Daycations

2010 Schedule

The following day-cations are tentatively planned for 2010. This schedule is subject to change, so please check with the museum for time of the camp, details, and confirmation. Details of time, cost and directions will be posted when available.

February 17: Daycation — Visit to National Climatic Data Center, Asheville. Lunch afterward at nearby restaurant. Asheville's NCDC is the repository of weather records from around the world.

April 24: Daycation — Birding at Riverbend Park, Hickory. This park attracts both migratory and water birds, and the rangers who will be leading this event are excellent birders.

May 12: Daycation — Virginia Creeper bicycle ride. A 17-mile downhill ride along an old railroad bed, with cycles for all skill levels.

June 12: Daycation — Historic Home Tour, Swannanoa Valley. Visit some of the Valley's earliest and most historic homes.

June 23: Daycation — Linville Caverns / Wiseman's View. See the Blue Ridge Mountains from deep underground, then from the heights of Wiseman's View, with breathtaking vistas. Lunch at a nearby restaurant.

July 21: Daycation — Rafting on the French Broad. A guided raft trip with lunch to top off the summer.

July 29: Daycation — Gem mining at Spruce Pine. Opening day of the Spruce Pine Gem Festival, this is a great opportunity for rockhounds and gemlovers to enjoy specimens from Western NC and geological areas.

October 6: Daycation — Cataloochee Ranch & Valley. Enjoy a barbeque lunch and historic presentation by Judy Coker, founder of the Cataloochee Ranch. Then travel to the historic Cataloochee Valley to view the elk, which will be in the height of mating season at this time.

November 14: Daycation — Geography tour of the Swannanoa Valley. A guided tour, either by bus or caravan, to high vantage points in the Valley to study the geography, topography and environment.

Most Daycations will convene in Black Mountain in the parking lot of the Black Mountain Savings Bank, 200 E. State St. to carpool to the sites. Cost for each camp varies according to the expenses incurred with entry fees and lunch. The Museum requests that riders in carpools make a donation for gas to the drivers of carpool vehicles. Reservations are a must. Please call or email the Museum to make reservations and also to make sure the times/dates/hikes have not changed during the year. 828-669-9566, or e-mail.