Today we  introduce you to farmers of the Blue Ridge Mountain fibershed. See  firsthand the dedication and love they pour into caretaking their land  and beloved animals. Lunch is in the lovely town of Weaverville. A visit  at Penland School of Crafts will give us the opportunity to browse the  galleries, shop in the art supply store and walk through the campus.  Afterwards, we’ll visit the pottery and weaving gallery of twin sisters,  both of whom are former teachers at Penland. 

Today  is all about the River Arts District of Asheville. It’s home to  multi-use trails along the French Broad River, funky murals, numerous  art studios and Local Cloth, the non-profit organization of creative  and committed farmers, artists, and fiber processors involved in  promoting the local fiber supply chain. We’ll get our hands busy with a  half-day introductory workshop in bookmaking, crafting our own leather  needle book. “We’re knitters, not sewers”, you say. “Why would I want  this sewing notion?” Here’s your answer: a beautifully crafted,  hand-made leather needle book says “I am a maker and appreciate  well-crafted tools''. (We know you are …..and that you do.) While at  Local Cloth we’ll learn about the Blue Ridge Blanket project. Before the  day’s end, we’ll have a tour of the French Broad Chocolate Lounge, a  popular chocolate purveyor working with sustainable processes. What. An.  Amazing. Day.

Let’s get on the Blue Ridge Parkway right outside of Asheville and stop at the Folk Art Center. The Arts and Crafts  museum focusing on Appalachian artists. Afterwards  we visit the small town of Black Mountain, home to the innovative Black  Mountain College which fostered  interesting and maverick artists  during the latter half of the 20th century. Black Mountain also has an  awesome LYS. Shops and food are within easy walking distance. 

Today,  we’ll visit the famous Biltmore Estate. There is plenty of time to  thoroughly explore the Vanderbilt home, gardens and conservatory (that’s  where you’ll find me, Colleen). Afterwards we’re off to downtown  Asheville. This part of the city has just about everything you could  want: local art galleries, food joints, more micro-breweries plus  frequent sightings of the big-purple-comedy-party bus roaming the  streets. There’s so much to explore. Hint: the Woolworth store has been  turned into a local artists gallery and emporium. The original soda fountain counter offers a mean milkshake and more, if you're hungry.

Get ready to  enjoy the stunning grounds of Grove Park Inn. We’ll have a tour of the  Biltmore Industries Homespun Museum and learn more about the history of  textiles in the region. The Grove Park Gallery, next door, offers a  stunningly curated collection of local art and craft. Need a bit of a  rest? Settle into one of the rocking chairs facing the massive  fireplaces at each end of the grand lodge of the Grove Park Inn, then  join the group for our final, celebratory dinner on the Sunset Terrace.

On our last morning, we’ll breakfast together and then folks depart for home.

Colleen Troy joins RTT as Domestic Tour Development and Fiber Ambassador as well as Bookkeeper. She’s knitting multiple projects right now, spinning hand-blended fibers on her Lendrum DT, and has found it difficult but not impossible to knit and watch a South Korean show on Netflix with subtitles at the same time. She is curious about makers' stories of the lineage and evolution of their craft and where to find truly awesome pie.  Her professional background in outdoor tour guiding and small business ownership makes a great match with RTT. Colleen loves to drive a convertible, swim in natural waters and hula hoops. Does she talk to her plants? That’s what her friends want to know.