The NC High Country isn’t just a destination — it’s an adventure. Whether you’re planning a family reunion, a friends’ getaway, or a wedding weekend activity, the mountains around Boone, Blowing Rock, and Banner Elk offer incredible group excursion opportunities that go far beyond the typical tourist stops.
At Ashe County Livery, we provide luxury group transportation for day excursions across the region. Here are the top activities groups are booking this summer — and why having a dedicated driver makes all the difference.
🛶 River Tubing & Kayaking
The New River and Watauga River offer some of the best tubing and kayaking in the Southeast. Groups of 10–30+ can spend a morning floating downriver, soaking up the sun, and enjoying the scenery.
Why you need transportation: River trips require a put-in and a take-out — often miles apart. Our Sprinter vans and Ford Transits have room for tubes, coolers, changes of clothes, and up to 14 passengers per vehicle. We drop you at the launch point and pick you up downriver. No shuttle logistics to figure out.
Pro tip: Pair a morning river float with an afternoon winery visit. Change clothes in the van and head straight to a tasting room — it’s the ultimate combo day.
⛳ Golf Outings
The High Country is home to stunning mountain golf courses with elevation changes and Blue Ridge views you won’t find anywhere else. Groups regularly book us for golf weekends — bachelor parties, corporate retreats, and groomsmen outings before destination weddings.
Why you need transportation: Our Mercedes Sprinter Executive Shuttles hold 12 sets of clubs plus 12 players comfortably, thanks to the dedicated rear luggage closet. We get your group to the first tee on time, then pick everyone up for lunch or the next event. No one has to drive after the 19th hole.
🍷 Winery Day Trips
From the High Country’s own mountain wineries to the celebrated Yadkin Valley wine trail, there’s no shortage of tasting rooms within an easy drive. Groups can visit 2–4 wineries in an afternoon with a designated driver handling the mountain roads.
Why you need transportation: Wine tasting and driving don’t mix — and mountain roads demand full attention even when sober. Our drivers know every winery in the region and the best routes between them. Your group can relax, taste, and enjoy without worrying about who’s driving.
Check out our dedicated High Country Wine Tours and Yadkin Valley Wine Tours pages for more.
🥾 Hiking & Scenic Tours
Grandfather Mountain, Linville Falls, the Blue Ridge Parkway — the High Country has world-class trails and overlooks that groups can explore together. We transport hiking groups to trailheads and scenic points, then pick everyone up for the next stop.
Why you need transportation: Many of the best trailheads have limited parking and require navigating narrow mountain roads. Our drivers know the terrain intimately and can handle the logistics while your group focuses on the views.
🎯 Build Your Own Combo Day
The most popular excursions combine multiple activities into one epic day. Here’s a sample itinerary:
- 9:00 AM — Pick up at your hotel or rental
- 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM — River tubing or kayaking
- 12:30 PM — Change clothes in the van
- 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM — Lunch at a local restaurant or brewery
- 2:30 PM – 5:00 PM — Winery visits (2–3 tasting rooms)
- 5:30 PM — Back to your accommodation, relaxed and happy
We run 6-hour, 9-hour, and 12-hour day excursions with built-in lunch stops and as many activities as your group wants to fit in.
Who Books Group Excursions?
Our excursion clients include:
- Wedding groups — Groomsmen golf outings, bridal party winery days, post-wedding river floats
- Family reunions — Multi-generation mountain adventures with door-to-door service
- Friends’ getaways — Birthday trips, college reunions, annual group vacations
- Corporate retreats — Team-building activities with professional transportation
- Bachelor & bachelorette parties — Adventure-packed days without the driving stress
Our Vehicles
We match the right vehicle to your excursion:
- Mercedes Sprinter Executive Shuttle — Up to 14 passengers with rear luggage closet for clubs, coolers, and gear
- Ford Transit — Up to 14 passengers (10–12 recommended when bringing lots of gear)
- Luxury SUVs (Mercedes GLS, Audi Q5) — 3–6 passengers for intimate groups
- Multiple vehicles — We regularly run 2–3 van convoys for groups of 24+
Ready to Plan Your Group Excursion?
Tell us where you want to go, how many people, and how long — we’ll build a custom itinerary with door-to-door luxury transportation.
Request a quote or call (336) 484-1350.
Learn more about our Group Excursion services or check out our Wedding Weekend Activities for destination weddings.
🍷 Planning a Wine Tour in the NC High Country?
Ashe County Livery offers private, luxury wine tour transportation throughout the Blue Ridge Mountains. Skip the driving and let our professional chauffeurs take you from winery to winery in comfort and style.
Serving Banner Elk, Blowing Rock, Boone, and all NC High Country destinations • (336) 484-1350


