Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove

Facility website address: https://www.thecove.org/
Facility Address: 1 Porters Cove Road, Asheville, NC, 28805
P.O. Box 19223, Asheville, NC, 28815
Facility office hours: 8:30am – 5:30pm
Retreat Director’s Name and workday telephone: Steve Hagaman (Managing Director of Guest Group Events) – 828-298-2092, x6864
Affiliation: Non-denominational
Group rates: Rates vary depending on size of group, time of year, lodging and meal arrangements
Capacity: Auditorium (480), Dining (280 single meal seating or 560 for double meal seating), Lodging (@220-260 depending on single, double, triple or quad occupancy – other lodging options available off-property within a 1/4 mile. 8 Classrooms and the Chatlos Memorial Chapel are available).
Written policy for rules/regulations-Call to inquire

History of your facility: Developed from the vision of Dr. & Mrs. Billy Graham as a training and retreat center the Cove began offering its own seminars open to adults in 1988. In 1998 the Guest Groups Events ministry opens the Cove’s door to hosting non-profit ministry groups who desire to use the facilities for their training events. The facilities sit on 1200 acres within a mountain cove just outside Asheville, NC off exit 55 of 1-40.
Rate of facility from 1 to 10. 1 designates facility is very rustic (i.e. tents and no plumbing facilities). 10 designates facility as a resort (spa and luxury emphasis): 9.5 out of 10. Highest quality facilities with state of the art technical services and a large meeting auditorium. 8 classrooms and a beautiful chapel that seats 150. 2 nicely appointed Inns with rooms and 6 suites. No televisions, newspapers available as the objective is to offer a contemplative retreat location away from the distractions of the world.

Activities facility offers: Hiking trails on the Cove’s 1200 acres with reflection benches along the way offer a spot to relax on the hike to the top of The Cove’s 4000′ peak. Nearby is the city of Asheville with restaurants, theaters, shopping, antiquing, rafting, mountain biking and canoeing.
Meal options: Menu varies with prime rib, salmon, fried chicken and other deliciously prepared main meals served with a variety of vegetables, salads and deserts. Ask about meal options. The Dining Hall offers elegant meals served by our French chef. Cappuccino and frozen yogurt is offered in our lobby area with soft drinks, coffee and tea available in the Inns.
Facility availability: Available year round
Facility Open to adults ages 18 and up.
Children 15-17 may attend if accompanied by their parents or an adult family member.
Call for a free brochure today: 828-298-2092

Bonclarken Conference Center

Facility website address: www.bonclarken.com
Facility Address: 500 Pine Drive, Flat Rock, NC, 28731
Facility office hours: Monday – Thursday: 8am-5pm, Friday and Saturday: 8am-9pm, Sunday: 8am-4pm.
Retreat Director’s Name and workday telephone: Chip Sherer, 828-692-2223
Affiliation: Associate Reformed Presbyterian
Group rates: Youth: $23.25 per person per night – Adult groups: $74 per hotel style room per night
Capacity: 575 lodging / 700+ meeting
Written policy for rules/regulations available upon request.

History of facility: The facility was originally a private residence and was purchased by the ARP Denomination in 1921.
Rate of facility from 1 to 10. 1 designates facility is very rustic (i.e. tents and no plumbing facilities). 10 designates facility as a resort (spa and luxury emphasis): 2-9. We offer everything from tent camping sites to hotel style rooms. Our new 35-room hotel style building will be completed in June 2008. We are currently taking reservations for the new facility.

Activities facility offers: Tennis courts, disc golf, soccer field, softball field, basketball courts, volleyball courts, swimming pool, lake for boating and fishing. Adventure activities: high and low ropes courses, climbing tower, paintball, caving, pamper pole. There is a charge for the adventure activities only. Our staff are required to lead the adventure activities.
Local attractions: Biltmore House, Flat Rock Playhouse, The Carl Sandburg Home, Pisgah National Forest.
Meal options: Buffet style meals – three meals a day. Flexible meal plans with reduced prices for youth and children.
Facility is available year-round, weekdays and weekends.
Facility is open to all age groups.

Christian Training Center International

Facility Address: 234 Watchman Lane, Franklin, NC, 28734
Facility Phone: (828) 524-5741
Facility Fax: (828) 369-2019
Facility Email: info@lifeisrelationships.com
General Information: Christian Training Center International was developed as a retreat center for businessmen. CTCI has trained and counseled pastors and lay people for many years in the beautiful Smoky Mountains. To date, more than 40,000 people have visited from over 40 nations. The focus of CTCI is to place Jesus first above all and strive to make Godly relationships the goal of the ministry.

Christmount Christian Assembly

Facility website address: www.christmount.org
Facility Address: 222 Fern Way, Black Mountain, NC, 28711
Facility Phone: 828-669-8977
Facility office hours: Seasonal: Winter, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Late Spring to mid-Autumn: 8:30 AM to 9:00 PM, When groups are here: 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Retreat Director’s Name and workday telephone: Michael Murphy, 828-669-8977
Affiliation: Christian Church (Disciples of Christ; we are the national camp and conference center)
Group rates: Seasonal, per room or person depending on the facility
Capacity: We can feed 300 in the Dining Hall; combined housing in hotels, cabins, Group Lodge, cottages, and Davis Hall: about 270
Written policy for rules/regulations are sent to groups when they sign contract for use.

History of your facility: Founded in 1948, Christmount sits on the property formerly owned by Raphael Guastavino, a famous architect and brick and tile maker. He moved here in 1898 to participate in the construction or the Biltmore Estate and decided to stay. Eight acres are on the National Register of Historical Places. Since 1970, Christmount has been a year-round facility. Christmount has 400 acres of undeveloped wilderness and about six miles of hiking trails.
Facility rating from 1 to 10. 1 designates facility is very rustic (i.e. tents and no plumbing facilities). 10 designates facility as a resort (spa and luxury emphasis).
Guest Houses (hotel): two queen beds in 29 rooms, plus two handicapped-accessible rooms with one queen and twin bed – 8
Group Lodge: 32 bunk beds – 6
Two Family Cabins: one full-sized bed, four bunks – 5
Eight block cabins: sleep 9 (bunks and one twin) – 4
Davis Hall (old dormitory): sleeps 21 in bunk or twin beds, plus six rooms with one double bed in each – 4
Two Watson Cottages: bedroom with 1 queen bed and 2 bunk beds, living room with queen sleeper sofa, full bath; sleeps 6 – 9
Five year-round RV sites, full hook-up – 4
Tent camping area – 2

Activities facility offers: Hiking, basketball, volleyball, softball diamond, recreation field; swimming pool in summer; cable TV in Guest House rooms; Use of facilities is built into the room rates: no hidden costs for guests staying on grounds.Staff not needed for activities except no swimming except during pool hours. Biltmore Estate, Blue Ridge Parkway/Folk Art Center, Thomas Wolfe home, Zebulon B. Vance farm, Carl Sandburg home, Great Smoky Mountain Railroad: all within an hour’s drive.
Meal options: Dining Hall is open for groups year-round. Meals are prepared by our staff. Group chooses menu from our list. We do not rent out the dining facilities for group cooking. A large charcoal grill is available. The Group Lodge has a three-burner stove and microwave oven, also a charcoal grill.
Facility availability: Year-round.
Facility is open to all age groups.

Echo Mountain Inn

Facility Website Address: www.echoinn.com
Facility Address: 2849 Laurel Park Highway, Hendersonville, NC, 28739
Facility Phone: 888-ECHO-INN, 828-693-9626
Facility Fax: 206-338-6379
Facility Email: Info@EchoInn.com
Retreat Director’s Name and Workday Telephone: Greg Fortier / Innkeeper 828-693-9626
Group Rates:  Please see the Innkeeper, package prices based on season, length and size. 20 – 40 % off rack rate
Facility Office Hours: 24 hours / front desk open from 9-5 six days a week and 9-3 on Sunday
General Information: Echo Mountain Inn creates an ambiance of a country inn. The Inn is made of stone from 1896 with an old-fashioned motif. Guest rooms have been redecorated and are themed. Rooms are available with 1-2 beds. Some rooms also have fireplaces and great views. The business center has internet access, including wireless access. Peaceful is the one word that everyone uses. We are 3 miles from town, nestled in a residential area, with little to no traffic. The building is old, but beautiful. It has been owned by a Christian ministry for the last 7 years.
Activities: 3 miles from downtown Hendersonville, which is a real treat in itself. We are close to several hiking trails and beautiful waterfalls, as well as 30 minutes from the Biltmore house. We have an outdoor pool, shuffle board, ping pong, and foosball, as well as lots of yard for other outdoor games.
Meal options: Depends on your taste and budget.
Rate your facility from 1 to 10:  8 – we aren’t a spa or a high priced brand new facility, but we have tastefully decorated rooms, lots of hot water, great food, and a stunning quiet view.
Facility available June till the end of December

Hidden Hollow Retreat Cabin

Facility Location: Moravian Falls, NC
Facility Contact Person: Grace Selvey, 704-634-3903
Facility email: mommydoebiz@gmail.com
Main Cabin – Patio Apartment
Hidden Hollow is located less than 10 miles from Wilkesboro in the Brushy Mountains. In the heart of the Brushy Mountains Hidden Hollow is surrounded by Moravian Falls. The purpose of the retreat cabin is to offer an affordable place for Christians to retreat.
Activities Facility offers: fishing, sunset views, mountain views throughout, hiking, walking, shopping and restaurants nearby.
Prices start at $45 for a private apartment. The main cabin is complete with rustic log railings. At 1200 square feet, the main cabin sleeps 6 people. It has 2 bedrooms and 2 baths with a sleeping loft. The Master Suite is large with a private deck and beautiful views. The lower deck has a gas grill and the kitchen is furnished with new appliances with free coffee for the coffee maker.

High Pastures

Facility Website Address: www.highpastures.org
Facility Address: 290 Kings Highway, Burnsville, NC, 28714
Facility Phone: 828-682-3138
Facility Fax: 828-682-7386
Facility Office Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Retreat Director’s Name and Daytime Telephone: Claude Vess, 828-682-3138
Affiliation: Non-denominational
Capacity: 147
Meal Options: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner any or all meals can be included.
Open year roundAll age groups are welcome
General Information: High Pastures offers a peaceful setting with streams, waterfalls, wildlife and wildflowers. It seeks to offer a place where individuals can draw closer to God and spend quality time with family and friends.
Activities: hiking, nature study, volleyball, horse shoes, badminton, ping-pong, cookouts or campfire sing-a-longs at the Prayer Tower on the mountain.

Hinton Rural Life Center

Facility Website Address: www.hintoncenter.org
Facility Address: 2330 Hinton Center Road, Hayesville, NC, 28904
Mailing Address: PO Box 27, Hayesville, NC, 28904
Facility Phone: 828-389-8336, 866-389-8336 (Toll Free)
Facility Fax: 828-389-3279
Affiliation: United Methodist Church
General Information: Hinton Rural Life Center rests on 4 ½ acres of land in the mountains of western NC. The Hinton Center serves as a mission agency of the Southeastern Jurisdiction of the United Methodist Church. There are cottages, a guest lodge, chapel, kitchen, dining area, gift shop, retreat houses, lake house, 70 guest rooms, and administration building.
Activities Facility offers: challenge course, and strolling the grounds.

Kanuga

Facility Address: Post Office Box 250, Hendersonville, NC, 28793-0250
Physical Address: 130 Kanuga Chapel Drive, Hendersonville, NC, 28739
Facility Phone: 828-692-9136
Fax : 828-696-3589
Affiliation: Episcopal
General Information: Kanuga sits on 1,400 acres near Hendersonville. Kanuga lake is central to its location. Over 35,000 guests visit each year. Kanuga offers many programs including Camp Kanuga, a summer camp for children aged 7-15. Here children aged 15 and 16 participate in Trailblazer Adventure backpacking. The Mountain Trail Outdoor School, an environmental/adventure-based program for public and private schools is a week day program offered during the academic year. Camp Bob is a summer camp for disadvantaged children. Kanuga houses many conferences and retreats.

Availability: Kanuga is a year-round facility, but is available to host groups September through May (a few dates available in June and August). Kanuga offers the Kanuga Lake Inn, Traditional Cottages, and Guest Houses. All rooms are smoke-free.
Activities: Hiking trails, swimming at the lake (The Biddy Pool area is a shallow area for young children), boating and fishing, row boating, canoeing, basketball, volleyball, ping-pong, indoor climbing wall, outdoor 50 ft. climbing tower, bouldering wall, 3 high ropes courses, low challenge course, field available for outdoor sports including baseball backstop and volleyball sand pit, fitness trail, tennis courts, and shuffleboard. There is also a children’s play area which includes an arts and crafts room, clubhouse space, and three playgrounds.

Lake Logan Episcopal Center

Facility website address: www.lakelogan.org
Facility Address: 154 Suncrest Mill Road, Canton, NC, 28716
Facility office hours: 8:00am – 5:00pm
Retreat Director’s Name and workday telephone: Johnny Keesee, (828) 646-0095
Affiliation: Episcopal, Diocese of Western NC
Group rates: $102 Double Occupancy or $125 Private Room and Children 3-13 are $50 (per person/per night)
Capacity: 98 in houses and 96 in the dorms

History of your facility: God’s transformation happens here. Lake Logan lies in a pristine valley near the Blue Ridge Parkway, where visitors soak up the serenity of God’s glorious gifts in a 300-acre sanctuary. Lake Logan Episcopal Center lends itself well to spiritual retreats, business conferences, seminars, and family reunions. All religious and nondenominational groups are welcome to this special place, where the power of nature’s bounty nourishes, restores, and rejuvenates.
Rate of facility from 1 to 10. 1 designates facility is very rustic (i.e. tents and no plumbing facilities). 10 designates facility as a resort (spa and luxury emphasis): 7. Our facility is one that is very unique in its own right. Lake Logan has cabins that have 2, 3, 4, and 7 bedrooms along with having dorms available. Most of the rooms do have private baths. We have a Dining Hall that serves three meals a day along with doing special parties. There are also dorms available except for during the winter months.

Activities facility offers: Alpine Tower Ropes Course, boating, swimming, fishing, hiking, field games, frisbee golf, tennis courts, camp fires, etc.
We require a certified lifeguard be at the water front if the group is going to swim. We can get someone for your group if you wish to swim. Time is needed to line up someone. The Alpine Tower is an extra fee. We have trained staff for this activity. People of all abilities can partake in this activity. It is required that retreat staff lead in the Alpine Tower activities.
Local attractions: Lake Logan Episcopal Center offers as much, or as little, activity as you desire. It is as much a place for contemplative walks along pristine trails, as it is for invigorating field games. Our resident naturalist organizes horticultural programs and wildlife walks seasonally. Visitors also enjoy canoeing, swimming, volleyball, frisbee golf, lake and fly-fishing, and tennis. Five scenic golf courses are within 30 minutes driving distance. While Lake Logan feels remote, other area attractions and shopping are nearby, including Biltmore Estate, Pisgah National Forest, and the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad. Lake Logan is located near the towns of Waynesville, Asheville, Canton, and Brevard.
Meal options: We serve three meals unless we have less than 10 people here at the center.
Facility availability: year round
Facility is open to all age groups.
Lake Logan lies in a pristine valley near the Blue Ridge Parkway. Here, visitors soak up the serenity of God’s glorious gifts in a 300-acre sanctuary. Lake Logan Episcopal Center lends itself well to spiritual retreats, conferences, seminars, and family reunions. Welcome to this special place, where the power of nature’s bounty nourishes, restores, and rejuvenates.

Lake Junaluska Conference and Retreat Center

Mailing Address: PO Box 67, Lake Junaluska, NC, 28745
General Inquires: Phone: 828-452-2881
Email: info@sejumc.org
Fax: 828-456-4040
Affiliation: United Methodist
There are 400 lodging rooms. Unique facilities. Lambuth columns and terrace views.
Activities: lake, mountain setting, 18-hold golf course, tennis, mini-golf, shuffle board, basketball, horseshoes, strolling along the Rose Walk and Frances Asbury Trail, butterfly garden, waterfall, pool, canoe and paddleboat rentals, 200 acre lake.
Meal Options: Three dining facilities, catering available, private banquets.
Children are welcome.

Living Waters

Facility address: 103 Living Waters Lane, Maggie Valley, NC, 28751
Facility Phone Number: 828-926-3833
Fax Number 828-926-1997
Facility email: BrBillHarkin@catholicretreat.org
Affiliation: Catholic
General Information: Living waters accommodates 45 people in their main complex with private rooms, cottages are available for groups of five. The hospitality room has a kitchen and dining area and the conference rooms are equipped with audio visual resources and can hold up to 72 people. The dining room will also hold up to 72 and meals are prepared and served by staff at 8 o’clock am, 12 p.m., and 5 p.m.
All people are welcome.

Lutheridge + Lutherock Ministries

Facility Website Address:
Facility Address: 28 Spruce Drive, Asheville, NC  28704
Facility Office Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Retreat Director’s Name and Workday Telephone:  Rev. Mike Ward, 828-209-6325
Affiliation: Lutheran–interdenominational
Group Rates: $40-$110 per day depending on lodging and meal selections
Capacity: 600 for day use/225 adults/250 youth
History of the facility: Founded in 1951. Major upgrades including winterization in last decade. State of the art conference/meeting building completed summer, 2007.
Activities: Swimming, canoeing, alpine tower, group initiatives, indoor climbing wall.
Meal options: 3 meals a day, plus breaks. Professional chef.
Facility available August 10 through May 31
Open to all age groups

Montreat Conference Center

Facility Website Address: www.montreat.org
Additional Website Address: www.montreat.org/plan/
Facility Address: PO Box 969, 401 Assembly Dr., Montreat, NC, 28757
Phone: 1-800-572-2257 or 828-669-2911
Fax: 828-669-5054
Email: alethar@montreat.org
General Information: Approximately 35,000 people visit Montreat Conference Center each year and enjoy conferences, retreats, and meetings. They also enjoy hiking, canoeing, and shopping. The staff at Montreat Conference Center is committed to providing for your needs.
The complete conference season at Montreat Conference Center is available online. Make your plans to attend!

Ridgecrest Camps

Facility Website: www.ridgecrestcamps.com
Facility Address: PO Box 279, Ridgecrest, NC, 28770
Retreat Director: Ron Springs, Ridgecrest Summer Camps Director, 800-968-1630
Located on 1300 acres in the Blue Ridge Mountains outside Asheville, NC, Ridgecrest is capable of accommodating groups and individuals from 1-2000. Ridgecrest Summer Camps is made up of two separate camps, Camp Ridgecrest for Boys and Camp Crestridge for Girls. These exceptional facilities are owned and operated by Lifeway Christian Resources.

Ridgecrest Conference Center

Facility Website: http://ridgecrestconferencecenter.org/
Facility Address: PO Box 279, Ridgecrest, NC, 28770
Retreat Director: Art Snead, (800) 588-7222, (828) 669-8022
Located on 1300 acres in the Blue Ridge Mountains outside Asheville, NC, Ridgecrest is capable of accommodating groups and individuals from 1-2000. Owned and operated by Lifeway Christian Resources.  If you are a Christian meeting planner seeking the ideal location for your next conference or event, a pastor or ministry leader preparing a personal or Staff Retreat, or a family looking for a unique mountain Spiritual Retreat, Ridgecrest invites you to experience the rustic charm that is found in these mountains, and the spiritual peace that is found in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Ridge Haven

Facility Website Address: www.ridgehaven.org
Facility Address: 215 Ridge Haven Rd. Brevard, NC, 28712
Facility Office Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Retreat Director’s Name and Workday Telephone: Wallace Anderson, Executive Director and Stephen Moore, Ministry Director – 877-862-3916
Affiliation: Presbyterian Church In America (i.e. PCA)
Group Rates: Room rates vary from $53 to $89. Lodge rates (sleep up to 52) are $689-789 per night. Apartment rates vary from $102-130 per night.  Dorm rates (sleep 44) are $349/night.
Capacity: Couples approximately 100; bunk space approximately 250. Individuals in motel rooms approximately 250.
Written policy for rules/regulations upon request.
History of Facility: Begun in 1978. Relevant information: All ministries, services, staff guided and provided from a Biblical worldview honoring the inspiration and authority of the scripture and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Rate of facility from 1 to 10: 1 designates facility is very rustic (i.e. tents and no plumbing facilities). 10 designates facility as a resort (spa and luxury emphasis). Rating: 7
Activities: Trails, swimming pools, high ropes, low ropes, climbing tower, bouldering wall, large playing field mountain biking, tubing, volleyball, basketball, soccer, wilderness camping. (There is an additional cost for some of these activities and some activities require staff instruction.) Local attractions include white water rafting, Biltmore Estate, Cradle of Forestry, Dillsboro Railroad, Whitewater Falls, Looking Glass falls, Dupont State Forest and triple falls, etc, Gorges State Park, Blue Ridge Pkwy, and Eastern Continental Divide. Transylvania County (land of the waterfalls; more than 100 in immediate area).
Meal Options: All meals for groups 15 or more.
Facility available year round
Open to all age groups with programming to all age groups.

Stonehaven Christian Retreat Center

Facility website address: http://stonehaven.hypermart.net
Facility Address: P.O. Box 565, Spruce Pine, NC, 28777
Physical address: 707 Dr. Howell Road, Little Switzerland, NC
Facility office hours: 24/7
Retreat Director’s Name and workday telephone: 828-765-7171, Harrietta Turner
Affiliation: non-denominational Christian
Group rates: $25 per person per night
Capacity: 25
History of facility: Stonehaven has been 14 years in operation accommodating individuals and groups for extended work retreats, teen, college age and adult retreats, weddings, honeymoons, family reunions, etc.
Rate of facility from 1 to 10. 1 designates facility is very rustic (i.e. tents and no plumbing facilities). 10 designates facility as a resort (spa and luxury emphasis). Rated 5 – 9. Awesome panoramic mountain views, 2 pianos, 1 is a grand. Beautifully decorated rooms some of which are private, and some are group sleeping rooms. Many impressive tourist attractions in the area. Very scenic, secluded, end-of-the-road with mountain views for miles. Very quiet, renewing and refreshing with the presence of the Lord. Christian DVD’s, Video’s, cassettes and books in abundance for the use of guests.
Many impressive tourist attractions in the area including gem mining, hiking, horseback riding, etc. These facilities charge for their use. On-site activities are children’s playground, basketball and hiking the grounds.
Meal options: Fully equipped kitchens, or catering. Fine restaurants within 2 miles. Facility availability: April 1st through December 1st.
Facility is open to all age groups.

South Mountain Christian Retreat Center

Facility website:  http://www.southmountainchristiancamp.org/
Facility address: PO Box 9, 1129 South Mountain Road, Bostic, NC, 28018-0009
Facility Phone: 828-245-3322
Facility Fax: 828-245-1659
General Information: South Mountain Christian Camp offers summer camp for children and teenagers. They also offer outdoor nature programs for elementary schools, retreat center facilities and the 7-acre “Lake Galilee” and a smaller fishing pond named “The Dead Sea.”
Pricing information can be found on website.
Activities Facility Offers: Gymnasium, ballfields, swimming pool, ropes course, rock climbing wall, boating, game room, fishing, golf driving range, and lake.

Terra Nova Center

Facility website address: http://www.terranovacenter.com/
Facility Contact Address: 3475 Reasonover Rd., Cedar Mountain, NC, 28718
Facility Phone: (828) 862-5909
Facility Fax: (828) 877- 3869
Affiliation: Non-denominational
General Information: Terra Nova Center is located 20 minutes from Brevard and offers a 20 acre fresh water lake and over 220 mountain acres Gardens and hiking trails are available for use to our guests
Activities Facility Offers: canoe, paddleboat, swim, hiking, gardens, workshops, church services on Sunday at 11 am. Terra Nova Center offers both camping (with a bathhouse) and indoor lodging Campfires are allowed in the fire pit under staff supervision. Other local attractions include The Biltmore Estate and Asheville, NC.

The Sabbath House

Facility website address: http://www.sabbathhouse.net/
Facility Address-530 Bee Branch Road, Bryson City, NC  28713
Facility office hours-9:00-5:00, Monday-Friday
Retreat Director’s Name and workday telephone #-Rachel Lackey and Jim Strickland-Co-Directors.  828-488-5209
Affiliation: The Sabbath House is an ecumenical organization.  Both Co-Directors are ordained Baptist Clergy. The Sabbath House has been a Mission Partner with The Alliance of Baptists.
Group rates: Our room rate is $125 per night for single-triple occupancy on weekends and $100 per night on Sunday through Thursday evenings.  However, we have the flexibility to negotiate fees based on budget requirements.
Capacity: We can accommodate up to 20 people in the Sabbath House lodge.  Housing for an additional 8-10 people is also available in an adjacent log home.
Rules/regulations: The Sabbath House welcomes all individuals and groups who are looking for a place for retreat.  Check in is at 4:00 p.m. and check out is at 11:00 a.m. unless staying for lunch.  Earlier check in times may be arranged with advance notice.
General information: The mission of The Sabbath House is to provide a place where people may experience Sabbath. The principle of Sabbath has always been important, but in our contemporary culture characterized by high stress and over-commitment, it is essential that we recover the wisdom of this practice. We believe that the practice of a grace-filled Sabbath is the foundation of spiritual, emotional and physical health. Sabbath rest is life giving and renews energy and creativity for our daily work. The Sabbath House targets clergy and others who are in care-giving professions, but the Lodge is open to any individual or group who wishes to come.  We all need Sabbath time!  Our retreat participants include clergy, therapists, educators, Sunday School classes, Deacon/elder groups, and multi-generational family reunions. The Co-Directors, husband and wife team Jim Strickland and Rachel Lackey, have a combined 65 years experience in parish ministry, counseling, and non-profit management.  Rachel is a Certified Enneagram Instructor.  Jim and Rachel are available for retreat programming for individuals and groups. We invite you to come to The Sabbath House and let your soul catch up with your body!
Rate your facility from 1 to 10: We would rate the Sabbath House Lodge as an 8.  There are a wide variety of facilities available for individual and group retreats, but The Sabbath House offers a unique environment and facility.  The lodge is a beautiful log structure that we characterize as “refined rustic.”  Secluded on the side of a mountain where there is very little human made noise, The Sabbath House is an ideal space for retreat. A porch with rocking chairs runs the length of the lodge and provides a great place to enjoy spectacular views of the Great Smoky Mountains. Guests can hear the sounds of Bee Branch flowing in the distance.

The lodge accommodates 16-20 individuals in eight bedrooms, each with a private bath.  The lodge is handicapped accessible, and one bedroom is designed according to ADA guidelines. The central portion of the lodge features a gathering room with a large wood burning fireplace, a kitchen and dining area, a loft/library area with a baby grand piano, and a large conference room. A lower open deck features a fire pit perfect for evenings out under the stars.
Activities: There are a wide variety of outdoor recreation opportunities within twenty minutes of The Sabbath House—hiking, biking, and tubing at Deep Creek, the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Bryson City; rafting and kayaking in the Nantahala Gorge; The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad; The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Reservation; fly-fishing in numerous streams in the area; bird watching and wildflower viewing.  In the winter, snow skiing and snow tubing are available at Cataloochee in Maggie Valley, a 45 minute drive from The Sabbath House.
Meal options: Groups may either prepare some or all of their meals, or meals may be provided by The Sabbath House staff.  Meal costs are as follows: Breakfast-$7, Lunch-$10, Dinner-$15.
Availability: The Sabbath House is open year round. The Sabbath House is designed primarily for adults, however we are open to well supervised youth groups.

Valle Crucis Conference Center

Facility Website Address: www.vcconferences.org
Facility Address: 146 Skiles Way Banner Elk NC 28604 / PO Box 654, Valle Crucis, NC, 28691
Facility Phone: 828-963-4453
Fax: 828-963-8806
E-mail: director@vcconferences.org
Retreat Director’s Name and Workday Telephone: Margaret Love, 828-963-4453
Group Rate: $65-85. Rates are all-inclusive, with 3 meals per day, linens, meeting space, etc. Rates negotiable for mid-week conferences.
Capacity: 12-145, with smaller groups negotiable
General Information: A ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Western North Carolina. Located on over 450 acres of mountain woodland and verdant farming valley, the Conference Center is truly one of the more beautiful places on Earth. With its beauty comes a sense of timeless spiritual grace that transcends denomination or faith tradition. It features historic buildings dating from the late 19th Century and early 20th Century, nearly all of which are on the National Historic Register.
The Conference Center is open year-round to accommodate groups of 12-140. Rates include three hearty, nutritious meals a day and arguably the best towels in Western North Carolina lodgings.
Activities: Waterfalls, creeks, and trails. Outdoor and indoor labyrinths. 20 minutes from world-class ski resorts. Volleyball and outdoor play area. Located in beautiful, historic Valle Crucis, with art galleries, quaint shops, and gorgeous community park nearby. Plentiful wi-fi and meeting space for groups whose focus is learning.
Meal Options: Nutritious, hearty home-style meals served buffet-style in our spacious, light-filled dining hall. Special menu planning available, including gluten-free, Kosher, ​vegetarian, and other diet options.
Availability: Open year-round to groups of all ages.

Wildacres Retreat Center

Facility Address: P.O. Box 280, 1565 Wildacres Road, Little Switzerland, NC, 28749
Facility Phone: 828-756-4573
Fax: 828-756-4586
Facility E-mail: wildacres@wildacres.org
General Information: Wildacres sits on 1,600 acres atop Pompey’s Knob, a mountain near the Blue Ridge Parkway. Wildacres offers two lodges which contain 57 bedrooms, each with a private bath. Each room accommodates 2 guests. Groups visiting Wildacres must be non-profit and must provide their own director and staff for programming.

Windy Gap

Facility website address: https://windygap.younglife.org/Pages/default.aspx
Facility Address: Young Life Windy Gap, 120 Coles Cove Rd, Weaverville, NC, 28787
Facility Phone: (828) 645-7187
Facility Fax: (828) 645-7189
Affiliation: Owned and operated by Young Life.
General Information: Located fifteen minutes north of Asheville, Windy Gap sits on 2200 acres with amazing mountain views. Windy Gap offers activities such as a high ropes course and a climbing tower for its visitors.

YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly

Facility website address: www.blueridgeassembly.org
Facility address: 84 Blue Ridge Circle, Black Mountain, NC, 28804
Facility office hours: Our sales and marketing office is open from 8 – 6 Mon – Fri.
The guest services desk has extended hours when groups are on grounds, and can answer general questions.
Retreat Director’s name and telephone: Danielle Tocaben, Sales Director, (828) 210-8457
Affiliation: Non-denominational
Group rates: vary because we have so many options. Please call us for a specific quote. 600 September – April or 1000 May – August.

Facility History: YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly just celebrated our centennial anniversary in 2006. Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, we are a modern, all-season facility in a classic assembly setting.
Rate of facility from 1 to 10: 1 designates facility is very rustic (i.e. tents and no plumbing facilities). 10 designates facility as a resort (spa and luxury emphasis): Rated 4-7. We have hotel style rooms, economy rooms, dorm rooms, cottages, and family lodges.

Activities Facility offers: We have many free recreational activities – hiking, tennis, swimming, volleyball, basketball, field space for other sports, playground, exercise room. We also have recreation you can pay for such as high and low ropes courses, climbing walls, Alpine Tower, crafts, children’s programs and more.
See the website for pictures and descriptions.
The most popular local attractions are Biltmore Estate, white water rafting, the town of Black Mountain, and downtown Asheville.
Meal Options: We serve buffet meals in our dining room.
Facility Availability: Year round.
Facility is open to all ages.

**Disclaimer: All information contained in this resource was either provided to CBFNC by the retreat center or was retrieved via retreat websites on or before December 10, 2007. As a result, CBFNC is not responsible for any inaccurate information provided by the retreat center and/or advertised via the internet. For additional information on any retreat centers, please contact the retreat center directly. Thank you.