Fabled Retreats

Writing Retreat

New Hope, PA

Thurs, Sept 4 - Sun, Sept 7, 2025

the details:

Enjoy the last of the summer days and first of the fall colors while writing in a lovely New Hope inn. 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 country house in the heart of downtown New Hope, steps from the Delaware Canal towpath.

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, browsing in unique boutiques, and writing stories that touch people’s hearts and minds. Let your creativity flow in a serene, sacred spot surrounded by other artistic souls. Use the inn's own entrance and join the walkers and cyclists on the towpath, or watch ducks paddle peacefully and listen to the whistle of the steam trains float across the canal. Or visit both New Hope and Lambertville's bistros, antique shops,

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.

Daily 45-min Guided Meditation & Know Yourself Journal

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.

Daily 2.5hr Morning Writing Exercises & Workshop

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.

>Optional writing Workshop<

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.

One 30-min Private One-on-One Workshop Session

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.

Daily 90-min Evening Readings & Group Shares

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.

Additional Activities

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.

Covid-19 Safety Protocol

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.

Walk & Bike the Scenic Delaware Canal Towpath!

Bike, hike, walk, or jog on the historic, scenic, peaceful Towpath along the Delaware Canal. The Inn has its own entrance on the towpath.

Art galleries & quaint shops, a fun activity at the New Hope writers retreat

Amazing Shopping, eating, people watching!

Walk & Bike the Scenic Delaware Canal Towpath!

Quaint downtown New Hope & Lambertville have eclectic art galleries, trendy restaurants, and bars. and is just steps away from the Inn.

Register Today & Enjoy the early bird savings!

Walk & Bike the Scenic Delaware Canal Towpath!

Register Today & Enjoy the early bird savings!

Pay only a 15% deposit now to secure your spot. Free cancelations until July 4. Full payment is not due until Aug 4.

book today

New Hope Retreat Agenda

Thurs, Sept 4

3:00pm

Check-in – Porches on the Towpath B&B Innkeeper will show you to your reserved room.

4:00pm - 6:30pm

Writing Retreat Day 1 – Courtyard Garden

Welcome Orientation
Group Introductions
Introducing Know Yourself Journal concept – Round 1
Writing Exercise #1
Group Share & Discussion
Writing Exercise #2
Group Share & Discussion
Optional Writing Exercise for the Night

7:00pm

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.

Fri, Sept 5

8:00am-9:00am

Hot Breaksfast – Served by Porches on the Towpath B&B innkeeper.

Commuters are welcome to join for $25 paid directily to Innkeeper.

9:00am-12:00pm

Writing Retreat Day 2 – Courtyard Garden / Breakfast Room in Main House

• Guided Meditation – Manifesting Your Desires

• Know Yourself Journaling – Round 1

• Writing Exercise

• Group Share & Discussion

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

• Optional Writing Exercise for the Afternoon

Afternoon

Free Time – Write, Walk, Shop, Explore. Enjoy freshly baked treats served by Porches on the Towpath innkeeper.

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

7:00pm-8:30pm

Evening Reading & Group Share.

Sat, Sept 6

8:00am-9:00am

Hot Breaksfast – Served by Porches on the Towpath B&B innkeeper.

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

9:00am-12:00pm

Writing Retreat Day 3 – Courtyard Garden / Breakfast Room in Main House

• Guided & Silent Meditation

• Know Yourself Journaling – Round 1

• Writing Exercise

• Group Share & Discussion

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

• Optional Writing Exercise for the Afternoon

Afternoon

Free Time – Write, Walk, Shop, Explore. Enjoy freshly baked treats served by Porches on the Towpath Inn.

6:00pm-8:00pm

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.

Sun, Sept 7

8:00am-9:00am

Hot Breaksfast – Served by Porches on the Towpath innkeeper.

Commuters are welcome to join for $25 paid directily to Innkeeper.

note: checkout is 11:00am

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

9:00am-12:00pm

Writing Retreat Day 4 – Courtyard Garden / Breakfast Room in Main House

• Guided & Silent Meditation

• 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

12:00PM-3:00PM

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

Favorite Things to See & Do

Shop

Art galleries and an eclectic mix of specialty and antique shops in New Hope and Lambertville
Quaint shops at Peddler's Village
Stores in Center City Philly and in Reading Market, the famous indoor farmer's market offering diverse fare, housewares & area specialties such as Philly Cheesesteak, Roast Pork Sandwich, Soft Prezel
Antique malls & flea markets

Sightsee

Visit Washington Crossing Historic Park & Museum, Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve, Bowman's Tower
Cross the picturesque New Hope Lambertville Bridge with gorgeous views of the Delaware River to sample the delights of both New Hope, PA and Lambertville, NJ
Check out wineries & breweries and the Bucks County Covered Bridges
Visit Mercer Museum, Fonthill Castle & Park, Grounds for Sculpture
Visit Independence Hall, Liberty Bell, Betsy Ross House, Chinatown, Art Musuem's Rocky Steps in Philly

EXPLORE

Bike, hike, walk, jog on the Historic Towpath along the Delaware Canal (the Inn is on the towpath with own entrance).
Take in a show at the Bucks County Playhouse, go on a ghost tour, ride the Mule Barge, take a horse-drawn carriage rid or a trip on the steam locomotive of the New Hope-Ivyland Railroad.
Go river tubing, kayaking, canoeing on the Delaware River.

Join us for an amazing retreat in New Hope!

Writing Retreat

New Hope, PA

the details:

Daily 45-min Guided Meditation & Know Yourself Journal

Daily 2.5hr Morning Writing Exercises & Workshop

>Optional writing Workshop<

One 30-min Private One-on-One Workshop Session

Daily 90-min Evening Readings & Group Shares

Additional Activities

Covid-19 Safety Protocol

Walk & Bike the Scenic Delaware Canal Towpath!

Walk & Bike the Scenic Delaware Canal Towpath!

Walk & Bike the Scenic Delaware Canal Towpath!

Amazing Shopping, eating, people watching!

Walk & Bike the Scenic Delaware Canal Towpath!

Walk & Bike the Scenic Delaware Canal Towpath!

Register Today & Enjoy the early bird savings!

Walk & Bike the Scenic Delaware Canal Towpath!

Register Today & Enjoy the early bird savings!

New Hope Retreat Agenda

3:00pm

4:00pm - 6:30pm

7:00pm

8:00am-9:00am

9:00am-12:00pm

Afternoon

7:00pm-8:30pm

8:00am-9:00am

9:00am-12:00pm

Afternoon

6:00pm-8:00pm

8:00am-9:00am

note: checkout is 11:00am

9:00am-12:00pm

12:00PM-3:00PM

Accommodations

Click Here to Select your Room

What is Included

What is Not Included

Travel Information

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Porches on the Towpath

Lots of fun things to see & do in New Hope & Nearby

Shop

sightsee

sightsee

sightsee

sightsee

sightsee

EXPLORE

sightsee

EXPLORE

Favorite Things to See & Do

Shop

Sightsee

EXPLORE

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