About our Location, Wildacres

Wildacres Retreat is a non-profit retreat and conference center serving non-profit groups conducting educational or cultural programs on topics such as music, art, science, pottery, lapidary, interfaith, dialogue, quilting and creative writing.
At an elevation of 3,300 feet, Wildacres is situated on 1200 acres atop Pompey’s Knob, not too far from Mt. Mitchell and just off the Blue Ridge Parkway in Little Switzerland, North Carolina.

You'll not want to miss a chance to sit a enjoy the splendor of the stunning view of the valley from the patio below the main lodge. A big, beautiful auditorium often hosts musical groups, and impromptu concerts are a lovely bonus!

Studios are within walking distance of the lodge. Once you get on the mountain you can leave your car keys in your suitcase! There a several hiking trails around the retreat.

Learn more about Wildacres Retreat: https://wildacres.org/ 

Planning Your Transportation

• If traveling by air, the Charlotte and Asheville airports are the closest to Wildacres and there are car rental agencies available in those locations. There is no public transportation to Wildacres. Ground transportation options are listed on the airport websites: Asheville Airport and Charlotte Airport. 
• Attendees are responsible for making arrangements ahead of time with any ground transport services and for payment for such services. 
• Contact Gail Thayer at [email protected] if you would like assistance in coordinating transportation.

Lodging & Rooms

Lodging:

• Guests stay in the North Lodge and South Lodge

Check-in Information:

• Check-in: Monday, October 12th at 4:00 pm
• Check-out: Sunday, October 18th at 9:30 am

Room Details:

• All guest rooms are double occupancy because Wildacres makes its facilities available to other groups
• You may choose a roommate if you know someone who is coming otherwise we will assign one for you.
• Some years there are extra rooms available and we are able to offer single rooms. A single room upgrade costs an additional $375, to be paid when the room is confirmed and assigned. We will not know about the availability of singles until a week or two before the event.
• If you indicate that you want a single and some are available, you will be contacted by email and phone to complete your single room registration and pay the additional room charge. Indicating a preference for a single room on this form does not mean you are confirmed for a single room. 
• If you are only willing to attend if you have a single room you should wait to register until two weeks before check-in when we know single room availability. However, if you wait to register, you will take the chance that the class you want will be full.
• Guest rooms do not have televisions, phones, or alarm clocks.
• Guest rooms can accommodate at least two people with en suite bathroom facilities and stand-up showers.
• The rooms are basic and comfortable, and all have windows that open to outside views.
• Each room has a ceiling fan for cooling in the summer and a baseboard heater to keep our guests toasty in the early spring and late fall.
• Amenities per room include one double and one single bed or two twin beds, chairs, a vanity, and a nightstand with a reading lamp. Tissues, complimentary toiletries or hair dryers are not provided.
• Wireless internet service is available on a limited basis. Most cell phones work in the main area of the retreat although some areas have spotty service.

Meals & Food

• Three meals per day are included with your registration.
• All meals are served in the beautiful dining room.
• All meals are served family-style with a salad bar available at lunch and dinner.
• There is no pork or shellfish at the retreat, no MSG is use in any of our food.
• The kitchen staff can accommodate many dietary needs,including a vegetarian option. You may want to bring some things with you.
• The dinner bell rings a half hour before breakfast to wake guests, and 10 minutes before each mealtime:
  • Breakfast: 8:00 - 9:00 am
  • Lunch: 12:30 - 1:30 pm
  • Dinner: 6:00 pm
• Alcohol is not available for sale at Wildacres. Guests are permitted to bring their own. Several nearby stores sell beer and wine, and there are ABC (liquor) stores in Spruce Pine and Marion.
• Wildacres store carries snack and soda options in our vending machine, and we stock ice cream treats as well. 

Pet Policy

• Guests and Residents are not permitted to bring pets.
• Trained service dogs are welcome at Wildacres Retreat with prior notice and documentation. Please let us know if you need to bring a trained service dog.

Looking for something else?

We're here for you! Reach out to our team at [email protected].