7:00am – 7:30am: Breakfast at the hotel
7:30am – 11:30am: Daily inspirational sessions drawn from the work of Brené Brown, Parker Palmer and other thought leaders in burnout prevention and resilience
11:30am – 3:00pm: Hiking, sightseeing and exploring beautiful NC locations
3:00pm – 5:00pm: More breathtaking adventures, personal reflection or relaxation time
5:30 pm – 7:30pm: Group Dinner
8:00pm – 9:30pm: Social hour, hot tub, fire pit, pool
We use diverse techniques to help cultivate joy, meaning, and purpose, including lectures, journaling, daily group reflections, and quiet personal reflection. We also use our experiences and the paths we hike as daily metaphors to develop gratitude, hope, awe, and joy.
DAILY ITINERARY
Day 1 (April 13)
As you arrive in Asheville the day before our retreat starts, you can take in local arts and culture, explore the outdoors, indulge in a unique dining scene, or just sit by the pool and relax. Plan to arrive at anytime this day. The retreat will begin at 7:30 am the next morning.
Tonight we are staying at the Element, Asheville.
Day 2
Morning educational sessions are a deep dive into gratitude, relationships and mindset. This afternoon we will explore the timeless allure of the Biltmore estate. Discover America’s Largest Home, surrounded by 8,000 acres of meticulously landscaped gardens and grounds, offering a wealth of outdoor activities. Delight in exceptional wine and cuisine, and wander along our extensive network of nature trails. Biltmore’s lush gardens, including Frederick Law Olmsted’s masterpieces like the Walled Garden and Italian Garden, showcase nature at its most breathtaking. Come and experience a destination where each day invites you to create unforgettable memories amidst stunning landscapes and historic grandeur.
Tonight we are staying at the Element, Asheville. Breakfast included.
Day 3
Morning educational sessions will be on creating space in our busy life – how to get clear on our values and set boundaries and allow for a new story of meaning and purpose to arise. The North Carolina Arboretum is our destination this afternoon. The expansive 434-acre public garden features meticulously curated gardens and a renowned bonsai collection – one of the most exceptional in the United States. A leisurely stroll through these gardens offers a serene opportunity to reconnect with nature. The Arboretum is surrounded by lush forested coves and tranquil creeks in the biodiverse Southern Appalachian Mountains, creating a truly picturesque natural setting. Established in 1986 as part of the University of North Carolina System, the Arboretum’s roots trace back to the vision of Frederick Law Olmsted, the visionary behind Biltmore Estate, who initially conceived of a research arboretum as part of his enduring legacy and design.
Tonight we are staying at the Element, Asheville. Breakfast included
Day 4
Morning educational sessions will focus on perfectionism, grief and forgiveness. We will then travel to Cherokee, NC and after checking into our hotel, we will take a short hike to see the stunning Mingo Falls. Then we will have a chance to visit the Great Smokey Mountains Visitor Center to learn more about this incredible area and maybe pick up a souvenir. We will end the afternoon with a beautiful 5 mile Riverwalk hike into town and meet for dinner. Tonight we are staying at the Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort. Breakfast included.
Day 5
Morning educational sessions will use clearness committees to focus on how to create the life you desire. After an impactful morning, we will have the amazing opportunity to hike Clingmans Dome and the Appalachian Trail. Standing at an elevation of 6,643 feet, Clingmans Dome reigns as the highest peak in the Smoky Mountains and ranks third among peaks east of the Mississippi River. A brisk half-mile ascent leads to the 54-foot observation tower, offering panoramic 360-degree vistas of the surrounding park. The sight of sunrises and sunsets from this vantage point is truly spectacular. Notably, the Appalachian Trail traverses Clingmans Dome, marking its pinnacle along the 2,144-mile journey through the Appalachian Mountains.
Tonight we are staying at the Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort. Breakfast included.
Day 6
Morning educational sessions will focus on transitions and refining your vision for a more meaningful, purposeful, and joyful life. This afternoon, we’ll head to the Deep Creek area, located west of Cherokee, known for its streams and waterfalls. We’ll choose from a variety of loop trails through lush forests to reach invigorating cascades. Next, we will hike the Road to Nowhere. In the 1930s and 1940s, Swain County ceded much of its land to the Federal Government for the creation of Fontana Lake and the national park. This submerged many small communities, displacing residents. The federal government pledged a replacement road to provide access to family cemeteries left behind. However, construction encountered environmental challenges, leading to its premature cessation after reaching a tunnel about six miles into the park, thus earning its nickname “The Road to Nowhere.” This afternoon we will have a free afternoon in Bryson City to shop and sightsee.
Tonight we are staying at the Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort. Breakfast included.
Day 7
We will be back to the Asheville airport by noon.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
CANCELLATION DETAILS
PLEASE NOTE
This itinerary may change slightly due to accommodation availability, rain, festivals and spontaneous side trips. This is not an endurance race, nor a competition. Please be respectful of all the different paces and walks of life that come together on this group trip.
CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS
This experience is powered by CMEfy – discover unlimited opportunities to capture reflections at the point of inspiration, point of care to unlock continuing education credits via ReflectCE– an accredited activity portal designed for busy Dentists, Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, Pharmacists, Physician Associates, Physicians and other members of the healthcare team.
Reflections based on retreat content can be eligible for up to 25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits. Learn more about CME/CEU credits for healthcare specialties here.
Price Information:
https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/avlel-element-asheville-downtown/overview/?scid=f2ae0541-1279-4f24-b197-a979c79310b0
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