ASHEVILLE NC-   WED MAR 26 2025-SUN MAR 30 2025

11/5/24 Update

Asheville, North Carolina  March 26-30 2025-  The Asheville area was devastated by hurricane Helene in late September. The downtown area was not as badly impacted as some other more rural areas, and it appears that things are back up and running to a large extent. I have spoken to a variety of people in the area over the past few weeks, and have decided not postpone the trip. The Biltmore is in the process of reopening.  Many of the restaurants I had planned to use as dinner venues are already operational, and there should be many options for a day of hiking. The major roads into Asheville are in the process of being repaired, and I suspect that any delays in getting to the hotel in March due to infrastructure problems will be minimal. I also think it is important to support the area in its recovery process. The itinerary will include a day at the Biltmore Estate, worth the trip alone, a day in town visiting galleries, breweries, and the home of writer Thomas Wolfe, and a day visiting/hiking some of the glorious vistas in the Blue Ridge mountains. I have reserved the whole 48 room Haywood Park Hotel, which is in the heart of downtown Asheville. I currently have a few openings so don’t hesitate to sign up if you haven’t done so already. If I get more interest than available rooms, I will establish a wait list, as always.  It should be inspirational to see how far back the Asheville area has come back from the dark days in September. And the Biltmore Estate, the largest private home in the country, should be a bucket list item for everyone!! 

 

9/28/24 Update

Asheville NC Mar 26-30 2025- We have taken over the whole Haywood Park Hotel (48 rooms) in downtown Asheville for what promises to be a very eclectic trip to one of the fastest growing areas in the southeast. Included will be; a day at the Biltmore Mansion, the largest private house in the United States; some hikes geared to everyone’s ability in the mountains surrounding Asheville, which contain waterfalls that the area is known for; and time in downtown Asheville, known for its brew-pub scene, art scene, and literary chops (Thomas Wolfe lived there- we will visit his house). The food scene in Asheville will provide some wonderful dinner venues that I am currently working on.

Right now we have 47 rooms spoken for, which means we have 1 left. I also know that we will have people drop out between now and March, so I will create a wait list for anyone who signs up after the room is spoken for.  I always go to the wait list so don’t be shy. The Biltmore Mansion is reason enough to sign up, not to mention the brilliant travel companions.

 

7-9-24 Update

Asheville NC- Wednesday Mar 26- Sunday Mar 30 2025- The outline for the trip was detailed in earlier correspondences, but highlights include the Biltmore House, the largest private residence in the United States and worth the trip itself, the home of Thomas Wolfe, and the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The area is also known for its great art galleries and breweries, which we will certainly take advantage of. I am working on a more detailed itinerary now. We have taken over the whole Haywood Park Hotel (48 rooms) in downtown Asheville, and still have a few rooms available. Anne Strauss, wife of our Classmate Ed Strauss, is very familiar with Asheville and its charms, and is helping to put together a great itinerary. It promises to be a special experience, so let’s fill the hotel with ‘72ers!!

 

3-19-24 Update:

Asheville NC- Wednesday Mar 26- Sunday Mar 30 2025- The outline for the trip was detailed in my January 15 correspondence, but highlights include the Biltmore House, the largest private residence in the United States and worth the trip itself, the home of Thomas Wolfe, and the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The area is also known for its great art galleries and breweries, which we will certainly take advantage of. I am working on a more detailed itinerary now. We have taken over the whole Haywood Park Hotel (48 rooms) in downtown Asheville, and still have plenty of rooms available. Anne Strauss, wife of our Classmate Ed Strauss, is very familiar with Asheville and its charms, and is helping to put together a great itinerary. It promises to be a special experience, so let’s fill the hotel with ‘72ers!!

 

Original Correspondence:

 

We have reserved the entire 48 room Haywood Park Hotel in downtown Asheville, NC, in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. We will visit the Biltmore House, the largest private residence in the United States (of course built by a Vanderbilt!!) and worth the trip alone, the home of author Thomas Wolfe, and take some simple hikes in the beauty of the mountains and surrounding area. Asheville is becoming an arts center of some distinction, and also a food destination, so we will have many great choices for gallery viewing and dinners. We will also have Ed Strauss’s wife Anne helping out as we put together the itinerary. Her family has had a presence in Asheville for many years, and her local knowledge will be invaluable. We also have some classmates who live in the area who will help in the planning process.  The cost will be in the $4000/couple range.