Featured Events
Mindful, Responsible Firefly Experiences
Western North Carolina is home to 19+ species of fireflies, including the elusive Blue Ghost Firefly (Phausis reticulata) and Synchronous Firefly (Photinus carolinus).
The best way to experience their mesmerizing light show is slowly and mindfully. Let your eyes gently adjust as dusk fades to night. Awaken your senses and immerse yourself in the wonder of a Blue Ridge Mountain evening. Our firefly tours are thoughtfully curated to minimize environmental impact and maximize authentic, awe-inspiring interactions with the deLIGHTful species that illuminate our forests. Going with a knowledgeable guide helps you safely find these delicate beings and interact with them respectfully and responsibly.
We offer a variety of experiences and price points including Firefly Forest Bathing, Mindful Hikes, and Firefly Encounters. Read more on our Services page, find an upcoming experience, or email [email protected] to create your custom private experience.
Western North Carolina is home to 19+ species of fireflies, including the elusive Blue Ghost Firefly (Phausis reticulata) and Synchronous Firefly (Photinus carolinus).
The best way to experience their mesmerizing light show is slowly and mindfully. Let your eyes gently adjust as dusk fades to night. Awaken your senses and immerse yourself in the wonder of a Blue Ridge Mountain evening. Our firefly tours are thoughtfully curated to minimize environmental impact and maximize authentic, awe-inspiring interactions with the deLIGHTful species that illuminate our forests. Going with a knowledgeable guide helps you safely find these delicate beings and interact with them respectfully and responsibly.
We offer a variety of experiences and price points including Firefly Forest Bathing, Mindful Hikes, and Firefly Encounters. Read more on our Services page, find an upcoming experience, or email [email protected] to create your custom private experience.
May 30: Forest Bathing Retreat, North Carolina Arboretum, Asheville
Celebrate the ephemeral beauty of flowers during this immersive nature retreat! In Japan, the birthplace of forest bathing (Shinrin Yoku), they celebrate the annual cherry blossom bloom (Sakura) with a practice known as Hanami, which translates to “contemplate the flowers.” Together, we'll explore and deepen our relationship with ourselves, each other, and the more-than-human-world.
Kelly Bruce will hold sacred space and guide this gentle journey through the blossoming forest, weaving mindfulness, breathwork, forest bathing and nature therapy together for a restorative morning. We’ll celebrate the experience in community with a wild-foraged tea ceremony. Bring an open mind and an open heart. All are welcome.
Advance registration required. Presented by North Carolina Arboretum Adult & Continuing Education Programs in collaboration with Asheville Wellness Tours. Arboretum Members: sign up here and enter your member number for 10% off.
Celebrate the ephemeral beauty of flowers during this immersive nature retreat! In Japan, the birthplace of forest bathing (Shinrin Yoku), they celebrate the annual cherry blossom bloom (Sakura) with a practice known as Hanami, which translates to “contemplate the flowers.” Together, we'll explore and deepen our relationship with ourselves, each other, and the more-than-human-world.
Kelly Bruce will hold sacred space and guide this gentle journey through the blossoming forest, weaving mindfulness, breathwork, forest bathing and nature therapy together for a restorative morning. We’ll celebrate the experience in community with a wild-foraged tea ceremony. Bring an open mind and an open heart. All are welcome.
Advance registration required. Presented by North Carolina Arboretum Adult & Continuing Education Programs in collaboration with Asheville Wellness Tours. Arboretum Members: sign up here and enter your member number for 10% off.
June 7: We Hike to Heal: FREE Women's Mindful Hike, Pisgah Forest
Join Asheville-area We Hike to Heal Ambassador, Kelly Bruce, for a group hike for women on the Pink Beds Loop in Pisgah National Forest. We'll hike at a mindful pace and pause for moments of reflection, silence and stillness along the way. This loop trail is rated as beginner, 3.2 miles round trip with 337 feet of elevation change.
Our mission at We Hike to Heal is to build an inclusive community that normalizes self care, creates a sacred space for healing and adventure, and prioritizes the mental and emotional wellbeing of all women. Because we believe that when women thrive, the world thrives.
This is the third event of 2026 in a series of FREE mindful hikes. Come to one or join us for all! We welcome all fitness levels. Our goal is to enjoy the journey.
Advance registration required. Your support through donations or sharing these events helps make these moments of care, connection and restoration possible.
Join Asheville-area We Hike to Heal Ambassador, Kelly Bruce, for a group hike for women on the Pink Beds Loop in Pisgah National Forest. We'll hike at a mindful pace and pause for moments of reflection, silence and stillness along the way. This loop trail is rated as beginner, 3.2 miles round trip with 337 feet of elevation change.
Our mission at We Hike to Heal is to build an inclusive community that normalizes self care, creates a sacred space for healing and adventure, and prioritizes the mental and emotional wellbeing of all women. Because we believe that when women thrive, the world thrives.
This is the third event of 2026 in a series of FREE mindful hikes. Come to one or join us for all! We welcome all fitness levels. Our goal is to enjoy the journey.
Advance registration required. Your support through donations or sharing these events helps make these moments of care, connection and restoration possible.
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Feeling stressed out or disconnected? Looking for a simple way to reset? Forest Bathing (known as Shinrin Yoku in Japan) is a restorative way to return to YOU. Don't worry, no actual bathing required - we are immersing ourselves in the healing qualities of the forest in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.
Scientific research shows that nature is good for us in a multitude of ways. Spending time outdoors soothes our nervous system, brings our heart rate and blood pressure down, lowers the stress hormone cortisol, boosts creativity and feelings of overall wellbeing. During a forest bathing experience with a certified nature therapy guide, you'll experience a series of invitations that bring us into the present moment, awaken our senses, and quiet our weary minds. We'll celebrate with a tea ceremony featuring an infusion of locally foraged plants. You'll leave with a practice that you can drop into whenever you need to recenter. Join us for a gentle wander in the woods... you might just find yourself. |
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