My Visit with St. Francis Springs was Extremely Extraordinary! GODS Presence, Surrounded This Sacred Place! The Staff Hospitality & Food was simply Outstanding! My Space (Sacred Place) to Come Too! BLESSINGS, Blondene

I had a lovely stay overall although Clare Cottage was without hot water the first two and a half days, and water pressure was very low. They were in the process of upgrading their septic system which may have had something to do with it. Staff was very responsive and helpful. The food and retreat were wonderful, once again.

I attended the annual Icon Workshop at SFSPC on July 5-10, 2026. The workshop itself was exceptional as we painted an Icon of St. Monica. I almost could not attend however, due to the first day being scheduled on Sunday of the Independence Day (Freedom 250) celebration. My accommodations for the workshop consisted of a private room and bath. I usually request a walk-in shower but had a tub/shower combination. There was no problem getting in and out over the tub side was not a problem and the enclosure had sturdy grip bars for added safety. The room was equipped with a Queen and a Twin bed, comfortable upholstered glider/swivel reading chair and a desk with lamp, Bible and a room journal. In the closet area there was a box fan and a portable heater for any extreme weather conditions. I did use the box fan when I first arrived until I figured out the room thermostat. The only MAJOR COMPLAINT I had (which I did mention to the staff while checking out) was the mattress on the Queen bed. It was, by far, the lumpiest, most uncomfortable mattress I have ever slept on in my life!!! One side had a crater that my hips fell into…sending me to the other side of the mattress. That side was very lumpy, but no crater. I checked out early on Thursday evening because I could not even entertain the thought of one more night. As I mentioned earlier, there was a Twin bed in the room also. I almost tried sleeping there…but, they are too short for me. As I said, I reported this to SFSPC Staff. Hopefully, when I return for next year’s Icon Workshop I will have a better sleeping experience. I do want to thank the entire staff, paid and volunteer, for the exceptional care they put into making our retreat such a meaningful experience! The comfortable accommodations, the excellent meals prepared with love, the lovely grounds and the many quiet, sacred spaces both indoors and outside make St. Francis Springs a unique place to have a retreat. Thank you for also allowing the use of the Conference Room for viewing a couple of World Cup matches! And finally, many thanks for changing the date of next year’s workshop to the second week in August and NOT leaving it conflicting with Independence Day! I’m already looking forward to returning!

It was one of the best experiences of my adult life. I can't say enough good things about. I have been telling anyone that will listen about it. From the quiet beauty of the place to the staff, it was all wonderful.

I had a great time. Enjoyed the Juneteenth program and accommodations. I'm always refreshed and grateful for time at St. Francis Springs. The food and staff were exceptional. Hope to see you soon!