Asheville – Know Before You Go!
We’re excited you have chosen to join us July 21-25, in the beautiful high country of Asheville, North Carolina. This week together promises to challenge us to think about marketing agriculture differently, to afford us the opportunity to meet with industry leaders through real-world tours and learning experiences and to provide us with unparalleled networking opportunities with colleagues across the nation.
Dates and Venue Location
July 21st – July 25th
Location: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Asheville – Biltmore 115 Hendersonville Road, Asheville, NC 28803
828.274.1800
N.C. Department of Agriculture staff contacts
John Hammond: 919-302-3586
April Keeton: 984-272-8992
Sarah Ray: 919-606-6781
Special Requests/Assistance
If you require special assistance (dietary requests, accessibility, allergies, etc.), please complete this form https://forms.office.com/g/NuMdgg3eE1 NCDA&CS staff will contact you if we have any questions.
What to Wear
The conference is business casual and shorts are okay for tours, but please be advised that closed-toe shoes are required on industry site visits. Our banquet at the Governor’s Western Residence is evening business casual.
Weather in July in Asheville can see mid-80’s as highs and high 60’s for lows. Quick summer afternoon thunderstorms are also likely. Temperatures in conference halls may fluctuate. Please plan accordingly by bringing light layers and a raincoat or umbrella.
Getting to the Conference
Asheville, North Carolina sits in one of the most majestic mountain regions in the world and can be easily accessed by plane (Asheville Regional Airport), car or bus.
Getting to and from the Asheville (AVL) airport is easy! Located just 15 minutes (10 miles) from downtown, AVL is served by major rental car companies, including AVIS, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz and Alamo, as well as a host of other ground transportation providers, taxi cabs, shuttles and public transit options.
Asheville Regional Airport Address: 61 Terminal Dr Ste 1, Fletcher, NC 28732
The DoubleTree by Hilton Asheville – Biltmore is located near the Blue Ridge Parkway and Biltmore Estate, as well as within walking distance of unique, locally-owned dining and shopping options in Historic Biltmore Village. Convenient trolley service is available to downtown Asheville and Biltmore Village, scheduled from 4 p.m. – 10 p.m. on weekends, and upon request during the week. High speed internet is free at the DoubleTree.
Parking
Parking is free at the DoubleTree by Hilton Asheville – Biltmore.
Public Transportation
The city has many innovative transportation options, such as the historic trolley, in addition to more traditional taxi service and regular bus routes. Several pedestrian-friendly areas are perfect for setting your own pace, and the outlying areas offer everything from Segway tours to guided waterfall tours.
From the airport, taxis offer rates of $3.00/mile, plus $3.00 starting on the meter. Uber and Lyft both service both the AVL airport, as well as downtown Asheville and the pick-up area at AVL is located past the north end of the airport terminal.
Click here to view the Ride App and Taxi Pick-Up Arean Map Click here to view information on the Asheville ART Public Transit
Once you arrive, you can see the best of Asheville from aboard a vintage trolley. Enjoy a fully narrated tour covering all major points of interest in Asheville including The Omni Grove Park Inn, Historic Biltmore Village, the downtown shopping and restaurant district, the River Arts District and much more. Step off the trolley at any of the convenient stops to shop, dine or sightsee, then re-board and continue the tour. Tours are offered seven days a week. Purchase your tickets at the Visitor Center.
Learn More About Asheville, and Extend Your Trip
In Asheville there’s always a good reason to go exploring. Plan your visit to the Blue Ridge Mountains— find things to do, places to stay, food and drink, music and art—and you may even find a few surprises.
Download the Explore Asheville App here. Download the Digital Visitor Guide here.
Summer in the Asheville area means waterfalls, river fun, outdoor music, open-air dining,
and hiking and biking trails for days. Whether you’re here for a week or long weekend, you can cherry pick (or berry pick!) your ideal summer getaway from this locally curated list of Asheville summer musts.
Click here to check out the Essential Summer Guide to Asheville
In Asheville, you’ll find a city both rooted in tradition and pulsing with innovation—a place where historic landmarks stand alongside cutting-edge breweries and avant-garde galleries. Step into a world where rugged outdoor adventures coexist with refined cultural experiences, where you can hike to the summit of a mountain in the morning and savor a farm-to-table feast in the evening. From iconic landmarks to local favorites, these are our sure bets for a memorable mountain escape.