Summer is officially here in Montreat! As our busiest season of the year, thousands of people will journey to Montreat over the next two months to attend youth conferences, participate in Clubs, catch up with friends and family, or to simply soak in the beauty of God’s creation. No matter what brings you to Montreat, summer is a perfect time to connect with our vibrant community! There are tons of ways to engage with our ministry that only take place during the summer. Keep reading to see how you can participate!
Summer Worship Series
Each Sunday morning in the summer season, Montreat Conference Center gathers with Montreat Presbyterian and Black Mountain Presbyterian Churches to welcome the community for a time of worship, prayer, singing, and artistic expression. You’ll hear from prominent church leaders as they offer thoughtful, engaging sermons, and engage in a vibrant worship setting where all are welcome. Join this holy gathering each Sunday at 10:30 am in Anderson Auditorium. Learn more.
Public Hikes
Montreat Conference Center’s wilderness rangers will lead a variety of free guided hikes over the course of the summer. Hikes range in length and difficulty, offering something for everyone! Stop by the Montreat Nature Center (located at 301 Lookout Rd.) to learn more about each hike, get up-to-date trail information (if you are hiking on your own), or even hold a snake! See the full public hiking schedule here.
Make a Visit to Moore Center
Moore Center serves as a central hub of activity for summer guests. We encourage you to stop by one (or several) of the following establishments during your visit:
The Huckleberry is a local gem for both visitors to Montreat Conference Center and for the local community. Serving ice cream, coffee, espresso drinks, burgers, chicken, salad, and fries, plus, a small breakfast menu for those early birds, this cafe is recently renovated and waiting for you to visit!
Hours: Monday-Friday | 8:00 am–9:00 pm, Saturday | 8:00 am- 3:00 pm, Sunday | Closed
The Montreat Store is open this summer six days a week and is an awesome mix of boutique, gift shop, and general store. From snacks, to t-shirts, to toiletries, and books, The Montreat Store has it all!
Hours: Monday-Friday | 10:00 am-5:00 pm, Saturday | 10:00 am- 5:00 pm, Sunday | Closed
The Good Steward is a new retail experience located on the third floor of Moore Center. An extension of The Montreat Store, The Good Steward focuses on unique gifts made by local and global artisans as well as items which embody ethical stewardship and reflect a world transformed by God’s love.
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday | 10:00 am-5:00 pm, Sunday & Monday | Closed
Common Grounds
A new offering from Montreat Conference Center’s Office of Development, Common Grounds invites individuals to drop by The Huckleberry on Tuesday mornings after 9:00 am for free tea or coffee and the opportunity to connect. Stop by, talk local, and let us get to know you better!
Craft and Pottery Classes
From July through early August, the Currie Craft Center and Sally Jones Pottery offer one-to-two-day arts and crafts classes for adults. They offer a wide range of hands-on experiences, giving adults the chance to explore their creative side. Registration for classes is completed online and opens the Friday before each session. Explore available offerings here.
And so much more!
In addition to the opportunities mentioned above, you can also visit Montreat Conference Center’s recreational spaces to play tennis or pickleball, take a paddleboat ride, go swimming, and more! Explore all of our summer offerings and see how you can get involved with our community by reading This Summer in Montreat, our seasonal publication which covers all available activities.