Hidden Gems: What Makes Road Scholar Retreats Special
- Road Scholar’s retreat centers offer picturesque locations to learn in where connection is emphasized and simplicity is key.
- Retreat centers are rooted in nature, with settings including the Appalachian Mountains, Yosemite National Park and among redwood forests.
- Learning adventures in these centers include slower-paced activities, with insights into music, art, meditation and more.
- Active adventures are also an option, with hikes in places like the Appalachian Trail and Nantahala National Forest.
When you hear the word “retreat,” what comes to mind? Perhaps it conjures up thoughts of a place to get away from it all, or a low-key setting to learn something new while minimizing day-to-day travels. Our retreat centers check all these boxes and offer the chance to step away from the hustle and bustle and delve into new topics in natural settings.
Not only can you get off the beaten path and relax, but retreat centers are also hubs in their own right, with opportunities to explore some of America’s untouched natural spaces and iconic sites. From national parks to music history, center yourself in new discoveries and friendships with other Road Scholars in these rustic retreats that offer both active and easier-paced learning options. As an added bonus, retreat center adventures are often budget-friendly, focused on simple settings, locally sourced meals and community-centered activities.
Need some inspiration for your next adventure? Here are just a few of our Road Scholar retreat centers!
Learning Meets Mountain Views in North Carolina
North Carolina is home to two iconic retreat centers: Montreat Conference Center and the Hinton Center. Both are nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, with ample opportunities to explore lush, untouched natural settings. Montreat — a contraction of the words “Mountain and Retreat” — is an idyllic getaway to the quiet atmosphere of Appalachia. At Montreat, Road Scholars can enjoy a wide variety of learning adventures, including playing pickleball and programs operating at a relaxed pace that focus on literature, art and music. At the Hinton Center, lace up your hiking boots for an active experience in Nantahala National Forest, the largest national forest in the state and home to rocky ridges and dramatic waterfalls waiting to be explored. Not only will you appreciate the pristine beauty of the Appalachian Mountains, you’ll also spend your evenings engaging in their stories through Appalachian folklore.
Explore the Great Outdoors in Southwest Virginia
From biking to hiking to yoga and more, the Southwest Virginia 4-H Educational Center has it all when it comes to active learning. With connections to the Virginia Creeper Trail, the Barter Theatre (State Theatre of Virginia) and the Appalachian Trail, this is the perfect place to get on your feet and work your mind and your body. When you’re not on the trail, explore the nearby picturesque town of Abingdon and its expansive Historic District for a look into local life.
Redwoods, Rejuvenation and Relaxation in The Land of Medicine Buddha
If delving into health through cuisine, restorative traditions and art sounds like a dream, The Land of Medicine Buddha can make it your reality. This retreat center in a beautiful redwood forest in California offers Road Scholars a space to connect to their spiritual inner being through easy-going adventures. Cell service is limited, so although there is a phone for public use, it’s the perfect place to unplug and reconnect with yourself through health and wellness-focused activities like painting, cooking and meditation.
Center Yourself in Yosemite National Park
Located only 12 miles from the south entrance to Yosemite, the Episcopal Conference Center Oakhurst (ECCO) serves as an excellent home base for Road Scholars who want to experience this awe-inspiring national park. Learning adventures based at this retreat center include hiking programs, as well as more leisurely experiences in capturing the beauty of Yosemite through painting and photography. After a return from the park, this center offers continued exposure to nature — Road Scholars can enjoy acres of forest and even a potential mule deer sighting.
Yosemite National Park, CA
The Intersection of Art and Nature in California
California’s Carmel Valley has a history of notable residents including John Steinbeck, Ansel Adams and Michael Nesmith. But despite its famous figures, Carmel Valley retains its casual atmosphere, interspersed with lush vineyards and local art scenes. The Hidden Valley Institute, located in Carmel Valley, serves as a training center for young talents in music, theater, dance and opera, as well as an international hub for learning. Here, learn about the arts through relaxed looks at jazz, hit the trail in search of birds and wildlife or travel a brief distance to continue making new discoveries in Monterey.