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The Hunger Games Cast – On the Screen, In the Trees

On Monday, March 26, the Navitat Asheville Management Team did something together that we rarely do: We sat down. For 2.5 hours. Straight. And we didn’t talk about work. We think this surely sets some kind of record. Granted, our 2012 season hadn’t started just yet, and, well… we had a good excuse:

We couldn’t wait to watch some of Navitat Canopy Adventures’ recent VIP guests hit the big screen in The Hunger Games, which opened in theaters on March 23.

Filmed at sites near Asheville, Shelby and Charlotte, NC, production of The Hunger Games pumped an estimated $60 million into North Carolina’s economy and employed approximately 5,000 people, according to an article in The News & Observer. In North Carolina, this is big news. Actually, based on the buzz, anything having to do with The Hunger Games is big news pretty much anywhere.

While filming heart-pounding scenes for the big screen, it seems cast members needed a real-life adrenaline rush — zip lines! — and so they found their way to Navitat Canopy Adventures, just 20 minutes north of downtown Asheville, NC. Josh Hutcherson, Ian Nelson, Leven Rambin, Jack Quaid, Jackie Emerson and Dayo Okeniyi, along with many crew members, enjoyed ziplining through the Blue Ridge Mountains at Navitat’s flagship location. And we’re so glad they joined us to experience the beauty of our home in a new and totally different way.

While The Hunger Games is certainly on its way to being one of the most-attention-grabbing film releases in recent memory, we at Navitat have enjoyed having a little personal connection to The Tributes.

And the Management Team’s verdict? Those of us who have read the books (okay, that would be most of us) think the film did a pretty great job of staying true to Suzanne Collins’ writing, noting that some of the nuances in books have a hard time making it to film. Two thumbs up! And two thumbs WAY up for all the young people livin’ out their dreams on the big screen. Job well done, Tributes. Job well done.

We hope to see all you Hunger Games fans zipping through the trees soon!

(And cast members, don’t forget — Navitat’s west coast location in the mountains of Los Angeles County is oh-so-very close to Hollywood! Come zip with us soon?)

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Navitat Guide’s First Week Reflections

Navitat Driver Guide Dustin Riddle recently wrote this creative piece reflecting on his first week on the job in Moody Cove. In addition to sharing this with his co-workers, we wanted to share Dustin’s thoughts with you, our blog readers and Navitat friends and fans.

The Call Of The Wild
by Dustin Riddle

Some things in life just call to you, maybe it’s the wild animal in all of us that makes us want to experience nature’s wonder. Perhaps it’s the scent of the sun drying the rain on the trees in the late afternoon of an early spring. I think all of us have felt the discomfort of being in a cage. I feel that some of us have had to bite and claw our way out. I feel like some of us have been able to squeeze, sneak, or think our way out. It could be that some of us were simply just set free. As a driver in my first week here at Navitat I have seen a beautiful and unique animal in all of my teammates. A few of us are big and a few of us are small. Some of us have teeth and some of us have wings. Several of us are illusive and a few of us like to sing. Some of us are soft and some of us can sting. No matter how different any of us are, we all know the feeling of a locked cage or a tightly sealed jar. We will be wild and we will be free, we know where we have been and where we want to be. I proudly escort many guests up the mountain each day. As we laugh, converse, relate and play, I think often and sometimes say, have an adventure and let nothing in this world tame you today.

To everyone on the Navitat team, you guys are awesome and inspirational in many ways. It is an honor and a pleasure to walk with you all.

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Hey Atlanta zip line fans! Head for the hills!

Hey Atlantans! Get out of the city and head for the hills – to the Blue Ridge Mountains of Asheville, NC, a short (and scenic) 200 mile drive from home.

When you get here, you’ll want to make sure you see our beautiful mountain home from every possible angle, so be sure to join us in the trees to zipline at Navitat Canopy Adventures. Located just 20 minutes from beautiful downtown, Navitat’s home — Moody Cove — is a special place. Here, you’ll find an adventure tour nestled seamlessly into the natural environment. As many have said, it just seems like it “belongs here.” Hidden among 242-acres of wilderness, you’ll feel worlds away from the hustle and bustle of life in busy Atlanta.

Navitat Asheville, NC Zip Line Near Atlanta, GA

Why is Asheville the perfect destination (and Navitat the perfect adventure) for our friends from Atlanta? Because our cities are in the midst of a blossoming love affair. It’s true!

Last year, the folks over at the Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau (you know them online as the awesome www.exploreasheville.com) even brought Asheville to Atlanta with their clever “30 Days of Asheville” campaign. The CVB, with the help of Asheville residents, took to the road to share a taste of Asheville with you, our friends just a little further south. From fabulous food and brew, to art, music and incredible outdoor adventure offerings, Asheville has it goin’ on (if we do say so ourselves).

So Atlanta, Georgia residents: Make your way to Asheville, North Carolina. The Paris of the South. You’ve just gotta experience this place firsthand. And then, find your way just a little further north to Navitat Canopy Adventures, the area’s only zipline canopy tour featured on CNN, in The New York Times, and called “one of the best in the nation” in USA TODAY. In true southern hospitality, the trees will welcome you. We promise.

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Zip Line like ‘The Hunger Games’ stars at Navitat Asheville NC

Take to the trees like ‘The Hunger Games’ stars at Navitat Canopy Adventures
Sweepstakes opens March 7, tours start March 31

"The Hunger Games" star Josh Hutcherson Ziplines at Navitat Asheville Photo Credit: Navitat Canopy Adventures | Actor Josh Hutcherson is all smiles on the Navitat Canopy Adventures course near Asheville, N.C. Hutcherson was one of several “Hunger Games” cast members who visited the high-adventure zip line canopy tour while they were in the area last summer shooting the highly anticipated movie.

ASHEVILLE N.C. – When their characters weren’t fighting for their lives in the outdoor arena staged in the rugged terrain of western North Carolina, many of the cast of the upcoming movie “The Hunger Games” spent some of their downtime flying through the trees at NAVITAT CANOPY ADVENTURES.

The world-class zip line canopy tour located just 20 minutes north of downtown Asheville hosted at least seven of the young stars while they were on location in the area last summer shooting the highly anticipated motion picture opening on March 23.

“We are so excited that so many of ‘The Hunger Games’ cast and crew visited us while they were in the area last summer,” said Abby Burt, Branding & Marketing Leader at NAVITAT, which opens March 31 for the 2012 season.

“We were thrilled to show them the beauty and excitement of our course, and can’t wait to see how the movie showcases the natural beauty of western North Carolina.”

Taking the tour were Josh Hutcherson, who plays Peeta, one of the movie’s lead characters, and Leven Rambin, Jacqueline Emerson, Alexander Ludwig, Dayo Okeniyi, Jack Quaid and Ian Nelson, who play some of Peeta’s competitors known as the Tributes in “The Hunger Games.” Hutcherson liked the experience so much he returned twice more during his stay in Asheville for tours, including the exclusive NAVITAT AT NIGHT tour.

“The Hunger Games,” based on the best-selling novel by Suzanne Collins, tells the story of a post-apocalyptic world in the country of Panem where boys and girls are selected by lottery to compete in an annual televised battle that only one person can survive. The movie was filmed last summer at locations in and around Asheville, Charlotte and Shelby, including the Coleman Boundary portion of the Pisgah National Forest located very near NAVITAT’s 240-acre site in Barnardsville, N.C.

To give fans of “The Hunger Games” a taste of the movie’s locations, NAVITAT has teamed up with the Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau and US WEEKLY magazine to offer the “Win A Trip to Asheville” sweepstakes. The contest opens March 7 and runs through June 7. Go to www.usmagazine.com/asheville for more details and to enter.

NAVITAT CANOPY ADVENTURES specializes in high-adventure zip line canopy tours, with a heavy focus on educating guests about the natural environment, history and culture of the surrounding area. With locations in Asheville, N.C., and Wrightwood, Calif., NAVITAT has been featured on CNN, Telemundo, “Conan” and in The New York Times. USA TODAY called the Asheville course “One of 10 Great Ziplines in the U.S.” in 2010.

Tours run daily from March 31 through the end of November. Reservations are required. Daytime tour price is $89 per adult, and $79 per youth under age 18. Exclusive “Navitat at Night” tours are offered Saturday evenings at dusk. Nighttime tour price is $99 per person. Visit www.navitat.com or call (828) 626-3700 to book your tour.

MEDIA CONTACT: Lydia Carrington, (828) 231-1793 or lydia@brucemont.com

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Navitat Asheville Zip Line Adventure is Perfect Getaway for Charlotte Residents

Hey Charlotte residents — Looking for a way to REALLY have some fun (and do something adventurous) on your weekend getaway? Head west to Asheville and to the treetops of Navitat Canopy Adventures! From downtown Asheville, take a quick jaunt north on I-26 West to exit 15, where you’ll find Navitat’s flagship location, the premier zip line canopy tour adventure in the Southeast. From downtown Charlotte to Navitat, it’s an easy 2 to 2.5-hour drive. You can find directions here.


Of all the zip lines in NC (and there are quite a few), Navitat is the only one to have been featured on CNN, in the NY Times, and called “one of the best in the nation!” in USA TODAY. We’re proud of this distinction, and we know this recognition comes as a result of hard work and having the best leadership team and staff in the industry. Partnering with our sister company, Bonsai Design, Inc., (folks who really know how to build a zip line) sure doesn’t hurt, either! Add a bunch of fun into the mix, and we’re sure thankful to be ziplining through the mountains of North Carolina every day.

So Charlotte friends, considering a day trip, weekend getaway, or extended vacation close to home? Plan a trip that includes ziplining near Asheville with Navitat! Just read what travelers are saying about us, browse our website to learn more, and then book your tour. We can’t wait to welcome you to the trees for the area’s only 100% tree-based zip line canopy adventure.

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Help Navitat Support Children in Buncombe County

If you’re considering making a year-end, tax deductible donation to a worthy cause, look no further than Children First/Communities In Schools of Buncombe County. Navitat Canopy Adventures is proud to partner with this wonderful organization to support their work with at-risk youth and families in the Asheville area.

Children First/CIS of Buncombe County serves economically disadvantaged children, youth and their families through literacy and mentoring programs, parenting classes, safe-haven after-school learning centers, a food pantry and community garden.

“All of the children who we work with are living in poverty, and this is a great chance to provide them with a new opportunity and allow them to have fun and just be kids,” said Allison Jordan, Executive Director of Children First/CIS. “It is exciting to work with a company that truly cares about the community it is in.”

Through the partnership, Navitat is providing at no cost their zip line canopy tours to Children First/CIS, which will provide opportunities to low-income children that they would not otherwise have. In addition, the tours will be used for team building and professional development among staff and volunteers.

“We are proud to support Children First/Communities In Schools and the very important work they do with children to help them be successful in school and in life,” said Ken Stamps, CEO and Managing Partner of Navitat. “As a company, we are committed to partnering with organizations that are making a difference in our community.”

To kick off the partnership, community members who make a donation to Children First/CIS by Dec. 30 are entered into a drawing for two free passes to experience Navitat’s zip line canopy tour during the 2012 season. Visit www.childrenfirstbc.org or call (828) 259-9717 to donate.

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Navitat and Eliada Homes Bring At Risk Youth to the Trees

Did you know? Navitat Canopy Adventures partners with Eliada Homes to bring high risk youth, their families, and mentors to the trees. So far this year, we have welcomed 280 Eliada youth, their families, and staff on our tour at no charge.

Through the challenge of doing something new and experiencing nature in a totally new way, Navitat is providing a dynamic learning experience and effecting positive change in the lives of Eliada youth. We are so proud of this partnership! Click on the image below to watch a great story about Navitat’s relationship with Eliada and our commitment to never stop learning.

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Native Plants – Just Part of Navitat’s Stewardship Plan

We love Moody Cove. And if you’ve visited us at Navitat, you can no doubt understand why. If you haven’t yet zipped through our corner of the world, here are just a few words to describe our home: Quiet. Secluded. Calming. Invigorating. Alive. We could go on… but you get the idea. It’s pretty amazing.

CEO Ken Stamps and Environmental Programming Leader Sarah Marcinko along with Navitat Canopy Guides Brittany, John, Kat, Bob and Mike.

Choosing Moody Cove as our home was no happy accident; the Navitat team spent months of time and energy surveying more than 300 properties in the Asheville area before finding this land and finally saying, “Yes. This is the place.” And in the 16 months since we first opened, Moody Cove has become a special place not only to those of us who work here, but also to all of our zipping friends who have taken to the trees.

We’re committed to protecting this special place. In fact, we aim to leave Moody Cove even better than we found it. To that end, we work to control invasive exotic plants on site and restore the land with native trees, shrubs, and perennials. Navitat’s full stewardship plan includes our commitment to minimally invasive building practices, on-going conservation efforts, and environmental education at all levels.

Some of the Navitat Asheville crew plants 525 native grasses and perennials near the Welcome Center

While lots of businesses invest in landscaping to bring elements of natural beauty to their location, at Navitat our goal is merely to mimic the natural environment with any planting we do. To capture the essence of the surrounding plant communities, we are working to integrate native landscaping designs into our natural resources plan for the site. Around the Welcome Center, guests will now see more than 500 newly planted native grasses and perennials including black-eyed Susan, goldenrod and little bluestem grass.

Last spring, we planted approximately 400 native tree saplings in areas surrounding the Welcome Center and on slopes alongside the road leading to the start of the tour. In addition to bringing new life to the forest, the trees were planted to bring stability to steep slopes helping to reduce erosion. Whenever possible, we look for ways to lessen our impact on the land and, in fact, leave it better than we found it… after all, we owe it to this special place. We are so fortunate to call Moody Cove home. Now ya’ll come see us, ya’ hear?!

***Many thanks to our Environmental Programming Leader, Sarah Marcinko, for her continued hard work in the areas of conservation, education, stewardship, and land management on behalf of Navitat. Now out on maternity leave with their new bundle of joy, we’ll sure miss Sarah while she is away. Welcome to the world, baby girl! We can’t wait until you’re old enough to zip…

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Plan Your Fall Zipline Adventure Now

Ziplining through the trees at Navitat Canopy Adventures is a great way to experience Southern Appalachia’s spectacular fall color show each year. Navitat offers a unique perspective of the fall leaves — and because our tree-based adventure combines both a thrilling and educational nature experience, fall is one of our most popular tour seasons!

Throughout the year, tours book up fast… but that’s especially true during the month of October. Check out our new Fall Video to get a glimpse of zipping at Navitat in the fall, and then plan your adventure today!

Navitat Asheville – Fall in the Mountains from Navitat Canopy Adventures on Vimeo.

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Navitat Asheville Featured LIVE on WSPA 7′s “Your Carolina”

Navitat Canopy Adventures’ Abby Burt was recently interviewed live on WSPA 7′s “Your Carolina with Jack & Kimberly.”

Jack and Kimberly spoke with Abby about Navitat Asheville, checked out some of our safety equipment, and showed video of the tour.

Also featured was the official announcement of Navitat’s new Wednesday Discount for Upstate South Carolina Residents.

Click here to see the full live interview!

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