The Biltmore Estate
George Washington Vanderbilt built this 250-room estate, located in Asheville, in 1895. Originally planned as an example for a sustainable farm, this estate and its 8,000 remaining acres of land have become a national treasure. Vanderbilt's family has maintained this home for the last 70 years since it was opened to the public in 1930. While the estate and its land continue to perform as a sustainable farm, the home itself has become a living museum preserving the rich heritage of one of America's oldest families.

Contact: 800-624-1575

Merlefest
In 1987 a small group of musicians and a few thousand fans gathered to remember Merle Watson, the legendary folk guitarist, their accomplishments were beyond their wildest dreams. From these humble beginnings, Merlefest was born. Every year since then more musicians have come to play and more people have traveled from afar making Merlefest one of the largest outdoor bluegrass festivals in the world. Groups have established special areas for teaching their crafts so that the youngest can learn them and pass on the knowledge. Traditional dancing, picking, fiddling and storytelling are all represented.

Contact: 800-343-7857

The Homespun Museum

This museum, located in the Biltmore village, maintains the history of turn of the century textile techniques. Using photos, film and artifacts from the time period, the museum honors the traditional, industrial age methods for manufacturing textiles.

Contact: (828) 274-9707

Grandfather Mountain

Hugh Morton inherited this privately owned park in 1952 from his grandfather, Hugh McRae. This unique area protects 4,500 acres of undisturbed wilderness in the Blue Ridge Mountain chain, including Calloway peak, which at 5,964 feet is the highest peak in the Blue Ridge Mountains. This vital park preserves more than just forests and mountains; the park is also home to 42 rare and endangered species. Grandfather Mountain also hosts the annual Highlander Games, one of the world's largest gathering of Scots, for four days of traditional fun from the Highlands.

Contact: 800-468-7325