Join Us
July 16-19, 2026
for our
Summer 2026 Writing Retreat
Session 2
Held at the 1791 House & Maple Lane Farm
An All-Inclusive Writing Retreat Experience
~
Four Days & Three Nights
Spacious, Single-Occupancy Bedroom
Plenty of Inspiring Rooms & Writing Nooks
Sprawling, Manicured New England Estate
Well-Appointed Kitchen & Quaint Common Areas
Fresh Coffee & Tea Served 24/7
Time in Nature to Hike, Reflect, Write
Delicious Farm-Fresh Meals & Nutritious Snacks
Community Dinners with Great Conversation
Masterclass & Quality Time with an Award-Winning Author
Craft Seminars, Writing Exercises, Custom Workbooks
Dedicated Writing, Reading, Creative Time
Yoga for Writers, Guided Meditation, Music
Evening Readings & Quiet Social Gatherings
Retreat Details
A picturesque, New England tree farm and estate in Preston, CT
~ 225 acres for guests to explore ~
An inspiring farmhouse with many areas for quiet writing, reading, peaceful reflection, delicious meals, and meaningful conversation
Tranquil outdoor areas to clear your mind, reconnect with the self, replenish creativity, stroll, and connect with fellow writers
A picturesque, working farm with 225 walkable acres
Beautiful, spacious, single-occupancy bedrooms. Enjoy quiet writing, great sleep, and restorative alone time.
Reservations open through May or until filled
July's Guest Author
Charles Rafferty
Charles Rafferty is the author of 16 poetry books and chapbooks, most recently The Appendectomy Grin (BOA Editions, 2025). His stories have been collected in Saturday Night at Magellan’s (Fomite Press, 2013) and Somebody Who Knows Somebody (Gold Wake Press, 2021). His novel is Moscodelphia (Wood Hall Press, 2021).
Rafferty’s poems and stories have appeared in hundreds of journals and websites, including Gettysburg Review, The New Yorker, O — The Oprah Magazine, Ploughshares, Connecticut Review, Prairie Schooner, Rhino, Verse Daily, Poetry Daily, Connecticut River Review, The Writer's Almanac With Garrison Keillor, The Slowdown, Poets.org, and The Southern Review.
He has received grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Connecticut Commission on the Arts. Formerly, he founded and directed the MFA program at Albertus Magnus College and taught in the Westport Writers’ Workshop. Currently, he works at a research and advisory firm. He lives in Sandy Hook, and he prefers the river to the sea.
Guest Rating
Testimonials
When I arrived at the beautiful farmhouse at the end of a long, quiet road, I immediately felt enveloped in a caring environment. My private room was comfortable and sunny, and I was welcomed with a glass of champagne and a care package that included everything from a journal to a box to lock away my phone. The hosts, being practicing writers themselves, knew exactly what a writing retreat should entail, and they supported all of my needs so that I could shed the responsibilities that normally keep me from my writing practice. I was fed three wonderful meals a day plus snacks, and the schedule allowed for a perfect balance of flexibility and structure. Workshops and communal read-alouds were spread throughout the day, and the content was helpful and individualized. There was also plenty of open time to reflect, take nature walks, and most importantly, write. Lindsey and LeeAnn have cracked the code on what a writing retreat should be and how to deliver a writing community that is supportive and inspiring.
Darcy Hicks
You owe this to
your future self
We understand your writing life extends far beyond putting words on the page. To thrive as a writer and literary citizen, you need to nurture your creative soul. We call our offerings "experiences" because we believe writing retreats should feel meaningful and restorative, not academic and stressful. Our carefully curated retreats meet you where you are in your MFA and post-MFA journey to help you continue your growth from aspiring acorn to mighty oak.
When you join us, you become an Acorn Alumnus for life with access to our complete library of resources, writing guides, and exercises. Alumni also receive special discounts on other offerings exclusive to Acorn Experiences, including books and online courses.
This is your gift to yourself.
Your creative community awaits!
$1200 all-inclusive retreat experience, access to the Acorn Alumni Community, early invites to events, and special discounts
