We will be joining the Appalachian Institute for Senior Scholars (ISS) for this fun-filled trip to Flat Rock, NC! The bus will stop in Hickory at 7:15 a.m. to pick up local participants and travel to Flat Rock.

We will arrive at the Carl Sandburg home around 10 a.m. Carl Sandburg, nationally renowned poet, biographer, folk singer, and lecturer, provided broad and enduring 20th century insight into the circumstances, worth and spirit of the American people. He passionately championed for those who did not have words and power to speak for themselves. We will take a half-hour guided house tour, visit the dairy goat barn, and stroll over five miles of trails that the Sandburg family enjoyed.

Not up to hiking? Spend some leisure time in the gift shop or sit by the lake until time for lunch. We'll spend the early afternoon on the Sandburg grounds, so bring a bag lunch and enjoy a picnic in the shade.

We will then board the bus at 1:30 and take a two-minute drive to the Flat Rock Playhouse, where we'll see Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. When an Oregon trapper decides to marry, his six rowdy brothers aim to follow suit, though none have sweethearts. Based on the 1954 film of the same name, this energetic, high-kicking musical comedy remains one of MGM's best-loved musicals. Don't miss the barn raisin'!

After the show, we will stop for dinner in Flat Rock at Season's at Highland Lake Inn. Entrees range from $15-30 (out-of-pocket) and the restaurant is located in a casual country setting. We will be returning to Hickory around 9 p.m.

Trip Departure and Return

The Flat Rock day trip is planned for Thursday, July 23, 2009. We will depart from the Appalachian Center at Hickory on the East Campus of Catawba Valley Community College, located on US Highway 70 SE in Hickory. Departure time is approximately 7:15 a.m., based on arrival of the bus from Boone. Distance to Flat Rock is about 105 miles from Hickory, near Hendersonville, NC.

We will return to Hickory around 9 p.m. after an exciting day of activities!

To Register

Registration for this event is available to adults of all ages by phone, mail, or online through June 12. Click a payment option below to print out a registration form or to register online, or call 828-324-6966, ext. 2001, to register by phone.

Cost is only $80 per person and is payable by credit card, check, or PayPal account. Payment is due at the time of registration.

NOTE: By your registration for this event, you indemnify and hold harmless Appalachian State University, Appalachian Center at Hickory and its representatives from any claims for personal illness or injury that might occur from participation in this program.

Cancellation Policy

You may cancel your registration on or before June 12. After June 12, no refunds will be given; however, substitutions are welcome. We reserve the right to cancel this program in the event of unforeseen circumstances or low enrollment. If an event is cancelled, a full refund of the registration fee will be given.