Join us for the last tour of 2025!
- Date: Saturday, November 8th
- Time: 10am-1:30pm
- Location: The Orchard Inn, Saluda NC
- ORDER TICKETS HERE
Step into the world of honeybees with an immersive experience that engages all your senses. Taste rare and local honeys, savor a honey-inspired gourmet lunch, and get hands-on in the bee yard as you suit up to explore an active hive. Along the way, you'll gain a newfound appreciation for these incredible creatures and the sweet gifts they create.
You will:
🍯 Experience a curated honey tasting — use all five senses to explore the aromas, textures, and flavors of local, regional, and global honeys in a sommelier-style tasting.
Savor a charcuterie lunch with a complimentary glass of wine or beer, presented by Newman’s Restaurant.
🐝 Step into the bee yard for a guided tour and a hands-on hive inspection to observe the inner workings of a live colony. WEATHER PERMITTING: If inclement weather prevents us from going into the colonies, additional honeys will be tasted.
👩🔬 Suit up in full protective gear — white bee suit, veil, and gloves are provided for a safe, up-close experience.
💬 Discover the fascinating world of bees — gain insights into bee behavior, honey production, and the vital role pollinators play in our ecosystem.
The details: Attendees must sign a hold harmless and bring closed-toe shoes to go into the bee yard. Cancellations made more than 7 days in advance will receive a full refund. Cancellations within 7 days will receive a credit for a future experience (valid for 12 months).
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FAQ
Q: How do you ensure safety in the apiary?
A: Safety is our top priority. Full bee suits are provided and must be worn in the apiary. Closed-toe shoes are required, and guests with exposed skin won't be allowed. The bee yard visit is optional, and if skipped, you can still enjoy the sensory tasting, and educational discussions.
Q: Is this suitable for children?
A: While children are welcome, the event is designed for adults and children. We defined kids as age 5 to 12. The event includes in-depth discussions about industry and biology; focused tasting sessions; and standing in the bee yard for an extended period. We defer to you to decide whether your child would enjoy this experience. Contact us with any questions – we have kids, we get it!
Q: Is the event accessible?
A: Each location varies. Please contact us in advance for venue-specific accessibility information.
Q: What if bad weather affects the apiary tour?
A: In case of rain, high winds , or extreme temperatures, we'll modify the event with an indoor bee talk using observation hives. An indoor exhibition hive will replace the apiary tour in the event of rain or high winds.
Q: What's your cancellation policy?
A: Guests may receive a full refund or credit if they cancel up to and including 15 days before the event, minus transaction fees. Within 14 days, guests can receive a credit to a future event in that year. No-shows are charged the full ticket price.
Refunds or credits are issued if Sandy Bee Mine or the venue cancels. In case of rescheduling, guests can choose to attend the new date or receive reimbursement. The apiary visit is optional, and skipping it won't affect your day's enjoyment.
Q: How can my business become a venue?
A: Reach out to us, and we'll connect with you!