Experts in Wildflowers, Bears, Elk, Storytelling, Birding and Painting will Guide Hikes and Lead Workshops from April 21st to November 25th, 2017

Waynesville, NC (2/21/2017) — The Swag, a 14-room rustic mountain hideaway in North Carolina, kicks off its 36th season on April 21st with a roster of programs that feature some of America’s foremost experts on Great Smoky Mountains wildlife and nature.  Hikes, workshops, and presentations are designed to celebrate the area’s stunning features through a variety of programs.

This year’s “event leaders” include nationally recognized North Carolina-based storyteller Donald Davis, guest host for NPR’s Good Evening, singer and songwriter Doug Peters, artist Gay Bryant, master naturalist and elk expert Esther Blakely, birding expert Bob Collier, hiking and wildlife experts Joel and Kathy Zachry  and  black bear researcher Michael R. Pelton. A monthly roster of programs is highlighted below.

APRIL

April 23-28 – Walks in the Woods with Esther Blakely.  A master naturalist, elk expert and certified interpretative presenter for the National Park, Blakely has been guiding in the Great Smoky Mountains for more than 25 years.

April 30-May 7 – Songs from the Hearth with Doug Peters.  Singer and songwriter Peters has authored and recorded “Songs of the Swag:  Part Fact/Part Fiction”.  A passionate outdoor enthusiast who loves to hike, bike and camp, Peters will lead his “Hikes and Hollers” during the day and entertain guests with his music and songs around the fireplace after dinner.

MAY

May 7-12 – Birding and Wildflowers with Bob Collier.  A nature columnist and avid birder for more than 25 years, Collier leads guests on half or full-day nature hikes featuring birds of the Great Smoky Mountains.

May 15-19 – Smoky Mountain Nature with Charles Maynard.  Outdoorsman, author and storyteller Maynard is author of Blue Ridge – Ancient and Majestic.   A natural storyteller, Maynard tells tales of the Great Smokies during daily hikes and evening gatherings.   In 2016, Maynard was named one of the Top 100 Most Influential People in the history of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

May 21-23 – The Swag Cooking School.  The Swag’s popular cooking school will be led by the NEW Executive Chef (stay tuned) and The Swag’s culinary team. Classes will be informal and hands-on with plenty of opportunity to interact with the chefs. All equipment will be provided, including a complimentary Swag Chef Apron to take home as well as the recipes taught.

May 22-29 – Walk and Talk with Donald Davis.  Renowned story teller Donald Davis from Western North Carolina has studied the flora, fauna and mountain folklore of the area.  Featured at festivals throughout the U.S. and the world, Davis is a prolific author who has produced books and CD’s and is guest host for NPR’s Good Evening.  He will guide hikes and tell stories about the uniqueness of the place and people who have lived in the mountains.

May 29-June 3 – Black Bears & “Unhuggables” with Michael Pelton and Tamra Willis.   Having studied black bears for more than 30 years and taught at the University of Tennessee, Dr. Pelton is the foremost authority on the North American black bear.  Dr. Willis has a PhD in Science and Environmental Education and a special love for the “unhuggables” (snakes, bats, and insects). The duo will lead hikes and offer special presentations on these enticing animals.  Additionally, in recognition of the National Park Service’s centennial, Dr. Pelton was selected as one of the 100 Most Influential People in the history of the Park.

JUNE

June 4-9 Explore and Enjoy with Joel and Kathy Zachry.  Authors of Bear’s We’ve Met, the Zachry’s completed the 2175 mile Appalachian Trail in 2005 and are both long-term instructors and directors of the University of Tennessee/National Park Service Smoky Mountain Field School.  Together, they lead daily hikes and share stories of the culture, history, wildlife and area’s vegetation.

June 11-18 – Walks, Painting and Printmaking with Gay Bryant.   A respected artist for 25 years and avid hiker, Bryant will guide hikes daily sharing her knowledge of wildflowers, plants and Smoky Mountain lore along with leading water color painting and relief printing classes.  All levels are welcome.

June 22-25 – Songs from the Hearth with Doug Peters.  Singer and songwriter Peters has authored and recorded “Songs of the Swag:  Part Fact/Part Fiction”.  A passionate outdoor enthusiast who loves to hike, bike and camp, Peters will lead his “Hikes and Hollers” during the day and entertain guests with his music and songs around the fireplace after dinner.

June 25-30 -Explore and Enjoy with Joel and Kathy Zachry.  Authors of Bear’s We’ve Met, the Zachry’s completed the 2175 mile Appalachian Trail in 2005 and are both long-term instructors and directors of the University of Tennessee/National Park Service Smoky Mountain Field School.  Together, they lead daily hikes and share stories of the culture, history, wildlife and area’s vegetation.

JULY

July 2-7 – Birding and Wildflowers with Bob Collier.  A nature columnist and avid birder for more than 25 years, Collier leads guests on half or full-day nature hikes featuring birds of the Great Smoky Mountains.

July 8-16 – Walks, Painting and Printmaking with Gay Bryant.   A respected artist for 25 years and avid hiker, Bryant will guide hikes daily sharing her knowledge of wildflowers, plants and Smoky Mountain lore along with leading watercolor painting and relief printing classes.  All levels are welcome.

July 16-23 – Songs from the Hearth with Doug Peters.  Singer and songwriter Peters has authored and recorded “Songs of the Swag:  Part Fact/Part Fiction”.  A passionate outdoor enthusiast who loves to hike, bike and camp, Peters will lead his “Hikes and Hollers” during the day and entertain guests with his music and songs around the fireplace after dinner.

July 23-28 – Walks in the Woods with Esther Blakely.  A master naturalist, elk expert and certified interpretative presenter for the National Park, Blakely has been guiding in the Great Smoky Mountains for more than 25 years.

July 30-August 1 – The Swag Cooking School.  The Swag’s popular cooking school will be led by the NEW Executive Chef (stay tuned) and The Swag’s culinary team. Classes will be informal and hands-on with plenty of opportunity to interact with the chefs.  All equipment will be provided, including a complimentary Swag Chef Apron to take home as well as the recipes taught.

AUGUST

August 6-14 – Walk and Talk with Donald Davis.  Renowned story teller Donald Davis from Western North Carolina has studied the flora, fauna and mountain folklore of the area.  Featured at festivals throughout the U.S. and the world, Davis is a prolific author who has produced books and CD’s and is guest host for NPR’s Good Evening.  He will guide hikes and tell stories about the uniqueness of the place and people who have lived in the mountains.

August 14-20 – Walks, Painting and Printmaking with Gay Bryant.   A respected artist for 25 years and avid hiker, Bryant will guide hikes daily sharing her knowledge of wildflowers, plants and Smoky Mountain lore along with leading watercolor painting and relief printing classes.  All levels are welcome.

August 27-September 1 – Black Bears & “Unhuggables” with Michael Pelton and Tamra Willis.   Having studied black bears for more than 30 years and taught at the University of Tennessee, Dr. Pelton is the foremost authority on the North American black bear.  Dr. Willis has a PhD in Science and Environmental Education and a special love for the “unhuggables” (snakes, bats, and insects). The duo will lead hikes and offer special presentations on these enticing animals.  Additionally, in recognition of the National Park Service’s centennial, Dr. Pelton was selected as one of the 100 Most Influential People in the history of the Park.

SEPTEMBER

September 3-8 – Birding and Wildflowers with Bob Collier.  A nature columnist and avid birder for more than 25 years, Collier leads guests on half or full-day nature hikes featuring birds of the Great Smoky Mountains.

September 7 and 21 – Sunset Elk Experience with Esther Blakely. This evening experience, taking place during the peak of elk rutting season, features a four-hour sunset journey to Cataloochee Valley. Led by master naturalist and elk expert Esther Blakely who specializes in tours to this area, guests may encounter such unique animal behavior as bugling and antler wrestling.  Space is limited.  Call to reserve this package.

September 17-22 –  Explore and Enjoy with Joel and Kathy Zachry.  Authors of Bear’s We’ve Met, the Zachry’s completed the 2175 mile Appalachian Trail in 2005 and are both long-term instructors and directors of the University of Tennessee/National Park Service Smoky Mountain Field School.  Together, they lead daily hikes and share stories of the culture, history, wildlife and area’s vegetation.

September 24-October 1 – Walks, Painting and Printmaking with Gay Bryant.   A respected artist for 25 years and avid hiker, Bryant will guide hikes daily sharing her knowledge of wildflowers, plants and Smoky Mountain lore along with leading watercolor painting and relief printing classes.  All levels are welcome.

OCTOBER

October 1-6 – Birding and Wildflowers with Bob Collier.  A nature columnist and avid birder for more than 25 years, Collier leads guests on half or full-day nature hikes featuring birds of the Great Smoky Mountains.

October 8-15 – Walk and Talk with Donald Davis.  Renowned story teller Donald Davis from Western North Carolina has studied the flora, fauna and mountain folklore of the area.  Featured at festivals throughout the U.S. and the world, Davis is a prolific author who has produced books and CD’s and is guest host for NPR’s Good Evening.  He will guide hikes and tell stories about the uniqueness of the place and people who have lived in the mountains.

October 15-22 – Walks, Painting and Printmaking with Gay Bryant.  A respected artist for 25 years and avid hiker, Bryant will guide hikes daily sharing her knowledge of wildflowers, plants and Smoky Mountain lore along with leading watercolor painting and relief printing classes.  All levels are welcome.

October 22-27– Explore and Enjoy with Joel and Kathy Zachry.  Authors of Bear’s We’ve Met, the Zachry’s completed the 2175 mile Appalachian Trail in 2005 and are both long-term instructors and directors of the University of Tennessee/National Park Service Smoky Mountain Field School.  Together, they lead daily hikes and share stories of the culture, history, wildlife and area’s vegetation.

October 28-November 4 – Songs from the Hearth with Doug Peters.  Singer and songwriter Peters has authored and recorded “Songs of the Swag:  Part Fact/Part Fiction”.  A passionate outdoor enthusiast who loves to hike, bike and camp, Peters will lead his “Hikes and Hollers” during the day and entertain guests with his music and songs around the fireplace after dinner.

NOVEMBER

November 12-14 – The Swag’s popular cooking school will be led by the new Executive Chef (stay tuned) and The Swag’s culinary team. Classes will be informal and hands-on with plenty of opportunity to interact with the chefs.  All equipment will be provided, including a complimentary Swag Chef Apron to take home as well as the recipes taught.

November 19-25 – Black Bears & “Unhuggables” with Michael Pelton and Tamra Willis.  Having studied black bears for more than 30 years and taught at the University of Tennessee, Dr. Pelton is the foremost authority on the North American black bear.  Dr. Willis has a PhD in Science and Environmental Education and a special love for the “unhuggables” (snakes, bats, and insects). The duo will lead hikes and offer special presentations on these enticing animals.  Additionally, in recognition of the National Park Service’s centennial, Dr. Pelton was selected as one of the 100 Most Influential People in the history of the Park.

Rates at The Swag start at $520 per night, with a two-night minimum, and are available through November 25th.    All prices include a hearty breakfast, picnic lunch, evening social hour on the front porch with hors d’oeuvres, four-course dinner and welcome gift.  Suite and Cabin accommodations  also available.  Single rate, less $50 per night.   For reservations or more information visit

www.TheSwag.com or call 800-789-7672.

About The Swag

Entering its 36th season, The Swag is owned by Dan and Deener Matthews.  A 14-room romantic hiking hideaway bordering Great Smoky Mountains National Park, The Swag sits on 250 acres of private property 5000 feet high.  Just 50 minutes from Asheville, North Carolina, guests enjoy inspired dining, luxury level accommodations, world-class hiking, and a rotating schedule of speakers and programs.  For more information visit www.TheSwag.com or call 800-789-7672.

MEDIA CONTACT FOR THE SWAG:
Rebecca Werner, rebecca@nullwernerpr.com, telephone 773-248-3611 or 917-370-5005