Turtle Island Preserve
Turtle Island Preserve
Turtle Island Preserve
5
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Duration: More than 3 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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5.0
19 reviews
Excellent
17
Very good
2
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Nick AF
1 contribution
Mar 2020
I did the boys 2 week camp about 20 years ago. As i have grown older, it remains one of my fondest memories. I gained so much knowledge, confidence, and respect for others at Turtle Island. It is an experience, that I think, every young man should have.
Most of my best attributes and skills in life were born here.
Most of my best attributes and skills in life were born here.
Written 18 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jez09
Virginia Beach, VA USA411 contributions
Sept 2022
Our group had a really enjoyable time learning how to make fire with Tanner. He showed us 4 different ways to make a fire from nothing. He also shared a lot about nature, knives, and survival just in the process of teaching us that I never thought of before.
I left feeling more prepared, closer to nature, and just really blessed that we were offered the opportunity to learn here.
The location has a REALLY long and rough road to get in, so be aware of that. It's NATURE. Nature is rough. Once you get beyond that, you will love what is on offer.
I left feeling more prepared, closer to nature, and just really blessed that we were offered the opportunity to learn here.
The location has a REALLY long and rough road to get in, so be aware of that. It's NATURE. Nature is rough. Once you get beyond that, you will love what is on offer.
Written 25 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wolfacresmaggie
Rutherfordton, NC1 contribution
Oct 2015 • Friends
If you have ever dreamed about living in another time, you need to visit Turtle Island Preserve. They have fantastic teachers of the "Old ways" and total off grid living! My husband and I were thrilled with our rustic accommodations, full of old time craftsmanship and the natural setting was absolutely impeccable. The staff is first rate, the workshops are amazing, and the memories you will take away are priceless.
If you are a nature lover, a history buff, or just an adventurer you will love this place. There are farm animals, gardening the natural way, workshops for almost any interest from cooking on a wood cookstove to blacksmithing to natural living, carriage rides, and so much more! Children are encouraged to interact and explore, there are hiking trails and many, many craftsman buildings to explore. Turtle Island sponsors camps for girls and boys during the summer months, and workshops all year. This is a truly unplugged family-friendly adventure! I cannot wait to go again!
If you are a nature lover, a history buff, or just an adventurer you will love this place. There are farm animals, gardening the natural way, workshops for almost any interest from cooking on a wood cookstove to blacksmithing to natural living, carriage rides, and so much more! Children are encouraged to interact and explore, there are hiking trails and many, many craftsman buildings to explore. Turtle Island sponsors camps for girls and boys during the summer months, and workshops all year. This is a truly unplugged family-friendly adventure! I cannot wait to go again!
Written 8 April 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ballhawg
Marietta, GA584 contributions
May 2015 • Friends
If you have seen the television series "Mountain Men" then you have seen Eustace Conway at work. Eustace, with help from Preston Roberts and many other friends have developed a community among nature that you will see nowhere else. It is a beautiful piece of land carved out of a magnificent forest surrounded by hollars, creeks and hillsides. The logs for the building were hand hewn on the site and the wood singles were made with a great deal of effort. There is an "open kitchen", working black smith shop, large barn and at least a six horse drawn wagons. Bathrooms? There are several outhouses/privies if nature calls and there is a hand-washing station as well.
Written 22 May 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dottiedye
Lanett, AL2 contributions
Oct 2016 • Solo
I recently had the privilege of volunteering at Turtle Island Preserve.
I expected to work hard and learn new skills; I was blown away by the professionalism of the staff who taught the skills I learned.
Nestled in the beautiful mountains in Boone, NC, I stepped back in time by 100 years.
I slept in a hand hewn log cabin, learned how to build a fire the correct way, split firewood, cooked on a wood stove, and most importantly realized how wasteful I have been for most of my 63 years.
This is a wonderful place and I highly recommend taking the time to volunteer.
Dottie Dye
I expected to work hard and learn new skills; I was blown away by the professionalism of the staff who taught the skills I learned.
Nestled in the beautiful mountains in Boone, NC, I stepped back in time by 100 years.
I slept in a hand hewn log cabin, learned how to build a fire the correct way, split firewood, cooked on a wood stove, and most importantly realized how wasteful I have been for most of my 63 years.
This is a wonderful place and I highly recommend taking the time to volunteer.
Dottie Dye
Written 19 October 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NCfamilytravel
North Carolina Mountains, NC189 contributions
Oct 2015 • Couples
What a way to end our week long vacation in the NC mountains! My husband and I enjoyed several hours at Turtle Island; taking a carriage ride, talking with Eustace Conway, and exploring the preserve itself upon suggestions from Eustace.
We found Eustace to be very welcoming, sharing great stories about Turtle Island and answering every question that was asked. (The story of the cherry trees was really wonderful.)
Eustace is very passionate and devoted to living off the land, utilizing but preserving the natural resources, and sharing this information to encourage us all to be better stewards.
Turtle Island is a wonderful example of the beauty of our NC mountains and the heritage that we should be proud of.
We found Eustace to be very welcoming, sharing great stories about Turtle Island and answering every question that was asked. (The story of the cherry trees was really wonderful.)
Eustace is very passionate and devoted to living off the land, utilizing but preserving the natural resources, and sharing this information to encourage us all to be better stewards.
Turtle Island is a wonderful example of the beauty of our NC mountains and the heritage that we should be proud of.
Written 26 October 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tiffany S
Lovingston, VA1 contribution
Apr 2016 • Family
One of the most peaceful places. Such a laid back atmosphere. If you are looking to get away and learn about how your ancestors survived add this to your list. You can really learn how to give to the earth and get back in return. Looking forward to our next visit.
Written 17 April 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
algataho
north carolina154 contributions
Jul 2015 • Couples
If you enjoy the mountains and want a true feel for the area, this is your best choice.It is a rare find and pure fun. This is not a theme park, zoo, or tourist trap. The natural setting and local beauty are unsurpassed.
Written 11 August 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MDILLON661
Bradenton, FL9 contributions
Jul 2015 • Family
If you only have a short time to visit, the carriage ride is a great way to see a bit of the Preserve and to meet and chat with Eustace!
Written 25 July 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
patricia22_12
West Jefferson, NC22 contributions
Aug 2015 • Family
This is an awesome experience. Eustice, from Mountain Men, is incredible. You experience his life on the preserve, enjoy a horse and buggy ride, and see all of the structures that Eustice has built. He really is an amazing man, and very intelligent. We had a blast.
Written 28 September 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is there typically cellular reception there?
Written 22 February 2018
The base camp area of Turtle Island is a electronics free zone. There are a few locations where one can obtain cell reception and there is a land line on site in the event of an emergency. Hope that helps!
Written 23 February 2018
Bonjour je suis a la recherche de nouveaux horizons jaime la nature c une grande passion et je souhaiterai savoir comment aller laba merci
Written 21 December 2017
Hi, my name is Debbie and I am from Australia and we watch your show every week and love it and we will be travelling through there in September and would love to come and see the farm and the mountain and so are we able to just call in to Turtle Island preserve and have a carriage ride with Eustace and if so do I have to book and how much for 4 of us. Thanks Debbie
Written 31 March 2017
All visits can be booked over the phone at 828-265-2267 or via email and we ask for at least 2 weeks notice. Thanks!
Written 23 February 2018
This seems like a great educational place to take my three small children. I was wondering if this is a place you can stop by or is it a reserve only type of place? I visited their website and looks like you have to reserve or it's good for groups. We are trying to find historical places to take our children in April that isn't too expensive.
Written 16 January 2017
Each April we have an event called "families learning together" its the best day of the year to visits. Tickets are available on our website. Visits on other days need to be scheduled at least 2 weeks in advance by calling 828-265-2267
Written 23 February 2018
How is the driveway going and leaving turtle island? Planning to go and wondering if anyone had any trouble getting in and out?
Written 17 July 2016
Just go slow and you'll be fine.
Written 31 July 2016
Is there an entrance fee? and how much is it?
Written 7 June 2016
Well, according to the FAQ on their website, you might be able to book a visit for free in advance.
There are also fee-based carriage tours.
There are also group events and workshops.
Written 7 June 2016
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
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