These two institutions of higher education are leading the way in continuing education in the area, but they are by no means the only schools actively serving the continuing education population. Mars Hill College, AB Tech, and Penland School of Crafts also offer continuing education. Working professionals are in need of continuing education and many retired professionals need continued training to take part fully in the workplace and community service, or simply enhance their knowledge or skill in an area of interest. There are plenty of options for adult learners in the Asheville area to do just that.

University of North Carolina Asheville (UNCA)

UNC-Asheville is one of the sixteen schools in University of North Carolina system and it is the only one dedicated solely to the liberal arts. UNCA began as an institution that prioritized the humanities and has flourished into one of the top liberal arts schools in the country. UNCA has also established a North Carolina Center for Creative Retirement (NCCCR) where adult learners can pay an annual membership fee of $40  and receive access to university resources such as the library, and classes. NCCCR members take classes in a variety of useful subjects that can enhance professional skills, nurture creative talents, and allow study in areas where more knowledge is desired such as: computer software, finance, art, and photography.

Mars Hill College

Mars Hill College is a Baptist institution of higher education located in the town of Mars Hill. Adult Access at Mars Hill College is a program that caters specifically to the needs of professional adults. Mars Hill College offers classes in the evening in the areas of business management, teacher and special education, social work and teaching English as a second language. Academically and intellectually gifted and reading classes area also available. Some classes are also available online, on the Moodle platform, and at satellite classrooms in Asheville, Burnsville, Hendersonville, Marion, and Waynesville.

Warren Wilson

Warren Wilson College inherited a distinguished program called the MFA for Writers from Goddard College,  that is designed for the professional adult learner. This low residency program is taught during summer and winter academic breaks so that active professionals can take part. The highly distinguished faculty and students have made the program what it is today, one of the top MFA programs in the nation.

Asheville Buncombe Technical Community College (AB Tech)

AB Tech is located in Asheville and surrounding locations and works especially hard to meet the needs of working professionals seeking continuing education opportunities. Through its close association with the Small Business Incubator and Small Business Center,  AB Tech offers a variety of choices of continuing education classes for the business professional. Many classes are taught at night or on Saturdays. Class topics range from “Marketing Your Business for Success” to “Accounting for Non-Accountants” and “How to Value a Business”. Most classes cost $75-175. The Small Business Incubator is one of the few programs like it in the country, and is housed at the AB Tech Enka/Candler campus, just west of Asheville.

Penland School of Crafts

One of the world’s most highly acclaimed school of crafts is located just outside Burnsville, North Carolina in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Penland School of Craft’s mission is “individual and artistic growth through craft”. It supports this with one to eight-week workshops in a variety of craft mediums, artist residencies, and a top-notch gallery that exhibits the best in student and faculty work, and other craft artists. A complete updated list of classes is available on their website.

Hot Springs, North Carolina is one of the most pleasurable retreats in the Southern Appalachian Mountains. This quaint mountain village features a hot spring that was used by Native Americans before settlement, and was cultivated by the colonists, then local businessmen who understood the attraction of mineral springs. A dip in the mineral springs is a delightful way to improve health, relax, and take pleasure in nature.

A Short History of Hot Springs Spas

At one time the town of Hot Springs in Madison County was at the peak of popularity. When the Buncombe Turnpike opened, Hot Springs was a superhighway for drovers and other merchants headed for Charleston and Augusta to sell their livestock and wares. Weary travelers rested at Hot Springs to take in the healing waters. Two elegant and well-known establishments, the Warm Springs Hotel in 1837, and then the Mountain Park Hotel in 1886 were both built in Hot Springs. Warm Springs Hotel burned in 1882, and the Mountain Park Hotel burned in 1920, after serving as an internment camp for Germans during World War I in 1917. Hot Springs Today Although Contemporary Hot Springs is changed, it is still a treasured vacation spot for locals and tourists. It’ situated on the French Broad River just north of Marshall, and not more than 20 miles from Whisper Mountain and only 33 miles from Asheville. Luxury hotels are no longer in fashion in Hot Springs. Still, there are many fine establishments where one can take a mineral bath right in the room or in one of the nearby tubs.

Mountain Magnolia B&B

Featured in Southern Living , This Old House and on HGTV, the Mountain Magnolia Bed and Breakfast is a quaint authentic mountain home in Hot Springs that was built in 1868. Guests may stay at the Mountain Magnolia, or they may dine there. Make reservations keeping seasonal hours in mind. In February and March, the Mountain Magnolia B&B is open Thursday through Sunday from 5:30 to 9 PM. Beginning in April dinner is available nightly. For the day visitor to hot springs, enjoy the private, outdoor tubs with renewed mineral water for each visit.

Visit the Hot Springs Spa website. Make reservations for the Spa in advance, especially during high season in the summer and fall, and on weekends. Hot Springs Spa is a wonderful retreat and it’s just a drive over the mountains from Whisper Mountain.

White Water Rafting and Kayaking in Hot Springs North Carolina

The mineral springs are just a portion of what Hot Springs has to offer to the day visitor. Because of its proximity to the French Broad River, Hot Springs is a great destination for white water rafting trips, kayaking, or fishing along the banks. Depending upon the water level, the white water can be as high as class 4 or 5 and a real challenge to any outdoor sportsperson. Hiking in Hot Springs North Carolina Some of the best hiking on the Appalachian Trail (AT) is in Hot Springs. In fact, Hot Springs is known as North Carolina’s Appalachian Trail town. There are numerous places inside and outside of Hot Springs where visitors will find backpackers taking a break from the demands of the AT. The Appalachian Trail intersects with the main road heading out of Hot Springs, towards Asheville. Whatever an individual’s choice for relaxation or outdoor adventure, chances are that Hot Springs, North Carolina is the place to be.

Marshall: Incredible NC Mountain Real Estate

Marshall, NC is a place where traditional rural living meets a diverse cultural community. It is a beautiful town and a great place to work, live, play and grow. At Whisper Mountain we are located a short drive from downtown Marshall and the arts, crafts, outdoor activities and music available in this friendly, small town of just over 840 residents. Homeowners who love the outdoors and are in search of more remote NC mountain real estate can find NC mountain land for sale at Whisper Mountain. The land our lots sit on has been designated to help preserve the mountain heritage of communities like nearby Marshall. For more information about mountain living in Marshall, NC visit the Madison County Tourism web site.

Listen to the Land: The Outdoor Exploration of Marshall, North Carolina

Madison County is approximately 450 square miles and about 73% is forest. The U.S. Forest Service manages about a quarter of the county that serves as public land. Marshall is a paradise for anyone who loves outdoor sports and being in nature. National Forestland offers miles of trails, including access to the famous Appalachian Trail. Visitors and residents of Marshall, NC enjoy a multitude of outdoor activities such as: hiking, mountain biking, river kayaking, mountain climbing, fishing, camping, horseback riding, white water rafting, skiing, snowboarding, and snow and water tubing. In the North Carolina mountains trout, bass, crappie and muskie are abundant in both streams and rivers. Excellent fishing can be found in the French Broad and the East Fork rivers or Shut-In, Big Laurel and Dry creeks. Public and private camping is available throughout Madison County and off road and on road mountain biking is popular. The French Broad River also provides moderate Class II and Class III rapids for individuals and families interested in rafting. Equine enthusiasts can experience daily horseback rides through the varied mountain terrain at Sandy Bottom Trail Rides in Marshall. The ranch has been family owned and operated for 3 generations and offers 1, 2, 3 and 4-hour trail rides. Buggy and wagon rides can also be booked and when possible feature a visit to the 200-year old

Little Pine Garnet Mine. Marshall, NC: Preserving the Mountain Tradition of Western North Carolina Arts and Crafts

Marshall has become a hot spot for some of the best WNC artists and craftspeople, as well as artists from around the country. The Madison County Arts Council formed in 1978, is a community based nonprofit organization dedicated to providing creative resources and services to local artists and the public. Annual arts and crafts festivals are prominent throughout Madison County. Downtown Marshall is home to a variety of events where traditional and contemporary artists are featured.

Discover Bluegrass in Downtown Marshall, North Carolina

In addition to arts and crafts, Marshall is home to many music events celebrating the musical traditions and history of North Carolina. Mountain music lovers from throughout the region come to hear bluegrass, country, folk, rock and roll and more. On Main Street in Marshall local residents gather at the Marshall Railroad Depot, a restored train station that is now home to a cafe featuring local music and entertainment every weekend.