Thistledown On Yellow Mountain

Specialties

Thistledown on Yellow Mountain is a small retreat center on the side of Yellow Mountain in the Southern Appalachian Highlands. Lodging, meals and craft lessons in woodturning and stained glass are provided. Healing touch is also provided on site. The center strives to provide a peaceful environment where individuals or groups can gather and renew their soul and spirit. It is a wonderful place for small boards meetings, small family weddings, book clubs, support groups, couples get aways or any one that just wants to be nurtured. There is a small meditation garden, beautiful views and lots of porch rockers. Come stay and rest for a while!

History

Established in 2011.

In the late 1980’s Tom and Sara took their children to Camp Celo and upon picking them up were amazed how they had been transformed by spending time in nature in an environment that was non-​competititve and invited them to discover their creative talents. It was after this that the dream began of creating a similar environment where adults could come to commune with nature, discover new talents and renew their spirit. Beginning in the early 1990’s, they began to buy small parcels of land on the site where Thistledown now resides. The name Thistledown came from the thistle plant which is indigenous to the area and seen on the property. Thistledown is the soft feathery material that protects the fruiting part of the thistle and safely carries the seeds to new life. It is the hope that Thistledown on Yellow Mountain will provide a soft, nurturing place where folks can come to develop new talents, and be free to discover a new spirit that rejuvenates their soul!

Meet the Business Owner

Sara and Tom M.

Business Owner

Tom grew up in northern Ohio in the small town of Medina. He spent much of his formative years working with his family on a farm. There he began his lvoe for being with nature and working with his hands. He worked for 38 years with Carolinas Healthcare System as the director of cardiovascular research until he retired in 2009. He is an accomplished wood turner, stained glass artist and beginning weaver and potter. Sara grew up in Kingsport, Tennessee where she spent much of her childhood outdoors, camping and hiking with her family. She also worked for Carolinas Healthcare System for 32 years in nursing and nursing education. She is currently a Healing Touch Practitioner Apprentice working towards her certification. Her passion for caring for others and her love of nature provide her with a gift of serving. She loves quilting, knitting, hiking and working in her garden. Tom and Sara have been married 30 years and have 5 children, 3 grandchildren and 2 schnauzers whom they love!