Courtesy The Cove
Billy Graham Training Center at the Cove
[ Asheville, North Carolina ]
When Billy and Ruth Graham began to plan for the Cove, they each had four things they wanted from the center. Billy Graham wanted it to focus on the four I’s: impact, intercession, instruction and insperation. Ruth Graham wanted it to focus on four R’s: retreat, rest, relaxation and renewal.
Twenty-five years later, the vision they both had for the center remains intact.
“The Cove is a place of such solitude,” said Jill Gottenstrater, promotions manager at the Cove. “Time and again, we hear in testimonials from people that from the moment they come in the gates, they can feel the spirit of God. Lots of transformation takes place for people here.”
Sitting on 1,200 acres in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Asheville, the Cove is a beautiful refuge for individuals and groups to learn, be still and renew their spirits. The Grahams also wanted the training center to feel like visiting their home, only on a larger scale. As a result, the buildings are cozy and homey, regardless of their size.
There are meeting spaces that accommodate four people up to an auditorium that seats 460. There are two inns on the property, one with 70 rooms and six suites, and the other with 60 rooms, so there are many options for accommodations.
Since the Grahams wanted the Cove guests to feel welcome as they would in the Grahams’ own home, it is no wonder that they take pride in providing a high-quality culinary experience for groups. Gottenstrater says the meals are anything but ordinary retreat fare; chefs prepare fresh all-you-can-eat buffet-style meals daily that are a favorite of many visiting groups.
The Cove brings in speakers for programmed events, including leadership events for pastors, women’s events, and intensive five-day Bible training sessions for lay people or pastors, as well as concerts year-round. The Cove also plays host to any size church groups and individuals who seek a media-free environment to fellowship with God. The Visitors Center Chapel is open for visitors to pray, and volunteers provide tours.
Sandy Hill Camp and Retreat Center
[ North East, Maryland ]
Overlooking the Chesapeake Bay on 211 acres in Maryland, Sandy Hill Camp and Retreat Center is equal parts beautiful, relaxing and exhilarating.
“The overlook on the water is just breathtaking. It’s a classic camp feel that gets folks out of the normal routine and surroundings and gets them closer to God’s creation,” said Greg Joseph, executive director at Sandy Hill Camp and Retreat Center.
During the summer, Sandy Hill is a summer camp for children in second through 10th grades who enjoy the recreational activities, which include canoeing, a ropes course and other group sports. While the camp is not overtly Christian and welcomes campers of all religions and backgrounds, it does offer weekly optional activities that give campers an opportunity to learn more about Christianity.
The rest of the year, Sandy Hill is a retreat center for groups of all types of 75 to 600 people. Groups provide their own programming, and Sandy Hill provides meals, housing, meeting rooms and recreational opportunities geared toward fellowship and bringing groups closer together.
“We take care of the details so you won’t have to worry about food or where folks are staying and can focus on enjoying the surroundings and on the content of the retreat,” said Joseph.
