Buildings of Hope Springs

Hope Springs Institute is located 75 miles east of Cincinnati, Ohio off of Highway 32 and 100 miles south of Columbus. We are in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, surrounded by 130 acres of peace and tranquility.

Besides the beauty of its secluded forested setting, what makes Hope Springs special are its outstanding facilities.

The Studio is an octagonal 1500 sq. ft. building with exquisitely finished maple hardwood floors, high skylights and spacious ceilings - evoking a reverent and tranquil response from guests and inviting yoga dance and conversation circles.

A second facility, Spirit House, is a round meditation and meeting space with a central sunken fire pit with supporting contemplative art at the outer edge of open space.

Lodging is offered to guests in three locations, serving groups of 12-30 people in size, with single, double and queen size beds available. King size beds made up for couples upon request. Four beautiful suites, with the option of three beds in each, encircle the outer perimeter of the Studio. Each suite includes a bathroom. In addition, seven semi-private rooms are offered in a warm and hospitable old farmhouse building also housing the dining room and a covered porch complete with rocking chairs. The large stone fireplace in the farmhouse living room offers a cozy and friendly warmth on cool nights. There are three shared bathrooms in this facility. A two bedroom cottage with small refrigerators, microwave ovens and a shared bath is ideal for staff. Lastly, guests may venture outside in tepees and tents enjoying the seasonal sounds of nature.

For Individuals, Couples or Groups 12 or less who wish to organize a self-service retreat near Hope Springs, please see the facilities offered by our sister organization, the Arc of Appalachia Preserve System. Their 2000-acre Highlands Nature Sanctuary, the largest of their eleven preserves, offers suites and group lodges equipped with self-service kitchens and dining rooms. Preserve gives access to 14 miles of beautiful nature trails leading into the Rocky Fork Gorge. Located approximately 30 miles north of Hope Springs. For more information, click here.

Hope Springs has a warm, community feel and artistic ambience throughout its complex. Guests feel physically and emotionally supported by the memorable community meals, their personal set of slippers and bathrobes waiting for them in their rooms, and the pleasures of a warm hot tub.

Meditate -- as you walk the labyrinth, wander through the meadows or hike the woodland trails.

Come Together -- for home-cooked meals and share stories around the warmth of a campfire.

Workshop supplies and some audio visual equipment are available for you. An office on the premises has a phone, copier and fax machine.

Add extras to your stay -- with advance notice, we can recommend a massage therapist, a yoga teacher or someone to help you plan your stay. The additional fee is determined by your needs.

Vegetarian Food &
A Taste of Hope Springs Cookbook

From the beginning, our focus has been on providing food that brings joy and good health to all who come to Hope Springs.

Specializing in delicious, home cooked, vegetarian meals, we work closely with workshop leaders. Our goal is to provide a menu that supports the individuals who come and the work they are doing. Upon request from the leaders, we can include animal protein options at some meals. We have fun creating menus and meals just for you.

We are committed to providing an opportunity for people to experience food that is full of love, nutrition, beauty and satisfies body and soul.

A Taste of Hope Springs: Vegetarian Cookbook:

• Over 200 Scrumptious Recipes
• 32 Meal Plans
• Help to Convert to No Wheat, No Sugar, or No Dairy
• Full Menus Visible at a Glance
• Large Easy-to-Read Print
• Spiral Bound to Lay Flat
• Bibliography

The Land

We love this land and feel very supported and held here on Peach Mountain, in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. We are dedicated to doing our part to appreciate and protect this segment of the Northeastern Deciduous Forest.

The beauty of the trees along the ridges and the rock formations in the ravines are only rivaled by the swaying meadow grasses and inviting, sloping fields. The sound of trickling water down the ravine's rocky walls provides a serene atmosphere that brings out the poet in us. Two ponds offer the opportunity to thoughtfully gaze and become lost in the quiet. Walking trails provide comfortable access to nature's wonder where deer and wild turkey are frequently sighted. The chirping and singing of the many species of birds are a vital part of the panorama of wild flowers, trees, shrubs and grasses.

A labyrinth, meditation circle and outdoor fire pit in the lower meadow as well as guided hikes into the ravine, offer many opportunities to learn from nature and to honor the land.

We are less than a half hour from Serpent Mount - the largest and finest serpent effigy in the United States. Nearly a quarter of a mile long, Serpent Mound represents an uncoiling serpent. Our connections to the ancient land dwellers from this area feel very strong. Many who come here build in a visit to this ancient mound.

Hope Springs has committed 100 of its 130 acres - with 99 acres of trees and two meadows - to the wild things. We will build no permanent human structure on this part of our land.