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See the Great Smoky Mountains in style
World's' Best Adventures gives you up close and personal access.
Worlds Best Adventures 2

Have you ever wanted to visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park but didn’t know the best places to go, stay and what to see once you’re there?  

Well, you’re not alone. As the most visited national park in the United States, the Great Smoky Mountains gets an incredible amount of tourist traffic, and there’s no end of places to visit, hotels to stay at and restaurants to eat at while you’re visiting the park.  

This spring, World’s Best Adventures will help adventurers experience the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in the fullest way possible, seeing breathtaking peaks, views and waterfalls, tasting local food and drinks, and experiencing the culture of this amazingly unique wilderness utopia.  

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Starting in the late spring of 2022, World’s Best Adventures will begin offering a four-day, three-night all-inclusive inn tour of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  

During this adventure, travelers will stay in luxurious mountain inns, eat at top-of-the-line Appalachian restaurants and see dozens of landmarks that draw thousands of travelers to the Great Smoky Mountains each year.  

“This is a great chance for travelers to see the Great Smoky Mountains in a stress-free, luxury setting,” World’s Best Adventures Co-Founder and Head Guide Alexander Popp said. “With our guided adventure, folks who aren’t ready to backpack through the Smoky Mountains, can see great spots like Chimney Tops, Charlies Bunion and Abrahms Falls without the hassle of planning all the little details.”  

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According to Popp, during the four-day Great Smoky Mountains Adventure, travelers will be led by trained guides on daily hiking expeditions in the park and will have all dining and hotel accommodations organized for them.  

“Imagine a luxury vacation, led by experienced and friendly guides, without having to make decisions left and right about where to go and what to see,” Popp said. “We’re offering a seamless luxury vacation to one of America’s most important national parks.”  

In addition to day hiking sightseeing trips, trips to cultural hot-spots and regional fine dining, travelers will also learn important facts about the history, culture and threats facing the Great Smoky Mountains.  

The trip cost of approximately $2,500 will include all hotel accommodations, food and dining, transportation, guides, activities, gratuities and park permits according to Popp.

For more information and to learn more about joining World’s Best Adventures on its upcoming Inn Tour of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, please email info@worldsbestadventures.com and follow World’s Best Adventures on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube for updates on this adventure offering.  
This story is presented in partnership with World's Best Adventures

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Biltmore and Beyond: an Asheville Adventure
Asheville trip

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If Asheville, North Carolina isn’t on your travel radar yet, it should be. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville offers a rare mix of natural beauty, historic charm, artsy flair, and culinary excellence — all in one walkable, welcoming destination. But how many days do you really need to experience it all?

The short answer: Three days is just right.

A three-day Asheville itinerary gives you enough time to explore the city’s best attractions — like the iconic Biltmore Estate, vibrant art districts, and scenic mountain views — while still leaving room to relax and enjoy the moment.

Here’s how a well-planned three-day getaway with World’s Best Adventures helps you make the most of your time in Asheville.


At a glance

What: All-inclusive trip to Asheville, North Carolina, with World's Best Adventures, a division of Metro Market Media, a local company that includes The TimesForsyth County News and Dawson County News, among other properties

When: September-15-17, 2025

Where: Trip departs from The Times office at 345 Green St., Gainesville, and heads to Asheville

How much: $1,495 per person (double occupancy) or $1,795 (single)

DAY ONE – Monday, September 15, 2025

Ancient Artifacts and Artistic Eats

The adventure begins as guests arrive at the Gainesville Times office, at 8:30 a.m.. to check in, tag their luggage, and get ready for the road ahead. By 9:00 a.m., the luxury motorcoach rolls out, with a comfortable rest stop along the way.

At noon, guests will enjoy a fresh boxed lunch prepared by Sweet Magnolias Café and Bakery, then continue on toward Asheville. Upon arrival at the Baymont Inn & Suites, luggage will be dropped off and delivered to rooms while guests stretch and prepare for an exciting afternoon.

The first cultural stop is the King Tutankhamun: His Tomb and Treasures exhibition, where a self-guided audio tour brings the ancient world of Egypt to life with stunning replicas and immersive storytelling.

By 5:00 p.m., everyone checks in at the hotel, followed by a festive Meet & Greet party with wine, beer, and snacks in the dining area — a perfect way to relax and mingle.

At 6:40 p.m., the group boards the bus for a memorable dinner at the Argot Room of the Jargon Restaurant — a stylish modern American dining experience known for blending artistic flair with local Southern flavor, all using fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

The evening concludes with a short ride back to the hotel for a restful night.



DAY TWO – Tuesday, September 16, 2025

Gilded Mansions and Mountain Feasts

After breakfast at the hotel, guests board the bus at 8:30 a.m. and arrive shortly after at the Biltmore Estate, George Vanderbilt’s grand Gilded Age mansion.

Biltmore

A self-paced audio tour of the Biltmore House will guide guests through rooms rich with history, art, and elegance. Then it's off to the Stable Café Dining Room for a delicious lunch in what was once the estate’s actual horse stable.

The afternoon offers time to explore the lush Biltmore Gardens and browse shops in the Biltmore Village, before heading to the Biltmore Winery for a delightful wine tasting experience.

As the sun begins to set, the group travels to The Farm, a Gathering Place, a warm and rustic venue nestled in the mountains. There, guests will enjoy a Gourmet Summer Mexican-themed buffet dinner crafted by Chef Mike Ferrari, featuring locally inspired dishes made from the freshest seasonal ingredients.

The evening winds down with a return to Baymont Inn & Suites around 8:00 p.m.


DAY THREE – Wednesday, September 17, 2025

Trolleys, Traditions, and a Blue Ridge Farewell

After breakfast and a final check-out, the bus departs at 8:45 a.m. for a fun and fascinating Asheville Trolley Tour, featuring narrated highlights of the city’s most iconic areas, including:

  • The diverse Montford Historic District
  • The stately Grove Park Historic District
  • The legendary Omni Grove Park Inn
  • Downtown Asheville’s rich Art Deco architecture
  • The vibrant River Arts District
  • The quaint & historic Biltmore Village

The journey continues with a visit to the Folk Art Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway, home of the Southern Highland Craft Guild, which has been championing Appalachian artisans since 1930. This stop offers an opportunity to admire (and shop!) handmade works from over 800 craftspeople.

picnic lunch at the Folk Art Center offers one last relaxing moment in the mountains before heading home.

After two comfortable rest stops, the group returns to the Gainesville Times Office by 5:30 p.m. (EST) — relaxed, enriched, and full of great memories.


Ready to Join the Adventure?

This all-inclusive Asheville experience blends history, art, nature, wine, and unforgettable meals — all in just three perfectly paced days. Whether you’re traveling with friends or making new ones along the way, this is a trip designed for exploration, relaxation, and delight.

Reserve your seat today with World's Best Adventures by clicking here, or contacting Lori Maxim at 770-535-6301. Seats are limited, and Asheville is waiting! 

See what prior customers have to say about their experience traveling with Lori and World's Best Adventures: 

Joan and Gary B:  "Thank you again for all the effort you put into planning a smooth, fun adventure! We would be interested in joining again one day."


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