DAY 1 - Arrive at TAMARACK MARKET PLACE, Beckley, WV. For 25 years Tamarack Marketplace has been an iconic road stop for all who travel I-77 through Beckley. The peaked red roof building is eye-catching to say the least, but its the mission, the artistry and Appalachian pride that has made Tamarack Marketplace what it is today. The products of more than 2,800 artists and artisans from all 55 counties are sold at the regional showcase that make it evedent there is no lack of talent in the Mountain State. A shopping experience and art gallary! Enjoy free time to shop and lunch is included.
Check in to the Holiday Inn Express, Asheville.
DAY 2 - Enjoy breakfast at the hotel. Arrive at the BILTMORE ESTATE. Completed in 1895, George Vanderbilt's 250 room French chateau is a real life wonder. Enjoy a self-guided visit of Biltmore House that unveils a fresh look at how people lived and worked in America's largest home. Also, explore the acres of beautiful gardens and grounds, designed by renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted.
Enjoy lunch at Stable Cafe
Visit ANTLER'S HILL'S VILLAGE AND WINERY. Discover their new village that connects the estate's present and past, providing a relaxing place for dining, shopping, historical exhibits and new ways to experience Biltmore's hospitality. The village is a casual place, extending the Biltmore experience, from their fun and relaxing winery to exhibits at the Biltmore Legacy to delectable pub fare and ale at Cedric's Tavern. You can also enjoy live entertainment on the Village Green, explore farm life in the early 1900's at their farm and get ready to explore their 8,000 acre back yard at the Outdoor Adventure Center.
DAY 3 - Depart for a trolley tour of Asheville. There is no better way to discover and explore Asheville. Board one of Gray Line's nostalgic trolleys for a fully-narrated day tour highlighting the history, homes, hang-outs and hot spots of this "city of surprises." Next, stop at the BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY VISITOR CENTER in Asheville, featuring an award winning film and exhibits which highlight the natural and cultural heritage, economic traditions and recreational opportunities found in Western North Carolina and along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Arrive at THE COVE for a guided tour of the work and history of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. Upon visiting the property, Mr. and Mrs. Graham had a dream of providing a place where people could leave the demands of daily life, come to study God's Word, and be trained to reach the lost for Christ. The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association purchased the current property in 1972 in order to train people in God's Word to win others to Christ.
DAY 4 - Arrive at Lake Lure, NC and spend an hour on this majestic lake and see why National Geographic named it one of America's most beautiful man-made lakes. Enjoy your tour as your boat captain depicts the discovery of the Hickory Nut Gorge, the development of Lake Lure, stories of "Dirty Dancing" and reveals the breathtaking "Million-Dollar View." Package also includes lunch and tour of the historic 1927 Lake Lure Inn and Spa's antiques and music box collection.
Finish your trip enjoying the magnificant view at Chimney Rock State Park and browsing their unique village shops.
After returning to your hotel, enjoy an evening of barbeque and bluegrass music just 15 miles east of Asheville
DAY 5 - Prior to checking out, enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
Arrive at BIRTHPLACE OF COUNTRY MUSIC MUSEUM, BRISTOL, VA. A Smithsonian affiliate, it is dedicated to the telling of one story only, an event that Johnny Cash called The Big Bang of Country Music. In 1927 a talent scout for the Victor Talking Machines Company had four men carry a portable recording device into a Bristol hat factory and invited local musicians to record the music of the Appalachians. Through this museum, because of "The Bristol Sessions" the region's rich music legacy sings loud and proud today. Explore the museum and enjoy lunch with a live performance.
Includes:
- 4 Nights Accommodations
- 4 Breakfasts
- 4 Dinners
- 3 Lunches
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