Ten beautiful women attended the Contemplative Living Retreat led by Lindy Cutshall. They escaped the chaos of their routine and took time to reflect, pray, practice solitude and spend time with God’s beauty in nature. They shared their experiences in… Continue reading
Winter Sunrises at Thistledown
The skies at Thistledown change with the seasons. As the trees lose their leaves, the view of the sunrise becomes more open. The skies are ever changing but always beautiful! Sitting by the fire or on the deck, watching the… Continue reading
Early October Snow makes for a Wonderful Retreat!!
Hurricane Sandy brought with it high winds and 17 inches of snow to Thistledown. The leaves had not all fallen to the ground and those on the ground had not yet turned brown. It was a beautiful scene that encouraged… Continue reading
A Walk in the Woods on the Trails at Thistledown
The woods are full of beauty and remind us of the cycle of nature as the leaves turn colors! The trails around Thistledown provide an easy peaceful way to be in nature! Come join us!
Women’s Group comes to Thistledown for Fall Getaway
It is always fun to have former students bring friends to Thistledown. Laura had stayed at Thistledown by herself for a quiet retreat earlier in the summer and then brought her friends back with her for a more lively time.… Continue reading
Apple Butter Festival 2012
What a wonderful time we had making apple butter this year. Family and friends rallied to get the apples ready and we ended up with so many apples that we were able to make two runs of butter. Stan and… Continue reading
Saturday Sept. 22 – Apple Butter Festival
Come and enjoy live music and great food at the 2nd annual Apple Butter Festival! Continue reading
Friends visit Thistledown
We loved having Judy and Perry Owen come visit Thistledown. These beautiful friends have been such an important part of our lives. Judy sent us a gift as a reminder of the day! She is an amazing photographer. Check out… Continue reading
Nancy Watkins
We all need nurturing and renewal – life can be challenging. In Thistledown, Sara and Tom Masters have created an oasis for the spirit – not only because it resides in a beautiful setting, but because of the generous hearts… Continue reading
Jennifer & Dustin Taylor
We recently celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary at Thistledown. Being on Yellow Mt. was a perfect escape from our hectic lives and we left rejuvenated by the peace and relaxation, as well as Tom and Sara’s great food and hospitality.… Continue reading
Mary Segars
My four days at Thistledown were some of the most fun and restful I’ve had in quite a while. Sara and Tom were magnificient hosts—very welcoming and supporting—and the food and lodging couldn’t be better! I taught a painting workshop… Continue reading
John and Erin Anderson
We spent our 44th wedding anniversary attending an Oil Painting Worshop at Thistledown, and it was magical!
The classes were fun and first rate, the meals and accommodations superb, and the overall ambiance made the experience extraordinary. On days the… Continue reading
Witt Langstaff- Kingsport, Tennessee
During the earlier years of my life , I always enjoyed drawing and painting, but for many years now (I’m 85years old!) I haven’t found time to do this. Recently my family gave me the gift of a four day… Continue reading
sheri mcauliffe
Just finished taking the oil painting class at Thistledown!!! Wow, what an awesome time-our instructor, Mary Segars, was the best…..she was most patient and kind with the six “beginners” in this class. Each day started with an over the top… Continue reading
Ceili Celebration at Thistledown
Check out the blog post from Live Studios of the Ceili at Thistledown. We had such a wonderful time celebration Tommy and Caitlen and getting the families and friends together!!
Oil Painting Class makes the News!!!
One of our “campers” in Mary Segars Oil Painting Class gets an article published about the experience. Read about it at http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2012/07/20/3390150/paint-camp-creates-lasting-memories.html
Paint Camp creates lasting memories
Atmosphere at Thistledown retreat is right for learning
By John Anderson
All over… Continue reading
Oil Painting Class with Mary Segars huge success at Thistledown!
It was a wonderful 4 days filled with painting! Mary’s calm, warm spirit allowed the students to blossom and quickly develop unknown talents.The students enjoyed the intimate class setting where they received extra attention and instruction and where they found… Continue reading
Come getaway and renew your spirit in the cool mountain air and beautiful skies!
Beautiful June Mornings!
- Hummingbirds arrive at Thistledown!
Avery County Events
With the highest county seat in North Carolina (Newland,elv. 3,589 ft.) and the highest incorporated town east of the Rockies (Beech Mountain, elv. 5,506 ft.), Avery County is the place to come to clear your head,… Continue reading
