2025 Labor Day Excursions
(Sign-up link will be emailed to all attendees)
Please note: Due to the destruction caused by Hurricane Helene (September 27, 2024), we are unable to partner with some of the local businesses we have worked with in the past. As a result, this year’s excursion offerings look a little different. We hope you will continue to support these local activities in 2025.
Saturday Excursions
Western NC Air Museum
Preserving and promoting North Carolina’s flying heritage, this unique collection celebrates the Golden Age of Aviation and the decades surrounding WWII. Step back to a time when airports had grass strips with no fences—you can walk right up and touch the airplanes.
Big Glassy Mountain Overlook Trail (Ages 55 & Under) Located at the Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site, this is a moderate gravel trail (2 miles, one-way) with benches along the way.
Bonclarken Swimming Pool Enjoy an afternoon swim!
Granddad’s Apples Orchard, Store & Bakery Nestled on a 100-acre family farm in Hendersonville, NC, this orchard offers pre-picked apples, seasonal you-pick weekends, a bakery, and family fun.
 Kim Rich
An amazing and adventurous weekend spent learning, growing and exploring the gift of singleness. I arrived nervous and uncertain and left with a confident and grateful heart. Fun Christian fellowship, worship and praise that has continued well beyond the retreat.
— Kim Rich, Destin, FL |
Sunday Excursions
Canvas Painting
Fellowship and laughter while creating your own artwork—no experience needed!
79th NC Apple Festival & Street Fair Hendersonville’s famous Apple Festival returns with food, music, and vendors!
Jump Off Rock Overlook Hike & St. John in the Wilderness Church Enjoy breathtaking views and rich history at these two memorable stops. Jump Off Rock: Handicap accessible to the overlook and drive-up area. From the overlook, take in panoramic views of the mountains and surrounding states. A Native American legend is tied to this scenic landmark. St. John in the Wilderness Church: Established in 1836 and listed on the National Historic Registry, this historic church and cemetery are the resting place of many notable Americans and their families. Learn more: Our History | St. John in the Wilderness
Bonclarken Swimming Pool & Lake with Kayaks Enjoy kayaking or swimming on site. Lifejackets provided.
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Local Places You Can Visit On Your Own or/Friends
http://www.hendersonville.com/attractions/
Note: Hendersonville/surrounding areas are home to many incredible waterfalls.
Click here for more information.
NC Arboretum Gardens
Off Blue Ridge Parkway exit, near Asheville, 23 miles away
Cost: Free; no admission cost to view the sculptures, exhibits & gardens
beyond the usual parking fee of $20 per vehicle.
Biltmore Estate
Largest privately owned residence in the USA. Once in a lifetime experience, Asheville, 20 miles away
Cost: $125, and does not include the gardens.
Apple Valley Model Railroad Museum
The restored Depot houses a HO scale railroad layout that is highly detailed and is prototypical of Hendersonville, Saluda, Asheville, and Western North Carolina. The Depot features historical artifacts, a Southern Railway caboose, and a special children's exhibit. Cost: Free, Handicap Accessible
Mineral & Lapidary Museum of Henderson County
The Mineral & Lapidary Museum of Henderson County was established in 1997, housing exhibits from North Carolina, minerals, Indian artifacts, a dinosaur egg nest, fossils, fluorescent minerals, gems, and faceted minerals. The Museum's specialty is Geodes, sold, cracked, and/or displayed, plus a large skeletal replica of a T-Rex Dinosaur Head. Open Saturday; Cost: Free, Handicap Accessible
Appalachian Pinball Museum - Video Arcade & Museum in downtown Hendersonville
Play over 80 old school Pinball Machines and Video Arcade Games! Cost: $13. Play as much as you want.
Off Blue Ridge Parkway exit, near Asheville, 23 miles away
Cost: Free; no admission cost to view the sculptures, exhibits & gardens
beyond the usual parking fee of $20 per vehicle.
Biltmore Estate
Largest privately owned residence in the USA. Once in a lifetime experience, Asheville, 20 miles away
Cost: $125, and does not include the gardens.
Apple Valley Model Railroad Museum
The restored Depot houses a HO scale railroad layout that is highly detailed and is prototypical of Hendersonville, Saluda, Asheville, and Western North Carolina. The Depot features historical artifacts, a Southern Railway caboose, and a special children's exhibit. Cost: Free, Handicap Accessible
Mineral & Lapidary Museum of Henderson County
The Mineral & Lapidary Museum of Henderson County was established in 1997, housing exhibits from North Carolina, minerals, Indian artifacts, a dinosaur egg nest, fossils, fluorescent minerals, gems, and faceted minerals. The Museum's specialty is Geodes, sold, cracked, and/or displayed, plus a large skeletal replica of a T-Rex Dinosaur Head. Open Saturday; Cost: Free, Handicap Accessible
Appalachian Pinball Museum - Video Arcade & Museum in downtown Hendersonville
Play over 80 old school Pinball Machines and Video Arcade Games! Cost: $13. Play as much as you want.
On-Campus:
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"I'm grateful for Kris and the Singles Network Ministries for providing a way for single adults to be able to get together through different events throughout the year both here in the U.S and abroad. These events provide a way to meet other Christian singles, make new friends, and to serve each other through prayer and fellowship. I look forward each year to the Singles Labor Day retreat in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina. I'm also grateful that Kris continues to follow God's calling for her and I know that this ministry will continue to grow and prosper. Looking forward to this year's labor day retreat!"
—Cricket Chasteen, Raleigh, NC |
Outdoor Pool: The pool is a central hub of activity during the summer. Guests of all ages enjoy the opportunity to swim and relax. Pool Saturday 1:00-5:00 pm and Sunday, 2:00-5:00 pm.
Hammocking: You are welcome to bring your hammock and hang it up at various locations throughout the campus. Bonclarken Lake: Enjoy walking around it, but due to limited staff this season, the kayaks are only available on Sunday from 2:00-5:00 pm. Athletic Fields/Courts: Available year-round on a first-come, first-served basis: The athletic fields provide ample space for all kinds of outdoor activities and field games, including volleyball, soccer, and tennis. Disc Golf Course: Bonclarken’s 18-hole disc golf course travels through wooded areas, open fields, and across streams. As a great, low-impact activity, the course is very popular with all ages. Birding: Bonclarken offers a variety of habitats, including creeks, meadows, marshland, and wooded areas, to observe birds and other wildlife. Click here for area birding information Gift Shop: A visit to the Bonclarken Gift Shop is a special trip indeed! Souvenirs and Bonclarken apparel items are available, as well as unique handmade items and gifts donated to Bonclarken by Women Ministries groups from Associate Reformed Presbyterian churches. Hours: 11:00 am-3:00 pm, Saturday only. |
