Selected weeks throughout the season at our Asheville bed and breakfast feature guest speakers and events of special interest.
Each program is optional and, unless noted, there is no additional charge for participation. Lightweight hiking shoes and binoculars are recommended for outdoor events. These events are a memorable and unique addition to any western North Carolina vacation.
For more information regarding any special event, please call 800.789.7672 during Eastern Time Zone
business hours (9:00-4:00) or email us.
Read About Our Special Events:
Songs from the Hearth (Doug Peters)
Join singer/songwriter Doug Peters and his hiking partner and wife, Kathy, for an unforgettable experience at The Swag. Doug has authored and recorded "Songs of the Swag: Part Fact/Part Fiction" in CD and Song Book, and since 1986, has delighted guests at The Swag with his original songs about life, love, and adventure. According to Deener and Dan Matthews, "Doug's unique lyrics capture the history, beauty, and special character of The Swag and the Smoky Mountains in ways that will both tickle your funny bone and tug at your heart strings." Doug and Kathy are both passionate outdoor enthusiasts and have traveled extensively in pursuit of their love of backpacking, hiking, biking, and camping. Join them on the trails by day and by the fire at night.
Birding & Wildflowers (Bob Collier)
Dr. Bob Collier - an avid birder for more than 25 years and nature columnist for his local weekly newspaper - will offer before-breakfast birding on the lawn, and either half, or full-day nature hikes that feature birds and wildflowers, and interesting facts of local natural history of the Great Smokies. Bob and his wife, Louise, have traveled extensively and have an outstanding series of slide presentations to share with us each afternoon at five. They have been with The Swag since 2002.
Black Bears & "Unhuggables" (Michael R. Pelton & Tamra L. Willis)
Since 1999, this popular husband and wife team has led daily hikes. Dr. Pelton is the foremost authority on the North American black bear. Dr. Willis has a Ph.D. in Science and Environmental Education, and she has a special love for the “unhuggables” (snakes, bats, and insects). At day’s end, they will present a PowerPoint presentation featuring Southern Appalachian mammals such as black bear and bats, natural history and ecology.
Walk and Talk (Donald Davis)
Renowned storyteller Donald Davis hails from Western North Carolina. He is deeply knowledgeable of flora, fauna, and mountain folklore. Featured at festivals throughout the U.S. and the world, Davis is also known as a prolific author, producer of books and CDs, and as a guest host for NPR’s Good Evening. He will take hikes and tell stories about the uniqueness of the place and the people who have lived in these mountains. Folks love their Dutch Oven cooking during the hors d'oeuvres time in the Dogtrot. Donald and his wife, Merle, have been a part of The Swag family since 2006.
Smoky Mountain Nature (Charles Maynard)
Outdoorsman, author and storyteller Charles Maynard returns to The Swag for more fun than seems possible. Charles will lead hikes in the day and regale us with his fabulous storytelling each night. His newest book Blue Ridge - Ancient and Majestic, is a must for mountain lovers. This is a wonderful event for those who seek to expand their knowledge of the Smokies.
Nature Photography (David Morris)
Hiker, writer and photographer, David has co-authored or contributed to several guide books. He enjoys photographing nature and has his photos published in books and magazines, as well as National Geographic's destination map of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. David will lead hikes and conduct a nature photography workshop during this event.
Storytelling (Bill Harley)
Bill Harley's imagination is as big as his talent for drawing lessons from commonplace events. One of the finest performers for families in the country, Harley has presented his original works throughout the U.S. He has authored several children's books. A Storytelling Circle of Excellence Award recipient, his 25 recordings have garnered numerous national awards, including his most recent , a Grammy. Bill and his wife, Deb, have been with us since 2007. After dinner, Bill will share one of his treasured bedtime stories.
***Already Scheduled for 2012***
April 22-27: Birding & Wildflowers (Bob Collier)
April 30-May 5: Songs from the Hearth (Doug Peters)
May 6-11: Birding & Wildflowers (Bob Collier)
May 13-18: Black Bears & "Unhuggables" (Michael R. Pelton & Tamra L. Willis)
May 20-28: Walk and Talk (Donald Davis)
June 13-17: Smoky Mountains Nature (Charles Maynard)
June 20-24: Storytelling (Bill Harley)
July 15-19: Nature Photography (David Morris)
July 31-August 4: Smoky Mountains Nature (Charles Maynard)
August 11-20: Walk and Talk (Donald Davis)
August 20-24: Birding & Wildflowers (Bob Collier)
September 9-14: Birding & Wildflowers (Bob Collier)
September 23-29: Songs from the Hearth (Doug Peters)
October 2- 4: "Smoky Mountain Magic" Book SIgning (Libby Kephart Hargrave)
October 8-13: Walk and Talk (Donald Davis)
October 22-26: Birding & Wildflowers (Bob Collier)
October 28 - November 3: Black Bears & "Unhuggables" (Michael R. Pelton & Tamra L. Willis)
November 21- 24: Black Bears & "Unhuggables" (Michael R. Pelton & Tamra L. Willis)