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 consider as a first-time visitor. We hope you will find them helpful as you prepare for your first event!
Preparing for Your Stay
It may seem simple, but a thoughtful approach to packing always helps you make the most of your visit. We recommend bringing comfortable, casual clothing, along with layers for cooler mountain mornings and evenings. During the summer, it’s also a good idea to bring a raincoat or umbrella as afternoon rain showers are a frequent occurrence. Walking shoes are essential for navigating our campus and any of our many hiking trails and many guests also find it helpful to bring a journal, favorite book, or devotional guide to use during times of personal reflection. If you forget something, our onsite retailer, The Montreat Store, offers a variety of clothing, toiletry, and snack options as well as gifts and souvenirs.
Arriving and Getting Oriented
We encourage you to take a moment once you arrive to center yourself before getting started with your event. After checking in, spend some time becoming familiar with the landscape. Walking paths, meeting spaces, and scenic areas are all within reach, and a short walk can help you settle in and prepare for the event ahead. You can find a map of our campus by clicking here. It’s also important to know that there are many institutions in the valley that share the name “Montreat.” We highly recommend that you watch this video to learn more about each of them.
Daily Activities
Depending on your event, mornings may include activities like worship, keynote speakers, or group gatherings. Afternoons often provide space for rest, small group conversation, or exploring the outdoors. Evening programs may offer additional opportunities for learning, shared reflection, and fun. We often find that a range of offerings allows participants to engage with their community, connect spiritually, and find time for rest. We encourage you to give each activity a try as you are able.
When your time in Montreat comes to a close, consider what you will carry back home with you. The insights, relationships, and moments of stillness experienced here can continue to shape your life for months and years to come if you allow them to. For many, a first time visit to Montreat becomes the beginning of an ongoing connection to this place and its community. We hope that will be true for you!
Regardless of when you might visit next, we look forward to welcoming you and hope your time at Montreat will be one of renewal, discovery, and grace. Click here to check out all of our upcoming events or, if you are interested in planning your own retreat, fill out our event inquiry form here.
This article was originally published in the April 2026 edition of Montreat Conference Center’s email newsletter Embodying Hospitality which highlights information related to retreats and guest groups at Montreat. Sign up to receive Embodying Hospitality directly in your inbox by clicking here.