Step away for a day and immerse yourself in a time and place like no other.

Join us as we bring together the beautiful things that sustain us on our journeys:

Art, Music, Poetry, Nature, Quiet Contemplation, Edifying Conversations, Uplifting Resources, and Convivial Gatherings.

SPACE IS LIMITED

Maybe you feel tapped out.
World-weary.
Even a bit jaded.
Wondering, what now?

Gathering Beauty is a one-day, small group retreat designed to restore and awaken the beauty within us and around us as we live through change, loss, and times of uncertainty.

Come away for a day to an art-filled mountain retreat surrounded by stunning gardens. Experience hospitality that heals. Color that enlivens. Content that engages. Natural wonders that inspire and uplift.

YOU CAN LOOK FORWARD TO:

  • Reflective writing

  • Guided garden walks

  • Centering rituals

  • Creative exercises

  • Uplifting music

  • Time to Wonder & Wander

With a combination of time together, time alone, and time with nature, here you will find lovely and nurturing ways to replenish your well, rekindle your creative spark, and reawaken your sense of wonder and connection.

LIKE A SPA day for your soul,
you deserve this.

If you’re ready for a more beautiful way to walk through this life, this day of renewal is for you.

what’s
included?

YOUR RETREAT PACKAGE INCLUDES:

CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST
morning bakes, fruit, local coffee, assorted teas

LUNCHEON
artisan salad with fresh vegetables and grilled chicken

KEEPSAKE NOTEBOOK
including retreat program, journaling pages, and reflective readings

ART SUPPLIES
materials for creating a personal meditation icon

HOME | ART | GARDEN
WANDERINGS
including a guided garden pilgrimage

LIVE MUSIC
acoustic guitar with our singer-songwriter

CLOSING RECEPTION
champagne, sparkling water, hors d'oeuvres

$250
Early Bird Discount 20% off


early bird registration opens on March 5th

meet your guides

  • Karen Lee Turner, Ed.D.

    FACILITATOR

    An artist and educator, Karen Lee designs learning experiences where poetry is prayer, color is celebrated, beauty is sacred, wonder is welcome—and so are you. She is the author of EACH DAY AS IT COMES: Morning & Evening Meditations for Living Through Change.

  • Mignon Durham

    HOST

    Author of DEVOTION: Diary of an Appalachian Garden, Mignon is a self-taught gardener and native North Carolinian. Her infectious passion for collecting art and plants is a testimonial to her love for Appalachia. She is graciously hosting us in her art-filled home and gardens.

  • Matt Steinhauer

    MUSICIAN

    Matt has been playing guitar and wrangling with words for most of his life. His original songs are formed by real-life encounters in ordinary and extraordinary places. He is an ordained pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

we'd love for you to join us!

GOOD TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO *

GOOD TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO *

ACCOMODATIONS

This is a one-day, non-residential retreat, allowing you to choose your own accommodations. There are plenty of great options nearby!

THE VENUE: DEVOTION

We will be gathering at a private, art-filled, LEED certified home surrounded by formal gardens and extensive native woodland gardens. A magical place.

WHAT TO BRING

Mountain weather can be changeable. Plan to bring layers, rain gear, and a walking stick. Please wear comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes. A notebook, pens, and other materials will be provided. Bring any other personal items that you need—including a water bottle.

FOOD

A continental breakfast, healthy lunch, and closing reception with hors d'oeuvres will be offered along with coffee, tea, sparkling water.

ASHEVILLE

While many places are open for business, Asheville is still recovering from hurricane Helene. Please support local businesses while you’re visiting. They will appreciate your kindness and generosity of spirit.

YOU & THE GROUP

Space is limited, so this is an intimate setting. There will be both quiet time for contemplation and time for interacting with others during the day. We will be offering a supportive and nurturing environment, minimizing distractions, making this time apart a welcoming day of renewal.

 FAQs

  • The retreat house and gardens are located in the mountains of Western North Carolina about 10 miles from downtown Asheville. After you book your reservation, you will receive specific directions to the retreat site.

  • The retreat date is Saturday, June 7th, 2025. We will begin with a continental breakfast at 8:30 am. Our time together will conclude at 5:00 pm. We value starting and ending on time—ensuring that everyone has an optimal experience.

  • Not at all. You will have the opportunity and guidance to create a personalized meditation icon that you can take with you. Simple materials. Beautiful results.

  • The Garden Pilgrimage is about an hour-long walk through the woodland gardens. With lovely stopping points along the way. While there are handrails, some parts of the walk can be rocky. Sturdy shoes and a walking stick are essential. We will also have outdoor alternatives for you if walking the garden path doesn’t seem like a good option for you on the day of the retreat.

  • Because of space limitations, this will be a “small-ish” group retreat.

  • Payment in full is required at booking. Bookings are non-refundable. Please read the Terms & Conditions on the payment page. When you make your reservation, you must check that you have read, understand, and accept the terms and conditions for registering for this retreat.

  • Early Bird registration begins March 5th — April 18th. For this limited time, you can receive a 20% discount on the regular enrollment fee of $250. A $50 savings!

Perhaps the secret of living well is not in having all the answers but in pursuing unanswerable questions in good company.

— Rachel Naomi Remen—