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Location: 
"The Ranch", as the locals call it, is a conference and retreat center located in Dunlap, California, about 35 miles east of Fresno. Rolling hills, ancient oaks, a small lake, an apple orchard and an olive grove provide gorgeous natural surroundings. Nestled on 230 acres of what was once a working horse ranch, the lodges, meeting spaces and recreational facilities provide for very comfortable accommodations surrounded by rugged landscape. Both the Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are only 20 minutes away from our facility, making it possible to visit both in one day! A breathtaking new Byzantine-style monastery overlooks the valley. Hiking trails and a swimming pool are also available.
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Temperatures during the month of May at the St. Nicholas Ranch are typically warm to hot during the day (high 80s to low 90s), to cool at night (mid 60s). Dress for the Gathering is casual. A tour of the monastery is available for CAG guests, at late Saturday afternoon for a one-hour visit. Custom attire for the church tour consists of skirts and head-scarves for ladies, and pants and long-sleeve shirts for gentlemen.
No campfires are permitted. Pets are strongly discouraged from attending. We ask for no smoking in the grass areas of the facility, no drugs, and consideration for students towards alcohol consumption. |
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All motel-style rooms come with a private bath, individual air-conditioning and heating, with twin beds. All the lodge rooms, dining and classrooms are located together on level ground. All meals are included in the registration fee.
For the California Autoharp Gathering, the St. Nicholas Ranch boasts of a main concert room (St. Peter), two smaller workshop rooms, a silent auction/vendors room, and outdoor workshop space. All participants have home-cooked meals in the dining room. Vegetarian entrees can be provided upon request. Students have outdoor workshop and dining areas.
The St. Nicholas Ranch is two miles from the Highway 180/Dunlap Road intersection. Once you reach the driveway for the ranch off the Dunlap Road, go about one mile along the driveway (paved) until you reach the retreat center. Camping space is located just east of the dormitories.