Renew Your Body, Mind, and Spirit in Rural Wilkes County

“There’s something unique here that draws out the spiritual.” – Anna Garner
 

Renew Your Body, Mind, and Spirit in Rural Wilkes County

As you explore Wilkes County, North Carolina, you may be reminded of psalm 23: He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

Blessed by majestic mountains, lush valleys, sparkling streams, deep forests, and big sky, Wilkes exemplifies the beauty of creation. The inspiration people find here, however, runs deeper than scenery. “There’s something about the energy of the land that compelled me to stay. You feel it when you’re here. You want to exhale and rejuvenate in this place,” says Carrie Hamilton, a fifth-generation resident and homeopathic practitioner.

Wilkes has always attracted spiritual seekers. The earliest settlers worshiped in the wilderness; the county’s 300 churches are a testament to their faith.

Of all the faiths that found their way to Wilkes County, some say the Moravians were the most lasting influence. These early explorers were a religious group from what is now known as the Czech Republic. In aptly named Moravian Falls, they began a tradition of 24/7 intercessory prayer that lasted 100 years. Many people believe those continuous prayers infused the area with a holy grace.

Religious Sites and Retreats

Regardless of your quest – religious, spiritual or wellness, Wilkes County offers respite when you need to restore your body, mind, and spirit. Start your journey at Prayer Mountain in Moravian Falls, overlooking the Brushy Mountains.
People from across the country make pilgrimages here to experience what they believe is an angelic portal. Many claim to see angelic visions or visitations. Near the top of Prayer Mountain, Prophet’s Reward, a not-for-profit Christian ministry, owns a 17-acre property with a mountaintop prayer deck and hiking trail. Both are open to the public during daylight hours. For driving directions, complete the request form here.

Places like Prayer Mountain encourage us to slow down and connect with the God of our understanding. Even as the outside world rushes on, don’t rush to catch up. Contemplate your renewed connection at Hidden Hollow Retreat Cabin in Moravian Falls. With 85 acres of hiking trails and greenspace, it’s a lovely lodging option for a family or individual retreat, and a short drive from Wilkesboro.

Moravian Falls continues to draw religious followers as it has since the 1700s. The Morning Light Retreat Center is a heavenly mountain getaway with three rental houses that can accommodate up to 50 guests for retreats or conferences. Another local option, also nestled in the Brushy Mountains, is the spacious, scenic Apple Hill Lodge. It is available for Christian retreats hosting church groups of 10 to 50 people. Lee and Denise Boggs of Living Waters Ministry host their popular “Healing of the Heart” Christian retreats at Apple Hill Lodge and also at their retreat center in nearby Hiddenite, North Carolina.

With so many onsite amenities, you could call YMCA Camp Harrison a resort with a purpose. The camp invites you to “Get away, enjoy the beauty of nature, and grow closer to God.” Situated in the Brushy Mountains amid forests, streams, hiking and mountain biking trails, the lakeside retreat has everything needed for a rejuvenating retreat. The 2,000-acre property has 16 fully equipped cabins, a 7,000-square-foot dining hall, and 8,000-square-foot pavilion. Camp Harrison hosts family retreats, church, school, and corporate groups, as well as men-only and women-only gatherings. Design your own retreat, making use of the pool, extensive ropes course, canoes, kayaks, and sports fields, or allow the YMCA staff to create an itinerary.

As busy as you’ll be enjoying the activities, make time for a contemplative hike, quiet lake paddle or a peaceful pause to watch sunsets from the pavilion.

The little church on the top of the hill overlooking downtown Wilkesboro is St. Paul’s Episcopal, the county’s oldest religious structure. Visitors may tour the historic chapel and walk an outdoor labyrinth patterned after one in France’s Chartres Cathedral. These “quiet places of contemplation” are open to the public during daylight hours, says Bill Hurd, a church member and tour docent.

The church’s famed frescoes depict pivotal moments in the life of Paul and can be viewed on a self-guided tour, Monday-Friday, 8-4. “Paul was one of the first writers to document Jesus’ life. The frescoes depict his Road to Damascus experience, also known as Paul’s conversion, and his writing of the epistles,” Hurd says. On guided tours, Hurd shares the symbolism of the chapel’s stained-glass windows, along with other fascinating architectural and religious features. To schedule a docent-led church tour, call 336-667-4231.

Seeking Wellness in Wilkes

Whether you want to recharge your faith or fitness, you’ll find a way in Wilkes. Many visitors begin at Sky Retreat. Set against the beautiful backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Sky Retreat boasts inspiring panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Open year-round for wellness retreats or vacations, owners Dimi and Merin Sazinas offer stays that are energizing or relaxed – you decide. “We can put together a yoga retreat or wellness package. We have an onsite massage therapist, and offer yoga and meditation classes,” says Merin Sazinas, a fitness and dance instructor and certified Transcendental Meditation® teacher.

Sky Retreat’s trails lead to cozy cabins and waterfalls, and a 6,000-square-foot grand hall and veranda that frames breathtaking views. The hall can be rented out for weddings and other events; it features a fireplace and fully equipped kitchen.

To top it all off, you’ll feel on top of the world on a tandem flight with a certified paragliding instructor. “Paragliding is a wonderful way to see the Blue Ridge Mountains,” says Merin Sazinas. Merin and her husband are avid paragliders. Sky Retreat offers flights and lessons.

You may never want to leave this 30-acre haven, but should you want to explore, the Blue Ridge Parkway, ski slopes, river tubing, and restaurants are just minutes away.

Balance your active pursuits with quiet moments. Let nature nourish you on the forest bathing trail near Elkin, on the eastern side of Wilkes County. The trail honors the Japanese practice of Shinrin Yoko, immersing oneself in nature away from distractions. This 1.5-mile easy walk follows Grassy Creek and Klondike Lake, and is accessed from the Grassy Creek Vineyard Trail. Signs along the path point the way to a whitewater cascade called Carter Falls. Other signs encourage you to turn off your phone. Some serve as poetic reminders of the need to retreat: “I go into the woods to lose my mind and find my soul.”

Meanwhile, back in historic downtown Wilkesboro, you’ll discover a host of holistic healers. Begin your serene sojourn in a gentle Tai Chi class. Anita Cranston teaches this ancient Chinese practice at three locations around Wilkes County. She will even travel to your vacation rental to teach you tai chi, breathwork or yoga nidra. Anita Cranston, mindfulliving.anita.icloud.com or 817-933-0309.

Ready to relax those tight, painful muscles? “Angela Riedel is the most accomplished, intuitive massage therapist I’ve ever been to,” says Cranston, who has had massages around the country. Riedel, a registered nurse and licensed massage and bodywork therapist, specializes in deep tissue massage, Japanese shiatsu techniques, and hot stone therapy. The Wilkes County native draws on her nursing, massage, and level II CrossFit training to reduce pain, restore flexibility, and promote relaxation. Angela Riedel, Elevate Massage and Bodywork at 101 West Main Street, downtown Wilkesboro. 336-416-5938.

Another talented therapist, Anna Garner at Journey Well, can customize massages to include a hot herbal compress. “It’s similar to hot stone therapy, but with the aroma of herbs. I also serve organic tea upon request. I have enjoyed learning about the contemplative practice of tea drinking and hope to share it with customers.” Garner practices Thai massage and Healing Touch energy work. “I carry the principles of loving kindness throughout my work and life,” Garner says. She believes Wilkes County is the ideal place to practice her craft. “There’s something unique here that draws out the spiritual.”

Are you prepared to strike a pose? Certified yoga instructor Laurie Brintle-Jarvis teaches every Thursday night at the Wilkes Art Gallery in North Wilkesboro. Classes begin at 5:45. Drop-ins are welcome; register and pay here to attend. Laurie Brintle-Jarvis, 336-902-3733.

Where to stay:

In addition to Hidden Hollow Retreat Cabin and Apple Hill Lodge, Wilkes County has several centrally located lodging options with easy access to local attractions.

A peaceful haven in the heart of the Blue Ridge, Leatherwood Mountains Resort is the ideal place to unplug and reconnect with family, friends, or yourself.

By Nancy Moreland