The Guide
High Country Concierge
Leisure, Hospitality and Adventure Services in the Blue Ridge Mountains
If you are a local, just visiting or a second home owner in the NC High Country — Congratulations.
You’ve found one of the best kept secrets that the Southeastern US has to offer.
Our goal is to help create an experience that you’ll love and remember for years to come.
Here's where we come in...
Figuring out logistics is our love language and being organized is the heart of our business.
We offer solutions and peace of mind —
by way of a dedicated personable staff and a deep connection with the entire hospitality community in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
As full-time locals and longtime hospitality professionals, we’re here to “save you a trip”.
We start with the basics: getting you here, setting the mood, making sure you have everything you need at the start of your trip. Once that’s settled we can dive in and help you prioritize what’s most important to you so that you can fill your itinerary with the things that matter most.
How we can help...
The Basics
We know that just getting to your home, or 'home away from home', in the High Country can be a challenge. We can connect you with local shuttle services to get you to and from your destination.
And nobody likes getting home to an empty fridge. Let us stock the fridge (and bar) before you arrive with customized offerings like our Picnic Basket, Coming in Hot, Couples Getaway, Movie Night, or our Snowed In packages. Or, let us customize a shopping list or package uniquely for your needs.
With years of experience exploring, adventuring, and finding the best kept secrets of the area, crafting a unique and memorable itinerary that fits your crowd is a breeze and will leave you with "Remember that trip..." moments at your dinner table for years to come.
Coming Summer 2024
Adventure Planning
Summer Adventures:
- Blue Ridge Parkway Picnics at locations like Raven Rocks, Thunder Hill, Roseboro/Edgemont, Linville Falls, Wiseman's View, Wilson's Creek, and the Linville Gorge wilderness
- Fall Leaf Tours
- Blue Ridge Parkway Photo Tours
- Guided Hikes
- Group Yoga
Winter Adventures:
- Ski Mountain Shuttles to App Ski Moutain, Sugar, Beech, and Hawksnest
- Bad Weather Grocery Drop Off or Handyman Services
Plan Your Getaway
Let us share our knowledge and connections through personalized vendor matchmaking services, and one-on-one Zoom meetings to help you curate and plan your trip.
Wedding & Retreat Enhancements
- Brunch or Luncheon Drop-Off and Set-Up
- Welcome Bag Design, Sourcing, Delivery
- Morning Of Assistant
Stay in the Know
Sign up for our quarterly newsletter for what's coming up next and insider tips to living and vacationing in the High Country. We can't wait to welcome you to our corner of the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains soon.
Meet Your Guides
From our annual "Spring Break Survival" backpacking trips to month-long cross country treks, and all the little moments in between — the outdoors is the backbone of our shared memories as a family. We love experiencing the outdoors in new and adventurous ways, whether that's right in our backyard or in far off places.
We were drawn to this area and chose to raise a family here for a reason. Not a day goes by that we don't thank the universe for all of the beauty and wonder we experience living in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Sharing what we love about the High Country is what lights us up, and we'd love to share it with YOU!
Our idea for "The Guide" started over 10 years ago, and we are thrilled to see all of the pieces of the puzzle come together. This is a new project for our team and we are so excited to see where it takes us.
Meet Paul Gantt
Engineer, Jack of all Trades, Problem Solver, Teacher, Builder, Logistics Super Hero
Paul grew up in the neighboring community of Morganton, North Carolina. His parents were avid outdoor enthusiasts, and he spent his childhood in the woods, camping and hiking.
His love of the outdoors has continued through adulthood. He attended Appalachian State University, and went on to teach Engineering in the Burke County School system. Paul is excited to start a new chapter, and is proud to join The Whole Shebang team in a larger capacity. From shuttle services, general concierge, adventure guide, and more.
When Paul isn't working, he's playing soccer and disc golf, working on cars, grilling, driving on the parkway, or taking in the latest Sci Fi movie.
Meet Meris Gantt
Owner & Lead Planner
I’m Meris - owner, wedding planner, High Country guide, and multi-passionate entrepreneur. I believe authenticity, passion, hard work, and a touch of wit are the key ingredients to every successful event.
I’ve been planning weddings since 2010, and I never tire of helping my clients bring their vision to life in a completely personal, unique way. Beyond planning a successful event, I want all of our couples to leave the wedding planning process feeling like it was fun and enjoyable, and that they were able to approach their wedding day with calm and confidence, knowing that their celebration was in the best of hands.
When I’m not planning weddings, I’m camping with my family, hiking off the Parkway, playing music, doing yoga of all kinds, drinking lattes, and listening to business and life podcasts.
Frequently asked questions
CAN YOU ACCOMMODATE WHEELCHAIRS OR MOBILITY ISSUES?
Perhaps, let us know what you need, and we’ll come up with a solution or point you in the right direction.
Do you travel?
Yes, 100% yes. We consider “travel" to be anything that is more than an hour outside of the High Country, and we frequently work anywhere within the beautiful Western North Carolina mountains.
How far in advance do we have to book you?
Ideally, two weeks out, but no less than 48 hours to ensure availability.
ARE THE RETAINER FEES REFUNDABLE?
In the case of cancellation, retainers and prepayments are not refundable. This is because, once you sign with us, we take that day off of our calendar and are turning down other business on that day. We do offer the option to transfer any paid monies to another date. Please note that we do charge an administrative fee for this service.
CAN WE “GIFT” YOUR SERVICES TO SOMEONE?
We can create gift cards on a flat rate basis that the recipient can use towards any service. Valid within 365 days of initial purchase.
Your Guide to the HIgh Country
Experiencing the mountains in an authentic way with the people you love most.
Contact us today to get started on a custom proposal.
