 |
ASHEVILLE Robby Robinson
On March 26 2025, 78 Class of 1972 classmates, spouses, and guests arrived at the Haywood Park Hotel in downtown Asheville, North Carolina to begin a magical tour of the area. The festivities began with a buffet dinner at the hotel where old friends reunited and new friendships were begun. The next morning the group loaded on two buses and visited the Blue Ridge Parkway (which runs through Asheville) Visitor Center. There we learned the history of one of America’s most beautiful and iconic roads. We then traveled to the Folk Art Center, which gave us our first look at the vibrant Asheville art scene and the devastation that Hurricane Helene wreaked on the area. After a delicious lunch and beer-tasting in the Tiki Bar of the Hi-Wire Brewery, we headed to see the sights of downtown Asheville. Highlights included the Thomas Wolfe House, Basilica of St Lawrence, and the Grove Arcade, one of the first downtown malls in the United States. Dinner was a dine-around at three downtown restaurants- Market Place, Posana, and Curate. All three were big hits. Friday morning we headed for Catawba Falls for a hike. Our original destination was Dupont State Park, but it was closed due to wildfires and smoke in the area. Catawba Falls was a great alternative and allowed for three different hiking experiences depending on people’s hiking appetites. The reward for all hikers was a series of beautiful waterfalls in the mountains. After the hike and a delicious box lunch we headed for the North Carolina Arboretum. We drove through the towns of Black Mountain and Swannanoa, two of the worst-hit areas from the hurricane. It gave us an even better sense of the work still needing to be done. At the Arboretum we were able to tour the grounds and we also got a sneak preview of the annual orchid show which was officially opening that weekend. Dinner was at the Taylor Ranch, a working cattle ranch with a large pavilion for events like our dinner. After a barbecue feast, the group hit the dance floor to rock to tunes performed by local guitarist/singer Bruce Lang, who specializes in songs from the ‘60s and ‘70s. Saturday morning we toured the Grove Park Inn, a magnificent hotel and resort built in 1913 that is an historical treasure. From there we went to the Biltmore Estate, where we toured the outdoor and conservatory gardens. Wethen went to Antler Hill Village on the estate grounds; there we saw a display of old farm machinery and also a working blacksmith perform his craft. We also toured the extensive winery and I suspect the Biltmore brand will now be in homes all over the country. After returning to the Haywood Park to change into our finery, we returned for a private tour of the 175,000-square foot Biltmore House. Words cannot begin to describe the grandeur – artwork by Monet, Renoir, and Sargent, among others; European tapestries and painted ceilings; and rooms bigger than most houses. After the tour we convened in the former stable of the estate for dinner. \ Local historian Heath Towson gave us a presentationthat tied together all we had learned about Asheville and its rich history. Sunday we had breakfast, said our goodbyes, and headed home. Asheville turned out to be a special destination, but we also saw how far it still has to go to recover from Hurricane Helene. Special thanks to Anne Strauss for her local knowledge, and Bob and Sallie Wright, Merc Morris and Ginny Boyle, and Chris Robinson for their hard work in helping to making it all happen!!
TRIP PHOTOS ARE POSTED HERE. Thanks to our photographers:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ARCHIVES 3/24/25 Bob Wright Map This link will take you to a map of Ashville and vicinity with waypoints for all of our destinations mentioned on Robby’s itinerary. I really created it for myself but I thought I’d share it, thinking some of you might find it useful. https://maps.app.goo.gl/ 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. |
|
