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A wide view of Lake Susan at Montreat, North Carolina, with stone buildings nestled against a tree-covered mountain under a partly cloudy sky.
North Carolina

Pickleball at Montreat

Program No. 23769RJ
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Itinerary
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. Read More.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
6 days
5 nights
What's Included
14 meals ( 5B, 4L, 5D )
12 expert-led lectures
11 hands-on experiences
3 performances
An experienced Group Leader
5 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
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Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 4:00 p.m. Pull up to the Assembly Inn porch to unload, then park your vehicle in any designated spot close by the Inn or by the lake.
Afternoon:
You will share the Assembly Inn this week with other Road Scholar programs. Assembly Inn check-in 3:00-5:30 p.m. Pull up to the Assembly Inn porch to unload, then park your vehicle in any designated spot close to the Inn or by the lake and check in. We will be playing pickleball this week at the beautiful Creekside Sports Club. Visit www.creeksidesportsclub.com for more info. Program Registration. After you check in and have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table to register with the program staff and get your welcome packet containing the up-to-date schedule that reflects any changes, other important information, and to confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please ask for your packet when you check in. Feel free to relax in your room, meet and enjoy fellowship with other participants in the beautiful lobby, or stretch your legs with a walk around the campus before dinner.
Dinner:
In the Assembly Inn dining room, we'll enjoy a buffet with choice of two entrées, vegetables, a complete salad bar, bread, and desserts; milk, coffee, tea, water available.
Evening:
Orientation: 7:00 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. After orientation, you'll join your pickleball Road Scholar group for fun icebreaker activities and light refreshments in the lobby. Spend the evening getting to know fellow participants through card and board games, or simply relax and catch up on the news with the lobby television. This is a Road Scholar Retreats program. Our programming at Retreat locations includes opportunities for light morning exercise, interaction with members of the local community, a farm-to-table meal, and evening entertainment. If you cannot stay through lunch at the end of the program, boxed lunches will be available; please make your request for one by the evening of Day Five. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Activity Note
Boarding vans for two trips to Creekside Sports Club (in the morning and in the afternoon), r/t time is approx. 15 minutes; 3 hours of instruction and play for the morning, 1.5 hours of play in the afternoon. Extent and duration of elective afternoon walking dependent on personal preference.
Breakfast:
In the dining room, we'll pick from a plentiful buffet of breakfast favorites. Items change daily, but may include biscuits and gravy, French toast, pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, grits, hash browns, fresh oatmeal, among others. Permanent options include fresh fruit, cereal, yogurt, granola, baked pastries, juices, coffee, tea, water.
Morning:
Get ready for an exciting week filled with movement, laughter, and serious pickleball progress! We'll board our 15-passenger vans for our quick trip into Black Mountain to Creekside Sports Club. We’ll kick things off with dynamic pickleball-specific stretches to warm up the body and prepare for play. From there, we'll conduct a brief evaluation to group players by skill level to form balanced, supportive groups. We’ll then dive into the essentials—learning key terminology, understanding court positioning, refining grip techniques, and building a strong ready position. We'll be breaking down fundamental concepts like the first shot, while participating in dynamic warm-ups and drills designed to build confidence and improve performance for all levels. A refreshment break, at our play location, will keep us energized as we shift focus to the second shot. Our pros will guide you through technique-focused drills and provide personalized feedback to improve consistency and control. What fun! A refreshment break (at our play location) will keep us going!
Lunch:
We will return to the Inn for lunch in the dining room, where we'll select from a buffet of meats, vegetables, starches, homemade soup, a full salad bar, and desserts; beverage choices of milk, regular and decaf coffee, iced tea, water.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we’ll board the vans and return to Creekside to dive back into the action. We’ll begin with dynamic stretches to get warm and ready, followed by a quick recap of the morning skills and strategies. Transitioning into free play— we'll give you the opportunity to put your new skills into play, partnering with a Pro, with real-time coaching and feedback. After our time on the courts, we'll return to Montreat. A guided scenic walk around charming Montreat is offered. For those interested in a bit of local culture, this is an opportunity to hear fascinating stories about Montreat’s rich history, notable buildings, and the people who helped shape this unique mountain community.
Dinner:
In the dining room.
Evening:
Our evening program will feature a local band, Sourwood Ridge After the performance, the rest of the evening is at leisure, with activities available in the lobby of the Inn for fellowship.
Activity Note
Boarding vans for two trips to Creekside Sports Club (in the morning and in the afternoon), r/t time is approx. 15 minutes; 3 hours of instruction and play for the morning, 1.5 hours of play in the afternoon.
Breakfast:
In the dining room.
Morning:
fter breakfast, we’ll board the vans and return to Creekside Sports Club, ready for another high-energy session on the courts. We’ll begin with pickleball-specific stretches to warm up the body, improve mobility, and prepare for a strong day of play. We’ll begin with a brief warm up to get everyone back into rhythm. Once we’re all caught up, we’ll introduce the third shot strategy—one of the most essential skills for gaining control of the point and transitioning effectively to the kitchen line. Players will focus on split step timing and footwork, building a strong foundation before progressing into third shot drops. Through guided drills, we’ll develop consistency and control in these key movements. After a refreshment break, at our play location, we’ll put third shot drops into live-play scenarios. We’ll wrap up the morning with play alongside a Pro, followed by a brief recap to reinforce key takeaways.
Lunch:
We will return to the Inn for lunch in the Assembly Inn dining room.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we’ll board the vans and return to Creekside Sports Club for the afternoon session. We’ll begin with our pickleball-specific stretches. This session will focus on court communication—an essential part of successful doubles play. Through guided drills, players will work on calling shots, court awareness, and moving effectively with their partner. We’ll then incorporate these communication skills into our third shot development, blending strategy with teamwork in live drills. Wrapping up the session with gameplay, giving you the opportunity to put everything together in real-time.
Dinner:
In the dining room.
Evening:
Our evening activity may consist of a dance, concert, or a visit from a storyteller. Afterwards, we'll have games, cards, and a TV available in the lobby.
Activity Note
Boarding vans for one trip to Creekside Sports Club (in the morning), r/t time is approx. 15 minutes; 3 hours of instruction and play for the morning.
Breakfast:
In the dining room.
Morning:
fter breakfast, we'll board the vans for our return to Creekside Sports Club! We will begin with our stretches and breathing techniques. We’ll ease into the session by warming up our first, second, and third shots, continuing our rhythm. From there, we’ll explore the art of the dink—learning how to use soft, controlled shots to outmaneuver opponents and keep advantage at the kitchen line. Through focused drills, we will develop touch, consistency, and control, including tethering exercises. We’ll also incorporate mini games to reinforce these skills in a fun, competitive setting. We’ll finish the session with open play, giving you the opportunity to apply everything you’ve learned in real time, with our pros on hand to offer tips and feedback.
Lunch:
In the dining room.
Afternoon:
Free time. This period of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Please note that the period scheduled for free time is subject to change depending on local circumstances and opportunities for independent exploration.
Dinner:
In the dining room, we'll sit down for a delicious farm-to-table meal from a number of local area sources.
Evening:
Free evening for relaxing or we invite you to join in on some of the other classes in session. Cards, puzzles, and board games are available in the lobby of the Inn for more fellowship and enjoyment.
Activity Note
Boarding vans for two trips to Creekside Sports Club (in the morning and in the afternoon), r/t time is approx. 15 minutes; 3 hours of instruction and play for the morning, 1.5 hours of play in the afternoon.
Breakfast:
In the dining room.
Morning:
After breakfast, we’ll board the vans and return to Creekside Sports Club. We’ll start with pickleball-specific stretches, paired with mindset tips to help you stay focused, confident, and ready to perform on the court. We’ll kick off with a mini game to get into rhythm and set the tone for the session. Next, we'll take to the skies—literally—as we focus on two high-impact shots: the lob and the overhead. You’ll learn when and why to use offensive or defensive lobs, how to read your opponent’s positioning, and how to control placement and depth. Then, we’ll flip the script and work on overheads—developing proper footwork, timing, and technique so you can confidently put the ball away. Through targeted drills and live-ball scenarios, you’ll sharpen your instincts, improve decision-making, and elevate your game—pun intended. To finish the morning, we’ll play live games to apply your newly learned skills in a fun, competitive format while receiving real-time feedback from our pros.
Lunch:
We'll return to the Inn for lunch In the dining room.
Afternoon:
Our final trip back to Creekside! We'll focus on drills designed for blocking and resets—essential skills for controlling the pace of the game and keeping opponents on their toes. You’ll work on improving reaction time, hand-eye coordination, and precision, while learning how to respond effectively in fast-paced situations. You'll then have a choice of gameplay options, drills, or specific technique strategies, each led by different pros.
Dinner:
In the dining room. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
We’ll gather for a last evening together as we welcome Bobbie Pell, the Moonstone Ministrel. She will entertain us with stories and songs. After, there is an opportunity for games/cards/TV in lobby for fellowship. Prepare for check-out and departure.
Activity Note
Hotel check-out 10:00 a.m.
Breakfast:
In the dining room.
Morning:
Our week will wrap up with a Q&A session with one of the pickleball pros! This is an opportunity to refresh ourselves on specific points of play or situations you may have encountered during the week. We’ll all leave for home with a new set of skills and new friends! Our program will conclude by 10:15 a.m., and check out of the Inn is required by 10:00 a.m.
Afternoon:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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