Black Mountain business invites tourists and longtime residents to explore 'like a local'
TP’s Day Trip Adventures offers Immersive and authentic Western N.C. experience
Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
April 21, 2025
Phil and Tonia Holderman launched TP’s Day Trip Adventure earlier this year, inviting visitors and long-time WNC residents to “adventure like a local.” Photo by Fred McCormick
As natives of Western N.C., Phil and Tonia Holderman have accrued an abundance of knowledge about the scenic place they call home. While they explored the peaks and valleys of the mountainous landscape for decades, the Black Mountain couple grew certain of two things: there is never a shortage of things to see or do, and sharing the natural beauty and culture of the region with others only enhances their appreciation of their hometown.
Those notions formed the foundation of their new business, TP’s Day Trip Adventures, which invites tourists and lifelong residents to “adventure like a local.”
The Holdermans have lived and worked in WNC their entire lives. Both are recently retired from lengthy professional careers, with Tonia concluding a 31-year career in healthcare that included 12 years at the N.C. State Veterans Home. Phil’s 30-year career in law enforcement contained stints with the state, Black Mountain Police Department and Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office.
“We’ve always lived in Buncombe County,” said Tonia, an Asheville native who grew up not far away from her high school sweetheart in Swannanoa. “We started dating in the ninth grade.”
While they raised their children in Black Mountain, the family would take short trips from time to time, but the couple began regularly exploring the small towns, national forests and landmarks when their children left the home.
“We had both done so much camping, hiking and fishing, just things that local families do here,” Tonia said. “But, when our kids grew up we started doing these day trips, visiting a lot of the small towns around WNC. Sometimes we didn’t even know where we were going, we would just get on the interstate, say left or right, and drive in that direction for like an hour.”
As the frequency of those trips increased, they expanded to include research and specific destinations.
“We also had rules,” Tonia said. “We could only shop, eat and explore local stuff. No chain restaurants, and if we bought something, it had to be from a local artisan. We really wanted to get a feel for the specific culture of each area.”
They posted snapshots of their day trips on social media, she added.
“We got so much feedback, even from people who grew up here, saying they had never been to certain locations,” Tonia said. “Some of these places have been featured in magazines and online publications, and they offer a truly unique glimpse into all of the great experiences this area has to offer.”
Occasionally, the Holdermans would be joined by a friend or family member.
Signature tours offered through TP’s Day Trip Adventures include scenic drives to Cherokee, Grandfather Mountain and Kuwohi. Photo by Fred McCormick
“We love taking somebody on an adventure and stopping to eat somewhere in that place,” Phil said. “I’ve found some of my favorite places to eat — like Native Brews Tap & Grill in Cherokee — like that. We’ve also met all kinds of local people that way.”
As they considered post-retirement plans, they agreed on a basic idea, according to Tonia.
“We wanted to take people on these adventures with us,” she said.
The couple purchased a 15-passenger van, while Phil began researching and creating signature tours.
“I looked at it as going through the things we’ve done, and figuring out which places would be appealing to the widest range of people,” he said. “I also tried to think about the places people, both locals or visitors, haven’t had a chance to see.”
The signature tours offered through TP’s Day Trip Adventures include trips focused on the heritage and culture of Cherokee and an outdoor exploration around the area. Guided rides to Blowing Rock, Grandfather Mountain and Kuwohi are also offered.
“So many of these places have interesting stories and histories,” Phil said. “A lot of people are surprised when they hear that the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the country, or the fascinating history behind how Mount Mitchell got its name.”
Each designed tour includes a pick-up location, drop off at area sites and a scenic drive. Guests are encouraged to bring binoculars and keep their phones ready for breathtaking panoramic mountain vistas.
“We really like guests to feel comfortable on these tours, so we’re available to answer questions or give some general background on the things they see, but we also just want groups to be comfortable just chatting with each other and enjoying the ride,” Tonia said.
In addition to its signature tours, the business offers custom outings, including transportation for local wedding and corporate gatherings. Transportation to sporting events, wine and brew tours and casino adventures is also available. Booking and additional information is can be found at tpsdaytrip.com.
“This place is my home, and growing up and living here has brought so much peace to my life,” Tonia said. “I’ve always felt fortunate to be here, so sharing it with others is an opportunity I know we both treasure.”