“Phil and I both are natives of Buncombe County,” said Tonia Holderman. “Even though we both were born and raised here, we had not had the opportunity to really experience a lot of things in the area.” As they began exploring small towns, state and national parks, and local shops and eateries on the weekends, they posted about their journeys online. The response was overwhelming. “People just started saying, ‘Hey, when you go on another one of your trips, we would love to go with you.’”

The couple decided to take the leap. They formed an LLC, purchased a 15-passenger Transit van, and launched TP’s Day Trip Adventures. “We wanted to be a company that wasn't focused on extreme adventure,” Holderman said. “Our focus was more on making it more family-friendly… in an environment of sightseeing and learning about the history and culture of the area.”

Accessibility and experience diversity are central to the business model. “We weren’t seeing [tour] packages that really incorporated all of the other things as you're traveling through, like a museum or scenic overlook,” said Holderman. “We try to incorporate local restaurants as well.” TP’s tours are designed with those who may have mobility challenges in mind, favoring routes and stops that don’t require strenuous walking or hiking.

But launching a tourism company during a time of regional upheaval—TP’s launched last summer, before Helene—hasn’t been without its setbacks. “[When] the hurricane happened, over half of the tours we had planned to do, and were marketing for, we could no longer do,” said Holderman. The couple quickly pivoted, refocusing on small-town tours in areas less affected by the storm and even offering charter services for weddings and private events to stay afloat.

Now in their first true season of operations, the Holdermans are seeing momentum grow. “It has been a slow start, but we are starting to see some uptick,” said Holderman. “People are not as fearful as they once were to come to the area.”

Their tours highlight WNC’s iconic destinations like the Great Smoky Mountains and Cherokee. “We’re trying to be more informative about the things along the route and not so much just about only the particular destination,” said Holderman. 

Sustainability is also part of the mission. “If you are in one vehicle and you can eliminate, let's just say 10 cars—that's certainly better for the environment,” said Holderman. “We think that’s important.”

Their ultimate dream? To build a legacy business that their children and grandchildren can inherit. “They've been with us and part of the conversation from the beginning,” Holderman said, reflecting on the kids’ excitement when they get to ride in the van. “The local community has just been completely supportive… we keep hearing it’s very unique and needed.”

When asked about her favorite destination, Holderman didn’t hesitate: “Mine is Kuwohi, formerly Clingmans Dome,” she said. There’s a ton of history, and… a lot of the flowers and birds that are in those parks are just native to those areas. When we take people there, they’re just in awe.” 

Learn more about TP’s Day Trip Adventures at TPsDayTrip.com.