Guests will stay in lodges nestled in the nature sanctuary. There are several rooms in each lodge, all with shared bathrooms. Rooms will be assigned on a first come, first serve basis. CNS will contact attendees after registration to determine their lodge.

Check-in starts at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, November 19, followed by dinner and a welcome reception. The retreat will conclude at 11 a.m. on Sunday, November 23.

Registration includes four nights, three full days, six hands-on cooking classes, and all meals.

Because of the retreat’s remote location, there are no televisions, phones, or Wi-Fi services available at the lodges. However, you are welcome to visit the Appalachian Forest Museum at the Highlands Nature Sanctuary during open hours and use their Wi-Fi. Cell phone service is limited on Cave Road except for Verizon. Nearly all carriers can be picked up on US Route 50, and you can easily park at one of the two trailheads off of the highway.

Everyone will be cooking and enjoying each meal together. All the meals will be whole food, plant-based with no added oil. Minimal amounts of sweeteners and salts will be used. If you have dietary questions, please reach out to us at ecapo@nutritionstudies.org

Outside of our cooking classes, attendees can enjoy over 3,000 acres of pristine wilderness and scenic hiking trails during their free time. In the evenings, there will be opportunities to play games, participate in optional group chat circles, and connect with one another—creating the perfect blend of relaxation, fun, and community.

Guests will need to arrange their own transportation to and from the retreat. At the retreat, attendees must be able to drive to the various lodges where the cooking classes will take place. Please note that the lodges are 4-5 miles apart.

If you plan to fly, John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH) is approximately 85 miles east of the retreat location; the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) is approximately 80 miles southwest.​ Both routes offer scenic drives through Ohio's countryside, taking around 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

For the November retreat, cancellations received in writing 48 hours after registration, will be refunded the full registration fee, less a 10% administrative fee. No refunds will be issued thereafter. Substitute participants will be accepted up to the start date of the event.