Rochester, New York Area Retreats

If you live in the upstate New York region and are looking to get away from it all but still stay close to home, below you'll find a list of retreats and centers that will help clear your mind and recharge you.

Rochester is well known for its stock of literary talents and many of these retreats cater to the writer on sabbatical, as well as those looking for meditation centers. Either way you look at it, retreats will help cleanse the mind and spirit and rejuvenate you for the rigors of everyday life.

The Mercy Prayer Center

Located at 65 Highland Avenue, the Mercy Prayer Center attracts many A-type personalities in pursuit of a more peaceful, more relaxing and less chaotic life. This center is located inside a 19^th century built house and is nondenominational. They offer workshops lasting from a few hours, some overnight and still others lasting a few days.

This center offers the flexibility for individual relaxation time, as in making the most of their CD library, or companionship from another as a means to bounce off feelings and ideas as they grow through their spiritual journey.

Springwater Center

Located at 7179 Mill St., in Springwater, Livingston County, the Springwater Center offers 200 acres of forests, trails and fields, as well as a pond. The theme here is Zen-like, embracing nature and finding serenity.

Silent meditation retreats are offered as well as visitors being allowed to customize their own retreats. Optional sitting periods are intermixed with dialogue and talk meetings. Visitors are encouraged to discuss fresh ideas and exchanges as opposed to bitter prejudices.

Notre Dame Retreat House

Located on 5151 Foster Road in Canandaigua, Ontario County, the Notre Dame Retreat House welcomes all visitors, regardless of denomination. Weekend stays to the retreat offer guests the ability to read and wander the 100 acre gardened site that leads right down to Canandaigua Lake.

The Gell Center

Located in Naples, Ontario County on West Hollow Road, The Gell Center is a part of Rochester's Writers and Books organization and offers a 23 acre retreat to individuals, groups and workshops. There are three buildings on the property, a home with sleeping accommodations and the Center with eating areas, bathrooms and a large common area with enormous cobblestone fireplace. There is also what some might consider the perfect literary retreat, a cabin built to the exact dimensions of the cabin at Walden Pond, a cabin appropriately named "Thoreau Cabin."

Cobblestone Springs: Center for Renewal

Located in Dundee, Yates County, this historic 1840's building overlooking Seneca Lake Valley is nestled within 16 acres of pastures and fields. There are also ponds and marshes with migratory birds on the property. They feature a Quaker style gathering that promotes neighborly peace.

These locations are open all year round and welcome all peoples and religious affiliations. Many of these retreats offer customizable stays dependent on the individual's needs.