Embark on an unforgettable journey specially designed to let you immerse yourself in the lifestyle and culture of the North Carolina Mountains. Nestled in the rolling hills of

Kentucky’s famed Bluegrass region, Shaker Village invites you to experience the spectacular beauty, and learn about Shaker life and beliefs. Hear unforgettable Shaker music performances in the Meeting House. Dine by candlelight on hearty southern foods and Shaker specialties at the Trustees’ Office Dining Room. A day of special scenery as you drive from Kentucky to the Great Smoky Mountains. Lovely at anytime of year, in late October the mountains are alive with the vibrant hues of autumn. Cross the Great Smoky Mountain National Park passing thru the lively resort town of Gatlinburg into Cherokee, NC for the night. Next morning, “Climb aboard for a rail adventure!” That’s an invitation to a delightful rail journey on the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad. Travel along the Tuckasegee River and into the Nantahala Gorge ending with a picnic lunch along the river. On to Ashville for a two-night stay and enjoy the Biltmore Estate Winery, a perfect way to end the day. Return to the Biltmore Estate & Gardens in the morning for a tour of one of the most beautiful estates in the world. Then on to Chimney Rock where an elevator takes you 26 stories inside the mountain for a jaw-dropping view of some of the most beautiful terrain you’ll find. A boat ride on Lake Lure takes you past luxury homes and the movie location for “Dirty Dancing.” More stunning scenery thru the Blue Ridge Mountains takes you to the Red Rocker Inn for a delicious family-style dinner. The following day, it’s on to Little Switzerland tucked away in the mountains of North Carolina on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Named Little Switzerland because its sweeping panoramas of deep valleys and distant ranges resemble the foothills of the Swiss Alps. Visit a gem mine and try your hand at mining for gems. Stop at the Little Switzerland Inn and Chateau with time to browse the Swiss shops for chocolates, distinctive hand crafted jewelry, pottery, and more. Travel the Blue Ridge Parkway us to Blowing Rock with time to view Grandfather Mountain, have lunch on your own and browse the shops. En route to our 2 night stay in Winston Salem, venture into wine country for dinner in a European-style lodge situated on a 55-acre estate. Step back to a simpler time when you visit Mount Airy, home of Andy Griffith and the friendly town of Mayberry. Fans of the “Andy Griffith Show” can visit familiar spots and have lunch at Snappy’s Café on our guided tour. A highlight in Winston Salem is Old Salem, one of the most authentic and inviting living history towns in the US. Costumed interpreters carry on the works of early day

Monrovians. Dinner is at the Historic Old Salem Inn. Many more highlights make this an invocative journey into the lifestyle and culture of North Carolina.