ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Looking for a learning staycation? These destinations, among others, make the Asheville area ideal for educational day trips that are informative and fun. Embark on a journey of discovery, and let the area’s rich educational offerings spark curiosity and a love for learning.
Here’s a closer look at some of the attractions:
Asheville Art Museum: Offers various educational programs and tours for students of all ages and is a good choice for art and culture.
Asheville Museum of Science: The Asheville Museum of Science is open for curious minds of all ages. Play, explore and discover dinosaur fossils, interactive space exhibits and more.
Linville Caverns: Guides take visitors into the subterranean world, giving them the history of the caverns and allowing them to view the grand work of nature.
Western North Carolina Nature Center: Since it opened as Recreation Park Zoo in 1925, the WNC Nature Center has undergone a metamorphosis, evolving from a collection of exotic animals to animals native to the Southern Appalachians from the past to the present. From species like the river otter and hellbender to red wolves and red pandas, the WNC Nature Center has told the story of the unique biodiversity of the Appalachian region for decades.
Botanical Gardens at Asheville: The Botanical Garden of Asheville focuses on plants native to the Southern Appalachian Mountains and includes a large variety of trees, shrubs, vines, wildflowers, herbs and plants.
Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site: Visit the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site to see the home of writer and activist Carl Sandburg. Explore his life through a house tour, farm visit and writing activity.
North Carolina Arboretum: The North Carolina Arboretum offers acres of cultivated gardens and miles of trails featuring some of the most beautiful, botanically diverse plants in the region. There are educational programs, workshops and exhibits focused on plants and the environment.
Southern Highland Craft Guild, Folk Art Center: The Southern Highland Craft Guild is an advocate for high-quality craftsmanship and goods made, sold and curated in the Southern Highlands. The guild fosters opportunities for makers to build, market and maintain their creative livelihood through continuing education, retail outlets and mentorship.
Thomas Wolfe Memorial: The Thomas Wolfe House is a state historic site and museum that focuses on the American author. Wolfe immortalized his childhood home — the Old Kentucky Home boardinghouse — in his epic autobiographical novel, “Look Homeward, Angel.”
Grovewood Village: The historic site once housed the weaving and woodworking operations of Biltmore Industries. Now, visitors will discover an arts and crafts destination that offers a glimpse into an important part of Asheville’s story.
Asheville Pinball Museum: Play a wide array of pinball machines from the 1950s to the 21st century. Visitors may also indulge in classic video games, plus beer and soda.
Museum of the Cherokee People: The Museum shares the history, culture and stories of the Cherokee people through its exhibitions, collections and programs.
Oconaluftee Indian Village: Step back in time and immerse yourself in the rich history of the Cherokee people at Oconaluftee Indian Village. Nestled in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, the living history museum invites visitors to explore a replica of an 18th-century Cherokee village.
Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual Co-Op: This cooperative showcases the work of local Cherokee artists and craftspeople, providing a glimpse into contemporary Cherokee artistic traditions. Find authentic Cherokee handicrafts using techniques passed down from generation to generation.
Unto These Hills: The outdoor drama tells the triumphant story of the formation of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians from first contact with Europeans through the years following the infamous Trail of Tears.
Cherokee Bonfire: Drawing from a rich oral tradition dating back millennia, the Cherokee Bonfire runs throughout the tourism season and is an enchanting way to interact with the rich details of the Cherokee people and their stories.