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The Biltmore Estate and Beyond: Discover the Wonders of Western North Carolina

Program Number: 18073RJ
Start and End Dates:
8/18/2013 - 8/23/2013; 9/29/2013 - 10/4/2013;
Duration: 5 nights
Location: Montreat, North Carolina
Price starting at: $781.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: History & Culture Activity Level: t (see description)
Meals: 15; 5 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 5 Dinners    
Meal Options: Low Fat; Vegetarian; Low Salt; Gluten Free    

Uncover all that western North Carolina has to offer. Study the visionary craftsmen behind the Biltmore Estate, learn how reaction to Thomas Wolfe’s autobiographical novel “Look Homeward, Angel” is said to have inspired the famous “You Can’t Go Home Again.” Discover breathtaking views from Chimney Rock, see a show at North Carolina’s state theater and visit the North Carolina Arboretum with a naturalist.




Highlights

• Learn about Vanderbilt family history and visit the 125,000-acre grounds of the Biltmore Estate.
• Explore downtown Asheville and the "Old Kentucky Home" boarding house where Thomas Wolfe grew up.
• Take an expert-led walk through the Carl Sandburg House and meet the herd at Connemara Farms, a goat farm once owned by the Sandburgs.



Activity Particulars

Considerable walking, some uneven terrain, many stairs at Biltmore Estate and other sites.




Date Specific Information

8-18-2013, 9-29-2013

Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



Coordinated by Montreat Conference Center.




Montreat

Originally founded as a spiritual retreat center, Montreat, nestled on Lake Susan at the foot of Graybeard Mountain, continues to be a peaceful destination for those seeking respite. Footpaths weave through the 4,000 acres of surrounding woodlands and the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains offer other recreational opportunities.
Accommodations
Beautiful conference center overlooking small lake in the center of Montreat. Spacious lounges, classrooms, fireplace and dining facilities in same building.

Road Scholar Instructors
These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur.
Righton McCallum
Righton McCallum is a retired English teacher and research librarian. She has taught the Local History and Research course at Blue Ridge Community College in Hendersonville, N.C. Righton authored the folklore chapter of the textbook “North Carolina Research: Genealogy and Local History” and has also written two books of her own Carolina-inspired poetry, “The Montreat Gate” and “Beside the Lake.” She and her husband have two sons, two granddaughters and an opinionated Scottish Terrier.
 
Peter Loewer
Peter Loewer is an artist, gardener, writer and illustrator living on the shores of Lake Kenilworth in Asheville, N.C. He holds a bachelor’s in graphic arts and art history and won the 1958 Max Beckmann Fellowship to the Brooklyn Museum. Peter gardens in what he calls a “failing effort to escape the real world and its problems.” He writes and illustrates gardening books and, with the help of his wife Jean, children’s books. His latest is “Loves Me Loves Me Not,” about the language of flowers.
 
Annie Hall
Annie Hall has been a director of Christian education, a teacher, head of a preschool, a social worker and a psychotherapist. She has earned a bachelor's degree and two master's degrees. Annie loves life, reading, mountain hiking, gardening, swimming, her four children and her six grandchildren.
 
Meals and Lodgings
   Assembly Inn, Montreat Conference Center
  Montreat, NC 5 nights
 Assembly Inn, Montreat Conference Center
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: Items to be shipped to guests (UPS/Fed Express, etc.) should be addressed to the participant, c/o Tracy Bailey, 401 Assembly Drive, Montreat, NC 28757. Items sent regular mail should be addressed the same as above, but use P. O. Box 969.
  Contact info: 401 Assembly Drive
Montreat, NC 28757 USA
phone: 828-669-2911 x316
web: www.montreat.org/accommodations.htm
  Room amenities: Rooms have a desk, clock radio, kleenex, closets and bed lamps. 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: Internet access (with personal laptop) in the lobby private baths for all participants. Television and courtesy telephone in the lobby
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior:  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
  Additional nights after:  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 out time: 11:00 AM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
4:00 - 5:30 p.m., at the Assembly Inn. You will be staying at Assembly Inn, Montreat Conference Center that night.
  End of Program:
12:30 p.m. at the Assembly Inn. You will be staying at Assembly Inn, Montreat Conference Center the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required.
  Parking availability:
Free parking at the Assembly Inn in Montreat.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Montreat, NC
  Nearest city or town:  Black Mountain, NC; nearest large town: Asheville, NC
  Nearest highway: Route 9 to Interstate 40
  Nearest airport:  Asheville Regional Airport
  From End of Program
  Location: Montreat, NC
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

Knoxville, TN

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

None - Car Required

 

Travel Time:

 

2 hours, all interstate 
 

Greenville, SC

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

None - Car Required

 

Travel Time:

 

1 1/2 hours, all interstate 
 

Charlotte, NC

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

None - Car Required

 

Travel Time:

 

2 hours, all interstate 
 

Asheville, NC

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Black Mountain Transportation
phone: 828-230-1121

 

Asheville, NC

 

From Bus Terminal

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
same as listed for airport
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$40
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

20 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

18 miles
   

arrange for transport with Road Scholar coordinator at Montreat; she will coordinate times with other participants.
 
Driving Directions
  From All Points - to Interstate 40 come to western North Carolina via Interstate 40; use exit 64 for Black Mountain/Montreat/Route 9 (15 miles east of Asheville, NC). At the exit, turn north on Route 9 (go through one traffic light, across a railroad track and another traffic light, and up the hill to the traffic light). Go straight across where Route 9 becomes Montreat Road, and travel approximately two miles to the Montreat entrance (stone gate). From the gate, continue approximatley 1 1/2 miles to the middle of the conference center. The Assembly Inn is on the hill on the left, across from Lake Susan.
Elevation Note: Participants may wish to hike on their own in surrounding mountains, which peak elev. exceed 5,400.

Equipment Requirements: Anyone wishing to enjoy outdoor activities (walking, hiking) should bring hiking boots or shoes with tread on bottom.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Orientation
(Sunday, September 29)
   
 Afternoon: Arrival at the Assembly Inn, check in between 4 - 5:30 PM.
 Dinner: Assembly Inn Dining Room, Dinner will be served from 5:30 to 6:30 PM.
 Evening: Our opening program and orientation will be at 7 PM.
   
Accommodations: Assembly Inn, Montreat Conference Center
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: The Biltmore Estate
(Monday, September 30)
   
 Breakfast: Assembly Inn Dining Room, Breakfast 7:30 - 8:30 AM.
 Morning: Bill Adam will present two topics this morning, both related to the Biltmore Estate. "The Men Who Built the Biltmore" and the "Vanderbilt Family History." Morning classes will be broken up with a 30 minute refreshment break.
 Lunch: Box Lunches on the way!
 Afternoon: Pick up box lunches from the dining room, board the transportation, and we're on our way to the Biltmore House for a self guided walk though the Biltmore House (audio tapes available), gardens and conservatory. From there, we'll travel down to the winery, farm and barn area. Info from the Biltmore Estate website: The History of America's Largest Home Building Biltmore was, at the time, one of the largest undertakings in the history of American residential architecture and the results were astounding. Over a six-year period, an entire community of craftsmen worked to build the country's premier home. The estate boasted its own brick factory, woodworking shop, and a three-mile railway spur for transporting materials to the site. A New World Château The celebrated architect Richard Morris Hunt modeled the house on three châteaux built in 16th-century France. It would feature 4 acres of floor space, 250 rooms, 34 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, and 65 fireplaces. The basement alone would house a swimming pool, gymnasium and changing rooms, bowling alley, servants' quarters, kitchens, and more. An Environmental Wonder The grounds of the 125,000-acre estate were designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the creator of New York's Central Park and the father of American landscape architecture. He not only developed acres of gardens and parkland, but in his efforts to protect the environment and reclaim over-farmed land, Olmsted established America's first managed forest. A True Family Home George Vanderbilt officially opened the home to friends and family on Christmas Eve in 1895. He had created a country retreat where he could pursue his passion for art, literature, and horticulture. After marrying the American Edith Stuyvesant Dresser (1873–1958) in Paris during the summer of 1898, George and his new bride came to live at the estate. Their only child, Cornelia (1900–1976), was born and grew up at Biltmore.
 Dinner: Assembly Inn Dining Room, Dinner, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
 Evening: "Fun in the Mountains" recreational program. Games/cards and tv available in the lobby of the Inn for fellowship.
   
Accommodations: Assembly Inn, Montreat Conference Center
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Downtown Asheville and the Thomas Wolfe House
(Tuesday, October 1)
   
 Breakfast: Assembly Inn Dining Room, Breakfast 7:30 - 8:30 AM.
 Morning: The first morning presentation will focus on Asheville History and the second lecture will speak to it's long time resident, and author, Thomas Wolfe. Morning classes will be broken up with a 30 minute refreshment break.
 Lunch: Assembly Inn Dining Room, Lunch 12:30 - 1:30 PM.
 Afternoon: Board transportation for trip into Asheville We'll explore downtown Asheville (both on the transporation and in a guided walk) and visit the Thomas Wolfe's Home where we'll visit a the museum and have a guided tour of the "Old Kentucy Home" boarding house where Wolfe grew up. 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.
 Dinner: Assembly Inn Dining Room, Dinner, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
 Evening: Prepare for tomorrows excurison with a discussion about the background and history of Chimney Rock Park and Lake Lure.
   
Accommodations: Assembly Inn, Montreat Conference Center
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Chimney Rock Park and Lake Lure
(Wednesday, October 2)
   
 Breakfast: Assembly Inn Dining Room, Breakfast 7:30 - 8:30 AM.
 Morning: At 8:30 a.m. transportation departs Montreat for Chimney Rock Park. Experience fantastic views from the top of Chimney Rock--Climb to the top of this towering 315-foot monolith located on the very edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains high above beautiful Hickory Nut Gorge. At a soaring elevation of 2,280 feet with its 75-mile views, this mountain top experience will take your breath away. And, you can get to the top of the "Rock" with great ease or some effort. It's up to you! Next, we will explore the village of Chimney Rock (located just beside the town of Lake Lure).
 Lunch: Box lunches 12:00 - 1:00 P.M.
 Afternoon: After, enjoy a narrated boat ride tour on Lake Lure! Discover the beauty and charm of Lake Lure. Relax on a covered boat while your skipper guides you past local attractions and landmarks such as the locations used in filming the popular Dirty Dancing and the recently restored historic 1927 Lake Lure Inn and Spa. Listen to the legends, and learn about the natural and cultural history of Hickory Nut Gorge, home to Lake Lure, North Carolina. Return to Montreat enjoy the rest of the afternoon for relaxation or other explorations
 Dinner: Assembly Inn Dining Room, Dinner 6:00 - 7:00 P.M.
 Evening: Your evening lecture on The Life of Carl Sandburg will prepare you for the next days activities. Carl Sandburg spent a lifetime exploring what it meant to be an American and asked the eternal questions, "Who am I, where am I going and where have I been?" He did this through poetry, song, lectures, writing and lasting friendships with kindred spirits.
   
Accommodations: Assembly Inn, Montreat Conference Center
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Carl Sandburg Home and Goat Barn; Show at the Flat Rock Playhouse, the state theatre for NC
(Thursday, October 3)
   
 Breakfast: Assembly Inn Dining Room, Breakfast 7:30 - 8:30 AM.
 Morning: 8:30 departure on provided transportation to the Carl Sandburg Home located in Flat Rock, NC. You will enjoy a guided walk-through of the Carl Sandburg House, as well as explorations of the goat farm and beautiful walking paths. Guided Tours of the Sandburg Home Taking a guided tour of the historic Carl Sandburg Home with over 65,000 artifacts on display is an insightful glimpse into the lives of the Sandburg family. Visiting Connemara Farms Goat Dairy Mrs. Sandburg owned and operated a premier goat dairy from 1935 to 1965. Here at Connemara the dairy became a Grade A operation, with milk being distributed to local dairies and sold in stores around the community. Mrs. Sandburg's goat breeding program produced champion goats and led to the improvement of goats as milk producing animals. Enjoy the Connemara Farms' goat-herd. The park service raises goats that represent the three breeds of goats Mrs. Sandburg raised at Connemara. Rangers and volunteers are on hand to share this facinating story about goats and Mrs. Sandburg's dairy goat operation. Outdoor Pursuits "It is necessary now and then for a man to go away by himself and experience loneliness; to sit on a rock in the forest and to ask of himself, 'Who am I, and where have I been, and where am I going?'...If one is not careful, one allows diversions to take up one's time-the stuff of life" -Carl Sandburg as quoted from a letter to his friend, Ralph McGill. Enjoy the solitude of Connemara. Hike its many trails and take from it the energy to avoid diversions.
 Lunch: Box lunches at the picnic area at the Carl Sandburg home.
 Afternoon: Experience a theatre show at the Flat Rock Playhouse, the state theatre for NC! After, we will return to Montreat and enjoy some free time. The State Theater of North Carolina As the beautiful Western Carolina region continued to grow, so did the Playhouse and in 1961, by a Act of the North Carolina General Assembly, Flat Rock Playhouse was officially designated The State Theatre of North Carolina. What began as a few weeks of summer performances in 1940 is now an eight month season of plays including Broadway musicals, comedy, drama, and theatre for young audiences. The Playhouse Today The Playhouse’s dual mission of producing the performing arts and providing education in the performing arts includes a ten-show professional series; a summer and fall college apprentice and intern program; performances and cabaret series by the YouTheatre; year-round classes and workshops for students from kindergarten through adults. Flat Rock Playhouse now hosts over 90,000 patrons annually and is a major contributor to the local economy and the Arts in North Carolina. TREASURE ISLAND - Oct 27 – Nov 21: Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic tale of piracy and adventure on the high seas. Join Jim and a one-legged scoundrel named Long John Silver on an unforgettable adventure to Skeleton Island in this legendary tale of piracy and heroism.
 Dinner: Assembly Inn Dining Room, Dinner 6:00 - 7:00 P.M.
 Evening: Free Evening to relax (perhaps a wine & cheese party) Games/cards/tv in lobby for fellowship
   
Accommodations: Assembly Inn, Montreat Conference Center
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: NC Arborteum
(Friday, October 4)
   
 Breakfast: Assembly Inn Dining Room, 7:30 - 8:30 a.m.
 Morning: 8:45 departure on provided transporation to the NC Arborteum Peter Loewer, naturalist, as your guide. The North Carolina Arboretum is a 434-acre public garden located within the Bent Creek Experimental Forest of the Pisgah National Forest. Surrounded by the dense folds of the botanically diverse Southern Appalachian Mountains, the Arboretum is nestled in one of the most beautiful natural garden settings in America. Established in 1986 by the General Assembly as an inter-institutional facility of the University of North Carolina, the Arboretum came into existence nearly a century after this country's father of landscape architecture, Frederick Law Olmsted, first envisioned such an institution near Asheville. Around 11:30 a.m. we will return to Montreat for checkout and closing program.
 Lunch: Assembly Inn Dining Room, 12:30 - 1:30 (box lunches provided for those who do not wish to stay through lunch)
   
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Montreat, NC Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce
The 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 Estate
George 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 Commerce
Chamber 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 Course
Boasts the world's longest fairway. Beautiful course with views of the mountains on all sides. For additional information, visit townofblackmountain.org
  Blue Ridge Mountains
The 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 Home
A 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 Village
The Oconaluftee Indian Village, the Museum of the Cherokee Indian, and Unto These Hills outdoor play (seasonal).
  Chimney Rock Park
Located 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 Center
Home of the Southern Highland Handicraft Guild (located on the Blue Ridge Parkway) in east Asheville For additional information, visit southernhighlandguild.org/folkart.html
  Grandfather Mountain
Located in Linvolle, NC; attractions include a mile-high swinging bridge, natural habitat area, and hiking trails For additional information, visit grandfather.com
  Harrah's Casino
Harrah's Casino on the Cherokee Indian Reservation For additional information, visit www.harrahs.com/our_casinos/che/index.html
  Linville Caverns
A 35-minute walking tour through caverns deep under the Humpback Mountain. For additional information, visit linvillecaverns.com
  Thomas Wolfe Home
The 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
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. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

What’s included in this Road Scholar program?



Except for the occasional meal on some programs, Road Scholar programs are all-inclusive. That means there are no extra “options,” no passing the hat for tips and no surprises. From lectures and field trips to gratuities and accommodations – the price you pay up front is the price you pay.

Specifically, this program includes:


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