2024 Convocation Optional Outings

Thursday, November 7 Guest Excursion:

Arrive at the Asheville River Arts District, the hip and upcoming warehouse-turned-art-district along the French Broad River. There are over 100 artists in the district representing almost every possible artistic medium. More than 65 prominent artists are regularly open every day of the week and they welcome groups into their studios to talk with them, see their latest artwork, and to watch live demonstrations. Popular artists with our aficionados in the past have included glass blowers, potters, metal workers and textile artists, but our guide will make appointments with at least three prominent artists who are more willing to demonstrate their craft and are open to communicate about their techniques and works to our groups. Before returningt o thehotel, we wil make a stop at the pleb urbanwinery for a private group production tour and wine tasting.The pleb urban winery is a production winery in Asheville's River Arts District that produces small batch craft wines. The winemakers use an Old-World approach to produce organic, natural and minimal intervention wines using locally sourced grapes. Their taproom also offers a selection of guest wines and beers on tap. Cost: $120 per person.

Friday, November 8 Excursion Options:

America’s largest home is the centerpiece of Biltmore Estate. George Vanderbilt, the youngest son of an American family famous for its wealth, opened his country retreat in 1895. His guests marveled at the magnificent residence containing 34 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, and 65 fireplaces covering four acres of floor space. Vanderbilt traveled the world to furnish his home: art by Renoir, Whistler, and Sargent; exquisite 16th-century tapestries; and 24,000 books in seven languages. This afternoon, you can enjoy a self-guided visit through more than 60 rooms carefully preserved by Vanderbilt’s descendants, rooms appearing as they did a century ago. After exiting the Biltmore House, individuals in the group can choose between walking through the Biltmore Estate Gardens or shop in the Stable Arcade adjacent to the Biltmore House. Cost: $180 per person.

Swing into a round of golf on the legendary 18-hole course at our Asheville, NC golf resort, The Omni Grove Park Inn. The 6,055-yard championship course has been played by PGA stars Bobby Jones, Ben Hogan and Jack Nicklaus, and even President Obama. Feel a sense of pride and accomplishment after navigating the tree-lined fairways and bent greens with amazing views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Elevated tee boxes on the par 70 course provide perfect sight lines for each drive. Cost: $170. The golf course does rent clubs for an additional cost of $100 plus tax per set per round (18 holes) of golf.