
National Specialty 2023
October 23 – October 28
Join us this October for our 2023 National Specialty event in Asheville, North Carolina. Last day to book is Friday, September 22, so don’t delay.
Asheville Crowne Plaza Resort
1 Resort Drive Asheville, NC, 28806
Hotel Information
Hotel(s) offering your special group rate.
- Crowne Plaza Resort Ashville for 159 USD per night for Double Queen
- Crowne Plaza Resort Ashville for 174 USD per night for King (Limited number available must call to reserve)
Hotel Information
Last Day to Book: Friday, September 22, 2023
Crowne Plaza Resort Asheville
1 Resort Drive
Asheville, NC 38806
828-285-2603
Group Rate Code for phone reservations 24 hours a day is English Setter Association of America. Online reservations can be made 24 hours a day at 1-844-330-0296 or at the link below use Group Code ESL:
Book your group rate at English Setter Association of America.
- Group rate of $159 per night for double queen rooms for guests with or without dogs.
- Group rate of $174 per night for king rooms for guests with or without dogs. (Limited number available must call to reserve)
- Group rates are subject to applicable state and local occupancy taxes in effect at the time of check-out. (Currently 13.5%)
- Book on or before Friday, September 22, 2023, to receive our special rate. All bookings after the cut-off are subject to availability and current hotel room rates.
- Cancellation policy is 48 hours in advance of reservation.
- Early departure policy is a 24-hour notice, or you will be charged a $50 fee.
- $50 non-refundable pet fee; one time charge per room.
- There is a maximum of 4 dogs permitted, per room. If more then 4 dogs are occupying a room, and additional $150 fee will be assessed.
- Plastic under all crates in guest rooms is recommended but is not required or provided by the Hotel.
- Dogs may not enter the hotel restaurant or bar.
- Dogs may not be left unattended in guest rooms, unless they are in a pet carrier or crate.
- Check in time is 3 pm and check out 11 am.
Every room features:
- Free Wi-Fi
- HDTV
- Telephone
- Mini-refrigerator and Coffee Maker / Tea Service
- Workstation
- Iron and ironing board
Daily Schedule
Daily Schedule
Monday, Oct 23 | Day of Versatility
- Grooming /Bathing Area Set-Up – Expo Center
- Conformation Ring, Tables & Chairs Set-Up – Expo Center
- Cash Concessions, Breakfast/Lunch – Expo Center
- 8 AM – 1 PM – ESAA Board Meeting – Foxfire Room
- 8 AM – Breakfast
- 11AM – Lunch
- Grooming Area Open – Expo Center
- Obedience/Rally Judging – Expo Center
- ATT, CGC/CGCA & TDI Testing – Expo Center
- Gun Dog Sweeps & Welcome Buffet – Expo Center
Tuesday, Oct 24 | Day of Vision
- Grooming Area Open – Expo Center
- Cash Concessions, Breakfast/Lunch – Expo Center
- 4 to 6 Months Puppy – Expo Center
- Futurity Judging – Expo Center
- Maturity Judging – Expo Center
- Stud Dog/Brood Bitch– Expo Center
- Appetizers/Cash Bar– Expo Center
- Veteran Sweepstakes – Expo Center
- Hospitality – Thomas Wolf Suite
Wednesday, Oct 25 | Day with our Stars
- Grooming Area Open – Expo Center
- Cash Concessions, Breakfast/Lunch – Expo Center
- Health Clinic–Magnolia(Intake) & Dogwood
- Grooming Clinic & Lunch Buffet – Expo Center
- (Tentative) Hands on Judging, Top Twenty – Expo Center
- Versatility Showcase – Expo Center
- Desserts/Coffee/Cash Bar – Expo Center
- Movement Portion, Top Twenty – Expo Center
- Hospitality – Thomas Wolf Suite
Thursday, Oct 26
- Grooming Area Open – Expo Center
- Cash Concessions, Breakfast/Lunch – Expo Center
- Regular & Non-Regular Dog Classes – Expo Center
- Lunch
- Regular & Non-Regular Bitch Classes – Expo Center
- Pee Wees – Expo Center
- Junior & Pee Wee Activities & Pizza Party – Expo Center & Blue Ridge
- Judges Education – Dogwood (Classroom) & Expo Center
- Hospitality – Thomas Wolf Suite
Friday, Oct 27
- Grooming Area Open – Expo Center
- Cash Concessions, Breakfast/Lunch – Expo Center
- Junior Showmanship Judging – Expo Center
- Best of Breed Dogs – Expo Center
- Lunch
- Best of Breed Bitches – Expo Center
- 10 Minute Break
- Final Best of Breed Judging
- Best Puppy/Best Bred by Exhibitor/Best Veteran/Brace & Teams Social Time, Cash Bar & Raffle Drawing- Expo Center
- Annual Meeting and Banquet – Mt. Mitchell/Mt. Roan
- Hospitality – Thomas Wolf Suite
Saturday, Oct 28 | Central Carolina English Setter Club Regional Specialty
- Grooming Area Open – Expo Center
- Cash Concessions, Breakfast/Lunch – Expo Center
- Puppy & Veteran Sweeps – Expo Center
- Junior Showmanship – Expo Center
- Dog Classes – Expo Center
- Lunch
- Bitch & Non-Regular Classes – Expo Center
- 10 Minute Break
- Best of Breed Judging – Expo Center
Local Attractions
Local Attractions
Biltmore House
1 Lodge Street, Asheville, NC 28803
Play in the Biltmore Estate’s 8,000-acre backyard with an array of outdoor activities, indulge in one-of-a-kind shopping, and savor their restaurants’ exceptional fare. Visit Biltmore in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Asheville, NC.
Chimney Rock Park
431 Main Street, Chimney Rock, NC 28720
The Nantahala Outdoor Center (NOC) has long been the home to many aficionados, the meeting place for friends and the vacation destination for so many groups and families. NOC has been recognized by various media including Good Morning America, The New York Times, Outside, National Geographic Adventure and more. Stop by the NOC for an unparalleled outdoor whitewater rafting experience.
Grove Park Inn
290 Macon Avenue, Asheville, NC 28804
Built from granite boulders hewn from Sunset Mountain, The Grove Park Inn opened in 1913. At its opening dinner, William Jennings Bryan declared that it had been “built for the ages.” In the decades since it has become one of the South’s most famous and venerable resorts. From yesterday to today, The Grove Park Inn Resort & Spa has remained a place dedicated to providing its guests with comfort — and genuine delight.
WNC Nature Center
75 Gashes Creek Road, Asheville, NC 28805
The WNC Nature Center is a living museum of plants and animals native to the southern Appalachian region. Our purpose is to increase public awareness and understanding of all aspects of the natural environment of Western North Carolina through hands-on and sensory experiences.
Cherokee Reservation / Harrah’s Casino
777 Casino Drive, Cherokee, NC 28719
Set in the beautiful homeland of the Cherokee Native Americans, Harrah’s Cherokee Hotel and Casino offers luxury and beauty both inside and out. This North Carolina hotel has a 15,000 square foot conference center, an indoor pool, and a workout room. Action-packed gaming includes slots, video poker, the Poker Pro poker room, and interactive video technology table games. Enjoy live entertainment at the Cherokee Pavilion, and culinary delights at the choice of restaurants.
Mt. Mitchell (largest mtn east of the Rockies)
2388 State Highway 128, Burnsville, NC 28714
There are a few places in the world that still stand apart from the ordinary. Rising more than a mile high, surrounded by the gentle mist of low-hanging clouds, Mount Mitchell State Park is one of these extraordinary places. In the crest of the timeworn Black Mountains lies the summit of Mount Mitchell, the highest point east of the Mississippi. For those who ascend this mighty peak, what looms in the horizon is a feast for the eyes—breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Grandfather Mountain State Park
9872 Hwy 105 W, Suite #6, Banner Elk, NC 28604
Grandfather Mountain inspires awe through an abundance of natural wonders. Designated by the United Nations as an International Biosphere Reserve and protected forever by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, there is nowhere else on Earth that you can enjoy such a variety of mountain life in one amazing place.
New Belgium Brewing Company
21 Craven Street, Asheville, NC 28806
Sierra Nevada Brewing Company
100 Sierra Nevada Way, Mills River, NC 28732
Blue Ridge Parkway
Parkway headquarters is at Milepost 384, Asheville, NC 28803
The Blue Ridge Parkway is more than a road – it’s a beautiful journey that entices visitors to explore a 469-mile gateway to America’s rich cultural heritage including Cherokee traditions, music, crafts, agriculture, and nature. Your journey is just around the corner! Split-rail fences, old farmsteads, mountain meadows and scenic overlooks with endless vistas make the Blue Ridge Parkway a popular attraction. The Parkway incorporates numerous campgrounds, picnic areas, trails, and waterfalls.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
107 Park Headquarters Road, Gatlinburg, TN
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a hiker’s paradise with over 800 miles of maintained trails ranging from short leg-stretchers to strenuous treks that may require backcountry camping. But hiking is not the only reason for visiting the Smokies. Car camping, fishing, picnicking, wildlife viewing, and auto touring are popular activities.
The North Carolina Arboretum
100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville, NC 28806
Just as our experience of nature is intimate, visitors to The North Carolina Arboretum connect with plants in personal ways that are as diverse and rich as the land itself. Whether you enjoy strolling through gardens, exploring exhibits, enriching your mind, or hiking and biking, the Arboretum offers activities for all ages, including 434-acre natural treasure with 65 acres of cultivated gardens and 10 miles of hiking and biking trails and more.
Thomas Wolf House
51 N Market Street, Asheville, NC 28801
Considered by many to be one of the giants of 20th Century American Literature, Thomas Wolfe immortalized his childhood home in his epic autobiographical novel, Look Homeward, Angel. Wolfe’s colorful portrayal of his family, his hometown of Asheville, North Carolina, and the Old Kentucky Home boarding house earned the historic Victorian home a place as one of American Literature’s most famous landmarks.
Folk Art Center
Milepost 382, Blue Ridge Parkway, Asheville, NC 28805
The Folk Art Center is home to the Southern Highland Craft Guild. The center showcases the finest in traditional and contemporary crafts of the Southern Appalachians. In addition to an Eastern National bookstore and Blue Ridge Parkway information desk, the center houses three galleries, a library, and Allanstand Craft Shop. Beginning in March each year, visitors can see live craft demonstrations daily in the Folk Art Center lobby.
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
226 Everett Street, Bryson City, NC 28713
With 53 miles of track, 2 tunnels and 25 bridges, the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad offers a variety of excursions that explore the amazing landscape of Western North Carolina. With the romance and mystique of an era gone by, guests on-board the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad will enjoy scenic train journeys across fertile valleys and through river gorges in a spectacular region near The Great Smoky Mountains.
Flat Rock Playhouse Theater
2661 Greenville Hwy, Flat Rock, NC 28731
The Playhouse’s dual mission of producing the performing arts and providing education in the performing arts includes a ten-show professional series; a summer and fall college apprentice and intern program; performances and cabaret series by the YouTheatre; year-round classes and workshops for students from kindergarten through adults. Flat Rock Playhouse now hosts over 90,000 patrons annually and is a major contributor to the local economy and the Arts in North Carolina.
Asheville Zipline Canopy Adventures
One Resort Drive, Asheville, NC 28806
Set on a 124-acre resort property with magnificent 150 year old white oaks. “Fly” 20 to 70 feet above ground on zip line sections from several hundred feet long to 1200 feet long. This urban course offers the convenience of being adjacent to a major resort and downtown Asheville. Includes 10 zip sections, 3 sky bridges, and a new innovation “flying staircase” plus a 54-foot tower with spectacular views of downtown Asheville and the surrounding mountains.
Transportation & Directions
Transportation & Directions
Airport Shuttle
Asheville Regional Airport (AVL): Shuttle not available.
Greenville-Spartanburg (GSP): Shuttle not available.
Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT): Shuttle not available
Local Shuttle
Crowne Plaza Resort
Radius Covered: Downtown Asheville
Hotel offers downtown shuttle service for $8 round trip. The shuttle drops off and picks up hotel guests at a central location in downtown Asheville, convenient to over 250 different shops and restaurants. Shuttle schedule/availability subject to change.
Directions from Airports
Asheville Regional Airport (AVL): Turn left at the light on Airport Rd. Go to the 3rd light and turn left on Exit Ramp for I-26 W. Take I-240 to Asheville. Go 3 miles and take Exit 3-B. Turn right on Regent Park Blvd. Go to Resort Dr. There you’ll find the hotel.
Greenville-Spartanburg (GSP): Take I-85 N. to I-26 W. Merge onto I-240 E. Take Exit 3A for Patton Ave. At the second light make a right and follow the road until you see the Crowne Plaza sign on your left. Make a left and follow the road to registration.
Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT): Take I-85 S. to US-321 N. to I-40 W. Take I-240 W. to exit 3B and drive to Resort Drive. Follow the road to registration.
Directions From the North: Head south on I26 E. Take the exit onto I240 W I26 E US19 S US23 S toward W. Asheville. Continue on US19 S US23 S US74 ALT W. Turn right onto Regent Park Blvd. Turn left to stay on Regent Park Blvd. Continue onto Expo Dr. Turn left onto Resort Dr. The hotel will be on your right.
Directions From the South: Head northwest on I26 W. Follow signs for I26 W Asheville I240. Take Exit 3A and merge onto US19 S US23 S US74 ALT W. Turn right onto Regent Park Blvd. Turn left to stay on Regent Park Blvd. Continue onto Expo Dr. Turn left onto Resort Dr. The hotel will be on your right.
Directions From the East: Merge onto I40 W. Take Exit 53B for I240 W. US74A W. toward Asheville. Continue on I240 W. Keep left at the fork to continue on US19 S US23 S US74 ALT W. Turn right onto Regent Park Blvd. Continue onto Expo Dr. Turn left onto Resort Dr. The hotel will be on your right.
Directions From the East: Head east on I40 E. Take Exit 46B on the left to merge onto I240 E I26 W toward Asheville. Take Exit 3A on the left to merge onto US19 S US23 S US74 ALT W. Turn right onto Regent Park Blvd. Continue onto Expo Dr. Turn left onto Resort Dr. The hotel will be on your right.
National Specialty Judges
Futurity and Maturity: Mrs. Joan Savage
Bitches and Breed: Mrs. Jill Warren
Dog Classes: Mr. Michael Faulkner
Top 20
Top 20
Top 20 Breed & All Breed Qualifiers
Congratulations to all qualifiers!
The following dogs have qualified for the calendar year of January 1st 2022 to December 31 2022.
Breed Statistics
- GCHP Stagedoor Mercury Comet Cyclone
- Tannley and Marshall Goldberg
- GCHG Ciara N Honeygait Belle of the Ball FDC CGC *
- Van Jacobsen, Lee Afdahl, John and Mary Nowak
- GCHG Sevenoaks Weymouthcatchingifre
- Justine Spiers, Caryl Hodges, Penny Disiena
- GCHS Sleepy Hollow’s American Patriot
- Lori Mowery and J Mowery
- GCHS Esquire’s Bow Tri Affair
- Lisa Nielsen and Christy Marley
- GCHS Penmaen Silent Night of Hemlock Lane
- William and Ellen Fischer
- GCHB Winchester’s An Apple a Day
- Rachel Barnes, Caryl Hodges, Stuart McGraw
- GCH Ciara N Honeygait Naughty By Nature
- John and Mary Nowak, Sabrina Rundle
- GCHB Set’r Ridge’s Creekscrossing Always on My Mind
- Nancy Alexander and Melissa Newman
- GCHS Stagedoor Tamarack Star Power
- Ellen Shanahan and Stacy Threlfall
- GCH Stardom Original Blend
- Renee Metz
- GCHB Jada Just Another Day in Paradise TKN
- Lorna Hastings Menaker and Lisa Moreau
- GCHB Sevenoaks Lady Penelope *
- S Nordstrom, F Ortiz
- GCHB Kaska Tamarack Just Imagine
- Ellen Shanahan and Brian Hubbard
- GCHB Esthete N Pajarito Don’t Stop Me Now RN ACT2 ACT2J
- Carl Necker, Jennifer Necker, Julie Bremser
- GCH Cinnabar’s Three Dog Night
- D Houghton, S Mapes
- GCHB Stagedoor Fast & Furious
- Natasha Stankovic-Brown
- GCHC Tirza’s Set The Stage on Fire JH
- Tiria Alcala
- GCHB Kelyric Trouble in Paradise
- Karen Kenndey and Lanore Matter
- GCH Ballymore Heartrob of Benmer BN JH BCAT CGC TKN
- Susan Bosshart
All Breed Statistics
- GCHG Ciara N Honeygait Belle of the Ball FDC CGC *
- Owner: Van Jacobsen, Lee Afdahl, John and Mary Nowak
- GCHP Stagedoor Mercury Comet Cyclone
- Owner: Tannley and Marshall Goldberg
- Owner: Tannley and Marshall Goldberg
- GCHS Penmaen Silent Night of Hemlock Lane
- William and Ellen Fischer
- GCH Firehouse N Wingfield Prime Time
- Don and Pat Coller, Eileen Hacket
- GCHB Set’r Ridge’s Creekscrossing Always on My Mind
- Nancy Alexander and Melissa Newman
- GCHG Sevenoaks Weymouthcatchingifre
- Justine Spiers, Caryl Hodges, Penny Disiena
- GCHB Winchester’s An Apple a Day
- Rachel Barnes, Caryl Hodges, Stuart McGraw
- GCHC Tirza’s Set The Stage on Fire JH
- Tiria Alcala
- GCH Wingfield N Chebaco Link to Bridgewood
- Don and Pat Coller, Eileen Hacket
- GCHS Esquire’s Bow Tri Affair
- Lisa Nielsen and Christy Marley
- GCHS Stagedoor Tamarack Star Power
- Ellen Shanahan and Stacy Threlfall
- GCHB Monimar N Hemlock Lane Dirt on My Boots *
- Deb Davis, Susan Schafer, Morgan Iverson
- GCH Tirza’s Country Squire Slash of Blue
- Deb Jauron, Donna Jordan, Tiria Alcala
- GCHB Esthete N Pajarito Don’t Stop Me Now RN ACT2 ACT2J
- Carl Necker, Jennifer Necker, Julie Bremser
- GCH Upland Chasing Yesterday
- Wanda Guitar
- GCHS Sleepy Hollow’s American Patriot
- Lori Mowery and J Mowery
- GCHB Jada Just Another Day in Paradise TKN
- Lorna Hastings Menaker and Lisa Moreau
- GCH Stardom Original Blend
- Renee Metz
- GCH Ballymore Heartrob of Benmer BN JH BCAT CGC TKN
- Susan Bosshart
- CH Windem’s Country Squire
- Jack Gohde, Shaun Jordan, Deb Jauron