WESSER, N.C., April 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Nantahala Outdoor Center and The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa unveiled plans today for a groundbreaking experiential retail and outdoor activity concept shop called NOC's Basecamp Asheville, solidifying a strategic relationship between two classic Southern travel destinations. It will also be the first LEED-certified retail project in downtown Asheville and one of the first nationally in a historic hotel.

Recognized as "One of the Best Outfitters on Earth" by National Geographic Adventure and Good Morning America's "#1 Vacation with a Splash," NOC's Basecamp Asheville will not only provide an on-site activity concierge for hotel guests, but it will also serve as Asheville's definitive local resource for outdoor trip planning and expert advice for exploring the mountains. The shop's retail offerings will include men's, women's and children's apparel, footwear and accessories from leading outdoor brands such as Patagonia, The North Face, and Keen.  

"A legendary mountain escape meets authentic outdoor adventure, creating a unique vacation experience," says J. Craig Madison, President & CEO of The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa. "Our guests will enjoy the ultimate in accommodations and service coupled with a family-friendly outdoor experience, resulting in a premier mountain vacation."

Grove Park Inn guests will be able to book guided outdoor adventures prior to arrival and on site via NOC's Basecamp Asheville, located immediately off of the Grove Park Inn's Great Hall. Other elements of the alliance also include convenient buttons on all in-room telephones, multi-day adventure packages, and numerous on-premise experiences such as workshops, clinics, and outdoor activities. Some 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

Charles Conner, NOC's marketing director, comments, "Asheville's visitors seek relaxation and recreation in the mountains. Our new relationship unites the area's experts in both, providing a balanced, surefire vacation option. Conner adds, "Sometimes planning a vacation in advance only adds stress to the daily tasks visitors are trying to escape. Now The Grove Park Inn's guests can wait and let our on-premise experts work out the logistics."

In keeping with The Grove Park Inn's sustainability efforts and NOC's green culture, NOC's Basecamp Asheville has applied for LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), 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.

NOC's Basecamp Asheville is expected to celebrate its grand opening in early summer 2011.

For a video, click here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_I5JDuVZ8s

For more information, visit www.noc.com and www.groveparkinn.com.

About The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa

The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa is a four-diamond resort overlooking Asheville's skyline and the Blue Ridge Mountains.  Built in 1913, the Inn is on the National Register of Historic Places and a member of Historic Hotels of America and among Travel + Leisure's Top five Spa Resorts in the United States. Amenities include a world-class spa, Club Floor, award winning fine dining, Donald Ross golf course, tennis, swimming, sports complex, retail shops, nightly entertainment and children's programs. The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa is proud to be the home of The National Gingerbread House Competition.™

About Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC)

Nantahala Outdoor Center is the nation's largest outdoor recreation company. Over a half million guests visit NOC annually to embark on a diverse collection of more than 80 different whitewater rafting and land-based itineraries, learn to kayak at NOC's world-renowned Paddling School, travel to 12 foreign countries with NOC's Adventure Travel program, test the latest outdoor gear and shop at its flagship retail stores or enjoy NOC's resort amenities such as its four restaurants and multi-tiered lodging. A privately-held, employee-owned company, NOC is one of the largest employers in Western North Carolina and 22 Olympians and Olympic coaches have called NOC home. NOC has been recently recognized by The New York Times as the "Nation's Premiere Paddling School," "The Best Place to Learn" by Outside, and as "One of the Best Outfitters on Earth" by National Geographic Adventure.  

SOURCE The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa