holy cross abbey

I was nervous about spending a weekend in silence among the monks, especially since my traveling companion is a devout Catholic and I am not. But the complete lack of agenda, the peaceful setting and the spiritual nature of the place provided the most refreshing weekend I have ever experienced. Brother James greeted us and explained that there were no rules -- except to show up on time for meals and respect the atmosphere of silence. You could visit the chapel if you wanted or sign up for a 30-minute consultation with a priest, both things I did. The monks have a regular schedule of prayers and chanting. They suggest that you just sit and listen. We were shown to our separate rooms, women upstairs and men downstairs. Spare furnishings, a view of the Shenandoah Mountains, and a cow pasture added to the ambience. Little notes everywhere answered all the questions forming in my mind. Although they have wifi (ask the lady who cooks for the password) I found the library to be a great resource in my quest for information about Catholicism, Trappists, regional birds, the Shenandoah Valley, and how to grow spiritually. I spent a lot of time in the little alcove off the library looking out at the mountains and reading. I also took many long walks, including a wonderful hike on the paved road to the natural cemetery. As a note, Google Maps will send you to this cemetery, but keep driving a little farther to get to the Retreat House. When we were there, the gift shop was closed for renovations, but Debbie managed to sell me a little pot of creamed honey from the kitchen. Food is simple but surprisingly delicious. Most of the other guests that weekend had "Brother" or "Sister" in front of their names. We nodded and smiled when we saw each other and it wasn't awkward, especially the first night when Brother James read to us. Pay a deposit up front to reserve a bed then make an offering before you leave. They suggest $150 for the entire weekend. We each did a little more than that.

approximately 90 minutes west of the urban jungle of DC through the suburban sprawl of Northern Virginia is an oasis in space and time... well worth the side trip. wander the grounds, enjoy the quiet, punctuated by the calls of birds. sit on the bank and watch the Shenandoah River flow by and again, relish the quiet. respect the monks and those on religious retreats by not approaching any of the buildings, except the gift shop.in the shop, the creamed honey is unique and most tasty. there are also jams/preserves and candies made by trappist monks and nuns elsewhere. sadly they no longer sell the wonderful bread they used to make- a monk related to me that the bread business became so popular that it detracted from the monastic lifestyle, so they ceased sales

I stayed three nights over a weekend. The reviews you read are just visitors and tourists (to be fair, yes, I was a tourist, but in a different way). In my opinion, they write more than they will ever see. "Beautiful place to pop in for a visit". "A cute little visit". "Not a fruit cake person and their choc. chip cookies aren't much." Oh, and they complain about the cats. Seems these reviewers complain about everything. Looking for a five-star hotel, I'm sure. But this is not it -- and it's not even the reason to visit. It's modest, quiet and the food is great. You have a lot of space in which to reflect quietly. I attended every service (there was no one at the 3:30 a.m. service -- wonder why? Dreaming about washing your BMW?). All asleep, I bet. It rained Saturday morning as I woke up, and I just listened to the sound of it. Loved every minute of it.

We were seeing the sights of Berryville, VA area and we stopped the Abbey's gift shop. It is a lovely ride to the Abbey and we did not travel beyond the shop to see the Abbey building. We spoke with the Monk who was minding the store. It was a cute little visit!

Not a fruit cake person and their choc. chip cookies aren't much - but - beautiful place to pop in for visit or spend the night at the retreat. The Abbey runs along the Shenandoah and is a working farm. Also a Civil War battlefield and a bit of a museum inside. It's a gorgeous part of Virginia.

I had read about the famous fruitcake that the Trappist monks at Holy Cross Abbey make so we made a special trip to try it out. The store is located on the grounds but away from the main building and before you walk in there were several stray cats by the front door. I'm not a cat person.When we walked into the store there was a strong smell of cats and there were several cats walking around. I realize that these monks lead a very simply life but it would have been nice to make the store a little more inviting and cheerful. The products were not displayed attractively and I we almost left without buying anything but since we had made the trip we ended up buying some fruit cake and jams. The monk had to do the calculations several times before he got the total correct and an old system.We tried the cake when we got home and we all decided that it was not worth the $30.00 we paid for it. Hopefully the one bright side is that our money has gone to help the needy in some manor or other.Not worth the trip.

Very peaceful place on the Shenandoah River, Clarke County, VA.Has a little gift store with great fruitcake, books, and religious items. The green cemetery is great, as is the guest house and the whole property.

I spent a weekend at Holy Cross Abbey during January of this year...wonderful experience. Brother Joseph greeted me with a kind smile and quietly gave me a brief tour of the retreat house, explained the daily schedule and showed me to my room. A simple room with it's own bath, chair for reading, single bed (suggest bringing own pillow), chair for reading, a built in desk for writing and a lovely view of the farmland from my window. Dinner was announced by a gentle tone thingy (sorry, don't know what it's called), we all took our seats in silence at table as our lay host quietly greeted us for dinner. Grace was offered by a guest or our lay host. Our meal was served buffet style and was delicious...we ate in silence while listening to music. Meals were the hardest part of the whole weekend. I spent the weekend praying in the retreat house Chapel which was right next to my room. I loved having Jesus so near to me. I took long walks in the peaceful countryside, read in my room or spent time with my feet propped up on heater looking out the window. I attended the Divine Office of Compline each evening and Mass on Sunday. If I am blessed to go back I will try to attend more of the Divine Offices as they are inspiring and moving. The silence practiced in the retreat house was the best part and was hard...I talk to myself....a lot...but I didn't miss my computer, cell or even my husband and 3 sons. A retreat at Holy Cross Abbey is a perfect place to regroup, find peace and remember God. I am so grateful for the Monks at Holy Cross Abbey and pray for an increase in vocations to this holy place. I hope everyone will pray for this as well and for the Monks who live and work and most importantly pray with their lives for all of us.

The Abbey is an unbelievably beautiful, serene and calming place. Whether to walk, enjoy the scenic views, meditate or visit the shop (known for their famous fruitcake) the whole experience leaves you with a peaceful feeling like no other. The Brothers are quite delightful.

The Holy Cross Abbey in situated on a beautiful location near the Shenandoah River. The grounds are peaceful and serene. If you are planning to visit, please check their schedule beforehand, because the brothers and priests adhere to a very strict time schedule.To be honest, we stop at the Abbey to purchase some of the best jellies and fruitcakes around. The Abbey works with other religious orders to provide a selection of very high quality foods. The Abbey produces delicious fruitcake and even has a creation called "fraters'" These are yummy slices of fruitcake dripped in a high quality dark chocolate. It may not sound delicious, but they are wonderful! We also buy jellies and preserves there. They sell a jar of homemade jelly for $3.95 that tastes better than anything else out there. We buy jars to give as hostess gifts or small tokens, and people always ask when we are going to the Abbey to buy more. Our favorite is their red raspberry jelly. It is like a jelly doughnut all by itself!Once you visit the Abbey, you will return!

I spent 3 great days at The Abbey. The staff was so nice, went out of their way to make you feel welcomed. Available if needed, out of your way when not needed. All meals included in the price of your stay--great food. Very relaxing. Beautiful grounds to hike around, looking at the mountains all around, and the Shenandoah River within hiking distance. A 24-hour chapel available right in the retreat house. A marvelous place to get your spiritual life re-balanced.

[--]A great place to visit, they have a nice gift shop with items such as fruit preserves, candy and, of course, fruit cake. They also have a retreat/guest house for visitors to stay in. They discuss all the rules, etc. on their website. The abby itself sits on a beautiful area near the Shenandoah River. The surrounding area is just beautiful and is a nice place to visit while driving in the country.