RETREAT CENTER FACILITIES
The Retreat Center includes the facilities described below and is available for lease to groups of any size for public or private events. Come soak in the scenic beauty, enjoy the natural serenity, be inspired by the simplicity of Nature...
While at the farm, visitors can experience a small family-owned farm operation and its daily practices as it changes from season to season (more about farm tours). We hope that by observing small-scale, sustainable food production and tasting fresh food people can reconnect with the earth, appreciate where their food comes from and learn why we must support our local farmers. (see a map of the facilities)
Farmhouse: Built in 1917 and renovated in 1990 and 2005, the two story house includes a large demonstration kitchen and comfortable meeting room which can hold up to 40 people for workshops, business meetings or retreats. An open deck and backyard add more space during warm weather. The kitchen is also available to caterers for any events on the farm, and three bedrooms upstairs offer seven single beds and a shared bath for overnight guests.
Pavilion: This open-sided 40x60 building can hold up to 200 people for a seated dinner or even more without tables. It overlooks the garden and woods surrounding what we call the “back field”. The setting is secluded yet easily accessible by vehicles. The “Inspiration Stage” sits at one end; electricity is available and a water hydrant is nearby. Canvas tent sides can be hung for a little extra warmth and windblock on cool or windy days. Also located near the pavilion is a children’s playground, a flat area suitable for games, and a bonfire site.
General Store: The hand-built cedarwood store is the place to find some of our farm products and items from other local farms, plus snacks, drinks, ice and camping supplies. It is only open for large events, but the freezer and fridge in the store are available for use for smaller events as it is conveniently located near the Pavilion.
Stages: The Terrapin Stage is a full-size stage (25x30) with unlimited seating capacity on the “Terrapin Hill”. It was designed and hand-crafted by Pete and friends in 1997 with cedar logs harvested from the farm, and has since hosted many local and nationally-known music acts. The gravel arena it sits on can also serve as a parking area for events held at the Pavilion. The smaller Chapel Stage is in a beautiful, intimate setting surrounded by woods. The gently sloping field provides an excellent view of the stage and even includes a bonfire site.
Showerhouse: The showerhouse brings an added dimension of camping comfort for Terrapin visitors! Each separate area for men and women has 3 shower stalls and 2 sinks with unlimited hot water. Drinkable water is also available at a hydrant nearby.
Gardens and Greenhouse: A walking tour of the greenhouse, gardens, and animal pens is an excellent way to get a feel for how food is produced on a small scale in a sustainable manner. Tours can be customized to the group and focus on your interests. Catered meals will always include food that is raised here on the farm.
Camping: We always encourage camping out at the farm, especially for multiple-day events or for those truly wanting to “get back to nature”. The 400-acre farm offers unlimited camping sites, but we have a few recommendations depending on the size of the group and how near you want to be to other facilities. Bring your own tents, or rent our 20' yurt-dome (sleeps up to 4) or our 24' teepee (sleeps up to 8-10 adults, depending on how cozy you want to be).
Labyrinth: Our walking meditation labyrinth is based on the one in the Chartres Cathedral in France which was made around 1220 and was used by the early Christians for prayer.The labyrinth is not a maze, it has a single circuitous path that winds into the center. The person walking it uses the same path to return and the entrance then becomes the exit. Generally there are three stages to the walk: releasing on the way in, receiving in the center, and taking back out into the world that which you have received.
Natural Resources: The farm has a beautiful and varied natural topography that we encourage visitors to take advantage of. Over a mile of the Chaplin River flows through the farm and is navigable by canoe at most times of the year. At least half of the farm is covered in hardwoods with numerous hiking trails. Fishing is allowed in the pond and river, but swimming is at your own risk. Hay rides down the river valley are a great way for groups to experience parts of the 400-acre farm they might not otherwise see.