YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly — Black Mountain, NC
The American Herbalists Guild Symposium will take place at the YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly in Black Mountain, North Carolina, located approximately 40 minutes west of Asheville.
AHG Members receive discounted registration rates. Lodging and meal plans are booked separately through the venue.
The venue offers on-site lodging and meal packages for attendees, along with commuter meal options for those staying off campus.
We encourage attendees to arrive early, settle into the mountain atmosphere, and enjoy all that makes the AHG Symposium such a meaningful and memorable annual tradition.
Important 2026 Venue Updates (Please Read)
All 2026 lodging availability, room assignments, and pricing are subject to final confirmation from YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly.
Details
Due to the significant impacts of Hurricane Helene in 2024, the Blue Ridge Assembly campus experienced extensive damage and has since been in an ongoing process of restoration and renewal. As a result:
- Some lodging buildings have been repaired and reopened
- Some historic structures may remain offline or under renovation
- The landscape itself has been altered in lasting ways
Across the region, trails have shifted or become inaccessible, and plant communities were displaced or transformed in places by the storm. For those who have attended in previous years, we want to gently acknowledge that while the venue has recovered in remarkable ways, the changes are visible and may evoke an emotional response.
To honor this reality, there will be a photography display documenting the impacts of Hurricane Helene on the YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly campus. In addition, our team will hold a small altar space throughout the weekend for offerings in remembrance of the landscape, communities, and lives affected by the storm.
We hold deep gratitude for the ongoing restoration efforts of the YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly staff, which have been nothing short of extraordinary. We ask all attendees to move through the space with care, awareness, and respect for both the land and the people who continue to care for it.
Lodging & Meal Packages
On-site lodging includes a combined room + meal package. There is no option to book lodging without meals.
Lodging and meal pricing above covers Friday through Sunday only.
The standard meal package includes dinner on Friday through lunch on Sunday. For attendees extending their stay through Monday, the meal plan is extended to include Monday breakfast and lunch.
Optional add-on nights for extended stay (through Monday) are available directly through the YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly booking site.
Please note: all published lodging pricing reflects two nights (Friday–Sunday) only, and additional nights and associated meals are priced separately at checkout through the venue reservation system.
On-site Meals
All meals are served buffet-style and typically include:
- Two main entrées
- Side dishes
- Salad bar (lunch and dinner)
- Dessert
Vegetarian options are available at all meals. Attendees with dietary restrictions should notify Blue Ridge Assembly directly when booking accommodations. Select lodging options have access to a shared kitchen space (Breazeale Lodge).
A coffee shop is available in the Blue Ridge Center lobby during select hours. Herbal tea stations will be provided throughout the weekend.
Commuter Meal Option
For attendees staying off-site, a commuter meal package is available and includes:
- Friday dinner
- Saturday lunch and dinner
- Sunday lunch
Lodging Options
Blue Ridge Assembly offers several lodging styles across campus. Room assignments vary based on building availability and group capacity.
Blue Ridge Center
The Blue Ridge Center features spacious hotel-style accommodations (two queen beds in each room) in the center of campus, with dining hall, multiple symposium classrooms, guest services, and elevator access all under one roof. Elevator access and ADA rooms available.
Asheville Hall
Historic hotel-style rooms with varying bed configurations (double and/or single beds). Private bathrooms, heat, and air conditioning. No elevator access. Includes porch views overlooking central campus.
Breazeale Lodge
One of the newest lodging options, featuring spacious accommodations for up to 26 guests, eight full bathrooms, and inviting gathering spaces designed for community and connection. Built in 2021, the lodge includes a full kitchen, indoor and outdoor fireplaces, and beautiful mountain views.
Weatherford Hall
A comfortable and budget-friendly option, Weatherford Hall offers simple accommodations with private bathrooms and convenient access to campus amenities. It’s an excellent choice for attendees seeking affordable lodging without sacrificing comfort.
Accessibility Notes
The Blue Ridge Center includes ADA-accessible rooms with nearby designated parking.
Other buildings may offer limited accessibility accommodations but are not fully ADA-compliant.
For specific accessibility needs or mobility-related questions, attendees should contact YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly directly for the most accurate placement options.
Lodging Contact
Please contact the YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly directly with any questions regarding booking lodging and meal plans: guestservices@yblueridge.org
By phone: (828) 669-8422
Off-Site Lodging Options
Airbnb
A wide range of Airbnb options are available in Black Mountain, Swannanoa and Asheville.
Camping
Nearby camping options include:
- KOA campgrounds in the Asheville area (RV sites, cabins, and tent camping)
- Hipcamp listings throughout Black Mountain and surrounding areas
Transportation & Travel
Asheville Regional Airport (AVL)
Approximately 30 miles (about 40 minutes) from the Blue Ridge Assembly.
Regional Airports
- Greenville–Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) — ~1.5 hours away
- Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) — ~2 hours away
Ground Transportation (Recommended Providers)
Uber and Lyft operate throughout the Asheville area, along with locally trusted transportation services such as AVL Ride and other taxi providers.
Final Notes
- All lodging must be booked directly through YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly
- Rooms are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis