Creative Writing & Wellness Retreat in Riverside New Hope

This retreat is built around a simple rhythm: write, share, rest, and repeat. Mornings begin with a 45-minute guided meditation and journaling session using the provided Know Yourself journal, easing you into a creative headspace. Then comes the core of the day—a 2.5-hour writing workshop. Each day introduces different tools and ideas for your writing process, and you'll practice through prompted exercises and group sharing. If you want deeper feedback, you can submit a piece (a poem, short story, memoir essay, or excerpt up to 3000 words) four weeks before the retreat. Your host forwards it to the group, and everyone reads and comments on it. During the retreat, your piece gets a 30-minute group workshop where you'll hear focused, constructive feedback. A private 30-minute one-on-one session with Judy lets you go even deeper, whether you want to discuss your writing projects, the workshop comments, or any specific questions—and this session can be scheduled during the retreat or later on Zoom. Afternoons are unstructured. You might write on the porch, take a bike ride along the Delaware Canal towpath, explore the art galleries and shops of New Hope, or even hop over to Philadelphia for the day. Evenings bring a 60-minute reading session, a warm and supportive space to share what you've worked on during the day, or something you've written before. The retreat is hosted by Judy Chow, a published author who has been leading creative writing workshops for over twenty years. Her approach is hands-on and encouraging, creating a safe container where writers feel comfortable sharing their work. The setting helps: the Pineapple Hill Inn is a restored colonial manor with thick stone walls, antique-filled rooms, and a scenic pool—the perfect backdrop for focused writing.

What's included

- 3 nights of Inn accommodations (not for Commuter option) - 3 freshly prepared hot breakfasts (not for Commuter option) - Water, tea, and coffee served throughout the day - Daily 2.5hr writing workshop and exercises - Daily 60-min readings and group shares - Daily 45-min meditation and journaling - Optional 30-min private session with your host (in-person or via Zoom) - A complimentary Know Yourself Gratitude & Daily Dump Discovery Journal - Access to seasonal pool and firepits - Onsite parking - Free WiFi

What's not included

- Airport transfers - Flights costs - Travel insurance - Lunch and dinner (except as noted) - Additional fees for some excursions and activities - Additional activities not mentioned in the itinerary