Welcome Group Tours!

Black Mountain, located only 15 miles east of Asheville, is an enjoyable day trip, stop-over or overnight for group tours. Our town offers small town charm and Southern hospitality at its finest.

The Black Mountain Visitors Center is located at 201 East State Street and is a great location to pick up brochures or maps of the town upon your arrival.  Visitors Center hours are Monday – Friday from 9 am – 5 pm; Saturday from 10 am – 5 pm and Sunday from 12 pm – 5 pm.

Check out the Group Tour Magazine Article on Black Mountain!

https://grouptourmagazine.com/black-mountain-region-offers-small-town-charm-near-major-attractions/

Excursions Unlimited by Kelly Tours brought guests from Savannah, GA!

 

Step-on Guided Tours Available

The Swannanoa Valley Museum offers a variety of step-on guided tours of the area to give your group a fun and informative introduction to our valley. The tour allows groups to gain knowledge of the incredible history and interesting stories of the area.  Cost is $5.00 per person.

  • Historic Downtown Black Mountain. Explore the history of our beautiful mountain town from the comfort of your motorcoach with a step-on guided tour. View our artistic murals, take in the interesting history of our town originally known as Grey Eagle, learn the history of the historic Southern Railway depot and how the railroad came to the mountains of North Carolina. Approximately 30-45 minutes in length.

 

  • Lake Tomahawk. Lake Tomahawk was a WPA project built in 1936. The lake is fed by Tomahawk branch and spans 8.9 acres. Learn about its history while taking a short stroll around the lake. The trail is flat and easily accessible. The view of Seven Sisters Mountain Range from this location is incredible.  Approximately 30-45 minutes in length.

 

  • Guastavino Wine Cellar
    Guastavino Wine Cellar

    “Rhododendron” Rafael Gaustavino’s Estate. Rafael Guastavino and his son, also Rafael, came to Black Mountain in 1894 where they bought land for an estate which he named “Rhododendron”. Guastavino came to the area to install tiles in the swimming pool and the Winter Garden at George Vanderbilt’s home. While working at Biltmore, Guastavino rerouted streams and built dams for small ponds. He leveled terraces and charted out roads, cornfields, and a vineyard. He commissioned a house, barn, and several other outbuildings, including kilns for manufacturing bricks and tiles, some of which were shipped down the short railroad line to Biltmore and Asheville.  Located at Christmount are the brick foundations of “the Spanish Castle,” Guastavino’s three-story impressive home on his estate, built not of stone and tile, but of wood. His old wine cellar, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, is right by the road.  Your group is welcome to view the ruins of his estate by viewing them through the bus windows or taking a stroll through them! Approximately 45-60 minutes in length.

Explore our Downtown

Groups enjoy exploring our easily walkable downtown with shopping and dining.  A sample of some of the stores and dining listed below.

 

While shopping and perusing our town, select one of the many delicious restaurants and cafes for lunch and dessert. All of these are within walking distance of the shops.

Lamers Tour & Travel brought guests from WI to our mountains!

 

Group Dinner

Black Mountain is a great place for a delicious group evening dining experience.  We offer several dining options for groups.  We can provide options for (1) an upscale dining experience in a beautifully decorated local inn, (2) a delicious dinner at a local bistro, (3) wonderful NC barbeque with southern flare, and (4) a private dining experience with options for the menu!  Contact Pam Collins for additional information on these restaurants at groupsaregreat@gmail.com.

 

Tour Itinerary Assistance

Please inquire about sample itineraries.  We can assist you in putting together a Black Mountain itinerary to add to your current Western North Carolina tour, make a day trip itinerary, or we can provide a sample itinerary for you to make your own!  The mountains are great to visit any time of year, especially with our four distinct seasons!

Venture Bus Tours brought guests to NC from VA!

Black Mountain Accolades

  • TripAdvisor’s Prettiest Small Town in America
  • TripAdvisor’s America’s Prettiest Small Town Vacations
  • Oprah Magazine: Top 60 Charming American Towns you Should Visit
  • Top 10 Safest and Most Peaceful Places to Live in NC
  • Country Living: Best Small Towns for Summer Vacation

For additional information and planning assistance:

For group tour itinerary assistance for The Little Town that Rocks, please contact Pam Collins at groupsaregreat@gmail.com.