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" Writings may be compared to wine. Sense is the strength, but wit is the flavor."
- Laurence Sterne
What do you want most out of a writing retreat?
a space dedicated to and designed for writers and artists (check)
Nature immersion (check)
Cute animals to befriend (check)
Space to curl up to read (check)
Uninterrupted time to write (check)
Comfortable living environment (check)
hospitality (check)
Inspiration! (check)
road trip it
Experiencing all of the benefits of this region is best done with access to your own transport so you stay in the driver's seat of your daily routine.
Below you will find an array of suggestions of places to explore for inspiration and rejuvenation including opportunities for prime sitting spots for reading, writing, and journaling.
Are you inspired by taste?
Do you relish in crafting your narrative to satiate a reader's appetite for your word craft in expressing all of the features of a particular experience - possibly around food?
You don't need to travel internationally to have a unique food, farm, or festival experience that may be different than what is in your own region. Schedule your writing retreat to experience this lovely area of mid-south Tennessee - geologically known as the Western Highland Rim.
Here are some recommendations to add to your itinerary:
Feels like Provence with a visit to our closest neighbors and friends at Oak Grove Lavender. If you time your retreat program perfectly, you can attend their summer festival right when the lavender is in full bloom AND they host a 2-day festival with other local vendors for craft/art, merch, and other delicious food. You can pick your own blooms during the summer and at the festival. Lisa and Tony are lovely hosts who also supply the hay for our donkeys. They have expanded their fields to have u-pick flowers in the summer and a fall festival with some of their pumpkins and squash. Their big red barn is a beautiful feature that could be the inspiration for a scene in your story or poetry. In 2025, they expanded to host a fall festival!
Transport to wine country with a visit to this areas vineyards that give you a different atmosphere than Napa, Tuscany, Australia, or Argentina. These quaint locations feature sitting areas that could transport your sense of time to bygone era of untamed wilderness. Although Sarasvati / Camp Wonder Wander does not supply alcohol and recommends time away from those types of spirits, these locations can foster inspiration and access to a few souvenirs. If you time your visit, you may be able to attend a music and food truck afternoon or evening. The closest is AMBER FALLS within about 35 minutes of scenic driving either on the historic Natchez Trace or through the local small town of Hohenwald you can visit their basement tasting room (they also have pairings like scrumptious cheese) and enjoy the outdoors in their lovely seating areas nestled in a forested part of their land. About an hour drive north, you can visit Horseshoe Bend Farm which is a 280-acre farm on the Duck River that features fruit wines from their orchard including blueberry, and blackberry, plus honey.
Small farms dot this area and you can explore local farm markets during the peak of the season from spring to fall harvest. The FARM in Summertown is the first intentional community in the U.S. settled in the early 70s. They host a market day on the 2nd Saturday from 10-2 where you can meet local vendors, listen to music, grab a bite from a food truck, or even peruse their natural food store. From flowers to pickles and beyond, options from some of the Farm residents to products from nearby farmers are just part of the market day experience including people watching, entertainment, and food trucks. There are several other farm markets scattered in the nearby towns so just ask about the schedule. This resource includes a map of the entire state if you want to venture farther or make a pit stop on your road trip.
You can also explore the local Amish and Mennonite community resources with a trip to Yoder's store (in between downtown Hohenwald and The Farm) or farther to Summertown and Lawrenceburg. Here's a link to a welcome center.
If you delight in blueberries, then you'll definitely want to schedule your retreat during the height of the season to pick your own or grab a few gallons of already fresh-picked from the Highland Realm Blueberry Farm. If you time it right, you can attend their annual festival.
The visual flavor of this region is embedded in the scenery and waterways.
In one of the last light pollution free areas and one of the most biodiverse regions in the world, you can find a lush landscape that for now is untamed. Schedule your retreat before more people relocate to the region and all that comes with that type of growth - like their annoying porch lights. For now, there are some incredible public parks as well as private places open to the public that embrace the lack of lumination.
Here is a short recommendation on what you can add into your retreat experience.
The Buffalo River runs along the edge of the property accessible via a short walk from forest through meadow. This secluded area can transport you in time and create a spot for solace. This part of the river is not used very often by the public at-large in canoes or kayaks as most of the neighbors are farms making the waterway a bit more challenging to navigate. The area next to the water is called the Riparian Zone and each day can provide something really unique as the water levels change with the rain. Love rocks? Then you'll be in a heavenly spot to explore.
The Bridges is a geological wonder as it's the only double span natural bridge known in the world! For the past 70 or so years, this resort was private and recently changed ownership to be open to the public. There is also a restaurant and general store on site. It's about a 12 minute drive. This gallery is from the previous owner that has stupendous images.
The Buffalo River from a different vantage point at Seven Pines Resort which is a local family owned giant property that has recently undergone transformation to a campground with a general store called Pucketwillys. The hours are limited to the Fri- Sun and they may not even be open when they say they are open. Only about 10-15 minutes drive, you may want to take a chance to get some coffee or a snack and talk to the owners then hang out overlooking a bluff from their sitting areas.
The Historic Natchez Trace Parkway is a federal park doubling as a 440 mile highway with a 50mph speed limit making it feel like you are on your own planet sharing the road with distance bicyclists, an occasional motorcycle or group, or another random car. This road connects Nashville to the Mississippi Delta and has it's share of history to uncover. One stop you may want to check out is Fall Hollow Falls which has a short trail and not too complicated hike down to the basin of the waterfall. You should be agile enough to manage that or decide on the flat land at Metal Ford which has picnic tables near the water and a few paths to explore the forest. This was the original crossing for the trace as the rock bottom allowed for foot and horse traffic to cross the river without being too deep. The stone itself reflects a silvery metal color.
Previous participants have been interested in walking trails and have explored the Meriwether Lewis State Park which is an exit on the Natchez Trace Parkway or drive a bit further in the Southeast direction to the Davy Crockett State Park.
Within the wilderness, you may lose sense of time and channel the explorer sensibility from the early days of our country. If history is your interest, you may also want the opportunity to delve deeper into the trail of tears which runs through this area and you'll see several markers. Here's a link to the Natchez Trace information.
Taste is just one of the senses you are encouraged to connect with during your intentional retreat. Sights and sounds vary from day to day, season to season.
What are the benefits of this program compared to just booking a vacation rental / vacation destination or participating in a formal writing retreat program with an itinerary, other participants, and high profile guest speakers or workshop leaders?
If you are in the stages of writing where you already know your own creative flow, this independent opportunity is up your alley. From early stages of organization, the deep trenches of crafting your narrative, to the polishing and editing phases, you will probably get the focus energy to churn out more than what you expect because you don't have normal routine distractions.
The space and intentions. Your host is supportive of your endeavors and is very interested in being a tiny part of your journey. The concept and space was designed with intention in looking at what you may need from comfortable sleeping arrangements, access to a kitchen and other facets that make a home away from home, plus an array of working areas for your craft. With a wifi zone on the 5 acres where the houses and structures are located, you may decide that outside is your key work area or choose from different sit spots.
More than moral support. Want access to random books for reading diversion or inspiration? The onsite library of materials includes a variety of options. Val as a former graphic design professor also has books on the history of writing, history of the book, and more related materials as she actually taught a course called "Books, the life and love of..." in her previous life as a professor. She has also been a writing tutor at various times and would be delighted to be a reader or a person to chat with about your work in whatever it's stage. Forgo a bland place designed for tourists and choose to embed yourself in a supportive atmosphere.
Uniqueness and embrace of the experience starts from an intentional connection to the land with a guided Forest Therapy walk as not only an introduction to the landscape, but as a method of liminality. There are so many unique times to be on site and adjust your pace to observe the world around you. Maybe the sky will be clear and you can admire the Milky Way as a previous writing participant captured on an iphone (picture above this section). Maybe you'll be on site when the flowers start to emerge from the ground, the smell of the earth is profoundly noticeable, and the sounds of birds will replace the sirens and other aspects of the modern world. Maybe there will be dramatic rain storms and clouds in the sky as you take a break.
The splendor of animal interactions most likely not available in other settings. Did you know that a group of donkeys is called a 'drove'? These creatures are adorable, playful, joyful, and would love a visit. The camp cats may visit and ask for your lap if you are willing. The birds on site - chickens, roosters, 4 guinea, and pea fowl - may showcase colors and characteristics that you cannot experience in daily life. You'll likely see wild birds too such as crows, robins, bluejays, bluebirds, and if you time it right starlings may dazzle you with their flights as they settle into evenings in the bamboo. Exchange the typical sounds of modernity (a hum or din your body thinks it's adjusted to) with the sounds of a homestead with each unique animal contributing and you may even tune into the wilderness such as frogs, crickets, or distant howls of coyotes.
An organic organism. This space is a giant art project and a labor of love as it evolves every day. The landscape is evolving with flower and vegetable gardens. The interior spaces have been carefully decorated and arranged with you in mind. You'll see art, books, and even 'trinkets' of old technology like a typewriter on display.
Is this an experience for me?
Typical Time Commitment?
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Most people prefer the weather and opportunities between March and November, but winter options are not totally off limits.
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You may accomplish more in less time than you expect. You can arrange your retreat in weekly increments up to typically one month. MOST people find one or two weeks is the most productive and about as much time to be away from family, friends, and routines. If you arrive with your project already started, you may be surprised that you can finish that novel. If you need a week to organize, develop characters, or edit, this is a perfect place.
Hospitality support?
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Plan to arrive in the daylight hours to be greeted by your host, Val, and a brief tour to help you unwind depending on your energy level.
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Enjoy a home cooked meal as part of your program on either your arrival night or soon after as well as a departure meal. If you extend your stay more than two weeks, we'll have one group meal a week.
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You'll have access to a kitchen to prepare whatever you need and access to grocery stores is about 20 minutes drive. Some people end up with too much food than they really need, while others prefer to take breaks from work to pop into town or to explore the farm markets. If you would like assistance with picking up pre-ordered groceries or in preparing more than one meal a week, that can also be added onto your program. If you really need fast food and a brand name coffee shop, that's a bit distracting from the benefits of this writing retreat opportunity.
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Housekeeping is a part of the appeal as there will be tasks managed before and after your stay as well as some minimal intrusion in your space to help with general chores keeping a clean environment. It is asked that you wash your dishes after every meal, or at least at the end of every day, but you can add-on extra tasks to your program such as dishwashing so that you don't even need to worry about that. However, there is philosophy research that mundane tasks and warm water on your hands for washing dishes is actually a creative tool.
What if I don't have a car?
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Your host, Val, offers transportation assistance from the Nashville Airport - BNA as long as your flight arrival and departure times are during daylight hours. It's a little under two hours each way.
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If you decide not to have a car while on site, that may limit what extracurricular things you can do that are mentioned above. However, it's not completely out of the question that we would be able to coordinate some of these activities together with advance notice to get on Val's schedule. Maybe she's already planning on going to that farm market or festival so you can just hop in her car.
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Every participant is assigned their own room and you choose the size of bed like goldilocks and either an ensuite or hall bathroom. Each room has lighting and a desk, but you may also decide to spread out your paperwork in the common areas or request a writing studio assignment.
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There is no guarantee that there will be other people around unless you are a participant in one of the organized group events. However, there could be other writers or artists that overlap your schedule. If this is important to you, please note that in the application and every attempt to coordinate that overlap will be made and communicated with you.
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If you have a furry companion, you may book a room in the Lemon Lodge with your dog and on a limited basis if you have a cat, you may book the queen ensuite in the Camphaus if you are staying for a month. No other pets are accepted at this time (birds, reptiles, rabbits, etc.).
PROGRAM COSTS - PROGRAM + LODGING + ANY ADD-ONS
PROGRAM
In lieu of a security deposit and to allow for flexibility in your sleeping arrangements, there is a program fee based on the amount of time you book. For a complete list of what's included in this, please visit the FAQ page. In general, this fee includes all of the work to prepare for your arrival and the work after your departure, housekeeping at least once a week, general expenses and maintenance (such as utilities and trash, etc.), the hospitality meals, and access to the land and other amenities. Stay a little longer and get a discount (or book the longer for better rate and depart when you are ready).
ONE WEEK - $400 (+ lodging choice)
TWO WEEKS - $700 (+ lodging choice)
THREE WEEKS - $900 (+ lodging choice)
FOUR WEEKS - $800 (+ lodging choice)
ALL LODGING RATES ARE BASED ON SINGLE OCCUPANCY. Please inquire or look at the FAQ page for information on extra people in your plans. Some of the rooms are available as double or triple so please mention in your application if there are others joining you. There is a no guest policy to prevent just random people showing up at random times without oversight.
Much more information is available including pictures of common spaces and the bedrooms so please click on that button just up above.
TWIN BED / SHARED BATH (two options) : Raspberry Residency House
1 WEEK = $250 / 2 WEEKS = $425 / 3 WEEKS = $600 / 4 WEEKS = $750
TWIN BED & workspace combo /HALL BATH : Lemon Lodge (Pine Room)
1 WEEK = $400 / 2 WEEKS = $600 / please inquire for longer plans
FULL BED w/TWIN BUNK / ENSUITE BATH : Raspberry Residency House
1 WEEK = $350 / 2 WEEKS = $550 / 3 WEEKS = $750 / 4 WEEKS = $900
FULL BED / HALL SHARED BATH : Lemon Lodge
1 WEEK = $450 / 2 WEEKS = $750 / please inquire for longer plans
QUEEN BED / HALL BATH : Camphaus with cats
1 WEEK = $550 / 2 WEEKS = $530 / 3 WEEKS = $699
QUEEN suite (couch, chair, desk, kitchenette, soaking tub and a walk-in shower): Camphaus
1 WEEK = $700 / 2 WEEKS = $1200 / 3 WEEKS = $1500 / 4 WEEKS = $1700
KING / PRIVATE BATH with tub/shower: Lemon Lodge
1 WEEK = $600 / 2 WEEKS = $1000 / please inquire for longer plans dependent on calendar
RV Parking for size of up to a school bus, includes hookup to water, septic, and electric if necessary.
$300 / week. Monthly rate will receive a 25% discount = $900
FARM STAY SCHOLARSHIP
If you are looking for an immersive hands-on experience combined with a discount, please mention this in your application. All applicants will be interviewed to make sure the type of work is suitable to your skills, interests, and time. The scholarship averages between 4 and 6 hrs a week usually working in tandem with your host on all sorts of tasks. Some can be managed on your own with a simple overview while others you may actually be helping with extra hands. The scholarship averages about $20 per hour discount from the lodging rate.
ADD-ON OPTIONS
Please review the FAQ for a complete description of add-on options which may include extra housekeeping or help with dishwashing to consultation or transport assistance.
PAYMENT AND PAYMENT PLANS
After your application is reviewed and your writing retreat becomes solidified with dates and lodging plans, then you will receive a contract that covers all of the details. The program fee is required within 10 days and is non-refundable although if you need to change plans that is an option. Based on when your retreat is scheduled, a reasonable payment plan will be established with the final balance due no later than 3 weeks before your arrival. If this is more of a spontaneous retreat coordination, all funds would be due no later than 3 weeks before your arrival. The contract covers the no cancellation clause in more detail.