Unique Amenities
Red Lights at Night
The night skies here are incredibly dark, with minimal light pollution from nearby urban areas, allowing you to see satellites and meteorites streaking across the vast expanse above.
To enhance your night vision, we use red lighting on our buildings and bridges.
We encourage you to bring binoculars or a telescope to explore the cosmos, where you’ll enjoy unobstructed, breathtaking views of the night sky.
Smokeless Firepits
Your private Relaxation Space features a smokeless fire pit—yes, truly smokeless!
These stoves burn 100% of the wood, leaving virtually no ash and no lingering smoke scent.
You’re welcome to bring your own wood or purchase buckets of wood on site.
Wildlife
As you enter this refreshing world of nature, you’ll encounter a rich variety of wildlife. Among the plants and trees, you’ll spot beautiful birds, buzzing honeybees collecting nectar, and colorful butterflies drifting from bloom to bloom, all playing their vital roles in pollination. Our 27 acres are home to deer, raccoons, squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits, foxes, woodchucks, mice, moles, and bats.
In addition, hawks, snakes, spiders, a curious bear, and even coyotes have been seen in the area. While you explore, keep in mind that ticks are present in any natural setting, so be sure to check yourself after your outings and back at home.
To preserve the natural habitat, we use no pesticides or herbicides. Feel free to bring your own bug spray if needed.
Our Retreat Animals, & Your Personal Pet
You’ll also meet our domesticated friends: PollyPop the Plott Hound, LillyPutian the Great Dane, and Moe, Larry, and Curly, our Zen Stooges goats. We encourage you to enjoy a Zen Stooges encounter—you’ll adore them! They’re funny, affectionate, and incredibly soft. Gaze into their marble-like eyes and let the calmness wash over you.
If you are bringing a dog, please ensure that your pet is on a leash, does not bark, and remains respectful of the other animals and guests. If your dog disturbs the peace, we’ll kindly ask you to leave without a refund.
For everyone’s safety and enjoyment, pit bulls, pit bull mixes, or aggressive dogs are not allowed. Read our Rules & Regulations.
Hummingbirds & Fireflies
Experience nature’s stunning firefly light show and mesmerizing hummingbird displays.
From March to early December, we let the area grow wild to support these wonders. Fireflies start flashing in late April, peaking around Memorial Day and lasting until late August.
Hummingbirds, with their incredible aerial feats, visit from mid-May to late October, with nectar feeders in each relaxation space for a close encounter.
2025 Celestial Celebration Dates
The full moonrise each month illuminates the Retreat like a giant, gentle spotlight. Use your telescope or binoculars to view the moon’s surface as if you were right there. Check the full moon calendar and reserve your spot.
Meteor Shower Dates for 2025:
- Lyrids: April 20–May 21
- Southern Delta: July 29–30
- Perseids: August 12–13
- Orinoids: October 22–23
- Southern Taurids: November 3–4
- Northern Taurids: November 8–9
- Leonids: November 16–17
- Geminids: December 1–21
- Ursids: December 16–26
- Quadrantids: December 26–January 6, 2026
Track & Trail
As part of your Rest and Relax experience, enjoy the third-mile oval track on the pasture side, where you can admire the wildflowers or take a refreshing brisk walk.
For a more invigorating challenge, hike half a mile up the ridge trail to the summit, where you can feel the breeze and immerse yourself in the soothing sounds of silence.
Outdoor Communal Cooking Areas
The outdoor communal cooking area is available for all guests to enjoy, offering a welcoming space to prepare your meals in the fresh air.
Equipped with a gas grill, a prep table, and a cold water sink, this area is designed to make cooking a breeze. You’ll also find a 6-foot picnic table where you can gather and savor your meal in good company. For your convenience, grill utensils, along with a few pots and pans, are provided.
We ask that you clean and return any items you use, ensuring that the space remains tidy and ready for the next guest to enjoy.
Whether you’re grilling up a feast or simply preparing a meal for yourself, this communal area offers a perfect setting to nourish your appetite, as well as your soul, in the beauty of nature.