This post by “TheHipmunk” originally appeared on the Tailwind Blog by Hipmunk on March 21, 2016.
Artistic types looking to get their creative juices flowing should consider heading out of town for a change of scenery. The following five hotels are located in scenic destinations which also host well-regarded writing retreats. Such retreats often provide the perfect opportunity to mingle with other creatives, in environments meant to spark inspiration. These five hotels are scattered around the country, and all have something to offer writers of any genre!
1. New Orleans, LA: Dauphine Orleans Hotel
The Big Easy has inspired classic novels like A Confederacy of Dunces, but many visitors to the city tend to head straight for the bars. This year, skip the debauchery of Mardi Gras and aim for higher artistic pursuits by checking out the Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Literary Festival. This year’s festival, which runs from March 30th to April 3rd, is the 30th annual event and will be held at various venues in the famous French Quarter. Events include panels, a book fair, musical performances, and walking tours. Participating writers include poets, fiction writers, and nonfiction writers. A full festival pass costs $500 but writers just dipping their toes into the creative field have a range of options, from individual classes at $25 each or a full panel pass at $75. Stay near the heart of things, right in the French Quarter, at theDauphine Orleans Hotel.
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2. Omi, NY: Chatham Travel Lodge
Located in the scenic Hudson River Valley (a classic source of inspiration for artists in all mediums), the Ledig House is a writer’s colony featuring sessions throughout the year for poets, fiction writers, creative nonfiction writers and even translators. The opportunity to meet with New York City publishing professionals is just one of many perks! Interested writers need only submit a writing sample, a resume, one-page project proposal and letter of recommendation, with no application fee. Once accepted, stay on site or check out the affordable and comfortable Chatham Travel Lodge, just a 15-minute drive from the Ledig House.
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3. Grand Forks, ND: Hilton Garden Inn
Travelers wishing to escape the East Coast-West Coast mindsets should consider the less explored parts of the Midwest, and head to Grand Forks, North Dakota, where the University of North Dakota is hosting their 47th annual writing conference from April 6 to April 8 on campus. The conference features workshops in poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction and includes panel discussions and readings from authors including poet Katharine Coles, fiction writer Tania James, and nonfiction writer Brian Greene. Workshop space is limited and registration is first come, first served. Stay at the nearby Hilton Garden Inn – Grand Forks, affordable and in walking distance to the university.
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4. Colorado Springs, Colorado: Colorado Springs Marriott
Outdoorsy types should look at the Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers group, and their annual March retreats are held at the Franciscan Retreat Center in Colorado Springs, nestled in the foothills of the Rockies. The breathtaking scenery is sure to spark inspiration in inspiring writers. The RMFW is not for profit and completely volunteer-run, and apart from the March retreat, hosts a Colorado Gold Writers Conferenceevery September. Stay near the Center at the Colorado Springs Marriott, a comfortable option that won’t break the bank.
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5. Fontana Dam, NC: Fontana Village Resort
Athletic writers should head to Fontana Dam, North Carolina for this August’s Writers Who Run retreat, a five-day, four-night treat, a quaint river town in the western part of the state.
The retreat includes morning train runs, swimming, yoga, and workshops which will help writers hone their craft and maybe even finish their novels! The retreat culminates in a 10K race through the woods, so couch potatoes are better off staying home. Attendees should stay in the Fontana Village Resort, featuring charming portable cabins alongside a lazy river.
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