We will be joining the Appalachian Institute for Senior Scholars (ISS) for this fun-filled, three-day bus trip to Charlottesville, VA. The bus from Boone will pick up Hickory passengers at approximately 7:15 a.m. on August 25 and drop us off again at around 8 p.m. on August 27.

Here's a preliminary itinerary for the trip:

Day 1

Today we'll travel from Hickory to Charlottesville, VA. We'll have rest stops along the way, including time for lunch. In the afternoon, we'll arrive at Thomas Jefferson's famous Monticello residence (pictured; photo courtesy Karen Summey). There we'll enjoy tours of the house and gardens. We will also visit the Jefferson Visitor Center and Monticello Gift Shop. Night will be free to dine and explore downtown Charlottesville.

Day 2

Day 2 will be spent on one of four wine trails through the surrounding country that will take us to four or five wineries; or you may stay in Charlottesville and enjoy its many attractions. (A packet of information will be supplied for your perusal.) We will return to the hotel in the early evening so that you can enjoy dinner and entertainment in Charlottesville (theater, music, etc.).

Day 3

On day 3, we will visit James Madison's Montpelier in the morning and early afternoon, and then depart for Hickory and Boone.

Estimated Cost - Please Read Carefully

The approximate cost of this trip will be $250 per person (double occupancy at hotel) or $370 per person (single occupancy at hotel). Price includes hotel accommodations and admission tickets to Monticello and Montpelier attractions. Meals are not included in this figure. These costs are estimates at this time; final cost may vary based on number of reservations. Updates will be posted to this site as they become available.

A non-refundable deposit of $100 is due by June 15 to secure your place.

To Register

Registration is available to adults of all ages by phone only through June 15. To register by phone, call 828-324-6966, ext. 2008.

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 15, 2009, at 5 p.m. EDT. After June 15, no refunds will be given; however, substitutions are welcome. We reserve the right to cancel this trip in the event of unforeseen circumstances or low enrollment. If the trip is cancelled, a full refund will be given for money paid.