Arts and Crafts, Arms and Calves
Vacation itinerary to enjoy arts, crafts and architecture while losing weight
The heritage of arts and craft in Western North Carolina is alive and thriving. From downtown Asheville to Black Mountain and from the French Broad River to the Blue Ridge Mountains, you will not only get a scenic view but also a chance to experience both traditional and contemporary art.
Follow this itinerary to see great art and architecture while incorporating muscle toning activities. Who says art is all about being an audience member (or about viewing)?
Get ready to put your natural talents to work and bring something handmade home to show your friends.
Itinerary Details
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Calories burned
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Day 1 - Get down and dirty
Take a ceramics class at Odyssey Center for the Ceramic Arts. Build your arm muscles for 2.5 hours through either hand-shaping clay or throwing on the wheel.
When you’re done getting your hands dirty, spend the next three hours exploring the River Arts District to burn even more calories. This distinctly Asheville district is made up of fifteen buildings with dozens of galleries. Many artists have an open door policy to visitors (you can also call ahead), and if you are lucky you may even get a demonstration. Shop, browse, and meander along the French Broad River.
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340
510
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Day 2 - Walk into history
Learn the history of Asheville by walking the Asheville Urban Trail. Thirty pieces of public sculpture tell of the city’s legends and lore through five distinct time periods.
Further your Asheville education and workout by joining a Historic Montford Walking Tour. This architecture and history tour of the Montford Historic District takes visitors through the neighborhood and inside one of the districts’s bed and breakfast inns. Architectural styles include Victorian, Arts and Crafts, Tudor, Georgian and Colonial Revival.
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127
281
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Day 3 - Lengthen your stride and expand your mind
Spend a couple hours of the morning in nearby Black Mountain. Stroll through Black Mountain’s downtown for some of the area’s best antique shopping. Be sure to also check out Black Mountain Center for the Arts in the town’s old City Hall building, preserved by dedicated citizens.
Pick up an Asheville Downtown Gallery Guide at the Asheville Visitor Center and spend three hours exploring the 31 downtown galleries. From glassworks to fine arts to sculpture, the art found in galleries of members of Asheville Downtown Gallery Association is ever-changing.
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275
510
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Day 4- Hike to amazing photo opportunities
Take a drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway and experience the view of Looking Glass Rock at Milepost 417. Looking Glass Rock Trail can be found on the other side. This moderately difficult 6.4-mile trail takes about 2.75 hours and gains 1,700 feet. Scenic spots are abundant on this hike!
On your way back to Asheville, stop at the Folk Art Center and Allanstand Craft Shop at Milepost 382 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. After exploring the region's traditional and contemporary crafts, observe one of the center’s daily craft demonstrations.
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1,123
225
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| Total calorie burn |
3,391
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Calorie burn numbers are estimates based on a 150-pound adult. Before embarking on any activity, you should check first with your doctor.
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