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Welcome to Asheville! AGN members and their guests may enjoy fun in the sun, golf, spa, sports complex, shopping, outdoor activities; anything their hearts desire. Discover this year's optional social events:
Breakfast is open to all AGN attendees and their companions Monday - Wednesday from 7 - 9 a.m. This is a wonderful opportunity for your companion to connect with friends, meet new ones, and plan their day.
| Sunday, May 16, 2010 |
Golf @ Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa
Play a little piece of history on Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa's par-70 golf course. Originally opened in 1899, the course was redesigned by Donald Ross in 1924, and respectfully restored to its original glory. Experience spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Mountains just below the crest of Sunset Mountain on this impeccable course. The 18-hole course features 6,600 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 70 . The course rating is 71.5 and it has a slope rating of 128 on Bent grass.
Tee times begin at 12 p.m. Tell Courtney if you need to rent clubs (and/or shoes), and if you are a rightie or a leftie.
Cost includes:
- Green Fees and Cart Fees
- Taxes and Gratuities
- Rental clubs extra ($55)
- Shoe rental extra ($20)
The following apparel is appropriate:
Men: A collared shirt (polo or mock neck). Bermuda length shorts or slacks are acceptable. Denim is strictly prohibited.
Women: Sleeveless shirts are permitted (but must have a collar). In addition, appropriate length shorts and skirts are acceptable (no more than 2" above the knee.) Denim, gym clothing, cut-offs, and tank tops are strictly prohibited
Proper soft spike golf shoes, golf sandals, or running shoes are acceptable.
Approx. Cost: $131 per person, rental clubs extra ($55), shoe rental extra ($20) |
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Best of Asheville Tour
Enjoy Sunday brunch/lunch on your own, then meet at 1:00 p.m. in the Vanderbilt Wing Bus Entrance for transportation
Thomas Wolfe Memorial
One of America’s most esteemed Twentieth Century authors
was Thomas Wolfe, who was born and raised in downtown Asheville. Wolfe spent his childhood
years at his mother’s boarding house, which he describes as “The Old Kentucky Home” and calls
“Dixieland” in his most famous novel, Look Homeward, Angel.
Basilica of Saint Lawrence
A National Historic Site, the 1909 Spanish Renaissance
Basilica was designed by internationally acclaimed architect-engineer Rafael Guastavino. Guastavino
was known for both his cohesive construction technique and his lustre-glazed tiles, made by a
process he discovered and patented. The most interesting feature of the church is the ellipse and
wonder of the dome. It is built of herringbone-patterned tiles and is entirely self-supporting. It is
also the largest freestanding elliptical dome in the New World. The roof is of
tile with a copper covering.
Grove Arcade Public Market
The Grove Arcade is a beautiful Neo-Gothic architectural
masterpiece, planned by E.W. Grove, designed by Charles N. Parker, and completed in 1929. The
269,000 square foot building housed one of the country’s first indoor public markets. From 1929 to
1942, the Arcade was the epicenter of commercial and civic life in Asheville.
In 1999, the building was renovated and has become Asheville’s new public market, lovingly
restored to its previous grandeur. There are dozens of unique shops for your group to peruse in
Asheville’s most beautiful building.
Biltmore Village, a Community of Unique Shops, Restaurants & Galleries
Declared an historic district in 1989, vVillage shops and
galleries offer a diverse selection of merchandise from one-of-a-kind decorative and functional craft
items, to original artwork, limited edition prints, art glass, custom designed jewelry, clothing, home
accessories and more.
Cost includes:
- Tour
- Transportation
- Taxes and Gratuities
Casual attire, comfortable shoes, expected return to Grove Park Inn is 5:30 p.m.
Approx. Cost: $75 per person |
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Brewery & Arts Tour
Enjoy Sunday brunch/lunch on your own, then meet at 12:45 p.m. in the Vanderbilt Wing Bus Entrance for transportation
Asheville has long been famous for its stunning scenery, lively mountain music and famous attractions such as the Biltmore and the Blue Ridge Parkway. And now, it’s become the craft-brewing center of the Southeast. Asheville’s brewing scene has garnered so much enthusiasm that it was recently named the east coast winner of the Examiner’s "Beer City, USA" poll.
The Asheville area is home to ten craft breweries. On any given day, about 50 local beers can be enjoyed in Asheville, served on draft and in bottles. Tourists regularly travel here to sample and savor Asheville’s beer flavors, ranging from creamy, mild golden ales to robust Belgian-style brews.
On this tour, you will have the opportunity to visit and sample beers from the Lexington Avenue Brewery (known as the LAB) and the Wedge Brewing Company.
Between brewery tours, we will discover the Asheville River Arts District, a hip and upcoming warehouse-turned-art-district along the French Broad
River. There are over 100 artists in the district representing almost every possible artistic medium. More than 65
prominent artists are regularly open on weekends and they welcome groups into their studios to talk with them, see
their latest artwork, and to watch live demonstrations. Snacks will be provided.
Please eat brunch / lunch prior to departing for the tour.
Cost includes:
- Tour
- Snacks
- Transportation
- Taxes and Gratuities
Casual attire, comfortable shoes, expected return to Grove Park Inn is 5:30 p.m.
Approx. Cost: $91 per person |
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Opening Welcome Reception
Everyone is welcome to attend the Sunday evening Opening Reception at the Grove Park Inn in the Heritage Ballroom beginning at 7:00 p.m. Courtney's menu is designed to delight the palate of even the most discriminating guest.
An AGN member favorite, this Opening Reception is a terrific way to meet your AGN friends, get acquainted with new members and have a great time!
Business casual attire
Approx. Cost: $120 per person; two drink tickets per person then cash bar |
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| Monday, May 17, 2010 |
Artists Studio Tour
Meet at 9:45 a.m. in the Vanderbilt Wing Bus Entrance for transportation
The Asheville arts scene is buzzing, featuring hundreds of fine artists, mountain crafters, folk artists, hip arts neighborhoods, numerous art galleries and myriads of art events.
There are several arts districts in Asheville that are home to hundreds of artists. The River Arts District, filled with dozens of working art studios, is one of the Asheville area's unique arts neighborhoods. Visit the studios of the artists and be a part of the art experience.
A professional guide will accompany you on a private tour of at least three of Asheville's most noted artists. Because of the availability of the artists, the galleries will be selected and the trip will be customized just prior to the group’s arrival for an optimal artist/gallery viewing experience. This activity will also include an all-inclusive lunch at one of Asheville’s finer cafés.
Cost includes:
- Tour
- Transportation
- Lunch
- Taxes and Gratuities
Casual attire, comfortable shoes; expected return to Grove Park Inn is 4 p.m.
Approx. Cost: $79 per person |
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Evening at the Biltmore Estate
Meet at 5:30 p.m. in the Vanderbilt Wing Bus Entrance for transportation
George Vanderbilt envisioned Biltmore in 1888, while on vacation in Asheville when his imagination was sparked by the area's beauty. He officially opened the home to friends and family on Christmas Eve in 1895. His guests marveled at this magnificent residence containing 34 bedrooms, 43 bathrooms, and 65 fireplaces covering four acres of floor space. Vanderbilt traveled the world to furnish his home: art by Renoir, Whistler & Sargent; exquisite 16th-century tapestries; and 24,000 books in seven languages.
The grounds of this 125,000-acre estate were designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the creator of New York's Central Park and the father of American landscape architecture. The celebrated architect Richard Morris Hunt modeled the house on three châteaux built in 16th-century France. The basement alone would house a swimming pool, gymnasium and changing rooms, bowling alley, servants' quarters, kitchens, and more.
After our private tour, NARM attendees will enjoy an elegant dinner at the Deerpark Pavillion. Housed in a structure original to the estate, Deerpark features a gracious open-air courtyard encircled by four wings. Its peaceful setting of majestic trees and scenic vistas is a world away from hectic activity.
Cost includes:
- Guided Tour of Biltmore House
- Dinner at the Deerpark Pavillion
- Transportation
- Taxes and Gratuities
Business casual attire, expected return to Grove Park Inn is 10 p.m.
Approx. Cost: $218 per person; two drink tickets per person then cash bar |
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| Tuesday, May 18, 2010 |
A Taste of North Carolina
You won't want to miss this fun evening at the Grove Park Inn in the Skyline Room. We will experience the flavors of North Carolina in a relaxed setting.
After dinner sit back and relax with your favorite beverage and enjoy entertainment from 2/3 Goat. Cast members will delight us with comedy and song.
Cost includes:
- Dinner
- Entertainment
- Taxes and Gratuities
Business casual attire
Approx. Cost: $140 per person; two drink tickets per person then cash bar |
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If you must cancel a registration for any social or companion event for you and/or your companion, please do so by MAY 7, 2010. We must guarantee numbers to our vendors in advance. These numbers can be raised, but not lowered. Therefore, if you cancel after MAY 7 or onsite, your firm will be billed as if you and/or your companion had attended.
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