Nantahala Outdoor Center last weekend opened its experiential retail and outdoor activity concept shop, NOC Asheville, inside The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa.


“We are pleased to celebrate a wildly successful first weekend,” says NOC Asheville General Manager Ross Ryan. “Our presence was well received by The Grove Park Inn’s guests, and we look forward to launching our unique variety of outdoor activity programs in the near future. We’re delighted that NOC’s products and services are adding value and scope to the already rich guest experience.”


The Grove Park Inn is a four-diamond resort overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains that has hosted many presidents and celebrities since it was built in 1913. It hosted the Outdoor Industry Association Rendezvous executive conference in October 2010.


NOC Asheville provides a comprehensive offering of quality outdoor gear, fine casual apparel, and local souvenirs for local Asheville residents, as well guests of The Grove Park Inn. Guests can shop men’s, women’s and children’s apparel, footwear and accessories from leading outdoor brands such as Patagonia, The North Face, ExOfficio, Smith, Vibram FiveFingers and Keen. 

Recognized as “One of the Best Outfitters on Earth” by National Geographic Adventure, NOC will also provide an on-site activity concierge for hotel guests, and serve as Asheville’s definitive local resource for outdoor trip planning and provide expert advice for exploring the mountains.


Grove Park Inn guests will be able to book guided outdoor adventures prior to arrival and on site at NOC Asheville, located immediately off The Grove Park Inn’s Great Hall. Off-site activities will include:



  • Guided rafting trips on seven Southeastern rivers
  • Guided hikes in the Blue Ridge Mountains
  • Guided fly-fishing and kayak fishing
  • Ziplines and canopy tours
  • Information on local hiking, biking and paddling
  • Kayaking lessons and tours
  • Mountain bike rentals
  • “Do-it-yourself” fun

 


“Our mission is to provide an authentic outdoor experience for families as well as high-adventure seekers. Whether via fully-guided trips, local tips for self-guided adventures, or simply our wide offering of outdoor clothing and gear, we want to share our love of the outdoors and the outdoor lifestyle with visitors of The Grove Park Inn,” says Ryan.


In keeping with The Grove Park Inn’s sustainability efforts and NOC’s green culture, NOC Asheville has applied for LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, the leading and most comprehensive third-party designation for green building. Upon completion it will become downtown Asheville’s first LEED retail project and one of the nation’s first LEED renovations within a historic hotel.


A community grand opening event is scheduled for NOC Asheville at The Grove Park Inn in Spring 2012.