An elegant historic hotel sits surrounded by manicured gardens and exotic tropical flowers. Ancient oak trees and serene Australian pines dot the landscape. Bananas, mangos, papayas, lychees, and citrus of every kind grow just outside the door. Silence and bliss hang in the air.

Here on the shores of Lake Lotela, the Maharishi School of Vedic Science in Avon Park, Florida has been cherished by Meditators and their families for over 21 years. Since 1993, Ken and Janet Krumpe have been renovating the buildings and grounds to create an ideal place for rest and rejuvenation.

 "Avon Park is very precious to all of us," say Ken and Janet. "Many people have given whole-heartedly to support the programs here." Meditators, Citizen Sidhas and Governors have "adopted" rooms by donating funds for their renovation. From then on, they can enjoy staying in "their" room anytime they come for a course.

Together with their daughter, Michelle, the Krumpe’s have created a warm family atmosphere. Family Weekends, held many times a year, offer delightful experiences to all generations. While parents participate in the full World Peace Assembly or Residence Course schedule, the children enjoy fun activities such as swimming, nature walks, games, crafts, and their own group meditation. Non-meditating children can be instructed in the TM technique over the weekend, and all the children are inspired to practice their meditation regularly.

Tom and Eleanor Waller have been coming to Avon Park since their daughters were babies. "We’re delighted with the Family Weekends," says Eleanor. "Our children really enjoy meeting other meditating children and have made many new friends. They have a great time with all the activities, and especially love the swimming pool."

Winter is the time when this Florida garden spot is particularly enticing. Blue skies and balmy temperatures offer meditating "snowbirds" relief from northern ice and cold. The delicious menu includes tropical fruits fresh from the orchard.

"I love going to Avon Park in the winter," says Devani Wagner of Fairfield, Iowa. "I’m as comfortable there in my adopted room as I am at home. The feeling is very silent and sweet."

With Maharishi’s knowledge, nutritious food and a warm family feeling, Avon Park is a great place for gaining rest and developing consciousness. "No matter how we feel when we arrive," say Mary and Murray Shatt, "we always leave recharged after the great food and deep meditations. Our only problem is—we never want to leave!"

Cynthia Goldstone is a writer and editor for Enlightenment magazine.

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For more information call 863-452-5111 or visit www.avonpark.org.