An Evening at The Cove with Brandon Heath at Billy Graham Training Center

The Cove, a Christian conference center in Asheville, North Carolina located at the Billy Graham Training Center.  The Cove is designed to equip, encourage and   empower believers who want to grow and deepen their faith. 

The Cove is a 1,200 acre getaway in Asheville, North Carolina where gifted Christian leaders, teachers, and speakers guide people in studying God's Word. We invite you to come with a friend, spouse, or a group and discover that the greatest thing about The Cove is what you take home: life-changing truths that will produce a harvest of righteousness in you and those around you.

We love working with The Cove and were thrilled with the opportunity to work with them again recently for And Evening at The Cove with Brandon Heath.  We love the family time.  The quiet away from it all that The Cove cultivates. 

We set out on our road trip to Asheville, North Carolina.  We LOVE going to the beautiful North Carolina mountains any time we can and especially to visit The Cove. Here we go....

                                       

We made our best time driving up - we didn't even want to stop.  We had our tunes cranking on the Lexus audio system that we listened to as we drove up in the Lexus RX350 that we were reviewing.  Post coming separately.  Hint: The Lexus handles beautifully on the road and in the mountains. :)

                                       

We all LOVED the Lexus RX350. It was the perfect size for our family to have a mountain road trip. 

                                            

So, back to The Cove... we made it!  Look at the beauty as we entered the Cove Campus.  

                                                          

We love to spend every minute we can there so we took our picnic with us and ate lunch at our Inn.  They have an awesome Loft at each Inn with room to lunch, enjoy the fireplace, read and enjoy some complimentary soda, coffee, hot cocoa and hot tea. We had so much fun! 

                                                 

Look at our "Welcoming Committee...."  We love the abundance of wildlife at The Cove. 

                                                  

As we ate lunch, our boys peered over the banister to see if they could spot Brandon Heath just happening to check in.... and to our be wonderment - look who they discovered.  Brandon Heath!!!! In our Lodge/Inn.  He was wonderful about photographs.  Look how excited everyone was to meet him in real life! :)

He was gracious enough to stop and sign autographs!  Because, you know, our boys had 

all of their Brandon Heath CDs at the ready for his autograph! 

He was very gracious and kind.  And patient with a set of thirteen year old twin boy who think he is the best. And a fine, handsome husband who was so happy to meet him as well. :)

Then, he even got a picture with Mom included and I got to pose with his Guitar. :)  Seriously, isn't this epic.  And the Concert hasn't even begun, yet.

After settling into our cozy room with a fabulous view of the forest there at the Cove, we walked the short distance over the the Billy Graham Training Center to this beautiful "balcony" and view!

for a fabulous and gourmet Dinner ...the Chef at The Cove is outstanding. Thinking 5 star! 

The Concert was incredible!  We were so blessed - I Loved "Love Does!" So 

amazing and we loved all of the personal stories Brandon shared. 

and the Concert was such a blessing. We were all moved by Brandon Heath's talent and to share it in such an intimate and relaxing setting like The Cove.

We always pause for a beautiful family photo opportunity of the mountain range ....  You see how we love the beauty and serenity of The Cove.

More autograph time!  

The Cove is the perfect locale to take your teens to a Christian Concert.  The venue is small enough to truly enjoy. And get the benefit of such wonderful artists.  They typically have the performers do a signing after the concert in the Ruth's Attic Bookstore located in the same building.  You can get wonderful gifts, books, CDs, souvenirs and more. 

Brandon surprised our boys with an autographed copy  of his vintage 

vinyl record, Blue Mountain.  The boys were over the moon with excitement. 

This was so thoughtful.  

The photo is one of the hundreds on exhibit on the floor with the Bookstore. It is wonderful 

to see the progression of Billy Graham's ministry. 

The Cove is a wonderful destination for Christian Concerts, Retreats, Conferences and Getaways.  There is Leadership Training and more.  Step away from it all and enjoy the solitude of The Cove!

Warmly, Carolina Mama

FTC Disclosure: This post is sponsored by The Cove, Billy Graham Training Center, Asheville, North Carolina.  

Travel Review: The Cove, Asheville, North Carolina - Christian Conference Center

We were so richly blessed recently to enjoy a Family time at The Cove in Asheville, North Carolina. The Cove is a Christian Conference and Retreat Center.  Every time we have set foot on this amazing property, it truly feels like heaven on earth.  "Surely, the presence of the Lord is in this place."  You can seriously feel it.

This is one of my favorite spots on the property so you will see lots of pictures here....

Meet my family - we are loving the view, the time together and the incredible fellowship together, with Matthew West and his Dad, who travels with him now, and our deal friends, The Spinks of One Moms World! We Love Them! 

In April, we enjoyed "An Evening at The Cove" with Matthew West! Our whole family enjoyed the intimate Concert, the Inn where we stayed and the hiking on the gorgeous property.  We spent an afternoon at the Chapel and hiking the trails in that area.  So wonderful.  There is a beautiful creek running through the property and along the hiking trails.

Remember, my favorite spot on the property here you go.   Look at the fabulous weather we had.

Loved relaxing by the fireplace in the main Center with my Twins!  They were so happy to be big boys this year so they could join Mom and Dad. Milestones and what a place to celebrate them. 

It was so serendipitous that when we arrived at our Inn to check in, look who we saw, Matthew West and his Dad, checking into the same Inn!!  Our boys were ecstatic.  He is so kind and welcoming and so is his Dad. 

Every Cove trip has to include some tour or service at the Chapel.  This is a sacred place. 

This is the outside of the Chapel.  We had to catch at Family "Selfie" we were so thrilled to be here together.  

More family fun in the main lobby of the Billy Graham Training Center.  So fun!  

Did I mention blessed with fabulous friends!  The Spinks of One Moms World joined us for An Evening at the Cove with Matthew West!  We loved this.  Such a blessings. 

Father and Sons took off on the trails and LOVED all the hiking and guy time.  

Well, Dessert first.  Look at these adorable and tasty Coconut Pudding treats accented with Mint. Everything at The Cove Dining Hall is fantastic.  The Chef cooks fresh, tasty and healthy meals and desserts. I feel like I have great options there. 

See how well balanced and wonderful my meal looks.  The fresh cooked meals were unique and so tasty.  We all loved it. 

See here are Jen, of One Moms World, and me.  We were so happy to be reunited! 

Love getting fun pictures of my family - any time - and especially at The Cove!  We were all so happy and peaceful here. 

We feel so blessed our children love playing together and enjoying new things like the Concert tonight! 

Alas, Matthew West himself!  He is fabulous in concern.  He is so personable and spirit filled.  We were thankful to be included.

The Happy Family. 

Matthew West was so kind to sign Tee Shirts for our boys even before getting checked in.  So kind and considerate.  He is so cognizant about his work. 

LOVE this carving of The Cove Bear.  So cute. 

This is fun.  The Dining Hall serves ice cream in the lobby while you wait for your table, fellowship or just visit.  I had to spoil the boys with Ice Cream before Dinner.  Families are welcome and will be blessed, indeed.  Oh, well, you see the ice cream is on the last bite.... so mission accomplished. Treat before dinner. :) 

Enjoy an Evening at the Cove with someone you love.  Check out the shows by Natalie Grant, Phillips, Craig and Dean.  I believe any show at The Cove would be such a blessing.  There is a spirit at this place.  Thank you The Cove for such high standards, beautiful facilities and being such a blessing to all who visit. 

Warmly, 

CarolinaMama 

FTC Disclosure:  The Cove sponsored this post. All opinions are all my own. 

The Cove Billy Graham Training Center An Evening at the Cove

God's timing is perfect.  Even in the midst of great grief and loss at my amazing Mother's home going, we were able celebrate her life, loves and accomplishments.   My husband and I felt an added blessing to be able to reflect and refresh together after all of the services and meet Him here at The Cove at the Billy Graham Training Center in Asheville, North Carolina.

"The Cove is a Christian conference center designed to encourage, refresh and empower believers who want to grow and deepen their faith."

Truly a haven, a heaven on earth.  We were so thankful that God's providence would have it for us to be here this weekend. His timing is always perfect.

The Cove is a great time of refreshment from outside distractions and the daily quick pace of life we all seem to have.   Once we settled in, we gathered by the Fireplace ... can it get any more peaceful.  

The Cove is a perfect place for Clergy and Laymen alike.  In fact, our Church is having our Women's Retreat at the Cove again this year!  It is wonderful to get away, as we did, as a Couple.  Or, for Bible training. They host Marriage Retreats. And Biblical Training.  So there are many reasons to come and be blessed.  Everything is done for you so you can focus your time on Christ and relax. 

                                

One of the Fireplaces is a perfect spot for some quiet time and a refreshing, complimentary Sprite (or coffee, tea, cool water) at each Inn.  

Our room was so warm and comfortable.  We love the good nights sleep on these beds and the spacious bathrooms.  The two sinks are my favorite with one being a separate vanity so everyone can get dressed and ready for the special evening.  And lots of fresh towels!  I love not having to ask for more towels - we had lots of fluffy, soft white towels and toiletries in our room.  We even had a little chocolate waiting on us at bedtime.

When you enter the Training Center, the great living room looks like this at Christmastime. I could just stare. It was so magical.  Love the stone walls and every detail.  Everyone is relaxing by the fireplace. 

We paused for a minute to enjoy a photo opp on the Sleigh out front. This was fun and 

so convivial. 

On to Dinner, it was so fun to sit by the glass wall/ windows and looks at the mountains, the stars really since it was past sunset.  So very breathtaking and romantic.  We sat with a really nice couple. Though we enjoyed our "Date Night" dinner together.  I know, we couldn't help ourselves.

The Dining Room is so beautiful and elegant. 

The Chef at the Cove is phenomenal.  We love the consistency of a tasty, unique and 

healthy meal at the Cove!  And it's in abundance.  We chose the White Fish and Polenta with 

two fresh salads with homemade dressing. Oh my heaven on a plate! 

My husband felt the whole trip was worth it after his first (yes, he had to have two. :) I had one to 

balance us out.) Peanut Butter Chocolate Mousse!  They were truly worth each calorie. 

Then it was on to the most beautiful Michael Card Concert ever. We LOVED it. 

We heard him in concert just before we got engaged so this was really special for us. 

The Cove is such a warm and comfortable and social setting. We got to meet 

Michael Card at the Ruth's Attic Book Store after the Concert.  So fun! 

See, we really did love getting all Christmasy dressed up for our evening out. I am carrying the Tartan Plaid Clutch my Daddy brought me back from Scotland way back.  Memories. And in memory of my Mother as well.

It was an honor to meet Billy Graham's daughter, GiGi Graham as she Hosted us in the Dining Room. Such a real delight to meet her.

GiGi Graham at An Evening at the Cove

Obviously, we could go on and on.  We had to have one more picture by the Fireplace. Everyone has to do this. Right?  It brings back the fabulous memories already .

My husband was right at home by the fireplace and with the old-fashioned 

sled. We took a picture for Colorado sake.  Totally handsome and good-looking, for sure! 

And mine.  #thankful

The Nativity scene about full-life-size was one of my favorites. So very Christmas story.

We love meeting lovely, Christian couples who have been married forever. All of these (including the lady in the middle whose husband was back at their room) were married over 45 years. What a great heritage.  And some great stories, too!  So we only have 31 years left to join their ranks. :)

The beautiful setting as Michael Card played the Grand Piano and sang.  And we were not only refreshed in a new way, we were reminded of Christ in Christmas. 

"I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills from whence cometh my help, My help cometh from the Lord which made heaven and earth."  Psalm 121

You can plan your own event here and follow The Cove on Facebook here, the Cove blog here. 

Warmly,
Carolina Mama

*FTC Disclosure:  This post is sponsored by The Cove. I am honored to partner together and all opinions are all my own.