1551 SE 51st Street, Gainesville, Florida 32641, United States
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the GRC? What is the MRC?
The GRC is the Gainesville Retreat Center. Our mission is to support and nurture kindred spirits of diverse traditions who are on a sincere spiritual path for the betterment of all beings. We offer teacher-led, in-house and personal retreats, meditation, yoga, holistic wellness practices, and rehab programs, and much more. We are an ever-evolving space, dedicated to serving and supporting the spiritual community in a safe, compassionate, and nature-basked sanctuary. The MRC is our new building, which we have affectionately dubbed the "Mini Retreat Center" (MRC).
2. How do I get there?
Your GPS should take you to SE 51st Street, but when you reach the dirt road, sometimes it prematurely says "you've arrived!" At that point, please continue on the dirt road. It is a little bumpy, but that means you're in the right place. You will see a building with a red door to the right. That is the MRC/GRC West Entrance. You may park behind that building if you wish and walk over the bridge and up to the GRC. Or, to continue to the GRC, keep going a short distance until you see a large rock and a small sign pointing to the right. Take a sharp right and continue down the beautiful driveway until you reach a "T." Turn right into our gate; the GRC is the first building on the right. You can unload right in front of the GRC before moving your car to the parking area. If you get lost or are uncertain which way you should be going, please call Dan at (352)316-6696
3. Where do I park?
If you are staying at the MRC, you can park in front of or behind that building as described above, then walk over the bridge to the GRC to check in. If you are staying at the GRC, you can pull up in front and unload anything you will need for the retreat. Then, please drive a little further, bearing to your right, until you see the grassy parking lot.
4. What does the GRC provide?
We provide sheets, bath towels, blankets, pillows, soap, meditation cushions, yoga mats, chairs, and meditation shawls and yoga nidra/savasana blankets. We also have a limited number of backjacks and meditation benches. You are of course welcome to bring your own of any of these items as well. We also have an assortment of spiritual literature, meditation coloring books, and colored pens and pencils.
5. What should I bring?
Hair dryers, personal toiletries, sunscreen, bug spray, flashlight, alarm clock (if not wishing to have phone/devices while on retreat), swimsuit and beach towel if using pool, covered shoes and pants for hiking if using trails, hat, personal reading/writing materials.
6. What about the internet and cell service?
The GRC/MRC buildings now have ultra high speed internet. Cell phone reception, with the exception of T-Mobile, is generally very good. Feel free to give loved ones our phone number in case of emergency: 352-316-6696 (Dan). Also feel free to turn all your devices off for the duration of the retreat.
7. Does the GRC have a cleaning staff?
The GRC is a community retreat center. Our "staff" consists of the community of spiritual practitioners (you). As such, we are grateful for your attention to the tidiness of the retreat center while you are here.
8. Can I hike the trails?
We have over one hundred acres of conservation property, with trails. We welcome you to enjoy them mindfully. Safety rules: Covered shoes and pants are suggested. Apply bug spray, especially to your feet and lower legs, when hiking. Please bring your phone on your trail hikes and sign in and out on the bulletin board when you leave for a hike. Shower or swim after hiking to avoid tick and redbug bites. Be mindful of wildlife and plants. We would be happy to go over North Florida Forest 101 tips in person.
9. Can I bring my pet?
Well-behaved, house-trained dogs are welcome in some areas with advance notice/reservation, for an additional $10-15/pet/night fee (depending on size and type of pet) and a refundable pet cleaning deposit. Some teacher-led retreats will not allow pets.
10. Can I come back to the GRC by myself for a personal retreat sometime?
We welcome and support your practice. Email gainesvilleretreat@gmail.com to request a personal retreat. We can offer structured personal retreats, meditation instruction, and other assistance for your retreat, or simply give you the space you need.