North Carolina
Nature And Inner Calm In North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains
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Spanning over 380 acres at an elevation of 3,700 feet, The Art of Living Retreat Center is nestled at the base of the serene Blue Ridge Mountains in Boone, North Carolina. Travelers come here for rest, rejuvenation and self-discovery.
Established in 2011, the origins of the center are deeply intertwined with the vision of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, a globally revered humanitarian and spiritual leader.
Signature Programs
The property has a plethora of retreats and programs focusing on many different aspects including mental clarity, emotional healing, and spiritual awakening. Whether you’re seeking personal development, stress relief, or simply a break from the chaos of modern life, the center provides a variety of pathways for renewal. Among the most popular are the Happiness Retreat, Rest & Relaxation Retreat, and guest presenter workshops, all rooted in the center’s mission of holistic well-being.
The Happiness Retreat
The cornerstone of the Art of Living’s programming is the Happiness Retreat, a 3-day immersive experience that blends ancient yogic wisdom with modern self-development practices. At the heart of the program is the Sudarshan Kriya, a powerful rhythmic breathing technique developed by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. This practice is shown to reduce stress hormones, calm the nervous system, and elevate mood. Beyond breathwork, the retreat includes guided meditations, light yoga, and group discussions. This retreat is ideal for beginners or anyone feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or stuck in old patterns.
Rest & Relaxation Retreat
For those looking to unplug and decompress at their own pace, the Rest & Relaxation Retreat is a self-guided experience. While it doesn’t follow a strict schedule like the Happiness Retreat, it still provides access to many of the center’s amenities and optional activities, including:
- Daily yoga and meditation classes
- Access to hiking trails with scenic mountain views
- Participation in evening kirtans (musical chanting)
- Nutritious vegetarian meals served buffet-style
- The chance to book Ayurvedic consultations or spa treatments
What makes this retreat especially appealing is its flexibility. The emphasis is on listening to your own rhythm—something often neglected in our fast-paced lives. The Rest & Relaxation Retreat is a favorite among solo travelers, couples, and wellness seekers who want the freedom to choose their own schedule while still being enveloped in a nurturing, intentional environment.
Guest Presenter Programs
In addition to its core offerings, the Art of Living Retreat Center frequently invites guest presenters—renowned authors, wellness professionals, and spiritual teachers—to host specialized workshops and retreats. These programs vary in length (from a weekend to a full week) and cover a wide range of themes, such as:
- Mindfulness and meditation
- Trauma-informed healing
- Yoga for specific conditions
- Women’s empowerment
- Creativity and conscious writing
- Nutrition and holistic health
- Relationship dynamics and communication
Notable past presenters have included Nedra Glover Tawwab, Deepak Chopra, Judith Hanson Lasater, Byron Katie, and Cheryl Strayed. These guest retreats typically include interactive lectures, experiential exercises, and plenty of time for personal reflection. They often draw attendees from all over the world and are known for being both deeply informative and personally transformative.
One standout feature of the guest presenter programs is the intimate, retreat-style setting. Unlike conferences or hotel-based workshops, these experiences are immersed in nature and enhanced by the serene atmosphere of the center,
The Shankara Ayurveda Wellness
The Shankara Ayurveda Wellness spa has an in-depth treatment menu as well as personalized consultations with an Ayurvedic expert who helps identify a person’s unique dosha (mind-body constitution) and recommends treatments or lifestyle changes accordingly.
Popular treatments include:
- Abhyanga (herbal oil massage)
- Shirodhara (steady stream of oil on the forehead for deep calm)
- Marma therapy (vital energy point massage)
Staying at the retreat
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The Art of Living retreat has many different accommodations, including:
- Private Hotel Rooms: Equipped with king or full-sized beds, flat-screen TVs, refrigerators, private baths, and complimentary Wi-Fi, these rooms cater to individuals or couples seeking modern amenities.
- Retreat Rooms: Simpler in design, these rooms feature twin beds, private baths, and essential furnishings, ideal for those desiring a minimalist environment conducive to introspection.
- Premium Apartments: For those seeking extended stays or additional space, fully furnished one-bedroom apartments with kitchenettes, balconies, and washers/dryers are available.
Dining and Activities
Dining at the center is a holistic experience, emphasizing vegetarian cuisine crafted to nourish both body and spirit. Meals are served buffet-style in a spacious dining hall that offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Both indoor and outdoor seating is available.
There are many activities offered at the retreat including:
- Yoga and Meditation: Daily sessions cater to all levels, integrating Hatha yoga techniques and guided meditation practices to harmonize mind, body, and spirit.
- Nature Walks: With trails meandering through lush forests, guests can immerse themselves in the therapeutic embrace of nature, fostering a deeper connection with the environment.
- Evening Kirtan and Fire Circles: Communal gatherings featuring soulful chanting and fire circles under the starlit sky provide opportunities for collective reflection and joy.
The NC Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at Sunday, April 19, 2026 results for each game:
Winning Pick 3 numbers from April 19 drawing
Day: 6-2-0, Fireball: 6
Evening: 4-1-7, Fireball: 5
Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 4 numbers from April 19 drawing
Day: 7-6-9-4, Fireball: 4
Evening: 8-1-5-6, Fireball: 6
Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash 5 numbers from April 19 drawing
02-21-32-35-37
Check Cash 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Double Play numbers from April 19 drawing
18-26-27-31-42
Winning Millionaire for Life numbers from April 19 drawing
32-42-52-53-55, Bonus: 05
Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize
All North Carolina Lottery retailers will redeem prizes up to $599.
For prizes over $599, winners can submit winning tickets through the mail or in person at North Carolina Lottery Offices. By mail, send a prize claim form, your signed lottery ticket, copies of a government-issued photo ID and social security card to: North Carolina Education Lottery, P.O. Box 41606, Raleigh, NC 27629. Prize claims less than $600 do not require copies of photo ID or a social security card.
To submit in person, sign the back of your ticket, fill out a prize claim form and deliver the form, along with your signed lottery ticket and government-issued photo ID and social security card to any of these locations:
- Asheville Regional Office & Claim Center: 16-G Regent Park Blvd., Asheville, NC 28806, 877-625-6886 press #1. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. This office can cash prizes up to $99,999.
- Greensboro Regional Office & Claim Center: 20A Oak Branch Drive, Greensboro, NC 27407, 877-625-6886 press #2. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. This office can cash prizes up to $99,999.
- Charlotte Regional Office & Claim Center: 5029-A West W. T. Harris Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28269-1861, 877-625-6886 press #3. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. This office can cash prizes up to $99,999.
- NC Lottery Headquarters: Raleigh Claim Center & Regional Office, 2728 Capital Blvd., Suite 144, Raleigh, NC 27604, 877-625-6886 press #4. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. This office can cash prizes of any amount.
- Greenville Regional Office & Claim Center: 2790 Dickinson Avenue, Suite A, Greenville, NC 27834, 877-625-6886 press #5. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. This office can cash prizes up to $99,999.
- Wilmington Regional Office & Claim Center: 123 North Cardinal Drive Extension, Suite 140, Wilmington, NC 28405, 877-625-6886 press #6. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. This office can cash prizes up to $99,999.
Check previous winning numbers and payouts at https://nclottery.com/.
When are the North Carolina Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 10:59 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 11 p.m. Tuesday and Friday.
- Lucky for Life: 10:38 p.m. daily.
- Pick 3, 4: 3:00 p.m. and 11:22 p.m. daily.
- Cash 5: 11:22 p.m. daily.
- Millionaire for Life: 11:15 p.m. daily.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Carolina Connect editor. You can send feedback using this form.
The North Carolina Tar Heels will be a young program across the board next season, with well over two dozen freshmen and numerous additions from the transfer portal this offseason. Expectations for the 2026 season are lowered dramatically after a disastrous first season for head coach Bill Belichick, though those expectations could help the Tar Heels fly under the radar.
As the Tar Heels approach the end of spring ball, it is time to look at the veterans of the team—the ones who have the experience to lead, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Let’s look at three underrated seniors for the 2026 football season.
Ade Willie, Cornerback
Willie joins the Tar Heels program after four years with Michigan State, as the former 4-star player in the 2022 recruiting class gets an opportunity to not only provide depth to the secondary, but potentially start Week 0 against TCU.
Willie played in over 30 games with the Spartans and brings experience in the secondary at cornerback and safety, along with quality length and closing speed to the football. For a defense that needs players to step up, the redshirt senior from IMG Academy will be asked to do so.
Isaiah Johnson, Defensive Lineman
The defensive line is beginning to look like one of the Tar Heels’ strengths for the 2026 season. Johnson, a former transfer from Arizona, enters his redshirt senior year looking to add another year of production after 40 tackles and two sacks this past season.
North Carolina has an impressive group of starters with Malkart Abou-Jaoude, Leroy Jackson, and incoming transfer Jaylen Harvey. Johnson adds value to the group as a run defender with the ability to penetrate the pocket. While not discussed as a key player, Johnson’s name will be used plenty during the regular season as a potential standout for the program’s defensive front.
Coleman Bryson, Safety
Bryson was a reserve player for the Tar Heels’ secondary last season as a big nickel defender in the rotation. Heading into his redshirt senior year, the former Minnesota Gopher is looking to become a full-time starter in the secondary.
It wasn’t long ago when Bryson was making plays as the 2022 Pinstripe Bowl Defensive MVP. His special teams abilities were valuable for North Carolina last season, and he flashed at times in coverage against tight ends, including a pass breakup in the season-opener against TCU. The Waynesville, North Carolina, native could be a key defender on the back-seven in 2026.
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Friends and family members gathered in Washington state on Saturday, remembering former Miss North Carolina Carrie Everett, who died on Easter Sunday. Another memorial service is planned in North Carolina next month.
Web Editor : Sydney Ross
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