It's a wonder and a testament to the Diocese that they've kept Shrine Mont so authentic, right down to the slamming screen doors. Even though they must maintain a bottom line they never turned into heartless businessmen, much like the physical plant never turned into a sterile code-pleaser. The same families have been running the place for a hundred years in some form and there really is a family atmosphere, from the personalities you get to know and respect very quickly to the homestyle (delicious) food and trademark apple butter. Good on them for realizing you don't need Hilton amenities to come and be away - in fact, I think if you come here, that's what you're trying to get away from. A time capsule in an organic way that must be protected and loved. read more

Part spiritual retreat, part resort, part life-declutterer. Unlike other Episcopal Diocese's, The cathedral for the Diocese of Virginia is an outdoor space: "The Cathedral Shrine of the Transfiguration". You can book a room individually at Shrine Mont, but the way most people come here is through spiritual workshops, or camps, or Parish retreats. You will get a room with electric heat and a window fan but no a/c. You may get a private bath or a two bedroom shared bath. Included with the room is breakfast, lunch and dinner, served, depending on the dining room, buffet style or family style. There are basketball courts, tennis courts, shuffleboard, swimming pool and hiking trails. One trail goes to the Shrine at the top of the mountain, and you may do the Stations of the Cross while you hike it. There is also a spiritual labyrinth. The Virginia House, the largest building on the property, has slow WiFi and a library with many comfortable old chairs and sofas, to sit and read. It also has a nice gift shop. I will say that some parishes come to Shrine Mont with a very active agenda, and have many workshops throughout their stay; not my church. We come up here to deee-comm-presss, and do a whole lot of nothin' while we do it. We also have been known to share a bottle or two. We do end the weekend with a Eucharist service in the Cathedral Shrine, though. read more

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In 9th grade my high school packed us onto school buses and drove us to Shrine Mont for two days of team-building. We hiked, we slept in cabins, we sang "Kumbaya" around a campfire. You just do these things in prep school. Four years later, my high school packed us seniors back onto school buses for a full-circle, this-end-is-a-new-beginning experience back at Shrine Mont. We hiked, we slept in cabins, we sneaked out so we could-- never mind. You just do these things in prep school. Thirteen years later husband and I returned to witness one of my best friends from said prep school get married in the outdoor shrine here and dance the afternoon away in the basketball pavilion for her reception. Point is: this place is Kellerman's. It's beautifully situated west of the Blue Ridge with idyllic views and a pastoral setting. You can plan a corporate retreat here, bring your family for a weekend, have your family reunion, or send your kids away to St. George's Summer Camp. Swim, horseback ride, play volleyball, rent a bunch of rustic cabins, stay in the beautiful Virginia House hotel, shoot some hoops, play horseshoes, hike your heart out, dine on down-home food. Just don't expect Patrick Swayze to be teaching you the cha-cha-cha. read more

Shrine Mont - Outdoor shrine (from their website). - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Orkney Springs, Virginia

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Shrine Mont is a previous turn of the century resort in the beautiful Virginia mountains. It has been restored and now belongs to the Diocese of Virginia but is open to all. After spending a fabulous three days there, roasting marshmallows, reading on the one of the MANY porches, eating- a lot- playing/singing a lot of music, walking, hiking, swimming, napping, visiting and praying I came away in love with a place new to me. Peaceful, happy and private. Great experience. read more

Shrine Mont - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Orkney Springs, Virginia

This one turned out to be a pleasant surprise. A family member talked me into going one torrid summer weekend, and all I could think of was mosquitos, the lack of AC, and what I imagined were smelly, dingy rooms. I couldn't have been more pleasantly surprised. Our room was Spartan, almost monastic, but very comfortable. The clean, pure mountain air was pleasantly cool, and we were lucky to have a gregarious parish staying nearby, with the result that I had a wonderful evening sitting on the porch and drinking wine. I certainly plan to go back and would welcome an invite from an Episcopal parish that knows a good white wine when it sees it. ::hint, hint:: read more

I just read a review describing this place as Kellerman's from dirty dancing. Couldn't be more true. You drive up and suddenly feel taken back in time. Whatever your happy time period is... you can feel it...whether that's the 1960s or the 1860s. Everyone who works here is a fabulous person! One year I was late due to traffic and the kitchen staff wouldn't let me go hungry. They let me grab a plate even after the dinner had been served. Oh and the food! If you are craving grandma's fried chicken... you get it here. All of that Virginian hospitality is rolled into one here... calm woods, gorgeous architecture, and happy folks. I go every year for an art teacher retreat where we take in the sites and get inspired to make art. If you are on the fence, do it. It is worth it for a cool experience. Keep in mind though the rooms are not hotel rooms but rather just for sleeping. You spend more time in the woods or rocking away on your porch! Who needs all that fancy stuff when you are convening with time gone by! read more