Qigong is considered one of the five branches of Asian Medicine, a foundation for martial arts, and a spiritual practice revered in Daoist and Chan Buddhist tradition. Qi is a vital element found in everything: the sun, the trees, the wind, the sky, the blooming flowers in spring and the falling leaves in the fall. Qi is (more…)
“Ceaselessly Into the Past”: How 100 years of The Great Gatsby shaped life on the Gold Coast Join us for a guided tour of Hempstead House, one of the grand Gold Coast mansions that provided the inspirational backdrop for F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby. Then, instructors from The Story Round will lead a table discussion (more…)
Take the first step and learn how to dance today! Discover the joy of ballroom dance in a fun, relaxed setting at the Sands Point Preserve! Join us for an introductory class led by Donatas Nacajus of Ballroom Boutique, and take your first steps on the dance floor with confidence and style. The aim of (more…)
THERE ARE CURRENTLY NO UPCOMING HEMPSTEAD HOUSE TOURS. CHECK BACK FOR TOUR DATES. Interior access to Hempstead House is available by scheduled guided tours only. Tours are limited in group size and tend to sell out. Tickets are only available to purchase day-of in Castle Gould’s Welcome Center, open Wednesday – Sunday at 11am. Please (more…)
Welcome to the Sands Point Preserve! The Sands Point Preserve’s grounds are open for visitors – the Great Lawn, Hempstead House Garden, Woodland Playground, dog run, forest trails, and pond area. The Welcome Center & Gift Shop in Castle Gould is open Wednesdays through Sundays at 11 am – 6 pm. Restrooms are available in (more…)
Ecotherapy, also known as Forest Bathing, or Shinrin-Yoku, is the practice of connecting with Nature; of walking with Nature rather than through it. Certified guide Linda Lombardo leads monthly sessions of this relational practice that lowers cortisol, improves cognitive function, boosts your mood and energy, and most of all, grounds you so you are better prepared (more…)
Join Hildur Palsdottir for an evening of nature-based mindfulness and meditation on the first Thursday of every month. Classes will be held in the beautiful rooms of the Preserve’s mansions, or in the Hempstead House Garden when weather permits. With these sessions we will explore techniques specifically aimed at stress reduction. With kind curiosity Hildur (more…)
Spend 24 hours in our woods during our Overnight Survival challenge! Instructor Mike Evans will guide this immersive experience, designed for both newcomers and returning outdoor enthusiasts. We’ll revisit foundational skills in foraging, fire-making, cordage and more, while also introducing fresh new concepts for those who have taken our monthly survival courses. Guests will share (more…)
Join us for the third year of our Wilderness Survival series! Ideal for beginners and seasoned enthusiasts alike, this series is led by survival enthusiast Mike Evans. Dive into essential survival skills, from emergency preparedness to advanced bushcraft techniques, exploring key concepts like the Rule of 3s and the 5 Cs. Perfect for those starting (more…)
The Preserve’s historic mansions and waterfront grounds are the backdrop for this unique chamber music series, created by Series Artistic Director Kathryn Lockwood. Each concert features music and poetry, inspired by the time of year and themes of romance and resilience. Internationally renowned musicians present captivating performances with repertoire ranging from Beethoven, Bach, and Mozart to (more…)
