Note: Below is a list of our excursions from 2019. We are working on our list for 2021, so check back later in the year.
Off-Campus (We will to arrange rides; we will need folks to volunteer to carpool.)
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SATURDAY
• Carl Sandburg Home, Jump Off Rock & St. John in the Wilderness Episcopal Church, listed on the National Register of Historic Sites, offers a unique perspective on prominent families. Cost: Free to hike; $6 for tour of home; Handicap Accessible, bring a quarter $0.25 CLICK TO SIGN UP Host: tba • Tubing Down Green River, Cost: $10: A relaxing afternoon dipping your toes in the water as we float along, getting to know new folks. Host: tba • Grandad's Apples N' Such Country Store & Bakery, Handicap Accessible, Free to visit. Select pre-picked fresh apples right off the tree from our assorted bins inside the store, or pick your own. More than 20 different varieties of apples are pre-picked! Inside the barn are plenty of fresh apple goodies! Try the apple cider doughnuts or have some ice cream! CLICK TO SIGN UP Host: Missy Honeycutt • N.C. Apple Festival, downtown Hendersonville. Cost: Free, CLICK TO SIGN UP Host: tba • 7-Mile Calm-Water Kayaking on the French Broad River (Third oldest river in the world); Asheville Outdoor Center, 521 Amboy Road, Asheville, NC *Reservations required by calling the outfitter directly: 800-849-1970. Space is limited, so call them early to sign up for: Saturday Singles Labor Day Retreat 1:00 trip. Bring a backpack, waterproof or extra shoes, extra clothes, towel, water & money for dinner. To help us plan carpooling, please use the Labor Day Singles “Excursion Survey” to let us know you’re coming and whether you can carpool. COST:, $43; ($33 with military id). Prices include parking, shuttle, PFD, equipment and river access fees at the center. Please ask the outfitter about physical & weight restrictions and cancellation policies. Hosts: tba |
SUNDAY
• Cradle Forest Outdoor Center: Center and trails are Handicap Accessible. Cost: $6.00. Nestled in The Pisgah National Forest, The Cradle of Forestry offers a snapshot of life at America's first school of Forestry along the Biltmore Campus Trail. Explore the interactive exhibits, then walk the 1.0-mile Biltmore Trail Bring: walking shoes, water bottle. Snack bar & gift shop will be open. Hosts: tba • N.C. Apple Festival, downtown Hendersonville. Cost: Free, Host: tba • Chimney Rock Village & Lake Lure Flowering Bridge, Lake Lure Inn: This excursion includes the quaint Chimney Rock Village located in the center of Hickory Nut Gorge, right along the Rocky Broad River. A short drive away is Lake Lure where we’ll visit the handicap accessible Flowering Bridge, designated as a “living 3D mural” National Wildlife Habitat and a Monarch Butterfly Waystation. The marina, lake & the famous Lake Lure Inn are in walking distance. Bring: camera, walking shoes, money for incidentals & dinner. Host: tba • Hike Pisgah National Forest: Looking Glass Falls is roadside with steps that lead down to the 60-foot waterfall. Moore Cove Falls is a hike with some incline crossing multiple streams/bridges to a 50-foot waterfall with access to the cave behind the falls. Bring: water/snack, backpack, waterproof or extra hiking shoes, a towel & money for dinner Hosts: Davey Tucker & John Popp For more excursion ideas, including the Biltmore House and/or Grove Park Inn in Asheville, pick up a brochure at Bonclarken, or see their website: http://www.bonclarken.org/nearbyattractions.html http://www.hendersonville.com/attractions/ |
I had the greatest time water tubing down the green river. I never laughed so much in my life. I also enjoyed going to the Apple Festival in Hendersonville. I heard some great music, ate some amazing food, did some shopping and of course ate some apples. I look forward to this retreat each year.
—Stacy, SC
On-Campus
You know sometimes the best excursions are simple. I went with a bunch of new and old friends hiking. I loved walking in the mountains and seeing God's beautiful creation. I also got a bit wet under the waterfall but hey, I am on vacation. |
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 1-5:00pm and Sunday, 2-5:00pm.
Hammocking: You are welcome to bring your hammock and hang it up at various locations through the campus. Bonclarken Lake: Enjoy kayaking, canoeing, paddle boating, a tranquil afternoon of fishing, walking around the half-mile trail, and a quiet picnic at the lakeside gazebo. Lake open on Saturday 1-5:00pm and Sunday 2-5:00pm. No outside water craft allowed. If you want to fish, you must bring your own equipment, catch and release, no license required. 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 are posted in the office and vary from season to season. Hours: 11am-3pm, Saturday only. |
Near-by Attractions: www.Hendersonville.com/attractions
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, Raleigh, NC