May 26 Tuesday
Take a daily, short, guided stroll that highlights Grandfather Mountain’s rhododendron species and blooms. See the blooms and learn about their history, attributes and roles they play in the mountain’s ecological communities. The easygoing walks take approximately 20 minutes and are fit for guests of all ages – wheelchair and stroller accessible. Meet outside the entrance of the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery. Staff naturalists will also have a display inside Wilson Center. Included with admission.
May 27 Wednesday
May 28 Thursday
Join us for the grand opening of our stage with hometown favorite, The Adam Church Band!Doors will open at 4:30 p.m., with the ribbon-cutting and remarks set for 5 p.m. Music starts at 5:30 p.m.* Beer and wine available for purchase. Picnics welcome* Please note, no dogs or glass containers in the Gardens* Guests are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets for seating
Presented by CW Home and Premier Sotheby’s International RealtyKyle Horton opens.
The Roots in the Garden concert series also features visual artists, with their work auctioned off at the end of the evening, and will continue on Thursday evenings throughout the summer: June 18, July 16, July 30, and Aug. 20.
Admission is a $5 suggested donation. All proceeds will support the Gardens’ mission to promote the benefits of native plants and healthy ecosystems, and provide a community green space in the heart of the High Country.
May 29 Friday
Explore the mountain after hours with your own personal guides during our Grandfather by Night series! You’ll discover some of the park’s nighttime wonders, watch a stunning sunset (weather permitting) and experience the mountain as never before! The Twilight Hike version will include a hike after sunset to discuss and look for the creatures that are more active after the sun goes down. The group will explore a unique forest ecosystem from top to bottom in search of salamanders, owls, flying squirrels, fireflies and any other creatures they might come across. The Twilight Hike program is not accessible to guests with limited mobility. Participants signed up for this version will need to participate in the hike, as staying behind while the rest of the group hikes is not possible. Advance registration required.
May 30 Saturday
May 31 Sunday
Enjoy Yoga on the beautiful rooftop/rooftop floor of the Gantt!It's always a great time for Yoga on the Rooftop. Join us Sundays at 12:30 pm for Yoga with SJ. Sajeedah Jones will lead you through a creative vinyasa flow – a sequence of poses linked to your breath – featuring hands-on assists and upbeat music. Bring a mat or beach towel. The class is designed for students of all levels, all shapes, all sizes, and all ages and will leave you energized, inspired, and ready to take on your week.
Enjoy the one-hour workout and mindfulness practice and then treat yourself to a self-guided tour of our galleries.
Jun 01 Monday
The Project Learning Tree Educator Workshop is organized by N.C. State University and hosted at Grandfather Mountain. This workshop will take place in the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery.
Join Grandfather Mountain’s Interpretation and Education staff and Matt Robinson from the Town of Beech Mountain Parks and Recreation as we explore activities in the Project Learning Tree Explore Your Environment K-8 Activity Guide. This workshop is geared toward K-5th educators, though all educators, formal and nonformal, are welcome. Every participant will leave the workshop with a copy of this guide that includes 50 hands-on, multidisciplinary activities to connect children to nature and increase young people’s awareness and knowledge about their environment. The activities in this resource are supported by a robust Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) correlation guide, building durable STEM Skills, and differentiated instruction. This workshop qualifies for Criteria I or II in the EE Certification Program. CEU renewal credits are available. This workshop has a $20 registration fee.