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North Carolina

Pickleball at Montreat

Program No. 23769RJ
Learn about the new racket sport — pickleball — as you learn from enthusiastic instructors and enjoy some friendly competition in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
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  • Pickleball at Montreat
  • Pickleball at Montreat
  • Pickleball at Montreat
PickleballSmall GroupRetreats
Length
6 days
Rating (4.73)
Activity Level
Starts at
1,299
Itinerary
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. Read More.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
6 days
5 nights
What's Included
15 meals ( 5B, 5L, 5D )
12 expert-led lectures
12 hands-on experiences
3 performances
An experienced Group Leader
5 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
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Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 4:00 p.m. Pull up to the Assembly Inn porch to unload, then park your vehicle in any designated spot close by the Inn or by the lake.
Afternoon:
You will share the Assembly Inn this week with other Road Scholar programs. Assembly Inn check-in 3:00-5:30 p.m. Pull up to the Assembly Inn porch to unload, then park your vehicle in any designated spot close to the Inn or by the lake and check in. Program Registration. After you check in and have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table to register with the program staff and get your welcome packet containing the up-to-date schedule that reflects any changes, other important information, and to confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please ask for your packet when you check in. Feel free to relax in your room, meet and enjoy fellowship with other participants in the beautiful lobby, or stretch your legs with a walk around the campus before dinner.
Dinner:
In the Assembly Inn dining room, we'll enjoy a buffet with choice of two entrées, vegetables, a complete salad bar, bread, and desserts; milk, coffee, tea, water available.
Evening:
Orientation: 7:00 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. After orientation, you'll join your pickleball Road Scholar group for fun icebreaker activities and light refreshments in the lobby. Spend the evening getting to know fellow participants through card and board games, or simply relax and catch up on the news with the lobby television. This is a Road Scholar Retreats program. Our programming at Retreat locations includes opportunities for light morning exercise, interaction with members of the local community, a farm-to-table meal, and evening entertainment. If you cannot stay through lunch at the end of the program, boxed lunches will be available; please make your request for one by the evening of Day Five. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Activity Note
Walking to the courts; 3 hours of instruction and play for the morning, 1.5 hours of play in the afternoon. Extent and duration of elective afternoon walking dependent on personal preference.
Breakfast:
In the dining room, we'll pick from a plentiful buffet of breakfast favorites. Items change daily, but may include biscuits and gravy, French toast, pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, grits, hash browns, fresh oatmeal, among others. Permanent options include fresh fruit, cereal, yogurt, granola, baked pastries, juices, coffee, tea, water.
Morning:
Get ready for an exciting week filled with movement, laughter, and serious pickleball progress! At the Patricia Cornwell Tennis Center, where we’ll be playing on professional-grade Laykold courts, we’ll kick things off by evaluating everyone’s skill levels to form balanced, supportive groups. From there, we’ll dive into the essentials—learning key terminology, understanding court zones, mastering grip techniques, and getting into the ideal ready position. We'll also break down the fundamentals like the first shot and incorporate dynamic drills and warm-up exercises designed to boost both confidence and performance for beginner or advanced. What fun! A refreshment break (at our play location) will keep us going!
Lunch:
In the dining room, we'll select from a buffet of meats, vegetables, starches, homemade soup, a full salad bar, and desserts; beverage choices of milk, regular and decaf coffee, iced tea, water.
Afternoon:
After lunch break, we’ll dive back into the action with an hour and a half on our second shot—one of the most crucial aspects of your pickleball game. Our pros will guide you through technique-focused drills and offer personalized feedback to help you improve your consistency and control. We’ll wrap up the session with free play, where you can put your new skills into practice while receiving on-the-spot coaching tips. Once we finish on the courts, you're invited to unwind with a guided scenic walk around charming Montreat. For those interested in a bit of local culture, this is an opportunity to hear fascinating stories about Montreat’s rich history, notable buildings, and the people who helped shape this unique mountain community.
Dinner:
In the dining room.
Evening:
Our evening program will feature a local band, Sourwood Ridge After the performance, the rest of the evening is at leisure, with activities available in the lobby of the Inn for fellowship.
Activity Note
Walking to the courts; 3 hours of instruction and play for the morning, 1.5 hours of play in the afternoon.
Breakfast:
In the dining room.
Morning:
Our pickleball professionals will start the day with a brief review of the previous day's activities, answering any questions and reinforcing key concepts to ensure everyone feels confident moving forward. Once we’re all caught up, we’ll introduce the third shot strategy—an essential skill for gaining control of the point.
Lunch:
in the Assembly Inn dining room.
Afternoon:
After practicing with a series of third-shot drills, we’ll shift gears to explore the art of the dink, learning how to use soft shots to outmaneuver opponents. We’ll finish the session with open play, giving you a chance to apply everything you've learned in real time, with our pros on hand to offer tips and feedback.
Dinner:
In the dining room.
Evening:
Our evening activity may consist of a dance, concert, or a visit from a storyteller. Afterwards, we'll have games, cards, and a TV available in the lobby.
Activity Note
Walking to the courts; 3 hours of instruction and play for the morning. Walking to the barn; line dancing approximately 1 hour.
Breakfast:
In the dining room.
Morning:
We'll focus on skill development through a series of mini games including Dingles, 7/11, and mini pickleball, designed to improve reaction time, control, and positioning. Our main technical focus will be the volley and overheads—discussing their role in strategy and execution—followed by drills and structured gameplay to apply and reinforce the concepts.
Lunch:
In the dining room.
Afternoon:
Free time. This period of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Please note that the period scheduled for free time is subject to change depending on local circumstances and opportunities for independent exploration.
Dinner:
In the dining room, we'll sit down for a delicious farm-to-table meal from a number of area sources.
Evening:
Free evening for relaxing or we invite you to join in on some of the other classes in session. Cards, puzzles, and board games are available in the lobby of the Inn for more fellowship and enjoyment.
Activity Note
Walking to the courts; 3 hours of instruction and play for the morning, 1.5 hours of play in the afternoon.
Breakfast:
In the dining room.
Morning:
We’ll kick off the day by taking to the skies—literally—as we focus on two high-impact shots: the lob and the overhead. You’ll learn when and why to use an offensive or defensive lob, how to read your opponent’s positioning, and how to control placement and depth. Then we’ll flip the script and work on your overheads—developing proper footwork, timing, and technique so you can confidently put the ball away. Through targeted drills and live-ball scenarios, you'll sharpen your instincts and elevate your game—pun intended.
Lunch:
In the dining room.
Afternoon:
Ladder Play: We'll be using a ladder format, where players move up or down based on wins and losses. This system encourages competitive play while also focusing on skill development and strategic thinking. You'll have the chance to play with and against different partners, building teamwork, adaptability, and on-court communication—all while having fun and staying challenged!
Dinner:
In the dining room. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
We’ll gather for a last evening together as we welcome Bobbie Pell, the Moonstone Ministrel. She will entertain us with stories and songs. After, there is an opportunity for games/cards/TV in lobby for fellowship. Prepare for check-out and departure after lunch tomorrow. Be sure to sign up for a box lunch if you can't stay through lunch on Friday.
Activity Note
Hotel check-out 11:00 a.m.
Breakfast:
In the dining room.
Morning:
Our week will wrap up with a Q&A session with the pickleball staff. This is an opportunity to refresh ourselves on specific points of play or situations you may have encountered during the week. There will be time for open play! We’ll all leave for home with a new set of skills and new friends! Our program will conclude by 10:30 a.m., giving us some time to check out of our rooms by 11:00 a.m. and take an opportunity to take one last walk around the lake or visit the stores before lunch.
Lunch:
In the dining room. Those who requested box lunches can pick them up anytime after breakfast. This concludes our program.
Afternoon:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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