The Golf Learning Experience
Jordan Kenter, head golf professional for Old Edwards Club says, “In a club atmosphere, especially in the mountains which are rich with recreation opportunities, the family bonding experience is key. Our Golf Learning Experience allows families or friends who have always wanted to dabble in the game to do it in a non-threatening environment that includes a relaxing lunch and some golf goodies. It’s all the benefits of learning a new sport without the intensity or pressure of playing with seasoned golfers—it makes learning fun.”

Gem Mining
An important and interesting part of North Carolina history is in its gem mining. The Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina are the oldest in the world. They have provided the area with more types of gemstones than are found anywhere else in the United States. More than fifty pounds of sapphires were found in the area in the 1800s, and that is how the town of Sapphire received its name. In fact, North Carolina is the only state where all four of the hardest stones in the United States are found: diamond, emerald, ruby, and sapphire. Gold from North Carolina was used to mint the first gold coins, and the largest emerald, weighing over 1,600 carats, was found here as well.

Art and Leisure (including “Sip and Stroke” classes with your favorite wines)
Take the multi-day studio workshops with one of the Artists in Residence at The Bascom, or enjoy on-site classes at Old Edwards with Artist in Residence Jane Smithers. Multi-generational classes, “Girlfriends Sip and Stroke” classes, plein air, sculpture, pottery, team building through art.

Noted global artists are also drawn to the inspirational allure of the North Carolina Mountains. Many of them make Highlands their summer home, including Jane Smithers who spends the other part of her year in France. Jane, the 2010 Artist in Residence at Old Edwards Inn and Spa, provides lessons for guests. Jane’s lessons delve as far as one wishes to go into self expression or self discover through art journaling or simply enjoying the beautiful outdoors while painting en plein air. The Bascom Center for the Visual Arts also features a full schedule of art lessons and summer workshops for all ages and experience levels.

Horse Whispering and Discovering the Human Potential Through Horses
People of all ages are building self-confidence and learning to flow with their own energy by connecting with the energy of horses. It’s a great bonding experience for families, friends, couples and just individuals. This is truly an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime.

Sue Blair’s Carpe Diem Farms has been providing Discovering the Human Potential Through Horses and Horse Whispering experiences for years. “There is something about the healing power of horses, particularly when the experiences are offered on ‘magical land once walked on by the Cherokees,’” says Sue. “People are amazed at the self-discovery, healing and simple openings that occur when they connect with the energy of a horse—whose personalities, moods and attitudes closely mirror those of humans. And whose perception and intuition far exceed it.”

Highlands Nature Center
For more than 80 years, the Highlands Biological Station has fostered education and researched the rich natural heritage of the Highlands Plateau, while preserving and celebrating the integrity of the “biological crown of the southern Appalachian Mountains.”

Come for weekly family activities including guided walks along the Garden trails, nature lessons, workshops, observe each of the Nature Center’s animals, critter searches and much more. Weekly family programs are held from May 30 through August 20. Highlands Nature Center offers special events throughout the summer to join families together in an informative way such as the Salamander Meander, Owl Prowl, Appalachian Storytelling, Nature by Night and more.