wildacres retreat

I attended a workshop at the facility and could not have been happier with the grounds, work spaces and food hall. It was a treat to be removed from electronic distractions. Wi fi access is limited as well as cell phone coverage. It is possible to access but be mindful of the groups that will be using the facility after you. Best to download/share photos when you get to town. There are no alarm clocks in the rooms so one must either bring their own or rely on the morning 7:30AM bell. Breakfast, lunch and dinner were all fresh, flavorful and quite filling. The staff was wonderful.The room I was in had two beds, a sink in the room, two chairs, a place to hang your clothes, drawers to unpack for two people and your own bathroom with tub/shower.The views are amazing. During the length of the workshop we actually witnessed the change of colors on the hills from Green to a patchwork of reds, yellows and oranges. The work spaces are well equipped. As a print maker I was thrilled to use the two Takash presses there. There are plenty of worktables to spread out. I was able to see the jewelry studio and was amazed with the depth of materials and supplies available to workshop participants. I understand there is also a clay studio with ample space and tools but did not have the opportunity to visit it. I was too busy printing.To find Wild acres it may be a bit tricky. Do yourself the favor of printing out the directions to the facility prior to the drive. GPS readings are all over the place. Do not despair as you drive along increasing more windy roads and ultimately a gravel road to your destination. It is well worth it. While in this beautiful part of the country also visit the book shop in Little Switzerland and check out Penland near by. I am hoping to return soon to create more art in this inspiring place.

We used to go to Wildacres when I was a child. So much has changed since then, but the old dinner bell is still there and the steps where we would have group pictures is the same. No one minded us just walking about. There is a fantastic mineral exhibit in the new dining hall. Go see it!

We have attended two retreats at wild acres. The experience the first time was so fantastic we had to go again! The staff is so friendly. The good is great. The views amazing. Check the website for schedules.

Wildacres is a 1400 acres retreat for civic and arts organizations, located near the Blue Ridge Parkway. It has 2 buildings for sleeping accommodations, a dining hall, and an auditorium--everything very functional yet rustic-looking. Food was plentiful and good. Map describes walking trails. Groups come here for 3 to 10 days stays.

Gardner-Webb University has retreats there for writing, etc. It is very quiet and has no distractions. The food is very good.

I've been twice to art weeks at Wildacres and thoroughly enjoyed it both times. There are various weeks throughout the year: music, art, jewelry, and other types of retreats. The view over the mountains is beautiful, and there are many lovely areas nearby as well. It's very relaxing, though the rooms are nothing special--quite simple with twin beds and a bathroom--but comfortable enough. The food is generally good, sometimes better than others, and there is plenty. The atmosphere when everyone is working on art is energetic and inspiring, so a lot of good work is produced.

This is a favorite for many artists. WildAcres Retreat has an impressive amount of wilderness areas near their well kept cabins. They also have fantastic places to hike. I visited WildAcres often while rehearsing for a stage play they allowed us to perform in their wonderful auditorium. It was a real treat and just driving onto the beautiful grounds fills you with a sense of peaceful tranquility.

My other daughter was at Wildacres for over a week while I was in NC and DC. She LOVED it. She highly recommends it. I cannot tell you how much of that review is based on those running the oboe camp, though.

I've been attending an "art retreat" here for over 10 years, and I always look forward to the beautiful setting. This is a nonprofit retreat center that rents out to nonprofit groups, and it can't be beat as far as value is concerned. In October the views are a spectacular red, yellow and orange with the fall leaves. The rooms are dorm-like, with private bathrooms. No keys to the doors, and there is no AC (but it isn't needed usually because of the mountain air.) No phones or internet, which makes for a great retreat. Food is served family style in the dining room, and the main lodge has huge fireplace which is wonderful on cold evenings. The food is NOT gourmet, but it is plentiful and filling, and there is almost always a nice salad bar. There are a number of cabins that are set up to serve as painting studios, meeting places, and kilns; the auditorium has great acoustics for musicians. There isn't a lot of bells and whistles, but that is what makes it perfect as a retreat!