Mornings roll in with low sun, birds in the sumac, and the easy smell of bread rising in the kitchen. Uplands keeps a mellow, purpose-driven rhythm—a place meant for groups to gather, wander trails, and return to long tables covered with steaming bowls and baked things.
What to Expect:
🌿 Private and group retreats in a restored lodge surrounded by forests and fields
🛏️ Guest rooms plus rustic tent sites for sleeping under the stars
🧘 Yoga studio, sound bath sessions, art space, sauna, and indoor pool
🍲 Chef-led seasonal meals, homemade breads, and snacks set out each day
🚶 Direct access to walking trails, permaculture gardens, and wildflower meadows
Important Information:
✔ Advance group booking required; primarily serves retreats and organizations
✔ Accessible entrance, parking, restrooms, and rooms; gender-neutral restroom available
✔ Staff on-site 24/7 during stays; direct email contact for all booking and dietary needs
✔ LGBTQ+ friendly space focused on well-being, creativity, and community
Haley's Pick 🍽️
You probably know her as @milehighandhungry. Each week, Haley shares the one place she’s obsessed with right now. From hidden gems to hot new openings, if she picks it, it’s worth the hype.
Haley's Review of Riot BBQ
Riot BBQ on South Delaware feels like a backyard cookout run by a Top Chef, because it is. Chef Manny Barella and pitmaster Patrick Klaiber have teamed up to blend Monterrey flavors with Texas-style smoke, and the results are seriously craveable.
The brisket steals the show: tender, deeply smoky, and finished with Barella’s bold spice rub. Get it solo or wrapped in buttery Raquelita tortillas. The pulled pork brings heat with ancho, guajillo, and morita chiles, and the al pastor ribs are sticky, sweet, and slightly charred in all the right ways.
Even the sides are insanely good! Think crunchy pepita-macha slaw and banana pudding served in a jar that tastes just like childhood (but better). Every bite feels intentional.
It’s barbecue with heart, history, and just the right amount of heat. Riot BBQ isn’t just a meal, it’s a moment worth lining up for.
– Haley @milehighandhungry
Local Insights
🌸 Best Wildflowers: Early June to July, the meadows fill with lupine, milkweed, and black-eyed Susans—grab a morning walk for the full bloom.
🎹 Piano in the Lodge: The dining hall has a guest piano open in the evenings—ask staff if you want uninterrupted play time.
🔥 Starry Nights: The upper meadow by the tent sites has wide-open skies, perfect for stargazing after the last campfire dies down.
🥣 Off-site Eats: If you arrive early or stay late, Molto Espresso in Walton pours real-deal coffee and pastries before 2 PM most days.
What folks are saying
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Based on the 50 most recent Google reviews
Guests repeatedly describe the Uplands Center as tranquil and restorative, with special praise for the welcoming, attentive staff and the comforting meals. The rooms and grounds are kept spotless, and the atmosphere encourages reflection and creativity. Visitors rave about the quality of meals, yoga and wellness offerings, and the natural beauty right out the door. No recurring negatives to note; reviews mention a deep sense of care in every detail.
Last updated on
October 9th, 2025
Accessibility
Step-free entrance, accessible guest rooms and restrooms, wide paths, paved parking area, and an ADA lift for the pool. Gender-neutral restroom available.
