Rock Your Classroom: Student Travel in WNC
2 nights / 3 days
Highlights: Biltmore House, Gardens and River Bend Farm; Smith McDowell House Museum; Asheville’s Fun Depot; Pisgah National Forest; Cradle of Forestry; Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education; Asheville Tourist Baseball; Lake Lure Tours; Chimney Rock State Park
Day 1
Your first day in Asheville begins with a visit to Biltmore, America’s largest private residence. Offerings specifically designed with student groups in mind include an escorted tour of Biltmore House and an interactive one-hour program at River Bend Farm, the agricultural area of the estate. Student groups of 20 or more may receive reduced price admission (Monday-Friday). Please make arrangements early as reservations are limited during peak times.
Complete your history lesson on the area with a stop at nearby Smith-McDowell House Museum, Asheville’s first mansion and oldest surviving structure. Built by one of antebellum North Carolina’s most influential citizens, this National Register property was once the home of mayors, a confederate Major and friends of the Vanderbilt’s at nearby Biltmore. In addition to restored period rooms spanning 1840 through 1900, the Museum also features special history exhibits in the Gallery Rooms.
Burn off some extra energy this evening with a visit to Asheville’s Fun Depot. This family entertainment center features indoor mini golf, multi-level laser tag, indoor batting cages, climbing wall, soft play area, indoor and outdoor go-carts and more. Food is available on-site at the Depot Diner. Special group packages are available.
Day 2
Get into the great outdoors! Travel to the Pisgah National Forest to explore the never-ending world of forestry and natural history at America’s first forestry school, the Cradle of Forestry. At the Forest Discovery Center, jump inside a helicopter to simulate fighting a forest fire or crawl in a burrow to view a tree from a different point of view. The Cradle was the site of the nation’s first forestry school, started by Carl Schenck at the suggestion of Fredrick Law Olmstead and under the direction of George Vanderbilt.
Specially designed programs addressing science, social studies, forestry and living history are available and correlate to N.C. state curriculum standards and U.S. Forest Service guidelines.
Nearby Pink Beds Picnic Area is a great place to eat a picnic lunch.
Complete your day in Pisgah National Forest with a visit to the Pisgah Center for Wildlife Education, operated by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. The Center includes a wildlife garden, an award winning film, exhibits and the NC WILD store. Also located on-site is the state’s largest trout hatchery where visitors can feed brook, brown and rainbow trout raised from eggs and then released in local streams and rivers.
Depending on the time of the visit, consider a night at the ballpark. The Asheville Tourists, a farm team of the Colorado Rockies, call Asheville “home.” Known as a family-friendly park, it is not unusual to see Ted E. Tourist, the beloved mascot, visiting with fans throughout the game. Check the schedule to see if your visit coincides with one of the many special events hosted throughout the season. Concessions are available on-site.
Day 3
Explore the parameters with a visit to Chimney Rock State Park. This 500-million year old scenic attraction is located 25 miles southeast of Asheville. Chimney Rock State Park is known for its spectacular 75-mile views, numerous hiking trails, a 404-foot waterfall, Nature Center, picnicking and more. The staff botanists and ornithologist provide programs studying the natural wonders found along the park’s trails.
Enjoy a box lunch in the meadows surrounded by the towering views of the Rock.
Just a mile from Chimney Rock State Park is Lake Lure and its 27 miles of shoreline. Voted one of America’s top 10 most beautiful man-made lakes by National Geographic, explore Lake Lure’s history and beauty in the easy comfort of a guided boat tour and see a variety of local wildlife.
Interactive Asheville |
|
. |
|
. |
|
. |
|
. |
|
