The town of Montreat was originally founded in the early 1900's as a spiritual retreat center.  There is no commercial development within the town limits - not even a traffic light - and most of the streets are still as they were originally laid, narrow and winding.  Walking trails meander through the hundreds of acres of wilderness surrounding the town, showcasing the beautiful native flora and fauna.  

 

Montreat College, located within the town, was originally founded as a Mountain Retreat Association in 1897.  It promotes the mission of encouraging "Christian work and living through Christian convention, public worship, missionary work, schools, and libraries."  Intimately tied to the town, the campus keeps the community faith based and dedicated to preserving that mission.  Formal tours are offered Monday through Friday from 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM.  The college also opens its Chapel doors to visitors on Wednesday mornings as a kind of invitation into the close knit community of Montreat.