
June 10, 2021
Join Our State as we visit some of the most iconic spots in four charming towns in the awe-inspiring Blue Ridge Mountains.
June 10-13, 2021
Day 1: Thursday, June 10
Arrive at the hotel – Hampton Inn Hendersonville where Our State hosts will greet you in the lobby and assist in getting you situated. Enjoy a late afternoon wine tasting and a guided winery production facility tour at Burntshirt Vineyards. Bring your camera – the views from the veranda are spectacular!
Tonight, enjoy an exclusive dinner on site at Burntshirt Vineyards for Our State guests. Afterward enjoy “Appalachian Wit and Grit,” a private concert with Michael Reno Harrell, an award-winning songwriter, storyteller, and entertainer from the Southern Appalachian Mountains. He has appeared at MerleFest, National Storytelling Festival, and International Storytelling Center, among many other places around the world.
Day 2: Friday, June 11
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before a day of exploring. Depart hotel for the resort community of Lake Lure and Chimney Rock. Delight in a private tour of Nichols Nursery (Mr. Maple) to learn about Japanese maple trees from the experts – the beauty of the nursery is refreshing. Meander across the beautiful Flowering Bridge at Lake Lure with exclusive Flowering Bridge tour guides. The history of the project and the intricacies of the garden are truly inspiring on every level.
Next up, we head to the 1927 Lake Lure Inn to enjoy a private presentation of the rare antique original upright music boxes. Your senses will be amazed as the expert in the history of the music boxes charms you with his knowledge. Afterwards, settle in for a delicious Our State lunch at Lake Lure Inn. After lunch, lean back and relax during your Lake Lure boat tour and talk. You will be regaled with stories of the homes and gain special insights into the making of the movie Dirty Dancing.
Last stop of the day – visit Chimney Rock and attend The Radical Raptors Program. Take in the sweeping views and history of the grand rock. Then enjoy a scenic drive back to Hendersonville for a short rest time before dinner. Dinner tonight is at the local Hubba Hubba Smokehouse. Festive and fun, it is a true local hang-out for those who appreciate good barbecue.
Day 3: Saturday, June 12
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before a fascinating tour led by local historian, Eva Ritchey, as we travel back in time to downtown Historic Hendersonville. We will visit historic Main Street, stroll through the Henderson County Curb Market for a glimpse of a real local market, revel in the history of St. John in the Wilderness Church (Flat Rock), and enjoy the Apple Valley Model Railroad Club display and Museum at the Historic Hendersonville Depot. Then there is free time in the bustling downtown Hendersonville to dine & shop.
Dinner tonight is at Season’s Restaurant at Highlands Lake Inn. Return to the hotel filled with good memories of your time in the mountains of North Carolina.
Day 4: Sunday, June 13
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and say goodbye to your fellow travelers. Perhaps stop into a shop or two in Hendersonville on the way out of town that you may have missed the day before. Either way, safe travels home.