By Amanda N. WegnerSometimes you just need time away from life’s responsibilities and demands. You need some R&R, a chance to catch up with friends, an opportunity to take up a new hobby or finish a project you’ve started. Arts and crafts are a major theme at most retreats. Some allow you to organize your own group and rent the entire space, while others host weekends where you and a friend meet like-minded others.
But you needn’t be Martha Stewart to go on or organize a retreat. Here are some hands-on opportunities available around Wisconsin.
Scrap ItWhen it comes to craft getaways, scrapbooking retreats are pretty common. But,
The Scrapbook Manor in Walworth takes this getaway opportunity to a whole new level. The manor, a 100-year-old historic home, offers accommodations, meals, and a full on-site retail store,
The Scrapbook Shoppe, where you get unlimited access to anything supplies you need, day or night. Spa services are available, too. Get a massage in-house, or head out to a local salon for a manicure, pedicure or facial. 130 Kenosha St., Walworth. 262/275-2854.
Sit & StitchNothing says retreat like the “middle of nowhere,” which is what Patsy McCluskey jokingly calls her
Homestead Cabin Retreat in Hillpoint, where quilting is tops. True to its name, crafters (women only!) at Homestead stay and play in a log cabin, outfitted with modern amenities. Homestead is BYOE, (“Bring Your Own Equipment”), though sewing machine rentals are available with advance notice. E3957 Prouty Road, Hillpoint. 608/986-4154.
Have Your CakeCircle of Friends Folk School, based in Lake Mills, offers a variety of women’s-only retreats. While many of the three-day retreats are in the arts and crafts, there are a few retreats that allow you to delve into your spiritual side. One retreat of sweet note is all about cakes, where you’ll learn the secrets of making bakery-worthy cakes, from frosting to flowers. Most of the Circle’s retreats are hosted at the
Fargo Mansion Inn, an 1881 Queen Anne mansion, in downtown Lake Mills. 920/253-6323.
Wood Be NiceLocated in picturesque Door County on a bluff above the waters of Green Bay,
The Clearing Folk School offers an extensive series of workshops and weeklong residence classes. The Clearing’s summer schedule features many wood art programs including woodturning, woodcarving, furniture making for beginning and advance woodworkers, and more. Spend part of your time learning a new skill or honing an old one; in your free time, rest, relax and enjoy the scenery. 12171 Garrett Bay Road, Ellison Bay. 920/854-4088.
Come Full CircleHeld in a quirky farmhouse in Viroqua,
Full Circle Retreat offers artistic and spiritual retreats April through October. Let your inner artist out of the closet with their “Art for the Truly Terrified” retreat, or put your stories to music with a songwriting retreat weekend in September. Many of the retreats are led by Full Circle’s owner, Kathleen Grittner. 608/675-3828 (Apr-Oct) or 952/920-2384 (Nov-Mar).
Amanda N. Wegner writes from Madison. Content produced in cooperation with Wisconsin Trails, www.wisconsintrails.com. For a complimentary copy of Wisconsin Trails magazine please e-mail info@wistrails.com.