Retreats near Atlanta

A Retreat Center Near Atlanta, Set Apart for Connection

The most productive and reflective retreats rarely happen in the middle of the city. They happen somewhere quiet, away from the busyness of life, where you can relax, hear yourself think and be free from distractions.

Heritage is a Catholic-Christian retreat center less than two hours east of Atlanta and a short drive from Interstate 20. On 200 acres of Georgia countryside, Atlanta parishes, individuals, couples, ministries, church and business groups find private lodging, chef-prepared meals and room to connect, reconnect and pray, all on the grounds of Georgia's first Catholic settlement.

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Under 2 hrs
from Atlanta, a short drive from I-20
200 acres
of quiet Georgia countryside
72
max overnight capacity, 30 private rooms
All meals
included, arrival to departure
Why make the drive

Why Heritage Is Worth the Drive from Atlanta

Atlanta has no shortage of meeting rooms and conference spaces. What is harder to find within an easy drive of the city is a place this different: no traffic, no phones ringing down the hall, no hustle and bustle of the office, no family commitments, no reason to step out for a last-minute Zoom call.

By the time your group turns off I-20, the city has fallen away, and the quiet and peacefulness of the grounds take over.

Heritage operates in partnership with the Archdiocese of Atlanta, and many of the groups we welcome come from Atlanta parishes, churches, schools, faith-based organizations and businesses.

Trade the Downtown Connector traffic for an evening around the fire pits.

Two stone fire pits with Adirondack chairs and a firewood rack at Heritage
Getting here

Getting Here From Atlanta

Heritage is near Crawfordville, GA. Head east on I-20 toward Augusta and you are here.

After lunch

Leave Atlanta

From Atlanta and the metro area, it is no more than two hours by car, depending on where you start and the traffic.

Under two hours

East on I-20

Head toward Augusta. Heritage is a short drive off the interstate.

From 3:00 pm

Check in at Heritage

Arrive in time to settle into your cottage before dinner.

Flying in

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International (ATL) is 109 miles away. Augusta Regional (AGS) is closer, at 61 miles.

Group transportation

Heritage does not provide transportation, but our team can recommend local transportation companies for group transfers.

Who we host

Retreats We Host for Atlanta Individuals, Couples and Groups

Heritage provides the space, the hospitality and the quiet. Your group delivers its own program, speaker or retreat facilitator, and our hospitality team handles the rest of the details.

Heritage welcomes all groups whose use of the grounds honors Catholic or Christian sensibilities and aligns with our mission.

Church of the Purification at Heritage, Georgia's first Catholic congregation
Since the 1790s

Rooted in Georgia's Catholic History

Few Atlanta retreat centers can offer what Heritage holds: the original place where Catholic faith in Georgia began.

The Church of the Purification at Heritage is the central worship site of the state's first Catholic congregation, who built their first log church here in the early 1790s. The church standing today was built in 1883. Nearby, Locust Grove Cemetery, established in 1790 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is where many of Georgia's first Catholics rest.

Across the grounds, the prayer gardens invite unhurried gatherings and prayer.

Seven Sorrows Walk prayer garden at Heritage

Seven Sorrows Walk

A boardwalk with seven stations on the sorrows of Our Lord and His Mother.

Grace Garden prayer garden at Heritage

Grace Garden

A garden for praying the Joyful Mysteries.

Resurrection Meadow prayer garden at Heritage

Resurrection Meadow

The Stations of the Resurrection and an outdoor altar.

The Encounter prayer garden at Heritage

The Encounter

A sculpture of Simeon by Kevin Chambers.

Pine Lodge also has a chapel for Mass and Adoration, so a visiting priest can celebrate Mass with your group.

Explore the Grounds
Your stay

Lodging, Meals and Meeting Spaces

Heritage is built for groups of about 10 to 70.

Guest cottage at Heritage

Lodging

Thirty one-bedroom rooms in cottages sleep up to 30 guests in private rooms, 52 in shared rooms or 72 when guests share queen beds. Every room has a private bathroom.

Choose from Double Queen or Twin rooms, Studios, Suites and Signatures. See all accommodations.

Great Room in Pine Lodge at Heritage

Meeting spaces

Pine Lodge is a 7,500 sq ft lodge at the heart of the property.

  • Boardroom
    up to 12, long table or U-shape
  • Classroom
    up to 36 theater-style
  • Great Room
    120 rounds / 150 theater
  • Screened porch
    20 to 30, with fireplace

Plus the library and chapel. Outside are the courtyard, the pond house, three fire pits, catch-and-release fishing and walking trails.

Chef-prepared lunch at Heritage

Meals

All meals are included from arrival to departure. Breakfast is delivered to your cottage or served buffet-style, and lunch and dinner are served buffet-style in Pine Lodge.

Our culinary team plans seasonal menus around your group's dietary needs.

Have Heritage All to Yourselves

A whole-property buyout reserves every cottage and every meeting space for your group, with food and beverage including a reception each day, and flexible dining times.

Ask About a Buyout
A sample itinerary

What a Typical Group Itinerary at Heritage Might Look Like

Every group sets its own rhythm, but many Atlanta groups follow an itinerary like this.

Day 1

Arrive and settle in

Leave the city after lunch, check in from 3:00 pm, settle into your cottage and share a first dinner in Pine Lodge. End the evening with fellowship in the Pond House or around the fire pits.

Day 2

Sessions, prayer and fellowship

Morning sessions in the Boardroom, Great Room or Classroom, a buffet lunch in Pine Lodge, then afternoon sessions with a midday break for personal time, optional prayer or Mass in the chapel. After a group dinner, more fellowship in the Great Room, along the walking paths or in the Pond House.

Day 3

Close and head home

Buffet breakfast in Pine Lodge, optional morning prayer and a closing session before an 11:00 am check-out. You are back in Atlanta by mid-afternoon.

What our guests say
“Heritage provided our faculty and staff a wonderful retreat! What a beautiful, peaceful space! We loved our experience: the facilities, the hospitality, the amenities. Heritage is such a special place in general and for our Catholic history in Georgia!”
Theresa B.
Read More Guest Stories
Start planning

Plan Your Retreat From Atlanta

Whether you are bringing twelve parishioners or a whole ministry, we would be glad to help you plan it. Contact our team for availability, a custom pricing proposal and planning support.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have a question? Call 706-417-8305 or email retreat@heritagega.org.

How far is Heritage from Atlanta?+

Heritage is about two hours east of downtown Atlanta, a short drive off Interstate 20 near Crawfordville. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is 109 miles away.

Are there Catholic or Christian retreat centers near Atlanta?+

Yes. Heritage is a Catholic-Christian retreat center about two hours from Atlanta, operating in partnership with the Archdiocese of Atlanta. Its 200 acres include the historic Church of the Purification, a chapel for Mass and Adoration, and prayer gardens.

How many people can Heritage host?+

Up to 30 guests in private rooms, 52 in shared rooms, or 72 when guests share queen beds. The Great Room seats up to 150 theater-style for larger day sessions.

Are meals included?+

Yes. Overnight group rates include all meals from arrival through departure, and our culinary team plans menus around dietary needs collected at registration.

Does my group have to be Catholic?+

No. Heritage welcomes any group whose use of the grounds honors Catholic or Christian sensibilities and aligns with our mission.

Can we have the whole property to ourselves?+

Yes. A whole-property buyout reserves every cottage and meeting space for your group, with customized food and beverage. Minimum guest counts apply.

Can I come on my own from Atlanta?+

Yes. Individuals are welcome for a personal or silent retreat, for a single night or several. Book a personal stay.