Hiking, Brews & Great Company in Asheville with Fuqua MBA
Your TourHero
Hello, we're Chang and Kelly, co-presidents of the Asia Business Club at Duke's Fuqua School of Business and we're ecstatic to have MBAs from all over the region join us in Asheville!
Duration
3 days · 2 nights
Travel Date
Apr 8 - 10, 2022
Activity Level
Light to moderate
Group Size
30 - 50
Transportation
Self-Drive
Tour Price
Your Fellow Explorers
Age range
25 - 40
Travel interest
Networking, socializing, hiking, food & drinks
Enjoy a quick getaway to Asheville, North Carolina, known for its impressive art scene, locally sourced gastronomy, and killer breweries that boast socializing and fun. With nature at every turn and hikes to waterfalls in the lush forest backdrop, this trip will pull you away from the hustle and bustle of the world, giving you time to reconnect with nature, yourself, and friends new and old. You’ll partake in group dinners at trendy taverns, hikes along majestic mountain trails, have free time to explore downtown, along with a trip to the iconic Biltmore Village. This three-day getaway to the Blue Ridge Mountains is calling your name, so answer the call and enjoy an April escape!
Cancellation policy
Refunds for deposits
If you cancel your trip after placing a deposit, you can request a full refund of your deposit up to 7 days before the tour departure.
Refunds for fully-paid trips
If you cancel your trip after making full payment, you may cancel your trip up to 7 days before the tour departure for a full refund.
A full credit will also be issued if the tour is canceled due to COVID-19 travel restrictions (see our COVID-19 guarantee on the tour itinerary page). We suggest buying your own travel insurance for coverage of cancellations within 30 days of the tour commencing for reasons other than a full tour cancellation.
Your TourHero
Hello, we're Chang and Kelly, co-presidents of the Asia Business Club at Duke's Fuqua School of Business and we're ecstatic to have MBAs from all over the region join us in Asheville!
Duration
3 days · 2 nights
Travel Date
Apr 8 - 10, 2022
Activity Level
Light to moderate
Group Size
30 - 50
Transportation
Self-Drive
Enjoy a quick getaway to Asheville, North Carolina, known for its impressive art scene, locally sourced gastronomy, and killer breweries that boast socializing and fun. With nature at every turn and hikes to waterfalls in the lush forest backdrop, this trip will pull you away from the hustle and bustle of the world, giving you time to reconnect with nature, yourself, and friends new and old. You’ll partake in group dinners at trendy taverns, hikes along majestic mountain trails, have free time to explore downtown, along with a trip to the iconic Biltmore Village. This three-day getaway to the Blue Ridge Mountains is calling your name, so answer the call and enjoy an April escape!
Timeline
- Day 1 · Asheville, NC
- Arrive in Asheville
- Check-in at private lodge (or similar according to availability)
- Lunch (not included in price)
- Visit the Hi-Wire Brewing
- Dinner at local restaurant (not included in price)
- Free time to chill and relax
- Day 2 · Asheville, NC
- Breakfast
- Optional Catawba Falls hike or free time in town
- Lunch (not included in price)
- North Carolina Arboretum
- Dinner at local restaurant (not included in price)
- Farewell party at the lodges (alcohol and snacks included)
- Day 3 · Departure
- Breakfast
- Check out of accommodation
- Journey ends
Details
Day 1
Welcome to Asheville – where modern innovation and mountain living coexist
Welcome to Asheville! We’re thrilled you’re here in this vibrant city, nestled in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains. This area is known for its stellar arts scene, historic architecture, nature trails, and delicious breweries with local restaurants serving farm-to-table everything. After getting checked in and settled at one of the two private lodges, head to the Hi-Wire Brewing with your group and enjoy the flavors of Asheville with flowing beer taps and sumptuous snacks. For dinner, put your best dress on and make your way to a local favorite where you can enjoy the decadent fare while networking with friends new and old. We suggest hitting up the Black Mountain Bistro or the Berliner Kindl German Restaurant. After dinner, you’ll have the rest of the night to chill at the lodges or explore the area’s nightlife. No matter what you choose, we hope you have a great night!
Day 2
Chase waterfalls on an optional morning hike, visit the North Carolina Arboretum and end the trip with a farewell dinner and party night
Good morning! We hope you had a great night’s sleep and are rested for a full day of fun. After breakfast, take an optional early morning hike to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the state. You can walk the Catawba Falls Trail, a three-mile loop that features waterfalls, foot bridges, and stone foundations from the early 1900s. After a rousing hike in the lush woods, head back to town for lunch and enjoy some free time to explore at your own pace before marveling at the beauty of the North Carolina Arboretum. From here, make your way back to the lodge when the sun sets and freshen up for one last meal together at one of the hip taverns in town. We highly recommend Curate or Nine Mile, both offering trendy decor and elevated meals. The food is sure to impress, but the fun won’t stop here! When you return to the lodges, enjoy a farewell party with the group. Grab a drink and toast to a great night and stellar networking trip!
Day 3
Enjoy one final meal before heading home
Rise and shine to your last day in Asheville. Enjoy breakfast with your group at the lodges, then pack up and prepare to head home. We hope you had a memorable time here in North Carolina and created bonds that will last a lifetime. Safe travels!
Accommodation
Gloryland Lodge (or similar according to availability)
The Gloryland Lodge is a spacious, private home nestled amidst 600 mountain acres by Camp Rockmont. Enjoy the scenery and sounds of the mountain stream that run past the home, providing a tranquil respite for all travelers who come to visit. On site, you’ll find an outdoor firepit, grill, and furniture, creating the perfect place to relax after a day of exploring. The property features five bedrooms, 16 beds, and three full baths, along with a full kitchen, multiple living areas, and Wi-Fi. Room type: Multiple occupancy.
Valley View Lodge
Valley View is a charming home nestled among the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering stunning views of the Swannanoa Valley. Adjacent to Camp Rockmont, enjoy three floors of living space, a game room with pool table, wrap around porch, outside firepit, and grill with hiking trails nearby. On site, you’ll find four bedrooms, 17 beds, and three full baths, along with a full kitchen, living areas, and Wi-Fi. Note: Multiple occupancy.
Included
- 2 nights in private Airbnb lodge (or similar)
- Shared occupancy in accommodation
- All breakfasts at lodges
- Hi-Wire Brewery Tour
- Party night at lodge (includes alcohol and snacks)
Not included
- Flights
- Airport and activity transfers
- Car rental
- Fuel/gas cost
- All meals not mentioned in inclusions
- Personal expenses not stipulated
- Optional add-ons
- Gratuities
Cancellation policy
Refunds for deposits
If you cancel your trip after placing a deposit, you can request a full refund of your deposit up to 7 days before the tour departure.
Refunds for fully-paid trips
If you cancel your trip after making full payment, you may cancel your trip up to 7 days before the tour departure for a full refund.
A full credit will also be issued if the tour is canceled due to COVID-19 travel restrictions (see our COVID-19 guarantee on the tour itinerary page). We suggest buying your own travel insurance for coverage of cancellations within 30 days of the tour commencing for reasons other than a full tour cancellation.
- Gloryland Lodge - Airbnb
- Gloryland Lodge - Airbnb
- Valley View Lodge - Airbnb
- Valley View Lodge - Airbnb
- Welcome to Asheville, home to the Blue Ridge Mountains. - Unsplash: Airam Dato-on
- Enjoy a delicious dinner with your group overlooking the stunning mountain backdrop. - Facebook: Black Mountain Bistro
- Valley View Lodge - Airbnb
- Enjoy a group trip to the Highland Brewing Company. - Facebook: Highland Brewing Company
- Highland Brewing Company - Facebook: Highland Brewing Company
- New Belgium Brewing - Facebook: New Belgium Brewing
- Keep the fun going with a trip to the New Belgium Brewing Company. - New Belgium Brewing
- Hike to Catawba Falls for some pristine vistas. - Unsplash: Wes Hicks
- Explore the River Arts District with its colorful murals and artist studios. - Unsplash: Kyle Glenn
- Enjoy a farewell dinner with the group at a local favorite. - Curate
- Enjoy one last meal with your group and toast to a stellar trip and glorious future. - Unsplash: Andra C Taylor Jr
- Visit Hi-Wire Brewing, one of the best brewery in Ashevile - Hi-Wire Brewing