Meaningful Experiences at the Meaningful Travel Summit with the Asheville

The Summit program will feature meaningful travel experiences that allow attendees to explore the Asheville community and engage with local changemakers. These activities will highlight sustainable practices and community impact, offering a deeper understanding of the region's unique offerings and how Meaningful Travel shows up.

Wednesday, April 15

Experience Day Activities

Once you are registered for the full Summit, you will receive an email with instructions to sign up for an Experience Day activity. Experiences are first come, first serve and space is limited. Attendees will not be assigned to an experience unless they have formally registered. If you have not received an email or have any questions please email Kati Hagedorn.

Activities will take place rain or shine, so please come prepared:

Dress in comfortable layers
Wear closed toe, comfortable shoes
Bring an umbrella and rain jacket, or a hat and sunscreen
Bring a backpack for personal items
Bring a full water bottle

Lunch is included with all experiences, and dietary needs noted during registration will be accommodated. All groups will depart directly from the education sessions at the YMI and return to the host hotel, Embassy Suites, by 4:00 pm.

Accessibility notes are included with each experience. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns. We strive to make our events accessible to all, so if there is important information we may have missed or if there is anything we can do to support you, we are always happy to help make the experience as positive and inclusive as possible.

Giving Back: Volunteering with RiverLink

This volunteer experience at Karen Cragnolin Park is designed to educate and empower participants around watershed health, with a special focus on Asheville’s post–Hurricane Helene landscape. We’ll begin with a guided walk along the greenway, sharing the history of Asheville and the French Broad River, the founding of RiverLink, and the role conserved lands play in regional recovery. Along the way, participants will learn about native and non-native plants, green infrastructure practices, and the ecological significance of this site.

After our walk and talk, we’ll transition into hands-on volunteer work based on site needs that day. Activities may include planting native flowers and grasses in the meadow, installing trees and shrubs along the river’s riparian edge, or removing invasive species that compete with native plantings. The volunteer portion will last about 90 minutes, with breaks built in.

Volunteers should come prepared with closed-toe shoes, clothing suitable for light outdoor work, a water bottle, and anything else needed to be comfortable outdoors for several hours. The terrain is uneven in places and tasks will involve garden-style work. All tools and equipment will be provided.

We hope participants leave with a deeper understanding of the local watershed and a sense of connection to the community — knowing they’ve made a meaningful, hands-on contribution during their time here.

Accessibility: The route is mostly flat and about a one mile walk in total. There is a slight incline about midway through the tour, with limited benches along the way but stops in galleries where you can take a break as needed.

How to Prepare: Recommended active footwear and comfortable clothing and layers. The tour will take place rain or shine! Please come with a full water bottle and backpack or bag for personal items. Be sure to bring cash and/or card so you are able to support local artists!

River Arts District with Asheville Free Walking Tours

Join Asheville Free Walking Tours for an unforgettable journey through the heart of the River Arts District, where history, artistry, and resilience come to life. This community has weathered immense challenges—including a historic flood in 1916 and the most recent flood of 2024, considered “the thousand year flood”. This vibrant community of artists has risen from the wreckage, more passionate than ever to share their stories and creations with you. On this tour, you’ll explore the district’s rich history, meet incredible artists who lost everything yet refused to give up, and hear firsthand accounts of survival and rebirth. Along the way, you will witness a mesmerizing glass-blowing demonstration, meet some interesting artists and experience the indomitable spirit that makes this artistic hub so special. Come support, celebrate, and be inspired. The River Arts District is back—and ready to welcome you!

The tour includes a relaxing local lunch.

Nature’s Classroom: White Water Rafting with NOC and OTHER NON PROFIT

Great for beginner paddlers, guests will raft five miles of the scenic French Broad River deep in Pisgah National Forest. NOC professionally trained guides will navigate you through splashy Class II and III rapids with swift-moving channels and boulders.

Attendees will learn about the history of the river, the recovery of Hurricane Helene, and more. Your group will stop to enjoy a riverside lunch before continuing downriver through fun rapids and splashes!

Accessibility: The NOC team is committed to providing an experience that is accessible to as many guests as possible. If you have any questions or accessibility needs, please email Kati at kati.hagedorn@tourismcares.org so we can coordinate with the NOC team to support the best possible experience.

How to Prepare:

What to Wear + Bring:

Dress in clothes that can get wet. Don’t forget a towel, dry clothes and shoes for after your trip. There are changing rooms available.
Wear shoes that will stay securely on your feet, with back heel straps (flip flops are not allowed).
In cooler weather, avoid wearing heavy cottons; wear synthetics instead. Wool socks are also recommended.
Water bottle, sunscreen, sunglasses with a strap.

What’s Included:

Helmets, PFDs / Life Jackets, and all equipment will be provided.
wetsuits and splash tops available if weather or air temperatures warrant them.
A deli-style lunch will be served riverside.
Pre-Trip safety talk.
Trained Guides.

*Please leave all personal belongings on the bus, they will be secured and available at the take out.

Requirements: Participants must be 8+ years of age. All minors (17 and under) must be accompanied by a participating adult during the activity.

Full event attendees will select their preferred experience after completing event registration. Tourism Cares will send out an email with additional details and instructions on how to sign up for your chosen experience once you have registered.
Availability is limited and experiences will be filled on a first come, first served basis.
Attendees will not be assigned to an experience unless you have formally registered. If you have not received an email or have any questions please email Kati Hagedorn.
Transportation will be provided to and from Downtown Asheville. Attendees will be picked up at the YMI Cultural Center immediately following the education session and dropped back off at the Embassy Suites by 4pm.
Each experience includes a locally provided lunch and will take place rain or shine. Programming may be adjusted based on weather conditions to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all attendees.
Attendees may register for one experience at additional cost and will receive additional details on how to prepare as the event approaches.
Tourism Cares is committed to making our events accessible and inclusive for all participants. Our team is here to support you and ensure you are able to fully participate and engage in the program.
If you have accessibility needs or dietary restrictions, please indicate them during registration. Tourism Cares will follow up directly with any attendees who request accommodations. Please review the details below and for additional questions or assistance, please contact Kati Hagedorn.
Activities will take place rain or shine, so please come prepared:
- Dress in comfortable layers
- Wear closed toe, comfortable shoes
- Bring an umbrella and rain jacket, or a hat and sunscreen
- Bring a backpack for personal items
- Bring a full water bottle

Check Out Our Program and Impact Partners:

Antiquum Farm

Antiquum Farm is a family-owned vineyard and winery located in Oregon's Willamette Valley. Embracing a philosophy of "passive farming," Antiquum Farm relies on a holistic and regenerative agricultural model where the land is allowed to thrive naturally, with minimal intervention. This approach fosters a rich, biodiverse ecosystem that contributes to the distinct character of their wines. Antiquum Farm is committed to sustainability, environmental stewardship, and creating wines that reflect the vitality and complexity of their vineyard.
20x21 Mural Project

The 20x21 Mural Project is a city-wide initiative in Eugene, Oregon, aimed at creating 20 world-class murals by the year 2021. This public art project features works from renowned international and local artists, enriching the urban landscape and fostering cultural vibrancy within the community. Tourism Cares' experience day tour will highlight the triumphs and challenges of this monumental public art initiative, and reveal the essential role of community collaboration in shaping Eugene's public spaces.
Camas Country Mill

Camas Country Mill is a family-owned operation dedicated to producing high-quality flour and grains from locally grown, sustainably farmed crops. Tourism Cares' Summit attendees can tour the mill, explore the impact of community support on our agricultural ecosystem, and learn about sustainable farming practices that strengthen the connection between consumers and their food sources.
First Nature Tours

First Nature Tours is a DMC tour operator based in Portland, Oregon, specializing in sustainable travel experiences.
With a strong commitment to environmental stewardship, First Nature ensures that each tour aligns with global sustainability standards. Their team of experts in ecology, history, and climate science creates experiences that are not only immersive and educational but also respectful of the natural world. By prioritizing both the planet and their guests, First Nature Tours contributes to a more sustainable approach to travel.
Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art

The Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art is renowned for its diverse collections and exhibitions that highlight cultural heritage and artistic expression. The museum's immersive offerings include the amazing Steph Little Bird Exhibit, a profound celebration of Indigenous artistry and resilience that honors the enduring spirit of Indigenous traditions.
King Estates Winery

As one of the largest certified organic vineyards in North America, King Estate integrates sustainable farming, renewable energy, and conservation efforts into every aspect of its operations. Their dedication to preserving the environment ensures that their award-winning wines reflect the purity and richness of the land. Summit attendees can tour their vast estate and taste their world-class wines while learning about their Biodynamic agriculture process, Salmon-Safe certification, Raptor Release Site, Habitat Preservation, and Renewable Energy systems.
Museum of Natural and Cultural History

The Museum of Natural and Cultural History (MNCH) enriches the Eugene community through interdisciplinary research and education, celebrating Oregon's diverse environments and cultures. Summit participants can explore Oregon's Indigenous heritage firsthand at MNCH, guided by experts committed to respectful collaboration with Indigenous peoples, ensuring their voices and cultural treasures are honored and shared.
Oregon Black Pioneers

The Oregon Black Pioneers is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich history and contributions of African Americans in Oregon. Established in 1993, the organization researches, documents, and shares the stories of Black individuals and communities who have shaped Oregon's history. Through educational programs, exhibits, and community outreach, the Oregon Black Pioneers aims to promote a deeper understanding of Oregon's diverse heritage and foster an appreciation for the pivotal role that African Americans have played in the state's development. Their work helps to ensure that these often-overlooked stories are recognized and honored, contributing to a more inclusive and accurate portrayal of Oregon's history.
Strides for Social Justice

Strides for Social Justice is a community initiative dedicated to promoting social equity and inclusivity through active engagement. This program encourages participants to explore the city's rich history of social justice movements while fostering awareness and dialogue around ongoing issues. By combining physical activity with education, Strides for Social Justice aims to create a more informed and united community.
Willamette Valley Vineyards

Willamette Valley Vineyards is dedicated to producing elegant, classic Oregon wines from cool-climate varietals, with a strong focus on sustainability. Since its founding in 1983, the winery has prioritized stewardship of the land, operating certified LIVE and Salmon-Safe estate vineyards. Committed to environmental responsibility and community impact, the winery offers guests a memorable experience with food and wine pairings, sweeping vineyard views, and engaging tours. Located in the Salem Hills, the Estate provides a welcoming and accessible setting for visitors. Learn more at wvv.com.