Availablity at our Massachusetts retreat center
The charm of handmade quilts are just one of the reasons why groups as diverse as those looking for retreat centers for mens work to people looking for a quilt retreat center return to this New England Retreat and Conference Center in Massachusetts year after year.
What is Friendly Crossways?
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Situated in central Massachusetts apple country, this
smoke-free hostel and conference center has been a special
place for retreats, seminars, conferences, and workshops since
1946. First licensed in 1947 by American Youth Hostels (now
Hostelling International),
this hostel also provides inexpensive accommodations for
individual travelers on a budget.
Friendly Crossways is conveniently located near the intersection of Rte. 2 and Rte. 495 in the town of Harvard, only 30 miles northwest of Boston. We're in a peaceful, rural location with easy access to hiking, biking, skiing and canoeing. Church leaders, youth groups, health organizations, elementary and high schools, and other environmental, educational and nonprofit companies are just some of the groups who have benefited from our services, facilities and reasonable rates.
A century-old New England barn and farmhouse has been renovated to accommodate up to 70 people in a combination of dormitory and private rooms. We have large and small meeting places, and a big kitchen; their use is included in our rates. Groups can make communal cooking part of their conference activities, or our chef can provide healthy, family-style meals.
We're open throughout the year, and it's a beautiful place during all the seasons, even winter!
Keith and Mary Helan are second-generation managers, having taken over the reins from Mary Helan's parents, Martin and Anne Vesenka.
What We Have for You:
- Large meeting spaces include the 24x50 dining hall with banquet seating for 70, with a fireplace; and a 24x36 conference room furnished with comfortable couches and overstuffed chairs and a large television screen and video player.
- There are two, more intimate "breakout" rooms for smaller groups.
- The kitchen is fully equipped with two stoves, ovens, sinks and refrigerators, and pots, pans and diningware to serve 72. Day and overnight rates include use of the kitchen.
- The main dorm can sleep up to 25; a sleeping loft has 10 twin beds. There are 13 private and family bedrooms with one to four beds.
- Blankets, pillows and hand-made quilts are provided. Linens may be rented, or you can save money by bringing your own. (Sleeping bags are not allowed in hostels for health and sanitation reasons). In order to keep costs low, we ask that you bring your own towels and toiletries.
- The facility is situated on four acres of lawn with volleyball, softball and soccer set-ups, surrounded by 40 acres of forest, corn fields and organic gardens.
- There is ample parking on and near the facility.
- We are wheel chair accessible.
Organizers, please use the following links for:
Location, Location, Location
- We're conveniently located near the intersection of Rte. 2
and I-495 in the TOWN of Harvard, Massachusetts (25 miles from
Harvard University). We're only 30 miles northwest of Boston,
an hour from Logan Airport, and four hours from New York City.
We're close to other airports as well: Manchester NH (55 minutes), Providence RI (1 hr. 15 minutes), Hartford CT (1.5 hr.)
Once you're here you can drive 25 miles to Alewife MBTA subway station, park all day for $5, and take a 20-minute subway ride to Cambridge or Boston and avoid the hassle and expense of driving/parking in Boston.
For More detailed directions from major highways, Logan airport and by train, please see Location & Directions page.
Street Address: 247 Littleton County Road, Harvard MA 01451
For links to other useful web sites, try U.S. City Directory
ROOM AVAILABILITY!We'd love to see you here, but find out if we have room first... |