Inked Voices Retreat

 Retreat

We’re hosting our second in-person writing retreat for Inked Voices members at the Highlights Foundation and we’d love to have you join us.

This retreat is carved out time for you to refill your creative well, in the company of other Inked Voices writers. We’ll write for most of the day – or you can draw, doodle, hike, do yoga, or work on some other creative activity – and gather at mealtimes for conversation. It’s relaxed with no pressure to submit to a professional, no need to be fancy. We’ll take suggestions for casual gatherings – perhaps a brainstorming session or a sharing aloud, and only if people want, no obligation.

Here’s what the daily schedule looks like:

8-8:45- Breakfast

12-12:45- Lunch

5:30 – Appetizers

6-6:45- Dinner

Highlights can accommodate allergies and dietary restrictions such as dairy-free, vegetarian, gluten-free, et cetera.

There are three accommodation options, the Lodge, which has a little more of a hotel vibe to it; private cabins, and the Farmhouse. All are simple and lovely. You can take a virtual tour here.

This registration page shows pricing for both single occupancy, and some limited space for double occupancy in the upper right corner. Also, while the plan is to arrive Thursday afternoon and stay till Sunday, you’ll find an option to add on an extra day and arrive Wednesday instead. You are also given the ability to select your lodging type – it is first-come, first-serve. Pricing is all-inclusive.

You may choose to have single or double occupancy, and if you would like to share a room/cabin please indicate that in the comment section of your reservation along with your roommate’s name. Double Occupancy is pending availability and may not be an option for all lodging types on the day you reserve.

You may check into your lodging any time after 3pm on arrival day. If you arrive prior to 3pm, you may enjoy the grounds and various work and gathering places around the facility as your room is being prepared. The first meal on campus will be appetizers at 5:30pm and dinner at 6:00pm. If you arrive late, we can save dinner for you with advance notice.

Lunch on the final day of your stay is included, but we ask that you check out of your lodging by 11am. You are welcome to leave your packed bags by the door of your room/cabin while you enjoy lunch and say your goodbyes. Housekeeping may enter your room during this period to begin cleaning and prepping for our next guests. Thank you for your consideration.

If you have general questions beforehand, please do reach out: support@highlightsfoundation.zendesk.com.

Car Service Information:

Shuttle service from the Highlights Foundation is available to some area airports and bus stations. You may read more about this service on our Getting Here page).

There is also free parking on site if you drive.

Cancellation Policy:
You are welcome to cancel your registration and receive a full refund up to 30 days before the start of your retreat. Cancellations made 7-29 days in advance will incur a fee equivalent to 15% of total retreat cost. Cancellations made within one week of retreat start will incur a fee equivalent to 30% of total retreat cost. In additional to these cancellation fees, there’ll be a $9 fee added which will be payable to your retreat organizer.

Recent Testimonials:
I had a wonderful time at the Inked Voices Highlights retreat! Brooke was so warm and inviting and made sure we all got to know one another and feel connected. I learned a lot from the other writers, made new friends, ate wonderful food, and of course did a ton of writing! I highly recommend joining the Inked Voices crew on a Highlights retreat — it is a magical place! — Lisa Katzenberger

Highlights and Inked Voices are like peanut butter and jelly; they go together perfectly. My first trip to Highlights was for the Inked Voices retreat. I was excited to meet people I had only interacted with online. Everything about the trip exceeded expectations. Being at Highlights and getting to know others not only from the writing community at large but from our little corner of it, Inked Voices, was like coming home after a long journey. Here were my people. I felt welcome and seen in ways that are uncommon in daily life where I’m Mom or Wife or RFO (don’t ask). Here I was a writer. No questions asked. No asterisk. A writer. It really doesn’t get any better. Feel free to reach out if you want specifics about housing and food (you could go for the food alone and not be disappointed). — Laurie Brown

I didn’t know what to expect when U signed up for the IV Highlights Retreat— but it blew my expectations! I didn’t know anybody, but everyone was so warm and welcoming! And Highlights itself was beautiful and relaxing! Definitely going again! — Bridgitte Rodguez

I was very nervous about my first writers’ retreat at Highlights. Inked Voices is an online writing community, and the idea of meeting people in person was stressful. And honestly, how much writing could I really get done in a cabin on a mountain during one weekend? The answer is: A LOT. The setting is perfect for writing. You can spend time with other writers or spend time by yourself. The atmosphere is relaxing and rejuvenating. I had no idea what a good night’s rest and a delicious home cooked meal would do for my body and soul. After a long weekend making new friends, engaging in riveting conversations, enjoying excellent meals (who knew you could find such talented chefs in the middle of nowhere?), and breathing in the fresh air, I wrote some of my best work and returned home excited about writing again. When I arrived at Highlights I was a guest. By the time I left the staff at Highlights made me feel like family. I’m looking forward to seeing them all again. — Tasha Brison