I have been blessed to participate in a handful of writing retreats over the years, but one of my favorites is with a group of writers known as the Inkettes. This fun group was started by Dani Pettrey a few years ago, and we’ve had an annual retreat that meets in a different location each year.
Our first year (2016), we went to Hershey, PA. All writers need chocolate, right? Well, not only did we enjoy Hershey World, but we also took a tour of Amish country. So fun!
Last year we went to Washington, DC and had a fabulous time going to museums, and my personal favorite, the Library of Congress where Jody, Julie, and I all got matching shirts. Couldn’t resist!
This year (next week, in fact!), we’ll be going to Branson, MO. We found a wonderful house that is owned by a writer, and each bedroom is equipped with an antique writing desk. We are also going to see a play called Samson, based on the life of the biblical judge, and performed by a theater company owned by Christians who choose this wonderful creative outlet as a way to minister to the thousands of tourists who come to Branson every year.
Now here is where I need your help. We need to find a new location for next year’s retreat, which I happen to be in charge of planning. There are typically 6-7 of us, and we all have different tastes and interests. However, we have many key things in common. We would like a place that fuels creative thought. A place that has something fun to see or experience when we need a break from writing. A place where we can have peace and quiet yet be close to restaurants and sights. We typically rent a house, so touristy places tend to have the best selection of rental properties. Nature elements are a plus, but not necessary.
- Where have you visited that you fell in love with?
- Do you have places near you that you would recommend as a must see?
I’m going to gather your recommendations and share them with our group so we can discuss options for next year.
Oh, and by the way. If you happen to live near Branson, MO, we are going to be making an appearance at the Taneyhills Library. We won’t be selling books, but we will be giving a few away as prizes. And if you have books of your own that you would like to get signed, be sure to come by. We’d love to see you! We will be doing a panel discussion with Q&A from the audience. Go to the Library site for more information.
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Hi Karen,
Your writing retreats sound wonderful. You may want to consider Traverse City, Michigan. Its breathtaking beauty, eclectic eats, and activities for every lifestyle make it an ideal retreat getaway. You could even time your stay with an event by their National Writer Series, which brings in big name authors from a variety of genres throughout the year at their quaint downtown opera house. I can’t begin to describe how beautiful it is, that’s why ABC News named the nearby Sleeping Bear Dunes the Most Beautiful Place in America a few years back. You could tour the old haunted mental asylum, sail on the crystal clear waters of the bay, tour some wineries, or shop your way through the easily walkable downtown. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask–I live elsewhere in Michigan but have visited many times! Here’s a few links:
National Writers Series – http://nationalwritersseries.org/
Things to Do in Traverse City – https://www.traversecity.com/spring/things-to-do/top-ten-activities/
Sleepign Bear Dunes National Lakeshore – http://abcnews.go.com/Travel/best_places_USA/sleeping-bear-dunes-michigan-voted-good-morning-americas/story?id=14319616
Looking forward to hearing what you decide!
That sounds wonderful, Laurie! I’ve never been to Michigan, but one of our members – Jody Hedlund – is from there. I’ll have to ask her if she’s ever been. I saw information about the cherry blossoms. That would be gorgeous to see!
You’ll certainly find all things cherry in Traverse City. They have a whopper of a Cherry Festival in July. And yes, Jody lives in the town right next door to mine. I’ve yet to meet her in person, but my book club recently read one of her books and we chatted over email — she seems lovely (and her productivity astounds me!!) You’ve got some great suggestions here — Mackinac Island is definitely one-of-a-kind, Estes Park is gorgeous, Boston is amazing, and Gatlinburg is fun. You can’t go wrong! Good luck.
One of my favorite places to visit is Boston MA. I love to take people to the Boston Common and then follow the Freedom Trail (an actual red line on the sidewalks that leads you to many historical sights). My brother lives in the area and loves to go out to Walden Pond for peaceful walks in the woods.
I however, actually live in Michigan, and I always tell people that if they were to come to Michigan, they should try to make it to Pictured Rocks National Park in the Upper Penninsula. A more feasible trip however is to stay in Traverse City and visit Sleeping Bear Dunes and Mackinaw Island (where there are no cars and everyone travels by horse drawn carriage still, and there is a historic fort). There are some amazing beaches and many lighthouses.
Have fun planning!
My history-loving soul is jumping up and down, Karen. So much history in Boston. And Mackinaw Island? How lovely and quaint. I’ve got to visit one of these days.
On second thought, is your retreat always in April? It is cold in Michigan in April. Schools were closed yesterday due to snow & ice. Mackinaw Island ferry service starts in May. You might want to pick a more southerly location for April. Even Boston can be quite chilly in April, though at least there are more inside activities available.
I live in South Jersey near the shore, and it is a lovely place to visit in the spring or fall. There are many good restaurants, and nothing can top long walks on the beach to stir creative juices. My friend, Kelly, has a beautiful house in Avalon near the beach that she and her husband rent out that would accommodate your group. I am particularly fond of the nearby historic town of Cape May, NJ.
Ooo – you even have a connection to a rental house. Fabulous! And another place I’ve never been. We have several members who adore the beach and that historic town sounds like my cup of tea. Thanks for the recommendation, Linda!
Your writer’s group will love Branson so much!!!
It is a pretty area and so much to do. Loads of
shows and shops. Get local maps and use the cut
around roads too.
Since you are a writing group, if you have a chance
take a short drive to Mansfield, Mo to visit Laura
Ingalls Wilder’s homes and museum. Look online for info.
There are tours of her homes and museum. We have visited
them several times and really enjoy them so much.
Oh, Sandra. I’m so glad you mentioned that. I had no idea it was so close! I think we might need to add that to our optional activity list. THANK YOU!!!
I think Gatlenburg would be a nice place for you. There are cabins which are usually a nice size to rent in the mountains. Very nice and up to date. If it’s quiet times you enjoy you’ve got it. If you don’t mind bring up close with nature you will love it. Then there’s the shopping in both Gatelynburg and Pigonfordge. There’s lots of things to see that give you something to think about too. You will love it in Gatelynburg. Don’t forget there’s Cade’s Cove also in the Gatelynburg National State Park. Mountains and hiking and lots of old churches to go through and old log cabins to visit.
I was going to mention Gatlinburg, TN, too! We live about 45 minutes away, so we’ve never stayed overnight there, but I know they have city hotels as well as mountain retreats. As Shirley said, there are places to get away and enjoy nature, but there are also a lot of attractions and touristy places to visit. Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville are all “just down the highway” from each other, and each has multitudes of things to see and places to visit. One fun attraction is Dolly Parton’s Stampede (used to be Dixie Stampede). It’s a Wild West type dinner show with stunt riders, music, an audience competition, and a four course dinner – served without utensils! (I brought my own plastic utensils in a ziploc bag, and when the waiter saw it, he cried out, “Contraband!”) The Ripley’s Mirror Maze was a lot of fun, too – There are several Ripley’s attractions, and sometimes you can get tickets for the group of them bundled together.
That sounds like so much fun! I love a mountain cabin. And, Barbara, your contraband story made me laugh. Fabulous! This is definitely going on my list, ladies. Thanks!
Lancaster, PA, is a beautiful and fun place to visit, especially in the summer when all the roadside farm stands are open. There are so many quaint shops, quiet backroads and pretty spots to view. They also have a Sight and Sounds Theater there with amazing shows that rival anything I’ve seen in NYC, but all have a Biblical theme. The retreat sounds wonderful! Enjoy your time with these special writing friends.
Thanks, Carrie. Lancaster sounds beautiful. I appreciate the recommendation.
My parents used to live northwest of Philadelphia, and the tourism, Civil War history, rolling hills and gardens were endless. One of my sisters and I drove to Lancaster County from my parents’ home in Radnor and toured an Amish farm and Ephrata. There are Amish farmers’ markets in the area, Valley Forge, a museum/home of one of the Wyeth’s paintings, etc. Inside Philadelphia there are endless historical sites and museums. We especially enjoyed the Norman Rockwell Museum.
So much history in such a small area! Sounds wonderful, Suzanne!
Duluth, MN: it’s a beautiful city built into the hillside descending to Lake Superior, and resides deep in the hearts of Minnesotans–I don’t think there is a more well-loved place in the state.
Nature is everywhere. Narrow parks follow the creeks downhill to Lake Superior, with deep enough woods and high enough canyon walls that you wouldn’t know you’re in the heart of the city (Chester and West Tischer creeks being my favorites, the parks being Chester Park and Congdon Park respectively). Lake Superior is always majestic, whatever the weather, whatever the season. The College of St Scholastica (with gorgeous, castle-like architecture) is a fun place to roam, both in Tower Hall and the extensive woods behind, and visitors are always welcome. Coffee shops and local art galleries abound.
I’m guessing Julie Klassen could give tips on what to see within the city, too–as I understand, she’s spent enough time there to know some of its wonders.
That sounds lovely, Rachael! I’ve visited Bloomington, MN when I visited Bethany House, but I’ve not explored the rest of the state. Duluth sounds beautiful!
You have some very interesting suggestions here. Might I suggest Estes Park, Colorado. The location is beautiful and there are some local stories that just may get the writing juices flowing. The Stanley Hotel has a mystery tour that is always fun and there is always Rocky Mountain National Park to visit.
I adore the mountains, Jen! I’ve been to Colorado Springs, but I’ve never made it to Estes Park. I hear it’s gorgeous!
Branson sounds like a wonderful place for a retreat. I’ve never been there but have heard great things. We have seen two performances at the Sight and Sound Theater in Lancaster, Pa., The Story of Ruth and Jonah. They were masterful productions.
One of the places I was going to recommend is Gatlinburg, Tn., which has already been mentioned. We’ve vacationed there twice, and it is a wonderful place to visit. The shopping is amazing, but even better is the Christian courtesy you receive everywhere you go – shops, restaurants, attractions. There are musical theaters in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and Sevierville. I just noted that Lee Greenwood is performing 36 times in Pigeon Forge. He used to have his own theater in Sevierville. Dollywood is in Pigeon Forge. There are skylift rides through the mountains. I just viewed Aunt Bug’s Mountain Cabins, which look wonderful – a number of locations and sizes, which sound reasonable.
Closer to my home I would recommend Colonial Williamsburg. It is such a wonderful historic place to wander through and take advantage of whatever live action events are scheduled. Sometimes it is a trial in the government building or the general assembly meeting to debate independence. Shopkeepers and tradesmen are dressed in their 18th century garb and explain their wares or show you their trades. There are different priced tickets depending on whether you want to go inside the magnifient Governor’s Palace. There are several Colonial Taverns for various types of food, as well as many restaurants in the modern city. Carriage rides are a fun way to see the sights. Williamsburg also has a number of museums and is known for some excellent shopping outlets. The Colonial Parkway can take you to two other historic sites, Jamestown and Yorktown. All three cites are located in a triangle, with each about 40 minutes apart. Jamestown has replicas of the first ships to reach Virginia in 1607, the Susan Constant, the Discovery, and the Godspeed – amazing how small they are. As well as the surrender in the Revolutionary War, Yorktown is noted for delicious seafood. If you wanted to take a relaxing day to walk along the boardwalk, Virginia Beach, where I live, is just an hour away. The official Colonial Williamsburg website is http://www.colonialwilliamsburg.com.
Have a wonderful retreat, and happy planning.
Great suggestions, Betty. Thanks so much!
Have you been to Portland, Oregon? It is a lovely city with coffeehouses, delicious eateries & an amazing waterfront. Also Rhododendron Gardens, rose gardens, Chinatown & the farmer’s market. You can’t miss the Japanese Gardens or the many special museums that dot the city. A lovely way to see the city is aboard the old fashioned trolley.
For the writer’s of historical stories the Lewis & Clark Historical Park transports you into the decade when they made their many discoveries in the Northwest.
Explore the Portland website and prepare to be surprised !!
I’ve been through Portland. I have family in Eugene. Everything is so beautiful and green up there. And isn’t Portland home to the biggest bookstore in the US? Powels, I think? That would be a fun place to visit.
I would like to suggest Myrtle Beach, SC. The Myrtle Beach State Park has a large cabin that sleeps up to 10 people. The State Park is right on the ocean. Their fishing pier is my happy place. Watching the sun rise over the ocean is absolutely amazing! There is so much to do here. I would be happy to act as your guide, and would love to take you all fishing on the pier. My husband and I visited all of SC’s state parks last year and this one is not only close to our house, but it is our favorite place. Here is a link to the Myrtle Beach State Park: https://southcarolinaparks.com/myrtle-beach
There are, of course, other vacation homes in the area as well. Our weather this time of year is extremely nice!
Maybe Texas Hill Country, Austin or San Antonio. April weather should be OK.
And the bluebonnets are in bloom! 🙂
Hi Karen!
I love the Redwoods in Northern California. It may be the most peaceful place on earth. We always camped near the Eel River, but I do know they have cabins for rent as well as your standard hotel. And, you can get to some of the most wonderful wineries ever in a rather short drive. My favorite is the Bella Winery. The wine is stellar, but it’s really just a gorgeous place. And, you can tour the cave where the house their wine.
I ADORE the giant redwoods! We took our kids out to California several years ago, and that was one place I insisted we go. Walking in those forests is so peaceful and they naturally draw your gaze heavenward with their towered treetops. It’s impossible not to think of God when there. Great suggestion, Nicole!
I went on a Christian tour of Savannah, GA & thought it would be a lovely place to revisit on my own. That tour also included a tour of Jekyll Island. That reminded me of the Southeastern Writers Conferences on St. Simon’s Island in South GA that I had previously attended. That is a lovely place that always fired up my imagination. And since I live in SC, I cannot fail to mention Charleston, SC as a wonderful place for a writers retreat–or neighboring Beaufort, SC, former home of Pat Conroy.
Sounds lovely, Martha. I’ve never been to Savannah. I visited Charleston, SC on a spring break mission trip after it was hit by a hurricane back in the early 90’s but good old Charles wasn’t looking his best back then. 😉 I’d love to go back and see the city in its glory.
I’d echo others’ suggestions for Gatlinburg or Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Smoky Mountain National Park is gorgeous, and it’s the only National Park in the country that doesn’t require an entrance fee. If you want tourist-y activities, the area is full of them. I hear the Titanic Museum in Pigeon Forge is fantastic. The Apple Barn is a cute old-fashioned store, and their Creamery is great (if you’re an ice cream fan). 😉 Even Dollywood has a historical section that I hear is very interesting. There’s a lot of history in the Park, just by walking to the sights and reading the signs. I love hiking in the Park, and it makes me think of Christy in Cutter Gap. 🙂
If you go sometime, be sure to visit Cades Cove. The drive and even the traffic on the weekends are worth it. 🙂