Summer Day Camps at Kanuga

Summer Day Camps at Kanuga

Kanuga is thrilled to announce the return of its Summer Day Camps for rising first through sixth graders, with five weeklong sessions planned for June and July 2025, at its Bob Campbell Youth Campus. Registration is now open.

In the serene mountains of Western North Carolina, campers will find fun and adventure in action-packed sessions staffed by well-trained, compassionate adults who specialize in keeping young children safe, entertained and engaged. Kanuga’s wooded campus offers children the opportunity to play, explore, swim in mountain lakes, hike to scenic vistas, paddle canoes, create arts and crafts and so much more.

Mondays through Fridays, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day.
Day Camp A: June 9–13
Day Camp B: June 23–27
Day Camp C: July 7–11
Day Camp D: July 14–18
Day Camp E: July 21–25

“Summer Camp” Movie Copycat Itinerary

“Summer Camp” Movie Copycat Itinerary

“Summer Camp” Movie Copycat Itinerary

Experience your own “Summer Camp” getaway in Hendersonville and feel like one of the movie’s stars!

Welcome to Summer Camp!

Summer Camp, starring Diane Keaton, Kathy Bates, Alfre Woodard, Eugene Levy and Josh Peck has turned out to be one of the summer’s most endearing comedies, retelling the story of 3 lifelong friends attending a reunion at their beloved summer camp in the mountains of North Carolina, Camp Pinnacle.

While Camp Pinnacle is an actual kid’s summer camp right here in Flat Rock that has been around for almost 100 years and was the setting for most of the film, it isn’t open to the public. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have a fun camp-like getaway just like the stars did!

(Please note: we tried not to give too much away from the movie, but there may be one or two things in this itinerary that could be considered spoilers. Read at your own risk!)

Checking In Please!

While the swanky cabin that Ginny, Nora & Mary stayed in (decorated by Martha!) might have been a little bit of “movie magic,” you will find some equally swanky accommodations at The Horse Shoe Farm (yup, it used to be a horse farm, just like in the movie!!) Check into your plush lodging, there are options ranging from large houses to small cabins and even single rooms, comparable to a hotel room.  And the best part? You won’t need to turn in your devices – though you may want to turn them off, as you dive headfirst into a few days of relaxation and outdoor immersion.

people crossing the street in front of a big coc-a-cola mural painted on a brick building

Day 1

In the movie, the girls spent a lot of time hanging around the gorgeous Camp Pinnacle property and in its outdated computer lab, and at Horse Shoe Farm, you will find similar places to chill out: the pool, sauna, hot tub, cold plunge tub, swimming lakes, nature trails that lead to the French Broad River, and the communal game room. Spending some time on the property will help you to image yourself right there at your own camp reunion! The Horse Shoe Farm also has The Stable Spa right on-site. You are sure to feel like a celebrity while you are pampered in this energizing space.

Two women relaxing at the spa.

To recreate the cocktail reception scene, head to the restaurant at The Farm, The Silo Cookhouse, where you will enjoy cocktails and a delicious dinner prepared with local ingredients.

After supper, head outside to enjoy a crackling campfire – where you won’t be expected to share your deepest, darkest secrets with someone who looks like Kathy Bates!

pork chop over mashed potatoes on a plate

Day 2

In Summer Camp, Mary loved horseback riding. Those scenes were filmed at Shoal Creek Farm, which offers horse boarding and a small cottage for rent, meaning you can’t actually go there to ride, but you can either drive by Shoal Creek to see some stunning horses on your way to a hike at DuPont State Forest, or if you are itching to ride, you can instead head over to the Turkey Pen Gap Trailhead in Pisgah National Forest and go for a trail ride with Saddle Up Trail Rides. Afterwards, head back to The Farm to relax, or grab a coffee and a light lunch at the nearby Cognative Brew House.

4 people sitting on a rock on top of a mountain at sunset

The whitewater rafting scenes were filmed at a location a few hours from Hendersonville, but the girls were expecting a “lazy river excursion,” so instead of driving all the way to Nantahala, find your own lazy rafting day with Lazy Otter Outfitters, where you can float down the French Broad River, right past the Horse Shoe Farm.

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While we can’t promise you a food fight like in the movie, we can promise you a similar dining experience right down the road from Camp Pinnacle at the Campfire Grill, owned by a local former summer camper, this restaurant is completely inspired by the summer camp culture and history of the region – but please, no throwing food! (And hey, on your way to dinner, be sure to drive by Camp Pinnacle to see the same sign from the beginning of the film at the entry to camp!)

Also nearby, the Flat Rock Cinema played home to a reception for the cast and crew when the movie premiered, and houses a signed Summer Camp movie poster!

BONUS! Recommendations from the stars

The actors in the movie loved filming in Hendersonville and Flat Rock! Here are some of the things they loved most about their time spent filming here. Many Hendersonville locals also supported the film as extras on the set, and overwhelmingly, the favorite thing the extras loved was filming the food fight scene!

Appalachian Pinball Museum
What Summer Camp actor Josh Peck said about it in a behind the scenes invterview: “I went to the Appalachian Pinball Museum, which was the sickest thing I’ve ever seen!”

Downtown Hendersonville
What Summer Camp actor Josh Peck said about it in a behind the scenes interview: “Hendersonville was beautiful. They have an adorable downtown.”

Spring flowers and nature
What Summer Camp actress Kathy Bates said about it in a behind the scenes interview: “Hearing the birds. Driving in and every day, we would drive in and there would be more flowers — like they bloomed overnight!

Jump Off Rock
What Summer Camp actress Beverly D’Angelo visited and loved were the amazing views, per an Instagram post shared shortly after filming wrapped.

The Fresh Air and Beauty in Nature
What Summer Camp actress Beverly D’Angelo said about it in a behind the scenes interview: “It’s a beautiful atmosphere, the air is fantastic
! Everywhere you look, you see the beauty in nature. And I think that just has a huge effect – the urgency that you feel, kind of floats away.

Downtown Hendersonville & the Bearfootin’ Bears
What Summer Camp’s younger actresses Kensington Tallman, Taylor Madeline Hand & Audrianna Lico visited and loved (besides the laughs and lifelong friendships they made) was visiting Downtown Hendersonville and seeing the Bearfootin’ Bears Public Art Display, per Instagram posts each of them made. 

The Almost Camper — 3-Day Itinerary

The Almost Camper — 3-Day Itinerary

The Almost Camper — 3-Day Itinerary

For the Almost Camper: You enjoy time outdoors and may have fond memories of childhood summer camp, but you aren’t packing a sleeping bag this week! You’re ready to reminisce and relax, while adding in a few outdoor activities.

Engage all your senses

This itinerary offers up a blend of outdoor escapades, re-living childhood favorites, breathtaking views and some darn good food. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a foodie, or simply looking for a good time, this weekend-long schedule has something for everyone. So, buckle up and let’s hit the road!

Friday: Ease into the weekend

Hendersonville has a lot of great vacation rental homes, and one of our favorites is Carolina Wildwoods, because this lovely, clean space can accommodate up to 12 people, the shared space has both a foosball and an air hockey table, the kitchen is stocked with everything you could possibly need, has a great outdoor space with a firepit, and even a few hiking backpacks are provided. They have lots of games and kid’s items too, for those traveling with children.

people crossing the street in front of a big coc-a-cola mural painted on a brick building

Once you check in, head to nearby Sierra Nevada, the east coast headquarters for their brewing operation, where they offer brewery tours, a great restaurant, live music, and grounds and gardens to explore. Be sure to register in advance for your tour, they tend to fill quickly, especially in the summertime. Tours go deep into the story of Sierra Nevada and explain why they chose the mountains of Western NC for their east coast set up. For dinner, you can either sit down inside for small plates, snacks and pizzas, or head outside to their back porch, where they offer a smaller selection of sandwiches and snacks.

people crossing the street in front of a big coc-a-cola mural painted on a brick building

Saturday: Scenic Drive and Local Favorites

Kickstart your day with a delicious breakfast at Fletcher Village Bakery, fueling up for a day of fun ahead. Then, hop in the car and head to the Blue Ridge Parkway, where stunning vistas and historic landmarks await.

 The closest entrance to the famous 469-mile scenic route is at the North Carolina Arboretum, located just south of Asheville. As you wind your way westward, marvel at the 10 hand-built tunnels crafted by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. Make sure to stop at the Pisgah Inn for panoramic views and photo ops aplenty.

Exit the Parkway onto Route 276 and descend into Pisgah National Forest. Don’t miss the majestic Looking Glass Falls, a roadside waterfall that’s sure to take your breath away. As you journey back towards Hendersonville, you may want to make pit stops at a local coffee shop or art stores, but you must stop at Packa’s Place for a unique farm experience complete with beer, live music, and food trucks – and a herd of beefalo in a nearby pasture.

After lunch, immerse yourself in the beauty of nature at Bullington Gardens, a public garden known for its dahlias and fairy trail. Though it is close to town, these 13 acres feel far from anything.

Quench your thirst with a wine tasting at Souther Williams Winery, a bicentennial farm that has been in the same family for more than 200 years, and offers some truly spectacular wine.

End your day on a high note with a scrumptious dinner at The Silo Cookhouse, a farm-to-table restaurant located at the Horse Shoe Farm, a place that can unironically be called magical, and is one of the best places to see a cozy sunset. Be sure to ask about s’mores by the fire pit after dinner.

Horse-Shoe-Farm-Credit-Jared-Kay-copy3

Sunday: Riverside Relaxation and Downtown Delights

Start your morning off right with coffee and light breakfast at Cognative Brewhouse, gearing up for another day of excitement (pun intended, as they sell mountain biking gear here too). Then, head to Lazy Otter Outfitters for a leisurely paddle trip along the tranquil waters of the French Broad River, one of the oldest rivers in the world. Choose from a 4-mile or 7-mile paddle, and you’ll be picked up after your float.

cognative-brewhouse-jared-kay

You’ll work up an appetite on the river, so refuel with a delicious lunch at Arabella before exploring downtown Hendersonville. Relive your childhood memories at the Appalachian Pinball Museum, where you can play old pinball machines to your heart’s content for a flat fee, try your luck at gem mining at Pisgah Forest Gem Mine, grab an ice cream cone at Kilwin’s and check out the Bearfootin’ Bears, a fun public art installation.

Plan your eclectic Getaway

And there you have it, a perfect weekend getaway filled with scenic drives, outdoor adventures, and culinary delights in Hendersonville. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your adventure today!

wine glasses clinking with mountain view

The Glamper — 3-Day Itinerary

The Glamper — 3-Day Itinerary

The Glamper — 3-Day Itinerary

For the Glamper: You reminisce fondly on your younger days spent at summer camp and in the great outdoors, but these days you crave a nice mix of recreation and relaxation.

Recreation meets Relaxation

This itinerary for 3 days spent in Hendersonville takes you out of the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerses you in the outdoors, while still making time for the restorative power of a vacation. From rustic cabins to scenic hikes, this getaway promises to rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul. So, pack your bags and let’s embark on a journey of relaxation and adventure!

 

Your weekend starts at Kanuga Conference & Retreat Center, which is nestled amidst 1,400 peaceful, wooded acres. Kanuga has offered summer camp to kids since 1931, and the rest of the property, which offers a mountain bike park as well as the retreat center and conference space, feels like an extension of the summer camp, to the point that it still offers Kanuga toast in their buffet breakfast and plays the bugle call daily.

 

Friday: Cabin Comforts and Downtown Delights

After checking and settling in at Kanuga, head to downtown Hendersonville to take a leisurely stroll, stopping by Mast General Store to step back in time as you peruse their candy barrels, eclectic finds and camping essentials. You’ll want to grab a bottle of wine from Wine Sage Merchant & Wine Bar before indulging in dinner at the well-known White Duck Taco Shop, who offers non-traditional tacos, like Bangkok Shrimp and Mole Roasted Duck.

 

Be sure to save room for ice cream from Celtic Creamery, where the top selling flavor is The Sea & The Bee. Celtic Creamery has a drive-thru window to easily take your treat to go. Head back to Kanuga to enjoy your ice cream and wine on the porch of your cabin.

people crossing the street in front of a big coc-a-cola mural painted on a brick building
people crossing the street in front of a big coc-a-cola mural painted on a brick building

Saturday: Farm Fresh Adventures

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Kanuga, fueling up for a day of exploration. Dive into the local culture by visiting one of the area’s vibrant farmers markets, where you can purchase fresh produce and artisanal goods. There are a few markets to choose from on Saturday mornings, but the Mills River Farmers Market will be the closest one to your destination. 

 

Next, embark on a scenic horseback ride through Pisgah National Forest with Saddle Up Trail Rides, taking in the beauty of the surrounding landscape. Refuel with a delicious lunch at The Salty Landing before indulging in craft brews at Sideways Farm & Brewery, where they grow the ingredients used in the beer they brew on-site.

stand at a farmers market on brick road

Spend the remainder of your afternoon back at Kanuga, re-living your summer camp experience. Immerse yourself in nature with kayaking on the 30-acre lake, self-reflect while walking the labyrinth, or relax on the lakeside beach.  

 

In the evening, head back into town for a farm-to-table dinner at Postero, followed by a drive up to Jump Off Rock, a roadside scenic overlook that is the perfect place to watch the vibrant sunset before heading back to Kanuga to turn in for the night.

pork chop over mashed potatoes on a plate

Sunday: Hiking and Vineyard Vibes

After having your fill at Kanuga’s breakfast and checking out, be sure to savor your final moments at this serene sanctuary. On the way to today’s adventures, you’ll want to pick up some sandwiches to have for lunch later, and the Flat Rock Village Bakery offers some delicious options. Next, you’ll embark on a scenic hike to the top of Bearwallow Mountain, where sweeping 360-degree views and grazing cows await. This hike is uphill, but it is only about a mile long each way. You can either hike up the trail or the gravel road.

4 people sitting on a rock on top of a mountain at sunset

Near the Bearwallow trailhead, you will be excited to tour Ellaberry Llama Farm, a working llama farm! Take it easy with a brief tour to meet the llamas, or really experience the farm’s charm with a 1-mile llama trek through their apple orchard. The family that owns Ellaberry shows their 21 llamas, so they even have a llama training area that is a lot of fun to experience! 

By now, you will have worked up an appetite, so move on to Stone Ashe Vineyard, where you can finally break into the sandwiches you bought this morning while you indulge in a taste of Bordeaux in Western NC. Their passion for natural wines with limited additives is reflected in each glass, and a guided tasting will leave you wanting to take home multiple bottles.

CLT-Living-1

Before bidding Hendersonville goodbye, be sure to stop at one of the area’s 20+ apple orchards. Most are only open August through October, but Barnwell’s Apples, which is conveniently located near the highway, is open nearly year round, and offers local produce, canned goods, and sweet apples — a delightful reminder of your time spent in this idyllic retreat.

Make it Happen

And there you have it, a rejuvenating 3-day getaway filled with relaxation, adventure, and the beauty of Hendersonville. So, when’s your next escape?

couple looking out at mountain views from scenic overlook

The Adventure Camper — 3-day Itinerary

The Adventure Camper — 3-day Itinerary

The Adventure Camper — 3-day Itinerary

For the Adventure Camper: The true wild one, who would travel back in time to re-live camp exactly as it was in their youth.

In your Element

We know that the adventure camper is willing to try everything from ziplining to tent camping and cold plunging, whether they attended summer camper as a child or not, you have a heart for adventure. Start your weekend of exploration by checking into Cold Spring Basecamp, choosing either to bring your pop-up tent or 3rd wheel, or to sleep in one of their 3-sided cabins that offer cots. Located in Zirconia, NC, this basecamp is the perfect jumping-off point for a busy, action-packed weekend.

Day 1: Into the Wild

When you arrive to town, head to Cold Spring Basecamp and get yourself set up at camp. On the way there, you’ll want to swing by the grocery store to grab all the fixins to cook out over the campfire. Cold Spring Basecamp has firewood available on-site, so no need to bring that, and if you stay in one of the 3-sided cabins, you will have a camp stove and some kitchen items available to you as well. Here’s your shopping list: hot dogs, buns, marshmallows, chocolate, graham crackers (to make s’mores), coffee, a lighter, fire starters, bug spray too, snacks, and beer. Many of the area’s local breweries offer crowlers, which are perfect for camping.

 After you set up camp, it’s time to explore the 38 acres that used to be a children’s summer camp and relax. Take a dip in one of the cold plunge tubs, and hit the trails, either their purpose-built mountain biking trails or hiking trail to a waterfall, and work up your appetite for dinner around the campfire.

people crossing the street in front of a big coc-a-cola mural painted on a brick building

Day 2: Thrills and Chills

Gear up for a busy day with a hearty breakfast at HenDough, where chicken and donuts collide in the most delicious way possible. Fuel up because today is packed with adrenaline-pumping activities!

Next, head down the road to Ride Kanuga, a downhill mountain bike park, designed by a world-champion professional downhill racer to be like a ski slope, with one route up, and 8 routes downhill, all ranging in difficulty levels. Bring your own bike or rent one from Ride Kanuga.

After shredding the gnar at Ride Kanuga, you are going to be pretty hungry, so before you move on to your next adventure, stop by the Campfire Grill in downtown Flat Rock. With a camp theme, you’ll feel a sense of nostalgia while you fill your belly with yummy treats, like blackened boiled peanuts or their “Counselor Burger.”

Your next stop is at The Gorge Zipline, an iconic treetop zipline, where you plunge from the top of the Green River Gorge into the wilderness of the protected Green River Gamelands, an old-growth forest, and descend 1,100 feet from top-to-bottom. You will be led by 2 knowledgeable guides through 11 ziplines and 3 free fall rappels – and yes, the guides will be happy to take your photo to help you remember the exciting day!

The Gorge Zipline takes about 3.5 hours to complete, which means that you’ll be ready for your next meal when you’re done. Head back towards town, and stop for a flavorful meal at Boonchoo Thai Express – in Thai, Boonchoo means good karma, and after your fun day, your karma will be overflowing!  

Walk off dinner at the nearby Park at Flat Rock, which offers 1.5 miles of walking paths at what used to be a golf course, but now is home to beautiful gardens, a great playground for kids, and ponds that are great for taking some time to self-reflect.

After a long day, head back to camp and turn in for the night.

Day 3: Nature's Playground

Rise and shine with a sunrise breakfast at camp, soaking in the tranquility of the morning, and maybe even take a second cold plunge, if you’re up for it. Today you’ll need to break down camp before you get moving, but your day isn’t over yet! Be sure to don your swimsuit, and pack a change of clothes.

Today, you’re headed for a hike and a swim, so you will want to plan ahead for the day by stopping to get some sandwiches to have for a picnic lunch from the Flat Rock Village Bakery. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, you’ll find some amazing baked goods here too!

Next, head to DuPont State Forest, known for its waterfalls, being used to film quite a few films, including The Hunger Games and The Last of the Mohicans, and its nationally-renowned Ridgeline mountain biking trail, which if you brought your bike, you need to check out (you’ll want to park at the Lake Imaging Access Area).

If you didn’t bring your bike, a hike is in order for today. You’ll want to park at the Hooker Falls parking area, which tends to fill quickly on weekends, so it’s best to arrive early.

From here, you have a few options: if you already rode the Ridgeline Trail and just want a shorter hike, head to the right side of the parking lot and down the Hooker Falls Trail, a short hike down to a beautiful waterfall that flows into a swimming hole. This is a great spot for a picnic and to take a dip.

If you didn’t bring your bike and are just planning to hike today, you’re in for a longer hike to a more remote swimming hole, and will pass 2 breathtaking waterfalls along the way. Head to the left side of the Hooker Falls parking area and make your way up the Triple Falls Trail. When you come to the High Falls Loop trail, stay left. Take this trail up to the Covered Bridge Trail and cross the covered bridge. Shortly after you cross the bridge, turn right onto Conservation Road. After about a mile, you’ll cross another bridge, the Lake Julia Spillway, and then shortly after crossing, veer left up an unmarked path, and this takes you to Lake Julia, the largest lake at DuPont, where you can stop to eat your lunch and take a dip. All told, you’ll be hiking around 4.5 miles.

After hiking back to the car, make your way to downtown Hendersonville for some pedal-powered fun with HVL Pedal & Brews, Hendersonville’s own pubcycle, which starts and ends at the Blue Ridge Beer Garden, and is BYO. They have a few options for length and whether you want to stop at any of the downtown breweries or not.

Before heading home, treat yourself to a mouthwatering steak dinner at Binion’s Roadhouse – the fried mushroom appetizer is great too! And after diner, satisfy your sweet tooth with ice cream from Piggy’s Ice Cream, which is walking distance from Binion’s. Both spots are local favorites.

Y'all Come Back now, y'hear?

And there you have it, a jam-packed 3-day itinerary filled with outdoor escapades, culinary delights, and small-town charm. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your Hendersonville adventure today!

4 people sitting on a rock on top of a mountain at sunset

A Different Kind Of Camping Experience

A Different Kind Of Camping Experience

A Different Kind Of Camping Experience

The Cold Spring Basecamp team is a vibrant ensemble of individuals who share a deep-rooted love for this pristine wilderness.

 

Guest Writer: Hartwell Carson

Meet the People Behind Cold Spring Basecamp

Cold Spring Basecamp is a family-owned business spearheaded by partners Steve Waggoner and Hartwell Carson. Steve knows the basecamp like the back of his hand, as he grew up camping on this property as a kid. His father, Bill Waggoner, was the owner of Camp Windy Wood on Lake Summit, and the Cold Spring property was used for overnight camping and adventures. Bill and Steve built some of the original cabins by hand.

Steve Waggoner: A native of the area, Steve’s upbringing was steeped in the wonders of camping and adventure as he spent his days exploring every nook and cranny of this pristine property, starting with his time as a camp counselor and over the next three decades, through his career as a land surveyor. His journey of discovery has made Steve intimately familiar with the lay of the land. Today, he serves as the “President of heavy equipment, surveying, and rock hauling” at Cold Spring Basecamp.

Hartwell Carson: Hartwell has worked for almost 20 years to clean up and protect the waterways in Western North Carolina as the French Broad Riverkeeper for MountainTrue. This work involves monitoring our waterways, pulling tires and trash from the river, and building the French Broad River paddle trail, a series of campsites connecting over 150 miles of the river. Hartwell is also the founder of Clean Water for Africa, which support African Riverkeepers with drinking water wells, water tanks and water filters. At Camp, Hartwell heads up the cleaning up messes division, among other duties.

Teela Waggoner: A true local, spent her childhood camping on these grounds. She brings her expertise as one of the area’s finest mortgage brokers to the table, along with a knack for style and invaluable advice.

Wilder Carson: In charge of excavators and skilled in “shredding the gnar,” adds an adventurous spark to the team.

Evan Carson: The vice president of plant relocation, step building, and entertaining his little brother, rounds out this dynamic group.

A Basecamp for Your Adventure

After a health scare a few years ago Hartwell and Teela decided they wanted to build something together that would stand the test of time. They both love camping and biking, so a campground with trails was a natural fit. 

For Steve, this land had been in the family for decades and had been a huge part of his upbringing. He wanted to keep the property, which once served as a youth summer camp and later, a local hangout spot for teens and young adults, in the family, but loved the idea of again sharing it with others. They beauty of the property helped make it an easy decision to partner.

The property offers rustic camp sites for tent camping, three rustic 3-sided cabins, miles of mountain biking and hiking trails, a beautiful waterfall, trickling creeks, cold plunge tubs, and an overwhelming feeling of peace and stillness throughout the 38 acres. They have plans to add treehouse camping in the near future.

Cold Spring Basecamp makes a great central place to stay because they are located so close to the many outdoor recreation opportunities that the Green River area (nestled between Hendersonville and Saluda) has to offer, as well as the many other things that make the region a draw, like apple picking and leaf peeping in the fall, the craft beverage scene, Hendersonville’s quaint downtown and so much more. See Hartwell’s top local picks below!

unique cabin experience

The filters used for the drinking water at Cold Spring Basecamp — which comes straight from the property’s creek — are the same filters used for clean water projects in Uganda, Kenya and Togo and a portion of the proceeds from each booking will go to support Clean Water for Africa.

The rustic and historic cabins that were rehabbed by Steve and Hartwell managed to keep all their old charm, with their wooden walls and furniture. They offer the feeling of being out in the open wilderness, but with a roof over your head. The cabins have a kitchen, eating area, and bunk beds (with queen on the bottom and twin up top). Cook over the stone fire pit or on cast iron pots and pan on the propane stove in the fully-equipped kitchen, which includes a French press, teapot, utensils and more. Relax under the solar lights and charge your devices using the solar-powered charging station — allowing you to be connected to the outside world as much or as little as you want.

Spacious, private Campsites are all nestled in the woods, next to the creek. Each site has a picnic table, fire ring with grill for cooking, and a water filter is provided for purifying drinking water from the creek.

Cold Spring Basecamp is also dog-friendly, meaning you can launch any adventure, whether you are visiting with 2 or 4-legged friends, or both.

Check out this video tour and hear from Hartwell what makes it so special

Hartwell Carson's Top 5 Hendersonville Suggestions

Ride Rock Creek
What Hartwell says about it: “World class downhill biking for all skill levels, with a shuttle to the top, on a beautiful property.

Green River Adventures 
Hartwell says: “Rappel down a waterfall, paddle class 1-3 rapids in the beautiful Green River Gorge.

Flat Rock Village Bakery
Hartwell says: “Great coffee, breakfast sandwiches, and pastries on a relaxing deck.

Carl Sandburg Home
What Hartwell says about it: “Explore the history of the home, but also enjoy the beauty of the property and the trails.”

DuPont State Forest
Hartwell says: “Waterfalls, hikes and stunning mountain views is why Dupont is world famous.”

 

Outdoor – One Day Itinerary

Outdoor – One Day Itinerary

Outdoor – One Day Itinerary

The Mills River area, including the town of Mills River, is an ideal base camp for outdoor adventure. This rural region, shaped by its namesake river, as well as the French Broad River, spreads across a mostly flat valley framed by Blue Ridge Mountains. Lodging is plentiful at Horse Shoe Farm, dog-friendly Barkwell’s retreat and the upscale Bed & Breakfast on Tiffany Hill.

Morning

After breakfast, go flat-water paddling with Lazy Otter Outfitters on the French Broad. The Sierra Nevada Express excursion allows you to park at Westfeldt Park near Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. and catch a shuttle to the put-in location at Lazy Otter’s headquarters. From there, it’s a seven-mile paddle (3-3.5 hours) back to the park, where Lazy Otter picks up the equipment and you hop in the car for a two-minute drive to the brewery.

Afternoon

Enjoy lunch at Sierra Nevadas spacious restaurant, with both indoor and outdoor seating, and sip the freshest Sierra Nevada ales on the planet. All beer is made on-site at the brewery’s colossal East Coast headquarters.

At the traffic circle just outside the brewery, veer right for a fun afternoon of mountain biking and climbing at The Riveter. This unique facility brings together a covered and open-air bike park with an indoor gym for climbing and bouldering. The Riveter’s instruction-based environment allows beginners as well as experts to enjoy all activities. There is also a yoga studio.

After riding the dirt trails at The Riveter, cool down with a refreshing dip at North Mills River Recreational Area & Campground. For a minimal parking fee, this area of the river is open to the public for swimming, tubing (bring your own) and trout fishing.

Evening

The Mills River area is fast-becoming a hot spot for craft beverages. Stop by Appalachian Mountain Brewing, Bold Rock Hard Cider or Mills River Brewing for a beer or hard cider, and a great meal. Each of the locations are family and pet friendly, and often host live music or special events.

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