Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are there other dining options at Ridgecrest besides the main dining hall? What about off site?
The Centennial Eatery at Ridgecrest serves burgers, chicken sandwiches, hotdogs, fries, sub sandwiches , salads and Papa John's pizza. Fruit smoothies, frozen yogurt and fountain drinks are also available. Hours for the Centennial Eatery are 11 a.m.–11 p.m. each day.
Ridgecrest’s Clouds coffee shop serves breakfast bars, muffins, coffee, coffee specialty drinks, bottled water and cheesecake. The coffee shop will be open 7:30 a.m.–11 p.m. each day.
Black Mountain, N.C., is about three miles away from Ridgecrest Conference Center. Some of their dining options include:
My Father's Pizza & Pasta
110 Cherry Street
Black Mountain, NC
Veranda Cafe & Gifts
119 Cherry Street
Black Mountain, NC
Berliner Kindl German Restaurant
121 Broadway Avenue
Black Mountain, NC
Camino's Southwestern Grille
107 Black Mountain Avenue
Black Mountain, NC
Coach House Seafood & Steak Restaurant
508 West State Street
Black Mountain, NC
Perry's Bar-B-Que
400 E State St # C
Black Mountain, NC
2. What can kids and spouses do while the conference takes place?
The Western North Carolina area is one of the most loved tourism locations in the nation. Stroll through the delightful arts and crafts community of neighboring Black Mountain, N.C. Step back into yesteryear with a truly unique three-and-one-half hour steam locomotive train ride through the spectacular Great Smoky Mountains. Enjoy touring the world-renowned 250-room Biltmore Estate, home of the late George W. Vanderbilt. Or visit the Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove. The Visitors Center at the Chatlos Memorial Chapel offers free admission and hour-long tours about The Cove’s ministry. Learn more at www.exploreasheville.com.
3. Will the general sessions be broadcast online like last year?
No, but you can purchase audio and video recordings of the general sessions from www.soundword.com following the conference.
4. What if I am coming alone and need a roommate? How can I meet up with other attendees to split the transportation cost between the airport and Ridgecrest?
We recommend that you go to www.facebook.com/cccaorgconnect to find other CCCA members attending the conference. You’ll need to make your own roommate and transportation arrangements.
5. What is the weather like in North Carolina during December?
Highs are in the low- to mid-50s. Lows are in the low- to mid-30s.
6. Does Ridgecrest accommodate special requests (gluten-free, etc.) in its dining hall?
If you have special dietary requirements, please e-mail Ridgecrest at ridgecrest@lifeway.com.
7. Is there a deadline for making a reservation at Ridgecrest?
Reservations booked after Nov. 13, 2010, will be accepted on a space available basis at the prevailing rate.
8. How far away is the Billy Graham Training Center from Ridgecrest?
The Cove is about 13 miles or 21 minutes southwest of Ridgecrest near the town of Asheville.
9. Will there be much downtime for group or family activities?
View the conference schedule.
10. Should I consider staying off site if I bring my family?
Ridgecrest's campus offers a variety of lodging accommodations and styles. Accommodation options include:
Deluxe room: $99/night for single/double/triple/quad
Deluxe hotels, Mountain Laurel Inn and Rhododendron, offer comfortable hotel accommodations and amenities such as hair dryers, in-room irons and ironing boards, coffeemakers and complimentary wireless Internet throughout the building.
Standard room: $79/night for single/double/triple/quad
Standard hotels such as Pritchell and Maple offer in-room irons and ironing boards, as well as complimentary wireless Internet.
Economy room: $59/night for double/triple/quad (inquire with Ridgecrest about higher occupancy)
Ridgecrest's varied lodging options also include Walnut and Youth Housing, perfect for multiple camp staff members who really want to bond during the National Conference.
11. Is there a fee for staying off site?
Each person choosing to stay off campus and attending the event will be charged $25. This does not include meals or program fees. CCCA may also charge an additional fee for persons staying off-campus.
12. How far is Ridgecrest from the major airports, Charlotte and Asheville?
The Asheville Regional Airport (AVL) is about 27 miles or 45 minutes from Ridgecrest. The Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) is about 113 miles or two hours from Ridgecrest.
13. Is there group transportation from Charlotte and Asheville?
Below is a list of transportation services (price per one way). Please reference CCCA Conference at Ridgecrest when making a reservation:
Carolina Limousine - $50 per car up to three people; $95 for 10 people w/luggage
Call (800) 242-9712 or (828) 665-2055 and ask for Kelly or e-mail nclimousine@charterinternet.com
Silver Lining Services - $45 per car and one person; $5 per extra passenger
Call (828) 691-1121 and ask for Graham or e-mail grahamramsey.sls@gmail.com
Marvels Upscale Transportation - $50 per car up to three people; if more than three, it is $25 per person
Call (828) 280-1698 and ask for Walter or e-mail mr.marvels@yahoo.com
Diamond Executive - Sedan $65 up to 3 people; SUV $75 up to 5 people; van $90 up to 10 people w/luggage
Call (828) 281-8139 and ask for Lamont or e-mail diamondexecutive@charter.net
Accent On Asheville - $45 per car and 1 person; $5 per extra passenger
Call (800) 627-1185 or (828) 251-4222 and ask for Michael or e-mail michaelr@accentsonasheville.com
14. Can I or someone I know attend only part of the conference?
Part-time program fees are available to anyone interested in attending a certain day(s) of the 2010 CCCA National Conference. Tickets for individual events are not available.
Part-time fees are as follows:
Monday, Dec. 6 $100 ($139 for non-members)
(Head Start Workshops, First-Timers’ Orientation, general session with Jeff Foxworthy, Better Together Snack Buffet, Fireside Chat)
Tuesday, Dec. 7 $150 ($199 for non-members)
(Morning Worship Hour with Bryan Loritts, three seminar sessions, exhibits, Region Gatherings, general session with Sharon Hersh, The Brain Show)
Wednesday, Dec. 8 $150 ($199 for non-members)
(Morning Worship Hour with Bryan Loritts, two seminar sessions, exhibits, Fireside Chat, general session with Will Graham, dessert and entertainment by Jack Pearson)
Thursday, Dec. 9 $75 ($109 for non-members)
(One seminar session, general session with Bryan Loritts)
15. Where can WiFi be accessed at Ridgecrest?
The Internet is available everywhere on campus, except for Economy lodging.
16. Can I stay at Ridgecrest the weekend prior or after the conference as well as during the conference?
Yes, you can. Lodging and meals on both ends of the conference are available. Make your request at the time of making your reservation online or by calling (800) 588-7222.
17. How is the cell coverage at Ridgecrest?
AT&T and Sprint provide the best coverage. T Mobile is OK, but if you have Verizon, you could probably just leave your phone at home.