Calendar of Events
Upcoming events and things to do in Asheville, NC. Below is a list of events for festivals, concerts, art exhibitions, group meetups and more.
Interested in adding an event to our calendar? Please click the green “Post Your Event” button below.
NC State Parks is celebrating Juneteenth. Throughout the week, explore our Juneteenth Story Walk on the Great Woodland Adventure trail to learn more about this national holiday and its history.
A Summer Solstice Journey of Self-Discovery & Empowerment
Are you ready to embrace the vibrant energy of the Summer Solstice and illuminate the path of your true potential?
Join Adora Winquist, visionary founder of The Love Frequency™, for a captivating 90-minute online workshop designed to ignite your inner light, foster meaningful connections, and empower you to embrace a life of clarity, confidence, and purpose.
During this engaging workshop, you will embark on a soul-enriching journey of self-discovery in alignment with the Summer Solstice, our energetic apex for growth and abundance. In this immersive workshop, you’ll embark on a soul-enriching journey of self-discovery and empowerment, guided by Adora’s personal story and transformative wisdom.
Together with a community of like-hearted individuals, we’ll delve into the theme of ourselves as sacred gardens, exploring what areas of our lives need nurturing and what intentions we want to cultivate in the bright light of the Solstice.
In this Free Workshop:
Through a combination of guided meditations, journaling exercises, and sacred rituals, you’ll create a sacred space to honor your inner garden and set clear intentions for growth and abundance. Adora will provide practical tools and profound insights to help you weed out unwanted creations of the past, allowing the seeds of your sacred intentions to flourish and manifest in the coming season.You will receive a practical journaling template that serves as a powerful tool to support your self-discovery and empowerment in fun and invigorating ways. Adora will guide you to set intentions and document your insights within your journal to fulfill your inspirations. You will have a tangible roadmap to guide your ongoing journey of growth long after the workshop concludes.
As part of this energizing experience, you will also receive access to exclusive meditation recordings with Adora, helping you continue to nurture your inner light and maintain your deep sense of connection and vitality.
Please bring the following items to class:
A notebook and pen
Your favorite essential oil. I recommend lemon, orange, cinnamon, jasmine and rose.
A glass of water.
An item that represents the sun to you.
Connect with Like-Minded Individuals:
This workshop is not just about individual transformation; it is also an opportunity to connect with a community of like-minded and like-hearted individuals. You will have the chance to share your experiences, ask questions, and forge meaningful connections with fellow participants. Together, we will celebrate the light within us and around us, amplifying our collective energy and setting the stage for personal and collective growth.
Join us to celebrate the radiant light within you and all around us. Together, let’s embrace the Summer Solstice and awaken the limitless possibilities that await within.
Key Takeaways:
– Self-Discovery and Empowerment Journal: Receive a specially crafted journal template to support your ongoing journey of self-discovery and empowerment beyond the workshop. This tool will help you stay connected to your intentions, track your progress, and continue nurturing your inner garden.
– Access to Meditation Recordings with Adora:Gain exclusive access to guided meditation recordings that you can revisit whenever you need to realign with your inner light and tap into the transformative energy of the Summer Solstice.
– Community Connection: Engage with like-hearted individuals, fostering meaningful connections and a sense of sacred community.
Meet Your Facilitator:
Adora Winquist: Alchemical Healing Expert; Founder of The Soul Institute; Author of Detox, Nourish, Activate.
Author and expert in the fields of aromatherapy and vibrational medicine, Adora is a visionary in the dawning arena of Quantum Alchemy, a transformative evolutionary path for self-mastery that facilitates healing at the DNA level. She intertwines the divine knowledge and ancient wisdom of essential oils, esoteric philosophy, psycho-spiritual dynamics, and energy medicine through her 25+ years as a facilitator, educator, formulator, and entrepreneur. Adora lives with her two daughters and her partner in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.
There’s nothing like an early summer hike before the Park gates open. Join a local birding expert and spot some of our resident species as they enjoy the morning quiet. This hike is perfect whether you’re a lifelong birder or just getting started with America’s fastest-growing hobby.
French Broad River Park: Go to the parking lot off of Riverview Drive, which is off of Amboy Rd. Find the cobalt blue canopy tent!
We will be as close to as directly across the parking lot as we can, near the water, with the tent (go past the bathrooms and head to the water). So, you should be able to find us pretty easily if it’s your first time).
We’ll enjoy meditations/visualizations, psychic ability empowerment, chakra activations, and lively discussions about how we can participate in the evolution of the new earth… a world where truth and the ethos of love (e.g.: Law of One) are the guiding forces.
All who are interested in spiritual growth and evolution and getting to know others who are “on their wavelength” are welcome.
NOTE: Bring a chair, pillow, or towel to sit on, an open mind, and energies of love, receptivity, and curiosity.
We look forward to meeting you!
Take time away in nature to breathe deep, relax, and immerse yourself in the beauty of our lovely Blue Ridge Mountains!
Enjoy a 2-mile round trip hike along an easy/moderate trail to a mountaintop with stunning views. Once there, we’ll share an hour of yoga for all levels at the summit as we take in the unbeatable, panoramic views and soak up the wide open space.
We’ll bring the mats. You bring your spirit of adventure!
Enjoy a 2-mile round trip hike along an easy/moderate trail to a
mountaintop with stunning views, Once there, enjoy an hour of yoga for all levels at the summit and take in the unbeatable,
panoramic views and soak up the wide-open space, Mats provided.
This year, celebrate Independence Day with your family, friends, guests, and the Swannanoa Valley Museum on a 1.5-mile, moderate hike to the peak of Sunset Mountain. Here, Museum guests will enjoy an old-fashioned watermelon cutting, and then stay to watch the sun set and the fireworks explode over the town of Black Mountain. Over snacks, hike leaders will share the history and vintage photographs of this most historic place.
Difficulty Rating: Moderate, 3 miles
Meet: Black Mountain Savings Bank, 200 East State Street, Black Mountain, NC 28711
Meet Time: 7:00 PM
Estimated Return Time: 11:00 PM
Bring: A flash light or headlamp (required), dinner or snacks, water for the hike, drinks, poncho or rain gear (just in case), camera, bug spray, and warm clothes or blankets (it can get chilly after dark even in July) in a pack to keep your hands free while hiking. You are also welcome to bring small coolers and folding chairs. Be sure to wear hiking boots or closed toe walking shoes. The Museum’s team will transport coolers and chairs up the mountain and will provide watermelon.
Please Note: Only ages 10 and up are allowed to attend this event. Babies and toddlers may not attend due to the difficulty of the hike. We have special permission to hike on private property and cannot allow pets. Also, there are no bathrooms on the mountain – just the surrounding woods.
This is one of the most popular creek hikes near Asheville. It begins at 215 near the confluence of Big Laurel Creek and the West Fork of the Pigeon River. We will ascend past numerous rapids and small waterfalls. We will be in the creek or rock hopping most of the day. The only requirements are a good sense of balance and comfortable shoes with good traction, preferably not boots. Good swimming holes abound. The pace will be moderate, but it will be a good workout. We will take time at one of the many scenic spots for lunch. There is one larger waterfall over halfway up, which we will “bushwack” around on small but steep trace trails. After finishing the ascent we will trail hike up to the Black Balsam parking lot, where cars will be left for this shuttle. You will have the option to hike up Big Sam Mountain (over 6K) to the view, or hike directly to the parking by Black Balsam.
We will climb 1,500 – 2,000 feet and hike approx. 3 miles.
We will be meeting at the Black Balsam parking lot at 9:15 am. and carpool to the trailhead, leaving Black Balsam by 9:30. The trailhead on Hwy 215 is only about 15 minutes by car, from there. At the trailhead there is limited parking for about 3 cars.
Please refer to the pictures from our first hike in May at Yellowstone Prong to get a better idea about our hiking experience in the creek.
Take time away in nature to breathe deep, relax, and immerse yourself in the beauty of our lovely Blue Ridge Mountains!
Enjoy a 2-mile round trip hike along an easy/moderate trail to a mountaintop with stunning views. Once there, we’ll share an hour of yoga for all levels at the summit as we take in the unbeatable, panoramic views and soak up the wide open space.
We’ll bring the mats. You bring your spirit of adventure!
French Broad River Park: Go to the parking lot off of Riverview Drive, which is off of Amboy Rd. Find the cobalt blue canopy tent!
We will be as close to as directly across the parking lot as we can, near the water, with the tent (go past the bathrooms and head to the water). So, you should be able to find us pretty easily if it’s your first time).
We’ll enjoy meditations/visualizations, psychic ability empowerment, chakra activations, and lively discussions about how we can participate in the evolution of the new earth… a world where truth and the ethos of love (e.g.: Law of One) are the guiding forces.
All who are interested in spiritual growth and evolution and getting to know others who are “on their wavelength” are welcome.
NOTE: Bring a chair, pillow, or towel to sit on, an open mind, and energies of love, receptivity, and curiosity.
We look forward to meeting you!
“The Love Frequency invites you to come into a deeper state of heart-centered living where your heart becomes your true North, your source of creation and liberation, and a commanding presence of leadership in your life.” – Adora Winquist, Modern Alchemist & Founder of The Soul Institute
Hi, I’m Adora, the creator of The Love Frequency. Like many, I’ve walked a path where I faced negative emotions, disappointment, and self-doubt. I understand how it feels to be stuck, overwhelmed, confused, and in lack.
I rarely felt free to be my true self. I could not hear my inner voice. I was unsure of my true purpose in life. But somewhere within me I knew that there was a different way. A sense that there was something more. Can you relate?
Are You Ready to Feel Fully Free and Embrace Your True Self?
When was the last time you felt fully free?
Maybe you have had moments where you felt free enough to let your heart open, letting your inner light shine and allowing you to embrace that ‘natural state of elation’ that comes when you know you’re in the right place at the right time. For most, however, those moments are often fleeting.
I used to glimpse those moments sporadically, that clarity and feeling of goodness, openness and receptivity. Thankfully, now, through decades of soul work, they have become my way of being. I hope you will come to this retreat where I can guide you to bring that freedom into your life, too.
Join me and other like-hearted people to do this work together. We will support each other to discover the transformative power of The Love Frequency, where you will embark on a soul-nurturing journey to embrace your true self, experience joyous liberation, and awaken to a thriving life. Your Path to Self-Mastery Starts Here
Connect with nature in a whole new way. Discover the elevated life of a modern alchemist.
Nature, the earth, all of creation, is our greatest teacher. Mother earth transmits profound wisdom that you won’t find in history books, medical journals, news articles, or the rabbit hole of social media.
Our modern construct of society has effectively disconnected us from the true source of abundance that the earth has to offer, leaving us grasping for more in every facet of life.
Going back to the basics of all of life: water, earth, fire, air, spirit, brings us home to the life of co-creation we were born to live.
When we live in communion with the earth, not only do our physical lives become more conscious and sustainable, but so do our emotional and spiritual lives.
The Love Frequency Retreat is not just an event—it’s a transformative journey toward self-mastery. You will be immersed in the alchemy of the 5 elements air, fire, water, earth and akasha to accelerate your ability to embody The Love Frequency.
Through guided practices such as transmission meditation, fire ceremony, consecration immersions, and labyrinth walks, you will tap into the depths of your being, activate your intentions, and anchor your new patterns of self-mastery into the earth.
Your experiences will include:
Somatic healing and sound frequency meditation to ignite inspiration and unify mind with heart and body
Fire ceremony to transmute past patterns and activate your intention for soul level alignment
Consecration immersion of water in the Bend of Ivy river to bless and open to a greater expression of your authentic self.
A labyrinth walk to return to your center and anchor your new desired pattern of self mastery into the earth
Transmission meditation to harness your unique alchemical formula and align with the highest inspiration of your mind, heart and soul
Your love can heal, transform and create everything you authentically desire.
What is Modern Alchemy?
Traditional alchemy is considered to focus on transmuting base metals to gold. But true alchemy is actually the journey of the spiritual seeker.
When I first began exploring plant medicine, I was introduced to the concept of synergy, where the sum of the parts or ingredients are more effective than the singular aspect or isolate. This concept has evolved from my perspective and practice over the last 30 years as a healer, teacher and author in the field of complementary medicine.
Modern Alchemy is the hero’s and heroine’s journey to Know Thyself and in that journey to transform the places of limitation, pain and suffering from our soul to our cells into life affirming, creation expressions of thriving. That is our true birthright.
It is a synergy of 4 pillars that anchor the universal truth and the creative potential of the universe: esoteric philosophy, psycho-spiritual dynamics, essential oils and vibrational medicine. These core philosophies are then intertwined to form modern interventions for ancient remedies that create greater health and harmony within the mind-body and soul connection and allows us to transmute the patterns of limitation we carry from soul soul to our cells: personal, ancestral and collective to rise beyond the third dimensional reality.
In our collective longing to evolve, we have the desire to open and access the ancient wisdom and divine knowledge within ourselves in manners that are both practical, accessible and yet profound.
The path of a Modern Alchemist transforms you from a spiritual seeker to a sacred leader of your most authentic and abundant life.
Awakening
Activation
Integration
Service
As a modern alchemist, when you connect with the infinite nature of love held with you, the potent alchemy of the natural world, you become the change you wish to see in the world. This Love Frequency Retreat is your first step on your path as a modern alchemist.
Are you a Modern Alchemist?
Traits of a modern alchemist include:
realizing there is more to life than meets the eye, and the matrix
understanding you are a co-creator in your reality, and a vast spiritual being that has chosen life in physical form.
knowing you are multidimensional in nature
You have a gift and light within you that can change the world, first by healing yourself.
You are capable of creating so much more in the course of your life than you are taught and led to believe.
You are being called back into connection and harmony with the Earth, yourself and each other.
You are invited to remember that there are alternative ways to source great balance, wellbeing and vitality in your lives.
What is The Love Frequency™?
The Love Frequency is a spiritual accelerator for the modern alchemist. Being in this frequency guides us to remember that the greatest power within us is held within our hearts.
The Love Frequency draws us inward, to the journey of the sacred human heart, the source of all creation, to remind us that WE ARE THE ONES WE HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR.
What is The Love Frequency™ Retreat?
The Love Frequency Retreat is a three day immersion in the alchemy of nature, rare aromatics and crystal medicine, transmission meditations and rituals to draw you deeper into the sacred light and wisdom held within you as a modern alchemist.
Adora will guide and support you through this experiential journey that activates the greater strength, inspiration and empowerment you are ready to rise and bring forth.
What awaits you at The Love Frequency™ Retreat?
Rest and Revitalize: Immerse yourself in the healing power of nature and find solace in a community of like-minded souls.
Liberate Your Mind, Heart, and Soul: Release past limitations and create a life of abundance, harmony, and fulfillment.
Access Ancient Wisdom: Discover the infinite power and unique gifts within your soul, tapping into your true potential.
Ignite Your Passion and Purpose: Align with your true self, uncover your meaningful purpose, and reignite your passion for life.
Is this transformational getaway for you?
Are you eager to release the limiting beliefs, thoughts, and emotions that no longer serve you?
Are you ready to open your mind, heart, and soul to live life beyond limitations?
Are you seeking a new, elevated relationship dynamic, especially regarding your communication, boundaries, and attachment styles?
Are you committed to taking a personal, inward journey of transformational self-healing to manifest the life of your dreams and desires?
Do you enjoy the beauty of nature as a healing force?
Experience the Alchemy of Nature and Sacred Wisdom in the Appalachian Mountains
Located at the beautiful Bend of Ivy Retreat Center, just outside Asheville, North Carolina, this sacred community offers you the space to rest, heal, and reconnect with your true essence. Immerse yourself in the healing power of nature, rare aromatics, crystal medicine, and ancient wisdom that reside within you.
The Bend of Ivy Retreat Center is a beautiful eco sanctuary nestled on 63 acres in the Blue Ridge Mountains, part of the Appalachians, near Asheville, NC. Rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit in this quiet, secluded space that is infused with the magic of nature, nurture and energy. Come and experience the restful zen gardens, the shimmering ponds, beautiful views, and friendly goats.
Enjoy locally-sourced organic cuisine and herbal teas. Unwind in the seclusion of the surrounding hillsides and experience the atmosphere of deep healing and sacred tranquility.
Registration Options:
Full Retreat Package with Lodging: Discount Code $300 off LOVE300
2 night stay at the tranquil Bend of Ivy Retreat Center
Free Parking
Organic Meals (7), snacks, and tea
Self-care goody bag
Local Asheville Commuter Retreat Package without Lodging: For more info email
[email protected]
Free Parking
Organic Meals (5), snacks, and tea
Self-care goody bag
*Self-Care Bonus Goody Bag
All attendees will receive a curated self care bag with the tool of a modern alchemist, including Adora’s exquisitely crafted essential oil formulas, carefully selected crystals to align the energy of your journey, a lovely journal to capture your reflections, organic herbal tea to nourish your body, and other goodies.
USE CODE LOVE300 for $300 discount
Meet Your Facilitator: Adora Winquist
Alchemical Healing Expert; Founder of The Soul Institute; Author of Detox, Nourish, Activate.
Author and expert in the fields of aromatherapy and vibrational medicine, Adora is a visionary in the dawning arena of Quantum Alchemy, a transformative evolutionary path for self-mastery that facilitates healing at the DNA level. She intertwines the divine knowledge and ancient wisdom of essential oils, esoteric philosophy, psycho-spiritual dynamics, and energy medicine through her 25+ years as a facilitator, educator, formulator, and entrepreneur. Adora lives with her two daughters and her partner in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.
Words of Wisdom
A Sunday afternoon of inspiration and spiritual Guidance.
This live guidance event with Spiritual Guide and Author Charley Castex, includes a Q&A session, followed by a book signing/meet and greet with Charley!
The Park At Flat Rock NC
July 30 2023 *** 3-5PM
Imagine moving through your sun salutation on a mountaintop as the sky glows all around you (or stay in savasana for the full hour! No one here will judge you!) Marvel at nature’s light show, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and revel in the expansiveness of wide open spaces. This is our favorite version of our classic Yoga Hike here in Asheville.
This mountaintop is on all of the “best places to view the sunset in Asheville” lists and we can’t wait to share it with you!
We’ll bring the mats. You bring your spirit of adventure!
Prefer a private adventure? Sunset, Morning, and Afternoon hikes are available daily year round for private groups…even if you’re a solo adventurer!
Awaken your senses to the natural world on this unique hike. There’s always a lot to see in the forest, but what do you hear? What do you smell? What do you feel? Get ready to experience Chimney Rock in a whole new way on this brand new guided hike. This event is exclusively for Annual Passholders.
IG :
SMOKIFANTASTIC
[email protected]
Learn about the tenants of Quanticism, and dive into the 1st tenant covering Love and Relationships. These are the most powerful tools for growth and evolution within the human condition. Learn how we can apply Quantum principles in all our our relationships, and what that might look like. Share experiences and see how these new principles might have made a difference. Human beings need relationships and connection. Join us and learn about a new way to view this complex topic.
If there are any questions, please reach out to [email protected]
“The Love Frequency invites you to come into a deeper state of heart-centered living where your heart becomes your true North, your source of creation and liberation, and a commanding presence of leadership in your life.” – Adora Winquist, Modern Alchemist & Founder of The Soul Institute
Hi, I’m Adora, the creator of The Love Frequency. Like many, I’ve walked a path where I faced negative emotions, disappointment, and self-doubt. I understand how it feels to be stuck, overwhelmed, confused, and in lack.
I rarely felt free to be my true self. I could not hear my inner voice. I was unsure of my true purpose in life. But somewhere within me I knew that there was a different way. A sense that there was something more. Can you relate?
Are You Ready to Feel Fully Free and Embrace Your True Self?
When was the last time you felt fully free?
Maybe you have had moments where you felt free enough to let your heart open, letting your inner light shine and allowing you to embrace that ‘natural state of elation’ that comes when you know you’re in the right place at the right time. For most, however, those moments are often fleeting.
I used to glimpse those moments sporadically, that clarity and feeling of goodness, openness and receptivity. Thankfully, now, through decades of soul work, they have become my way of being. I hope you will come to this retreat where I can guide you to bring that freedom into your life, too.
Join me and other like-hearted people to do this work together. We will support each other to discover the transformative power of The Love Frequency, where you will embark on a soul-nurturing journey to embrace your true self, experience joyous liberation, and awaken to a thriving life. Your Path to Self-Mastery Starts Here
Connect with nature in a whole new way. Discover the elevated life of a modern alchemist.
Nature, the earth, all of creation, is our greatest teacher. Mother earth transmits profound wisdom that you won’t find in history books, medical journals, news articles, or the rabbit hole of social media.
Our modern construct of society has effectively disconnected us from the true source of abundance that the earth has to offer, leaving us grasping for more in every facet of life.
Going back to the basics of all of life: water, earth, fire, air, spirit, brings us home to the life of co-creation we were born to live.
When we live in communion with the earth, not only do our physical lives become more conscious and sustainable, but so do our emotional and spiritual lives.
The Love Frequency Retreat is not just an event—it’s a transformative journey toward self-mastery. You will be immersed in the alchemy of the 5 elements air, fire, water, earth and akasha to accelerate your ability to embody The Love Frequency.
Through guided practices such as transmission meditation, fire ceremony, consecration immersions, and labyrinth walks, you will tap into the depths of your being, activate your intentions, and anchor your new patterns of self-mastery into the earth.
Your experiences will include:
Somatic healing and sound frequency meditation to ignite inspiration and unify mind with heart and body
Fire ceremony to transmute past patterns and activate your intention for soul level alignment
Consecration immersion of water in the Bend of Ivy river to bless and open to a greater expression of your authentic self.
A labyrinth walk to return to your center and anchor your new desired pattern of self mastery into the earth
Transmission meditation to harness your unique alchemical formula and align with the highest inspiration of your mind, heart and soul
Your love can heal, transform and create everything you authentically desire.
What is Modern Alchemy?
Traditional alchemy is considered to focus on transmuting base metals to gold. But true alchemy is actually the journey of the spiritual seeker.
When I first began exploring plant medicine, I was introduced to the concept of synergy, where the sum of the parts or ingredients are more effective than the singular aspect or isolate. This concept has evolved from my perspective and practice over the last 30 years as a healer, teacher and author in the field of complementary medicine.
Modern Alchemy is the hero’s and heroine’s journey to Know Thyself and in that journey to transform the places of limitation, pain and suffering from our soul to our cells into life affirming, creation expressions of thriving. That is our true birthright.
It is a synergy of 4 pillars that anchor the universal truth and the creative potential of the universe: esoteric philosophy, psycho-spiritual dynamics, essential oils and vibrational medicine. These core philosophies are then intertwined to form modern interventions for ancient remedies that create greater health and harmony within the mind-body and soul connection and allows us to transmute the patterns of limitation we carry from soul soul to our cells: personal, ancestral and collective to rise beyond the third dimensional reality.
In our collective longing to evolve, we have the desire to open and access the ancient wisdom and divine knowledge within ourselves in manners that are both practical, accessible and yet profound.
The path of a Modern Alchemist transforms you from a spiritual seeker to a sacred leader of your most authentic and abundant life.
Awakening
Activation
Integration
Service
As a modern alchemist, when you connect with the infinite nature of love held with you, the potent alchemy of the natural world, you become the change you wish to see in the world. This Love Frequency Retreat is your first step on your path as a modern alchemist.
Are you a Modern Alchemist?
Traits of a modern alchemist include:
realizing there is more to life than meets the eye, and the matrix
understanding you are a co-creator in your reality, and a vast spiritual being that has chosen life in physical form.
knowing you are multidimensional in nature
You have a gift and light within you that can change the world, first by healing yourself.
You are capable of creating so much more in the course of your life than you are taught and led to believe.
You are being called back into connection and harmony with the Earth, yourself and each other.
You are invited to remember that there are alternative ways to source great balance, wellbeing and vitality in your lives.
What is The Love Frequency™?
The Love Frequency is a spiritual accelerator for the modern alchemist. Being in this frequency guides us to remember that the greatest power within us is held within our hearts.
The Love Frequency draws us inward, to the journey of the sacred human heart, the source of all creation, to remind us that WE ARE THE ONES WE HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR.
What is The Love Frequency™ Retreat?
The Love Frequency Retreat is a three day immersion in the alchemy of nature, rare aromatics and crystal medicine, transmission meditations and rituals to draw you deeper into the sacred light and wisdom held within you as a modern alchemist.
Adora will guide and support you through this experiential journey that activates the greater strength, inspiration and empowerment you are ready to rise and bring forth.
What awaits you at The Love Frequency™ Retreat?
Rest and Revitalize: Immerse yourself in the healing power of nature and find solace in a community of like-minded souls.
Liberate Your Mind, Heart, and Soul: Release past limitations and create a life of abundance, harmony, and fulfillment.
Access Ancient Wisdom: Discover the infinite power and unique gifts within your soul, tapping into your true potential.
Ignite Your Passion and Purpose: Align with your true self, uncover your meaningful purpose, and reignite your passion for life.
Is this transformational getaway for you?
Are you eager to release the limiting beliefs, thoughts, and emotions that no longer serve you?
Are you ready to open your mind, heart, and soul to live life beyond limitations?
Are you seeking a new, elevated relationship dynamic, especially regarding your communication, boundaries, and attachment styles?
Are you committed to taking a personal, inward journey of transformational self-healing to manifest the life of your dreams and desires?
Do you enjoy the beauty of nature as a healing force?
Experience the Alchemy of Nature and Sacred Wisdom in the Appalachian Mountains
Located at the beautiful Bend of Ivy Retreat Center, just outside Asheville, North Carolina, this sacred community offers you the space to rest, heal, and reconnect with your true essence. Immerse yourself in the healing power of nature, rare aromatics, crystal medicine, and ancient wisdom that reside within you.
The Bend of Ivy Retreat Center is a beautiful eco sanctuary nestled on 63 acres in the Blue Ridge Mountains, part of the Appalachians, near Asheville, NC. Rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit in this quiet, secluded space that is infused with the magic of nature, nurture and energy. Come and experience the restful zen gardens, the shimmering ponds, beautiful views, and friendly goats.
Enjoy locally-sourced organic cuisine and herbal teas. Unwind in the seclusion of the surrounding hillsides and experience the atmosphere of deep healing and sacred tranquility.
Registration Options:
Full Retreat Package with Lodging: Discount Code $300 off LOVE300
2 night stay at the tranquil Bend of Ivy Retreat Center
Free Parking
Organic Meals (7), snacks, and tea
Self-care goody bag
Local Asheville Commuter Retreat Package without Lodging: For more info email
[email protected]
Free Parking
Organic Meals (5), snacks, and tea
Self-care goody bag
*Self-Care Bonus Goody Bag
All attendees will receive a curated self care bag with the tool of a modern alchemist, including Adora’s exquisitely crafted essential oil formulas, carefully selected crystals to align the energy of your journey, a lovely journal to capture your reflections, organic herbal tea to nourish your body, and other goodies.
USE CODE LOVE300 for $300 discount
Meet Your Facilitator: Adora Winquist
Alchemical Healing Expert; Founder of The Soul Institute; Author of Detox, Nourish, Activate.
Author and expert in the fields of aromatherapy and vibrational medicine, Adora is a visionary in the dawning arena of Quantum Alchemy, a transformative evolutionary path for self-mastery that facilitates healing at the DNA level. She intertwines the divine knowledge and ancient wisdom of essential oils, esoteric philosophy, psycho-spiritual dynamics, and energy medicine through her 25+ years as a facilitator, educator, formulator, and entrepreneur. Adora lives with her two daughters and her partner in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.
French Broad River Park: Go to the parking lot off of Riverview Drive, which is off of Amboy Rd. Find the cobalt blue canopy tent!
We will be as close to as directly across the parking lot as we can, near the water, with the tent (go past the bathrooms and head to the water). So, you should be able to find us pretty easily if it’s your first time).
We’ll enjoy meditations/visualizations, psychic ability empowerment, chakra activations, and lively discussions about how we can participate in the evolution of the new earth… a world where truth and the ethos of love (e.g.: Law of One) are the guiding forces.
All who are interested in spiritual growth and evolution and getting to know others who are “on their wavelength” are welcome.
NOTE: Bring a chair, pillow, or towel to sit on, an open mind, and energies of love, receptivity, and curiosity.
We look forward to meeting you!
Watch as the Park comes alive under the shadow of darkness on this guided evening excursion with a Park naturalist. Do you know which animals come out along the Hickory Nut Falls trail when the sun goes down? Get ready to learn more about the Park’s rarely-seen residents. Note: The Hickory Nut Falls trail is approximately 3/4 of a mile each direction and is considered a moderate trail. Participants must be able to hike the trail out and back. This trail is not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers.
$1 Hot Dogs presented by Blossman Gas and Mix 96.5
Post Game Fireworks Show presented by First Bank!
We are excited to announce the 31st Annual Spirit Fest! One of the longest-running events at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena returns to celebrate 25 years at the Arena on Sunday, September 3, 2023.
We invite the community to come together and Let’s Church!!
This year the stage master himself Tye Tribbett returns along with the First Lady of Gospel Shirley Caesar who was part of the opening weekend of the arena. Choirs will get excited about the ministry of the choirmaster Ricky Dillard & New Generation as he comes to Spirit Fest for the first time! Also new at Spirit Fest are Pastor Mike Jr., Luther Barnes, and The Mickens.
Miracles, Signs, and Wonders will be manifested as we have church together!! Plan to join us for this evening of worship and celebration!
We will announce additional elements to the weekend in the coming weeks! #SpiritFestGVL
Join a local naturalist on this waterfall hiking tour and enjoy the best scenery near Asheville. This intimate group tour offers 2-3 stunning waterfalls, local history, wildlife, and edible plants. Transportation included from Asheville! Call us now to book or make a reservation on our website!
Join a local naturalist on this waterfall hiking tour and enjoy the best scenery near Asheville. This intimate group tour offers 2-3 stunning waterfalls, local history, wildlife, and edible plants. Transportation included from Asheville! Call us now to book or make a reservation on our website!
Where: Snowball Mountain off the Blue Ridge Parkway near Craggy Gardens Picnic Area
Distance: 3 miles
Difficulty: Moderately strenuous (7/10)
Join Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy for a hike to the protected Snowball Mountain. This hike will celebrate the 2023 Year of the Trail to help interested residents, visitors and trails enthusiasts in the area (and across the state) find and attend events, connect with others, and learn more about advocating for trails in NC.
This moderate 3-mile hike will take hikers along a high elevation ridgeline with remarkable views. We will start out on the Mountains-to-Sea trail and split off to climb Snowball Mountain. Next, we will continue North to Hawkbill Rock where we will look back onto the property and into the Woodfin Watershed— another SAHC-protected landmark. Hikers should be prepared for a short trip, but steep elevation changes along the way. Snowball Mountain was one of the marquee parcels that pushed SAHC past the 50,000-acre milestone mark at the end of 2011.
Come and enjoy this beautiful property and learn about SAHC’s projects in this spectacular area of the Black Mountain range. In 2012, the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy purchased 90 acres on Snowball Mountain in Buncombe County, permanently preserving scenic views for recreational visitors, clean water sources for area residents, and habitat for native species. Nestled in the beautiful Craggy Mountains, this tract is highly visible from the Blue Ridge Parkway and national forest land, and it adjoins the publicly accessible Snowball Mountain Trail and Camp Sequoyah Trail.
SAHC’s Snowball Mountain tract joins a significant swath of state and federal protected land, contributing another piece to a vast network of over 125,000 acres of contiguous protected forestlands. The trail overlooks national forest land and the Woodfin Watershed, which SAHC protects with a conservation easement.
What To Bring: hiking shoes, lunch, water, jacket/rain gear, camera, and please dress in layers.
Dogs: Dogs are allowed.
If you have any questions, please reach out to [email protected].
Cost – $10 or Free to Members. Pre-registration is required.
Join a local naturalist on this waterfall hiking tour and enjoy the best scenery near Asheville. This intimate group tour offers 2-3 stunning waterfalls, local history, wildlife, and edible plants. Transportation included from Asheville! Call us now to book or make a reservation on our website!
Get ready to explore the natural beauty of Buncombe County’s great outdoors like never before! We are thrilled to announce Woodland Wonder Walks, a series of guided hiking tours, designed for both nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. These immersive tours will take you through some of the area’s most stunning trails, offering a unique opportunity to connect with nature, learn about local ecosystems and plants, get some steps in, and create new friendships.
Hike Details:
1. Collier Cove Trail: Beginning at the Collier Cove parking area, the trail offers an adventure through the beautiful wooded scenery and provides the perfect getaway into nature. From seasonal wildflowers to a variety of fungi and beautiful tree canopies, this adventure is a treat to the senses.
Difficulty level: Due to steep portions, this hike is recommended for intermediate to advanced hikers.
Length: 1.5-2 miles
Elevation gain: 800 feet.
Date: Wednesday, September 13 at 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Registration will end on Tuesday, September 12.
IG :
SMOKIFANTASTIC
[email protected]
Join the Asheville Museum of History (AMoH) Wednesday, September 20 at 9AM as we hike to a former mica mine near Burnsville, North Carolina. This event is free but registration is required. Carpooling is necessary as parking is limited.
Join us as we explore the geologic and human history of mining in the Spruce Pine region. We are led by Dr. William Miller, a geologist, and Trevor Freeman, public programs director for the Asheville Museum of History. Local resident John Bennett may join us to discuss some his family history and more about the local mines nearby.
The Mine
The Ray Mine is located in one of scores of igneous rock bodies in the Spruce Pine mining district which began as magmas that were injected into an existing bedrock formation known as the Ashe Metamorphic Suite 375-400 million years ago. The intrusion is made of coarsely crystalline granodiorite which is composed of feldspar, quartz, and muscovite mica, plus lesser amounts of other minerals, including tourmaline, beryl, and apatite.
The Ray was sporadically mined mainly for high quality muscovite from about 1867 until the 1940s. Compared to its sister intrusions currently being mined for high purity quartz and feldspar in Spruce Pine, the Ray is rather puny but one of few designated mineral collecting localities in the National Forest where visitors are allowed to take home the minerals they find on the ground surface and can easily carry.
Nine small shafts/cuts occur at the mine, but they are either partially fenced off and filled with rubble or overgrown with vegetation. The mine site now looks like most other nearby hills but with mineral and rock specimens strewn about.
Details:
Meet: We will carpool from the Roses parking lot in the center of Burnsville, departing at 9:00 AM at the SE corner of US 19E and Reservoir Road intersection. Parking is very limited at the trailhead.
Return to Roses: Approximately 12noon
Hike Length: Approximately 1 mile total, out and back.
Hike Difficulty: Moderate (using National Park Service metric) but rocky
*This is a backcountry hike in a remote area. Please do not attempt if you are unsure of your ability.*
*With a small trailhead parking area, we are limited to 5 vehicles. Please let us know if you prefer to be a driver or passenger when you sign the waiver form*
*Participants may wish to carpool to the initial meeting location at Roses in Burnsville, NC. You will be asked about your preference upon registration, and those interested will be put in contact with one another*
What to Bring:
- Backpack
- Plenty of water (1 liter)
- Bagged lunch or snacks
- Hiking boots or comfortable trail shoes
- Weather-appropriate clothing (preferably no cotton)
- Sunscreen
- Hiking poles (optional)
- Hat (recommended)
- Any needed medications.
- You may collect some mineral and rock specimens but only as much as you can carry in your pockets.
- If you bring and use a rock hammer, always wear safety glasses and do not break rocks when other, unprotected people are nearby.
Rain Date: In the event of inclement weather, participants will be notified in advance, no later than 8PM the evening prior if the event is to be rescheduled.
Tickets: This is a free event but registration and emergency contact waiver is required.
*Waiver and Emergency Contact: Registrants must fill out the emergency contact form in advance: https://forms.gle/iQpZAg3Q1RdcCZ1a8
Hike Leaders:
Dr. William Miller is a licensed professional geologist and a professor emeritus at UNC Asheville where he was a professor of environmental studies. Miller focuses on metals, ores, and the geology of the Blue Ridge. He has served on several state and professional boards relating to mining and geology. He has also led several hikes to the Ray Mine.
This hike is co-led by Trevor Freeman, AMoH public programs director. He has an MA in American history and is interested in both Appalachian and environmental history. He is also wilderness first aid/CPR certified.
For questions, please contact Trevor Freeman at [email protected]
(Image: UNCA students on a hike to the Ray Mine with Dr. Miller; An unidentified mica mine in North Carolina, courtesy Forest History Society)
French Broad River Park: Go to the parking lot off of Riverview Drive, which is off of Amboy Rd. Find the cobalt blue canopy tent!
We will be as close to as directly across the parking lot as we can, near the water, with the tent (go past the bathrooms and head to the water). So, you should be able to find us pretty easily if it’s your first time).
We’ll enjoy meditations/visualizations, psychic ability empowerment, chakra activations, and lively discussions about how we can participate in the evolution of the new earth… a world where truth and the ethos of love (e.g.: Law of One) are the guiding forces.
All who are interested in spiritual growth and evolution and getting to know others who are “on their wavelength” are welcome.
NOTE: Bring a chair, pillow, or towel to sit on, an open mind, and energies of love, receptivity, and curiosity.
We look forward to meeting you!
To honor and celebrate the rich history of environmental stewardship at Chimney
Rock State Park, join us for an after hours sunset hike to the top of the Chimney
with one of the original stewards of the park. Along the way, we will place the
Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail marker on this newly designated trail.
Note: This trail is considered difficult.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23
Join us in a toast at Chimney Rock Brewing Company to commemorate the newly designated Hickory Nut Gorge State Trail and honor our volunteers. After the toast, stick around for a campfire with s’mores and ghost stories! No registration required.