of magical. You'll see the house as the first guests of the Vanderbilts did when they first opened the home. Musicians and entertainers are on all different levels of the house. You'll go through at your own pace, and there are docents available for questions. we will board the bus at 9:45 p.m. for departure back to Montreat

Lodging: Assembly Inn, Montreat Conference Center

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Conference Center

 Description: This stately hotel overlooks a small lake. It has a beautiful, spacious lobby with a fireplace. The building was made from native stone that sparkles with mica.

Ship Information: 401 Assembly Drive, Montreat, NC 28757

Contact info:
401 Assembly Drive
Montreat, NC 28757 USA
phone: 828-669-2911 x316
web: www.montreat.org/plan/hotel

Room amenities: Rooms have a desk, a clock radio, kleenex, closets, nightstand lamps, a sink and mirror. Blankets, sheets, pillows, bath mat, and a towel set will be provided (clean towels available daily). No phones or televisions in the rooms.

Facility amenities: Wireless Internet access (with personal laptop) in the lobby. Computer in main lobby for access to email and internet. Private baths for all participants. The impressive Lobby of Assembly Inn boasts multiple couches and a massive stone fireplace, with a Baby Grand piano and large screen cable TV, as well as courtesy phones.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights before:
Rooms are not typically available, due to retreats. Participants may call to check availability. If no rooms are available, the coordinator will assist them in finding a hotel nearby.

Check in time: 4:00 PM

Day Four: Wednesday, December 05 -  
Breakfast: Breakfast served from 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. in the Assembly Inn Dining Room

Morning: The bus departs for continued tour of the Biltmore Estate (house, conservatory, shopping), and then we'll go to the Barn and Farm area. 12:30 board bus for return to Montreat

Lunch: Lunch 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. in the Assembly Inn Dining Room

Afternoon: free afternoon (you may return to the Biltmore on your own if you desire) or stay and help the Montreat staff decorate the Assembly Inn for the holidays!

Dinner: Dinner will be served from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Assembly Inn Dining Room

Evening: 7:00 - 8:00 "Mary, Did you Know?" (theatre presentation, Donna Marie Todd)

Lodging: Assembly Inn, Montreat Conference Center

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Conference Center

 Description: This stately hotel overlooks a small lake. It has a beautiful, spacious lobby with a fireplace. The building was made from native stone that sparkles with mica.

Ship Information: 401 Assembly Drive, Montreat, NC 28757

Contact info:
401 Assembly Drive
Montreat, NC 28757 USA
phone: 828-669-2911 x316
web: www.montreat.org/plan/hotel

Room amenities: Rooms have a desk, a clock radio, kleenex, closets, nightstand lamps, a sink and mirror. Blankets, sheets, pillows, bath mat, and a towel set will be provided (clean towels available daily). No phones or televisions in the rooms.

Facility amenities: Wireless Internet access (with personal laptop) in the lobby. Computer in main lobby for access to email and internet. Private baths for all participants. The impressive Lobby of Assembly Inn boasts multiple couches and a massive stone fireplace, with a Baby Grand piano and large screen cable TV, as well as courtesy phones.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights before:
Rooms are not typically available, due to retreats. Participants may call to check availability. If no rooms are available, the coordinator will assist them in finding a hotel nearby.

Check in time: 4:00 PM

Day Five: Thursday, December 06 -  
Breakfast: Breakfast served from 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. in the Assembly Inn Dining Room

Morning: The morning course/lecture explores, "Here we come a-wassailing among the leaves so green.. " (music and literature -- Vanderbilt family and those who worked at the estate) We'll have a refreshment break mid morning and then return for more music and literature with Bobbie Pell.

Lunch: Lunch is served from 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. in the Assembly Inn Dining Room

Afternoon: This afternoon, we'll have an opportunity for those who wish to go caroling in the Montreat community. Those who do not wish to carol (or if the weather does not cooperate) will view a movie based in the Victorian era. 4:00 - 5:30 Free time to enjoy the area

Dinner: Dinner will be served from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Assembly Inn Dining Room

Evening: 7:00 - 8:00 p.m., "An Appalachian Mountain Christmas" (dulcimer music and stories of families in the western Carolina mountains) Games/cards/tv in lobby for fellowship

Lodging: Assembly Inn, Montreat Conference Center

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day Six: Friday, December 07 -  
Breakfast: Breakfast served from 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. in the Assembly Inn Dining Room

Morning: The morning course continues to explore aspects of the literature and music, both of the Vanderbilts and their society as well as the folks who worked at the estate (ballads, oral tradition). We will then look back over the week and discuss what we've learned about the Vanderbilts, the Victorian era, and the Gilded Age. Our closing program will be at 10:30, and participants will be able to load their cars, checkout and say goodbye. Box lunches are provided for everyone to enjoy on their travels.

Lunch: Box lunches available for everyone.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch


Free Time Opportunities


Montreat, NC
Asheville Area Chamber of CommerceThe Asheville Chamber has specific information on Asheville and the surrounding area. Plenty of shops and places to visit! Enjoy a trolley tour of the city...
For additional information, visit: www.ashevillechamber.org
Biltmore EstateGeorge Vanderbilt's 255-room mansion built at the end of the 19th Century, with a magnificent art collection and gardens covering 35 acres.
For additional information, visit: www.biltmore.com
Black Mountain / Swannanoa Chamber of CommerceChamber of Commerce located in downtown Black Mountain. Phone number 828 669-2300 Quaint small town with lots of unique shops to explore. Several of these shops are "art" based -- with items the owners make. Information on all area attractions!
For additional information, visit: www.exploreblackmountain.com
Black Mountain Golf CourseBoasts the world's longest fairway. Beautiful course with views of the mountains on all sides.
For additional information, visit: townofblackmountain.org
Blue Ridge MountainsThe Blue Ridge Mountains are part of the Appalachians -- and offer some of the most beautiful scenery anywhere. Hiking trails abound, both in Montreat and in the surrounding area with seasonal flora and fauna.
Carl Sandburg HomeA simple farmhouse and goat farm donated to the Park Service by Mrs. Sandburg after the famous author and poet's death. Video about the Sandburgs--his literary work--and hers in breeding goats. House kept as though they could come home any minute!
For additional information, visit: nps.gov/carl
Cherokee Indian VillageThe Oconaluftee Indian Village, the Museum of the Cherokee Indian, and Unto These Hills outdoor play (seasonal).
Chimney Rock ParkLocated in the Hickory Nut Gorge. Enjoy an elevator ride up 26 stores in a granite shaft to the chimney level. Gorgeous views from the top of the "chimney," and lots of hiking trails. Admission fee required.
For additional information, visit: chimneyrockpark.com
Folk Art CenterHome of the Southern Highland Handicraft Guild (located on the Blue Ridge Parkway) in east Asheville
For additional information, visit: southernhighlandguild.org/folkart.html
Grandfather MountainLocated in Linvolle, NC; attractions include a mile-high swinging bridge, natural habitat area, and hiking trails
For additional information, visit: grandfather.com
Harrah's CasinoHarrah's Casino on the Cherokee Indian Reservation
For additional information, visit: www.harrahs.com/our_casinos/che/index.html
Linville CavernsA 35-minute walking tour through caverns deep under the Humpback Mountain.
For additional information, visit: linvillecaverns.com
Thomas Wolfe HomeThe childhood home of the famous author -- includes a video about him. House has been made into a museum.
For additional information, visit: www.ah.dcr.state.nc.us/sections/hs/wolfe/wolfe.htm
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Important information about your itinerary:
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date.
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•5 nights of accommodations
•15 meals: 5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners
•8 Expert-led lectures
•5 Field trips
•2 Performances
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