This fall, makers, artists, writers, and lifelong learners are invited to join us this September for Fall Craft Week, an all-inclusive retreat hosted by Montreat Conference Center. Scheduled for September 27–October 2, Fall Craft Week offers a unique opportunity to explore artistic endeavors, develop new skills, and enjoy meaningful fellowship set against the backdrop of autumn in the mountains. It’s an event you won’t want to miss! Each year, Fall Craft Week welcomes participants of all skill levels to learn from instructors in a supportive and encouraging environment. Whether you are a seasoned artist looking to refine your practice or a beginner eager to try something new, this event provides a chance to step away …
Planning for Fall Retreats
As summer begins to fill our calendars with vacations, family gatherings, and long afternoons by the pool, planning for a fall retreat may not be top of mind. Yet, for retreat leaders preparing to gather in Montreat later this year, taking advantage of the summer as a time to organize your event and stay ahead of important deadlines can help your group avoid unnecessary stress and unexpected costs, ultimately, leading to a smooth and successful event once you arrive. Below, we’ve put together a few things to keep in mind this summer if you are a group leader hoping to host an event this fall. We hope you find it helpful! …
A First-Time Visitor’s Guide to Montreat
For over 125 years, Montreat Conference Center has been a place where groups and individuals have come to experience recreation, rest, and renewal. But what, specifically, should you expect if you are visiting for the first time? While all events differ in their focus and programming, there are a few key aspects of the Montreat experience that ring true no matter how you engage with our mission and ministry. When you visit Montreat, you are given an opportunity to step away from the hectic pace of everyday life and finding time instead to engage in community, explore creation, and reflect on God’s presence in your life. Below, we’ve outlined a few things to …
Five Ways to Experience Sabbath this Spring
This spring we are excited to once again host personal Sabbath Getaways in Assembly Inn! This special program is available from March 20 through April 30, 2026 and allows you to enjoy everything that Montreat has to offer without the hustle and bustle of a programmed event. Often described as a “thin place,” in Montreat you’ll find a peaceful and beautiful setting where you can commune with your Creator and rest your soul. If you plan a visit, you’ll find time and space for prayer, study, and Sabbath rest, while also having opportunities to explore Western North Carolina at your …
Plan Your Next Outdoor Getaway
Calling all camping enthusiasts! Reservations are currently open for the 2026 season at the Montreat Family Campground. Located just around the corner from the Graybeard Trailhead, this beloved campground offers a welcoming and peaceful setting for visitors of all ages. We offer 29 sites which are available from May through October and are best suited for tents or small pop-up campers. Consider this an invitation to start planning your next outdoor getaway, and see for yourself how the Montreat Family Campground provides a unique blend of natural beauty, peaceful community, and outdoor recreation that keeps guests returning year after year. …
Has Your Congregation Considered Becoming a Church Patron?
As we near the end of the year, we are taking some time in each of our newsletters to talk about and demonstrate how Montreat Conference Center’s ministry is supported by gifts from individuals, families, churches, and other organizations. When a congregation decides to make a gift of $500 or more to the Montreat Fund annually, we honor their commitment to our mission by recognizing them as a Church Patron. This special giving tier unites churches as they help to ensure that Montreat remains a place of spiritual transformation and renewal for generations to come. So, why do churches become Church Patrons? At its heart, this partnership reflects …
Choosing the Right Event Package for Your Needs
No two events are exactly alike. A church retreat has different needs than a family reunion, and a family reunion has different needs than a board dinner. While Montreat offers a wide range of accommodations to meet the needs of each of these events, it is important for us to know the details of your event in advance so that we can serve you best. Below, we’ve outlined some things you should consider when planning your next gathering so that we can ensure, together, that your event is a success. Purpose and Timeline As you start planning your event, it’s …
Engaging Retreat Activities for Youth and Families
When planning retreats for families or youth, it is important to include a variety of ways for them to interact, both with each other and with the message presented during your event. While this may seem like a no-brainer, we cannot overstate the importance of varied programming as a way to ensure that participants are fully present and engaged. Everyone who attends your retreat will come with different interests, learning styles, and ways that they like to communicate. For that reason, it’s important to plan an event that takes these needs into account. So, what should you include in the …
The Power of Youth Retreats
While many youth groups discover Montreat through our annual youth and young adults events, that isn’t the only way they can experience Montreat. Retreats are another vital part of church ministry which also offer youth the opportunity to form meaningful connections. For those who know Montreat primarily as a youth conference destination, it might be surprising to learn that we host hundreds of retreats each year. Some groups plan intergenerational retreats where youth participate alongside the broader church family, while others — including many Presbyteries — host retreats designed specifically for youth. This might lead you to ask “what should …