September 29-October 3, 2008 at Wildacres Retreat Little Switzerland, NC on the Blue Ridge Parkway

Featuring Rounder Recording Artist Carrie Newcomer as Instructor and Performer

Wildacres is a true retreat, undisturbed by through traffic. The buildings sit atop a mountain called Pompey's Knob at an elevation of 3,300 feet. The property itself is 1,600 acres adjacent to the Blue Ridge Parkway surrounded by thousands of acres of the Pisgah National Forest.

Wildacres is not a holiday resort and does not cater to the traveling public. Among the many groups using the facilities are music and art master classes, religious and interfaith groups, mineral and lapidary societies, medical, social science, natural sciences, academic, environmental and senior citizen groups. All groups must be non-profit and have planned educational programs.

Wildacres' buildings are modern yet rustic. Guests stay in two lodges which have 57 bedrooms. Each room has a private bathroom and accommodates two guests. There are no televisions or telephones in the rooms. Linens are supplied. The nearest village is Little Switzerland, North Carolina -- about halfway between Asheville and Blowing Rock.

Three family-style meals with vegetarian options are served each day in the dining room. For Solatido, we'll have use of the 165-seat auditorium with its grand piano, stage lighting, and spectacular daytime view of the surrounding mountains. Small groups can meet in various classrooms in the Lodge and in the reference library adjacent to the auditorium.

Wildacres is near the 75-year-old Penland School of Crafts and Mount Mitchell, the highest peak east of the Mississippi. Many craftspersons have studios nearby. See www.wildacres.org