Enjoy a Summer Retreat in New Hope!

There is nothing like the hushed stillness when most of the summer tourists and crowds have returned home and the town is all yours, to hunker down in a cozy New Hope inn and write by a warm fireplace. This 4-day retreat includes daily writing exercises & workshops, daily readings, daily meditations & journaling, a private 1:1 session, daily breakfast, and a 3-night stay in a charming restored colonial manor.

Writers of all levels, especially beginners and of all genres, are welcome. In past retreats, writers working in fiction, memoir, creative nonfiction, journaling, blogging, children's literature, and poetry have joined. At each retreat, it is amazing  how quickly the writers form a close, supportive environment to create and share their work. Carve out some precious, dedicated time to write, network, make new friends, and share in the company of other creative spirits.  

Picture yourself walking along a scenic towpath with wildlife and river views, relaxing poolside, and writing stories that touch people’s hearts and minds. Let your creativity flow in a serene, sacred spot surrounded by other artistic souls. 

Combine your love of writing and traveling! Spend your days writing, people watching, and shopping in the eclectic art galleries and fun gift shops of artsy New Hope and Lambertville. Hop over to Philly and visit its famous landmarks--Independence Hall, Liberty Bell, and Chinatown. Run up the Rocky steps at the Art Museum.

For a healthy balance of body, mind, and soul, begin each day with Guided & Silent Meditation followed by self-exploration and clarity Know Yourself journaling using a unique concept shared at the retreat. 

Each morning session will start with a writing prompt for a writing exercise, followed by a group share for those who wish to read their work. You also have the option to workshop a writing piece at the retreat. 

You can submit a 3000-word writing piece for the workshop four weeks before the retreat. Your host will forward it to all the other attendees for their thorough reading and comments. At the retreat, your work will be discussed at a 30-min workshop, and afterward, written feedback will be shared with you either in hardcopy or by email.

You have the option to meet with your host to focus individual attention on your specific writing questions, your workshop comments, or your writing projects and goals. You can build on the valuable input you heard in the group workshop and receive further guidance and insight into your work from your host. You will have the time and space to go deeper into your stories. This session can be scheduled during the retreat or afterward on Zoom.

Each evening at after-dinner readings, you are welcome to share and showcase what you have been working on during the retreat day or writing you had previously written or even published.

You can also lull away the relaxing afternoon hours by selecting from a long list of other activities. Hop on the Towpath along the Delaware Canal (access right down the road from the Inn) and take a meditative walk. Or bike the Towpath into New Hope, explore the vibrant streets, people watch and eat at a trendy restaurant/bar, then cross the scenic bridge to Lambertville, NJ, and loop back riding the Towpath on the NJ side. Or visit nearby attractions, Mercer Museum and Grounds for Sculpture. 

To keep everyone safe, healthy, and comfortable, all staff are fully vaccinated, and it is strongly recommended that all retreat attendees be vaccinated against Covid-19 also. 

Check-in – Pineapple Hill B&B Innkeeper will show you to your reserved room.

Writing Retreat Day 1 – Breakfast Room

• Welcome Orientation
• Group Introductions
• Know Yourself Journal – Round 1
• Writing Exercise 1
• Group Share & Discussion
• Writing Exercise 2
• Group Share & Discussion
• Optional Homework - Writing Exercise for the Night

Optional Group Dinner (Additional cost; not part of the Retreat Fee)

The group typically goes out to dinner together at a New Hope restaurant and continues to get to know each other better.

Hot Breaksfast – Served by Pineapple Hill B&B innkeeper. 

Commuters can join breakfast for $25 paid directly to innkeeper.

Indoor & Outdoor seating available.

Writing Retreat Day 2 – Breakfast Room

• Guided Meditation – Manifesting Your Desires

• Writing Exercise 1

• Group Share & Discussion

• Writing Exercise 2

• Group Share & Discussion

• Workshop - Writers get in-depth feedback and comments to elevate and move their work to the final draft. 

• Optional Homework - Writing Exercise for the Afternoon

Free Time – Write, Shop, Explore. Enjoy freshly baked treats served by Pineapple Hill Inn. 

Schedule a 30min one-on-one talk with host.

Wine and Hors d’oeuvres Hour hosted by Pineapple Hill Inn.

Evening Reading & Group Share by the firepit. We can make smores afterwards! 

Hot Breaksfast – Served by Pineapple Hill B&B innkeeper. 

Commuters can join breakfast for $25 paid directly to innkeeper.

Indoor & Outdoor seating available.

Writing Retreat Day 3 – Breakfast Room

• Guided/Silent Meditation 

• Writing Exercise 1

• Group Share & Discussion

• Writing Exercise 2

• Group Share & Discussion

• Workshop - Writers get in-depth feedback and comments to elevate and move their work to the final draft. 

• Optional Homework - Writing Exercise for the Afternoon

Free Time – Write, Shop, Explore. Enjoy freshly baked treats served by Pineapple Hill Inn. 

Schedule a 30min one-on-one talk with host.

Optional Order Dinner In (Additional cost; not part of the Retreat Fee) The group typically orders dinner in and eats together while we do the Evening Reading & Group Share. 

Hot Breaksfast – Served by Pineapple Hill B&B innkeeper. 

Commuters can join breakfast for $25 paid directly to innkeeper.

Indoor & Outdoor seating available.

• Please pack your bags and store them in your car before joining the Workshop Session at 9am

• Writers are welcome to stay after the Workshop Session ends & use the Inn grounds until new guests arrive at 3pm

Writing Retreat Day 4 – Breakfast Room

• Guided Meditation – Yoga Nidra 

• Know Yourself Journaling – Round 2

• Writing Exercise

• Group Share & Discussion

• Open Workshop - Writers can get in-depth feedback and comments on a second piece of writing, whether a revised draft from an earlier workshop or a brand new piece.  

• Feedback Survey

• Closing Remarks