EXCURSIONS FROM THE SQUARE

CULTURAL TRAVEL SINCE 1992

Asheville in the Fall

October 21-24, 2026

Join our EXCURSION to ASHEVILLE, a delightful town nestled between the Blue Ridge and Great Smoky Mountains of western North Carolina. The highlight of our trip is a visit to BILTMORE, the country estate of George Vanderbilt. This extraordinary French Renaissance-style château, with its renowned collections of tapestries, paintings, and furniture, was designed by architect Richard Morris Hunt. Additional highlights are dinner at the historic GROVE PARK INN and a visit to the boyhood home of writer THOMAS WOLFE. It is especially meaningful to return to ASHEVILLE for the first time since the devastating flooding caused by Hurricane Helene in 2024, and to support a region whose beauty, spirit, and cultural treasures continue to inspire visitors from around the world.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21 – Fly from Philadelphia or your home city to CHARLOTTE, NC, for a visit to the MINT MUSEUM OF CRAFT + DESIGN, renowned for its outstanding collection of traditional and contemporary works in ceramics, fiber, glass, metal, and wood. Also on view is Caravaggio | Revolution: Baroque Masterpieces from the Roberto Longhi Foundation, featuring exceptional works from one of Italy’s most important art collections. Continue to ASHEVILLE and check into the Embassy Suites Hotel, your home for the next several nights. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner with your fellow travelers. (D)

Left: Domed roof of the First Baptist Church in Asheville, designed by Douglas D. Ellington and opened in 1927

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22 – Spend the day at BILTMORE, the magnificent estate built for George Vanderbilt in 1895. Your admission includes a self-guided tour of America’s largest privately owned home, the beautiful gardens designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, and a visit to the Winery. Optional specialty tours are available throughout the day. Before returning to our hotel, we will stop at historic BILTMORE VILLAGE, known for its charming shops, galleries, and cafés. This evening is yours to enjoy ASHEVILLE'S vibrant downtown, with its unique blend of mountain charm, arts, music, and dining. Recommendations for restaurants and entertainment will be provided. (B)

Right: A spectacular corner of the Biltmore Estate.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23 - In the morning, enjoy an historic tour of downtown ASHEVILLE with its unique blend of architectural styles, and the River Arts District filled with working artists’ studios and galleries. In the afternoon, tour the historic SMITH-MCDOWELL HOUSE, an antebellum home built circa 1840, and the THOMAS WOLFE HISTORICAL CENTER, the boyhood home of the famous novelist. Dinner is planned this evening at the historic GROVE PARK INN with its splendid Arts and Crafts-style furnishings. (B, D)

Left: The Thomas Wolfe Memorial, the boyhood home of the writer, known for his autobiographical masterpiece, Look Homeward Angel.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24 - Travel south to visit CONNEMARA, the fascinating CARL SANDBURG HOME AND NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE (pending confirmation). See the exquisite foliage on the BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY and stop at the nearby FOLK ART CENTER to shop for authentic crafts made by members of the SOUTHERN HIGHLAND HANDCRAFT GUILD, before returning to the airport for your flights home. (B)

COST FOR LAND ARRANGEMENTS: $2295. SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $395.

SAVE $150 if you reserve by WEDNESDAY, JULY 1.

THE COST INCLUDES: Three nights’ accommodations at the Embassy Suites in Asheville; taxes on included items; two dinners and full breakfast daily; all sightseeing and ground transportation as indicated; admission to included museums and historic houses. The trip will be escorted by a representative from EXCURSIONS FROM THE SQUARE.

NOT INCLUDED: Airfare from Philadelphia or your home city. Please contact us for more informaton.

SPACE IS LIMITED to 18 participants. A DEPOSIT of $500 is required to reserve your spot. Request a special link for online payment by credit card (credit card fees will apply) or bank transfer. You can also send a check made payable to EXCURSIONS FROM THE SQUARE and mail it to Ellen Kay Coleman, 226 W. Rittenhouse Square, #1012, Philadelphia, PA 19103. Be sure to include your address, phone number(s), and email address. FINAL PAYMENT is due by Monday, August 10, 2026. A full refund may be made up to August 10, less an administrative fee of $500. The trip is 100% non-refundable once final payment has been made. Trip cancellation insurance is available from and recommended by EXCURSIONS FROM THE SQUARE. For more information, please call 215 732 8487 or email squaretrips@gmail.com. website: www.squaretrips.com