What we’re about
A Nonprofit Organization
Welcome to Dawn: A Center for Stillness and Peace. Dawn, a sanctuary to reconnect with that still, small voice within, and attune more deeply to the heartbeat of our Mother, the Earth. Located on 100+ acres of sacred land near Jones Gap State Park in South Carolina. Only 35 minutes from Greenville, SC and 54 minutes from Asheville, NC.
(Please note that most events have over 30 attendees, many who are not on meetup)
Dawn began with a powerful vision of First Light, that beckons us to become one within and with all Life. Today, Dawn is cultivating a community of individuals who share that same vision. At DAWN you belong – you are safe.
Our Purpose
As a center for stillness and peace, Dawn invites guests to quiet the external noise and distractions of the world, access their inner wisdom, and uncover that still, small voice within. Through silent retreats, classes, and events, our sanctuary offers guests an opportunity to observe the rhythm of nature, connect with the heart of the world, and foster a greater reverence for life.
Offerings
Events ~ From Meditations, Silent Retreats, Workshops, Drum Circles, Labyrinth Walks, and much more.
Visit dawnretreatcenter.org to learn more and register for events. Most of our events are Free with donations greatly appreciated. Some events offer free childcare as well (please see each event details)
Our center is in the gorgeous mountains of Cleveland, SC and exact directions will be given to members as they register at our website.
Email: info@dawnretreatcenter.org
Upcoming events (3)
See all- Yoga in the Mountains at Dawn Retreat CenterNeeds location
10-15 people attend outside of Meetup. Register Here and please indicate you are coming on meetup as well.
Join us for a peaceful morning of Yoga in the Mountains with Liz Meeker RYT-200 on Sunday, September 7th at 9:30am. Surrounded by the beauty of the mountains, we’ll move, breathe, and connect with the earth beneath us.
Following yoga, you are welcome to stay for Meditation in the Mountains at 10:30am-12noon to deepen your sense of calm and connection.
Please register separately
Childcare is available for Meditation in the Mountains Only. Please register each child.
Come as you are. All levels welcome.
What to bring?
A yoga mat and any props you might want. We will be outside in nature so you may need sunscreen, bug repellent a hat or sunglasses in warmer times and in colder times (we are in the mountains) dress in layers and bring coat, gloves, beenie, blanket. If you do not have a yoga mat, please email us at info@dawnretreatcenter.org and we will have an extra on hand.
Note: No childcare for yoga.
Inclement Weather
In the event of inclement weather, any cancellations will be updated on the website, social media and via email, typically no sooner than 2 days prior (mountain weather is fickle) regarding the cancellations.
Welcome to Dawn
Feel free to email us at info@dawnretreatcenter.org if you have any questions! - Meditation in the Mountains at Dawn Retreat CenterNeeds location
30 -50 people attend outside of Meetup. Register Here and please indicate you are coming on meetup as well.
September dawns, the mountains stand between two worlds — summer’s warmth still lingers, yet autumn’s cool breath begins to stir the leaves. Light filters differently now, softer and richer, and the earth whispers of change.
On Saturday, September 7th, we will gather at the Dawn Retreat Center to move and breathe with the rhythm of this shift.Meditation in the Mountains -10:30am-12noon led by Rev. Nancy Neal
Yoga – 9:30:10:15am under the beautiful sky with Liz Meeker RYT 200.Childcare is available for our Meditation in the Mountains only – Please register each child.
Choose gentle yoga that will awaken the body, meditation in the mountains which will open the mind and heart or both. Together, we’ll reflect on what it means to stand in our own season of transition — to honor what has been, and to make space for what is coming.
Come as you are. Leave aligned with nature’s quiet wisdom.What should I bring?
We meditate in chairs, but later you may wish to sit or lay down on the grass, so a blanket is optional. Sturdy shoes and a water bottle are also a good idea but there are places to ground yourself barefoot if you choose.Snacks and water will be provided. We will be in nature so you may need sunscreen, bug repellent a hat or sunglasses in warmer times and in colder times (we are in the mountains) dress in layers and bring coat, gloves, beenie, blanket.
New to DAWN?
All walks of faith are welcome here. Our events are held outside on our beautiful 100-acre, sacred property. We receive anywhere from 30-50 people to our meditations.
We will gather together for meditation and insights with Rev. Nancy Neal. You are then invited to walk in silence in nature for about 20-30 minutes. We will be called back into our group by the sound of a drum where we will finish out our time together with reflection and a closing. You need not know how to meditate to attend.Lunch Option
You are welcome to bring your own sack lunch to enjoy anywhere on the property from noon- 1pm when the gates close.What should I bring?
We meditate in chairs, but later you may wish to sit or lay down on the grass, so a blanket is optional. Sturdy shoes, a water bottle are also a good idea but there are plenty of places to ground yourself barefoot if you choose including a beautiful stream and waterfall. We will be in nature in the mountains and weather can vary so consider, depending on the time of year, sunglasses, hats, sunscreen, blanket, gloves, coat, etc. To check the weather use Cleveland, SC as your most accurate forecast but understand that mountain weather can change quickly.
Snacks and water will be provided.Inclement Weather
In the invent of inclement weather, any cancellations will be updated on the website, social media and via email, typically no sooner than 2 days prior (mountain weather is fickle) regarding the cancellations.
If you have any questions at all do not hesitate to email us at info@dawnretreatcenter.org. - Children's Day at Dawn153 Fall Creek Rd, Marietta, SC
This is our 2nd annual Children's Day at Dawn.
Must register here before 8/10/25 so our facilitators will have enough supplies for the fabulous event. Please also mark as "going" on meetup.
AGES 3-10
We believe there is no better place to connect with the feelings of joy, community and the present moment than in nature. You and your kids will love Dawn's abundance of mountain streams, trails and trees.Our theme this year is Trees
The Original Peoples call trees Standing People. Let's come together to celebrate these Standing People, their gifts and their wisdom. Let's discover new ways to be with them and care for them.
You will have an opportunity to meet other parents and children that value caring for our earth and each other in equal measure.This will be a fun time of creativity and exploration while instilling in our children how to be in the present moment.
Kids need movement and we will be doing just that. Through multiple creative stations around the property, we will be engaging each child by exploring trees as homes for birds, animals and insects, and all the many ways trees are part of our lives.We kindly ask that all adults remain with their children during these activities to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Afterwards you are welcome to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy the beauty of the property.
Facilitators:
Kristy Fairey: Dawn’s Childcare Coordinator with over 20 years’ experience with children from instructing summer camps to horseback riding lessons for a multitude of ages. Experienced in the Reggio approach which included attending professional development at the Loris Malaguzzi international center in Italy.Sandhya Kalidindi: 20 years' experience working with children. Ed.S Early Childhood Montessori. Montessori certification Infant-Toddler.
What to bring:
A bag to bring home their finished products such as a rain stick, artwork, bird feeder, etc. This is an outdoor event so consider sunscreen, bug repellant, hat, sunglasses and a blanket to sit
Snacks and water will be provided.
Inclement Weather
In the invent of inclement weather, any cancellations will be updated on the website, social media and via email, typically no sooner than 2 days prior (mountain weather is fickle) regarding the cancellations.
If you have any questions at all do not hesitate to email us at info@dawnretreatcenter.org.
