Mayfair Getaway Retreat
Each year, a group of families from Mayfair goes on a weekend get-a-way to the mountains of Tennessee to Fall Creek Falls State Park in Pikeville, TN.
This is the most relaxed, enjoyable, fun, and spiritually uplifiting time that many of these families experience each year. The weekend is full of fellowship time, relaxation, escape from civilization, games, hiking, sitting in front of the fireplace, watching nature walk up to your window (like racoons, deer, etc.), and occasionally horseback riding, golf, softball, frizbee, volleyball, Soccer, fishing, and more. There’s always the trip to the Falls and the optional hike to the bottom and back, and we finish the weekend up with a great time of worship with a 180° view of God’s nature surrounding us.
Mayfair GetAway Information
(Formerly the Mayfair Family* Retreat) - Fall Creek Falls, TN
Who is invited?
Everyone. The primary focus is for the Mayfair Family to spend time together away from the hustle and bustle of our busy lives. We all work together to have a great weekend and enjoy each other’s company. Whether you are a family of one or 20, you are invited to come. The largest part of the group is made up of Families with children from pre-school to Jr. High age, but all are invited and we usually have attendees from most all age groups. (It is not recommended and may be difficult for families with small babies as there are no real accomodations for cribs, late night crying, etc. without disturbing others and keeping you from the fun.)
*Note: The Former Name name “Family Retreat” comes from the fact that whole families can go together. We’ve dropped that name in favor of Mayfair GetAway because it is a more accurate description of the event. We do not plan any events that would exclude anyone or make anyone feel left out. It is a “group” thing where we all pitch in together to prepare meals, clean up, play games, share time, and have fun.
What does it cost?
The cost per person is calculated based on actual costs. As long as we have 50 or more people then the cost is only $20.00 per person for the whole weekend and includes a place to stay and Breakfast Saturday, Lunch Saturday, Dinner Saturday and Breakfast Sunday.
There is a $10 per person, non-refundable deposit to reserve your place. We use the deposit to purchase all our supplies and food before we go. The remaining $10 per person is due anytime before the end of the retreat. It’s ok to pay it all up front, or wait until you get there.
When is it?
The next Getaway trip will be Friday, February 1st, 2008 through Sunday, Feb 3, 2008. You can arrive as early as 3:00 pm (some even go earlier to explore the park), but no one is really expected until around dinner. Bunks are first come, first served, however, so some try to come early. You can come anytime during the weekend as well.
What do we bring?
- Twin-sized Bedding for your bunk or a sleeping bag, Pillow, etc.
- Flashlight (not necessary but helpful sometimes)
- Towel/Washcloth/soap/shampoo, etc.
- Walking shoes or Hiking boots
- Sports Equipment (Basketball, softball, football, volleyball, etc.)(weather permitting)
- Board Games, Playing Cards, other games
- Jacket and Sweaters- It can be quite cold in the Mountains of Tennessee
- Drinks, salads, and chips for your family for Saturday’s Fajita lunch.
- A batch of Cookies or munchies to share for all day snacking.
- A delicious Dessert for Saturday evening after our “big” meal.
- We will provide tea, coffee, lemonade and orange juice. If your family would like something different to drink, please bring it with you and place it in the refrigerator when you arrive and put your name on it.
- A great Attitude and spirit! It will be a great weekend with your family and other members of the Mayfair family!
What are the accommodations?
Accommodations are “dormitory” style, with a large room on one floor for the women, and a large room on another floor for the men. Each floor has single Bunk Beds (about 45 for the Men and about 55 for the women). There are bathroom/shower facilities on each floor as well. The Building we eat and fellowship in is separate and has a large room upstairs for indoor activities for the kids. There is a large fireplace in the large meeting area that we usually keep going the whole weekend.
If you simply MUST have your own room. There is a big lodge located in the park as well as a Bed and Breakfast near by. Prices for the rooms in the Lodge range from $60-$100 per night. However, we ask that you pay your Retreat Fees even if you stay somewhere else as we have to meet a minimum requirement of $200 per night. There is also a restaurant at the big lodge should you decide to “eat out” for Friday Evening. Also there are a few “counselor” rooms with two twin beds available for special needs. Please request one when you register if you need to reserve one.
What is the schedule?
We are allowed to arrive as early as 3:00pm on Friday. Some go up even earlier and take in a few of the sites of the park. Our first “official” time together is supper on Friday night. Here is a “normal” schedule:
Friday Evening: Arrive, Dinner on your own (kitchen available), Sign up to help with one meal. Games, Sitting by the fire, securing and setting up your bunk, relaxing…
Saturday AM: Big Breakfast together: Eggs, Bacon, Sausage, Biscuits, Gravy, etc.
Games, Hikes, talking, relaxing, Sightseeing and Visit to the Falls.
Saturday Noon: Lunch Together, Fajitas, Tacos, salads, munchies, etc.
Saturday afternoon: Games, Hikes, talking, relaxing, sometimes a softball or volleyball game
Saturday Night: Dinner Together (usually Lasagna) and the “good” desserts
Games, talking, relaxing, etc.
Sunday AM: Big Breakfast together
Breakfast Cleanup and set up for worship
Sunday 9:30 am: Worship together (while looking out into the woods)
Sunday 11:00 am: Clean up and pass out Leftovers! Take home part of the leftovers, or have a picnic on the way home!
Sunday Noon: All rooms and bathrooms cleaned and time for checkout.
What is included?
Your cost of $20 per person includes the rental of the entire Group Lodge I, Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner on Saturday, and Breakfast on Sunday, as well as tea and coffee. You provide your other meals, snacks and drinks by bringing your own groceries.
Where is Fall Creek Falls?
The park is located in Bledsoe and Van Buren counties, 11 miles east of Spencer and 18 miles west of Pikeville. It may be entered from Highway 111 or Highway 30. It is approximately 2 to 2 1/2 hours from Huntsville. Maps will be available at the meeting the Wednesday Night before we leave.
How do I get there?
Take Hwy 72 from Huntsville, through Scottsboro to I-24 East (right), follow I-24 to the first exit (Hwy 28E). Take Hwy 28E past Dunlap and turn left on Hwy 111. Follow Hwy 111 through the mountains until you see the large wooden sign for Fall Creek Falls on your right. Turn right on 284 toward the park. There will be a “T” where you turn left, then right again to follow the signs to the park. When you enter the park take the first right just as the road splits into a divided road. The lodge will be about 1/2 mile on your left. Follow the drive to the far side (upper side) of the lodge to unload.
Alternative: Take Hwy 231/431 North to Fayetteville, then take Hwy 50/55 through Lynchburg, Tullahoma, and Manchester to McMinville. From there, take Hwy 30 to Hwy 111 South, (right). Take Hwy 111 south until you see the signs on the left for Fall Creek Falls. Then follow the instructions above to the lodge.