by Maggie Cramer

Yes, there’s the hustle and bustle of funky Lexington Avenue above, but in a basement space of the WriteMind Institute for Corporate Contemplation in downtown Asheville, you can escape for a few hours before work or during lunch. Most days, you should call to make a reservation to use WriteMind’s downstairs, which feels like a peaceful dungeon. But not on Mondays, when $15 will get you into the "mindful Monday morning" routine. Start with 6am meditation with institute founder Jonathon Flaum, then yoga class with Joyce Thornburg, followed by oatmeal, tea and a book discussion. 828-253-1733 or www.writemindinstitute.com.

Great Tree Zen Temple, a Soto Zen temple for women, sits on a hill just outside Weaverville. While Great Tree’s purpose is to offer an environment conducive to a "uniquely feminine expression of spiritual practice," anyone can meditate there—and take in the spectacular mountain views. 828-645-2085 or www.greattreetemple.org.

The Southern Dharma Retreat Center is about an hour northwest of Asheville, but the 15-acre property, within a 135-acre preserve near the Pisgah National Forest, truly has an "off-the-map" feeling. Retreats run from two to seven nights and range from lessons in Soto Zen to American Zen to Won Buddhism and Sufi dancing. www.southerndharma.org.

Embracing Simplicity Hermitage is a Buddhist monastery near Hendersonville. Need we say more? If you’re looking for peace and an unusual place to meditate in the woods, check out its walking paths, lush plants and rambling stream. 828-338-2665 or www.embracingsimplicityhermitage.org.