March 21st

The hike to Weatherford Heights explores the history and geography of Y.M.C.A. Blue Ridge Assembly. The hike follows the original boundary line of the conference center’s grounds, surveyed by educator, author, and religious leader Willis Duke Weatherford in 1906. Weatherford sought a permanent location for student training sessions he arranged. When he reached the present site of Blue Ridge Assembly, between two steep forested ridges of the Swannanoa Mountains two miles from Black Mountain, he exclaimed, “Eureka, we have found it!”

Difficulty: Strenuous, 6
Elevation Gain: 2,710 feet

March 7th

Hike Overview:  The Seven Sisters peaks are a familiar sight from Lake Tomahawk. While the Seven Sisters span an expanse of only 3.5 miles, hiking up to and across the range is a strenuous, 9.8-mile distance.  Along the way, hike leaders will share historical anecdotes about the peak’s nomenclature, social history, geography, and ecology. The hike has several panoramic views. This hike is recommended only for experienced hikers.

March 14th

Join the Swannanoa Valley Museum for a guided history hike exploring the beautiful campus of Warren Wilson College. Led by a knowledgeable local expert, this tour will delve into the origins of the Asheville Farm School, the institution that eventually grew into Warren Wilson College. Participants will learn about the school’s founding mission, its evolution over the decades, and its lasting impact on education and community life in the Swannanoa Valley.

This hike offers a unique opportunity to walk through history while enjoying the scenic grounds of one of the region’s most storied institutions.

March 24th & March 25th

Most people see the beauty of the Biltmore. You’re going to see the brilliance.

Rafael Guastavino became a legend by fireproofing the Gilded Age, transforming American architecture with his signature tile vaulting. His work at the Biltmore House stands as one of his best examples of his work and technique.

After finishing Biltmore, Guastavino chose not to leave the region. Instead, he settled in the Swannanoa Valley, where he built a distinctive “Spanish Castle,” established a working farm, and constructed a tile kiln on his property in Black Mountain. The Rhododendron Estate became his home and livelihood—a place where architecture, land, and family life intersected.

Join us for a two-day guided journey that traces Guastavino’s story in reverse—from masterpiece to home.

 Important: This is a two-day tour experience. One ticket includes admission to both days.