Adirondack Astronomy Retreat 2026

August 11 - August 13 2026
AAR 2026 will be held at the Meadwomount School of Music in Westport, NY

A summer retreat founded by David and Wendee Levy to share the sky with friends, remember why we became amateur astronomers in the first place and to recharge our astronomical batteries!

What is the story behind the Adirondack Astronomy Retreat?
David and Wendee Levy wanted to start an informal observing retreat in the Adirondack mountains that would allow for a low-pressure, fun observing experience in one of the few dark areas left in the northeastern U.S. For many years, the event was held at theTwin Valleys Outdoor Education Center. David spent three memorable summers there when he was a teenager (1964-1966). But the site has been sold to a local land trust. So AAR 2026 will be held at a new site: the Meadowmount School of Music in Westport, NY.

What are the accommodations like?  
Meadowmount School of Music has been running a summer camp for musiscians since 1944 in northern New York. The 240-acre campus has a bit more upscale accommodations. Dorm-style rooms are furnished with twin-sized beds.

Are there lectures scheduled?  
 We plan for some lectures as usual (speakers and topics TBA).

Are children welcome?  
Sorry, for 2026, no. We hope to remedy this the coming years.

Are pets welcome?   
Sorry, no pets. The camp prohibits pets.       

Is food provided?   
The food will be preparred by the Meadowmount staff and served inthe dining hall.  It includes the usual three meals, starting with dinner on your night of arrival and ending with breakfast on departure day.

What else is nearby?

Meadowmount is located in Upstate New York in the Boquet River Valley in the Adirondacks near the shores of Lake Champlain. The nearest towns are Elizabethtown, Westport, and Essex.For more information about the area, see: Explore the Region 

Observing

Join us on the fields across the street. There's plenty of space to set up telescopes with a unobstructed view of the sky.
The skies here are Bortle class 3 (SQM 21.86 mag/arcsec²).

PAYMENT

The Registration Fee is $720. This includes lodging and food for Tue, August 11 - Thu, August 13 2026. Use the button below to send your payment.
Important note: Please do make sure that your contact infomation (mailing and email address) are updated in Paypal before submitting payment!

CONTACT

For questions and more information, email adirondackastronomyretreat@gmail.com

Proceeds from the event to benefit the North Jersey Astronomical Group, a 501c3 astronomy club based in northern New Jersey.