- Group Size 10 People Maximum
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Travel Style
Outdoor Expedition
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- Implemented expansive new safety protocols
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As the sun rises over the Blue Ridge Mountains, a sea of fog sweeps across the treetops, lapping at the base of the mountains. It’s here, in the thick of a misty morning like this one, that you’ll feel the quiet, pulsing magic of western North Carolina—from its blue-tinged peaks to its towering oaks. On this three-day journey, we’ll wander these ancient alpine landscapes, exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway, Haw Creek, and the nearby city of Asheville. Accompanied by local experts, we’ll forage for plants and herbs and prepare traditional Appalachian dishes using our harvested bounty. We’ll learn traditional handicrafts from a local artisan, sample renowned North Carolina BBQ, and listen to the wail of a fiddle from a local bluegrass musician.
- Foraging with wild food experts
- Bluegrass music
- Appalachian clogging in a picking barn
- Basket-weaving workshop
Itinerary
Day 1: Appalachian Arts & a Bluegrass Serenade
After arriving, stretch your legs with a short hike near the Blue Ridge Parkway. This afternoon, you'll have the chance to try your hand at traditional crafting and learn a bit about the history of Appalachian handicrafts from a local artisan. Enjoy a picnic dinner of famed North Carolina BBQ before being serenaded by bluegrass musicians.
Dinner
Day 2: Foraging in the Blue Ridge Mountains
Head out for a day of foraging alongside local wild food experts. You’ll learn how to identify and harvest lots of edible plants and fungi, all while immersed in the stunning alpine landscape of the Blue Ridge Mountains. We’ll head back to downtown Asheville, where you’ll have some free time to grab lunch and explore the city at your own pace. Then it’s off to Haw Creek, where we’ll learn how to prepare traditional Appalachian dishes using the foraged ingredients we harvested earlier in the day. After tasting your creation and digesting with a stroll along the creek, enjoy an optional evening drink at one of West Asheville’s quirkiest watering holes.
Dinner
Day 3: Farewell & Departure
Enjoy a leisurely morning before tucking into a big brunch at one of Asheville’s most beloved local eateries. Then it’s off to your next adventure!
Brunch
The cost of this trip is $635.
Traveling solo? You’re in good company. Solo travelers typically make up about half of our small groups. With curiosity at the core of our experiences, there's a natural camaraderie that develops over the course of a trip.
Accommodations are not included in your trip, but there is a variety of wonderful hotel, bed and breakfast, campground, and local lodging options available in Asheville. Our guide recommends the Chestnut Street Inn, The Beaucatcher, Asheville Cabins of the Willow Winds, or Campfire Lodgings. There are also many Airbnb options in West Asheville.
We recommend you arrive in Asheville by 3 p.m. on Day 1. Our trip concludes after brunch on Day 3, and you can continue on to your next adventure that afternoon.
Travelers should feel comfortable walking two to five miles over the course of each day, spending time in nature, remaining on their feet for long periods of time, and sometimes walking on uneven terrain.
- All meals as described in the itinerary.
- Experienced local guides to accompany you for the duration of the trip, as well as special guests throughout.
- Admission to all proposed activities, locations, and events listed in your itinerary.
- A great group of fellow Atlas Obscura travelers, excited to explore all that Asheville has to offer!
- 24/7 emergency assistance during your trip, provided by Global Rescue.
- Special access to unique places, hidden sites, and extraordinary experiences.
- Accommodations in Asheville.
- Transportation to, from, and around Asheville. Transportation during the trip will be by foot and via your own vehicles.
- Travel insurance (recommended).
- Additional meals and drinks outside of Atlas Obscura offerings, including most alcoholic beverages.
Trip FAQ
Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
Most dietary restrictions can be accommodated, though in most cases ingredients can't be substituted or omitted from particular dishes. If you have a severe allergy, please contact us to find out if this is the right trip for you.
What positive impact will I have by taking this trip?
We’ll be supporting local artisans as well as businesses with sustainable practices at each step of the way, from the restaurants we eat at to our accommodations.
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