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.
The venue offers on-site lodging and meal packages for attendees, along with commuter meal options for those staying off campus.
Important 2026 Venue Updates (Please Read)
All 2026 lodging availability, room assignments, and pricing are subject to final confirmation from YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly.
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.
Meals
All meals are served buffet-style and typically include:
- Two main entrées
- Side dishes
- Bread
- 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.
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 typically 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
Hotel-style rooms with two queen beds. Includes private bathroom and climate control. Elevator access and ADA rooms available. Dining hall located in this building.
Asheville Hall
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 natural surroundings.
Weatherford Hall
Economy lodging with shared-room configurations. Private bathrooms and heat included.
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
(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
Availability and access vary.
Transportation & Travel
Asheville Regional Airport (AVL)
Approximately 30 miles (about 40 minutes) from Blue Ridge Assembly.
Rental cars and shuttle services are available.
Regional Airports
- Greenville–Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) — ~1.5 hours away
- Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) — ~2 hours away
Ground Transportation (Recommended Providers)
Shuttle and private transport options will be listed based on current YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly recommendations for 2026.
(2024 provider list should be replaced with updated 2026 contacts if still active.)
Final Notes
- All lodging must be booked directly through YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly
- Rooms are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis