Small Group Adventure in North Carolina’s Northwest Highlands
Exploring Bluff Mountain
and the Upper New River
Kayaking ▪ Hiking/walking
Backroads History ▪ Wildflowers
Explore the Southeastern U.S. with
explorer/historian, Chumley Cope, and
Explore Up Close, LLC. We’ll discover the
prettiest backroads drives in the region, and
the secret stories and sites they hold.
North Carolina’s New River Valley will be our
base as we explore the natural world around
us, along with the history, arts, and culture of
the region. We’ll enjoy outstanding dining, stories and insights from local experts, and
the quaint and inviting ambiance of pretty mountain towns, peaks, and valleys.
Explore Up Close strives to create the perfect blend of “relaxed pace travel” – combining
group excursions with time for you to rest, relax, or explore on your own.
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Trip Highlights:
small group travel by comfortable van (easy step-up) – explore where the buses can’t go
excellent accommodations and dining
all-inclusive price
the Blue Ridge Parkway (including the Northwest Trading Post crafts outlet)
kayaking adventure on the upper New River; hiking on/around Bluff Mountain, NC
the Ashe County Cheese Factory
Ashe County Fresco Churches (featuring acclaimed fresco art by Ben Long)
drives along North Carolina Scenic Byways; winery visit
itinerary:
Day 1
We’ll enter western North Carolina and drive
through rolling Piedmont and along the gentle
slopes of Brushy Mountain. We’ll ascend the
escarpment into Ashe County, NC – home of the
beautiful New River. In the mid-afternoon, we’ll
enjoy a two-hour kayaking trip on the gentle
South Fork of the New – gliding past lovely
farmland and forest. Afterwards, we’ll check into
the comfortable Eldreth Inn in Jefferson, NC.
Enjoy a shower and a rocking chair. We’ll have a
delicious supper nearby. Overnight, Jefferson.
Day 2
After a cooked breakfast at the Eldreth Inn, we’ll
explore more of Ashe County – North Carolina’s
northwest corner, and the Christmas tree-growing
capital of the world. We’ll visit two of the
Southeast’s most famous works of art: lovely fresco paintings adorning two rustic mission
churches. We’ll break up our fresco visits by exploring downtown West Jefferson, home of the
Ashe County Cheese Factory. In the afternoon, we’ll climb Bluff Mountain – a peak known for
its rare mountain bog plant species. A local guide will interpret the late spring wildflower
bloom, and tell stories about the mountain’s history and geology. We’ll return to Jefferson for
dinner and the overnight.
Day 3
This morning, we’ll drive pretty backroads to North Carolina’s Stone Mountain. We’ll choose a
hiking route that offers good views of the mountain, and pretty waterfalls. After lunch in the
area, we’ll begin our drive home.
Trip price:
$699 / person (single supplement, $100); price is all-inclusive*
*except for alcohol, optional trip insurance, and personal expenditures
Explore Up Close, LLC, is an exploration travel company founded by Chumley Cope, a native of
the “western Carolinas” and a regional historian. Chumley offers regional trips of historical and
cultural exploration, typified by backroads travel, stops at off-the-map points of interest, and
frequent audiences with local historians, who share their insights and detailed stories.
“It’s a dream experience for people who really want to explore, enjoy meeting fellow
adventurers, and like for someone else to do the driving, take responsibility for getting lost, and
figure out the best places to eat.”
“These trips are such great fun . . . . I’m amazed by the stories we come across – including the
ones shared by our fellow travelers. Please join me!”
Chumley Cope
Explore Up Close, LLC © 2016
Contact Explore Up Close:
Tel. (864) 431-7567
www.exploreupclose.com
Trip Registration – Bluff Mountain / New River, June 6 – 8 Please print and mail this registration form, along with your $250 deposit (check, payable to Explore Up Close), to:
Explore Up Close, LLC 613 Poplar St. Spartanburg, SC 29302
Your Name: _______________________________________
Mailing Address: _______________________________________________________________
Telephone: _________________________ Email: ____________________________________
Name of person(s) traveling with you (if applicable):
________________________________ ; __________________________________
Contact information (if different from yours):
Telephone: __________________________ Email: ___________________________________
Lodging specifics (requests will be honored to the degree possible):
_____ room with two (2) beds _____ room with one (1) bed
Enclosed is my check, payable to “Explore Up Close,” in the amount of ___________.
www.exploreupclose.com • (864) 431-7567 • [email protected]