Stone & Sky:
An Earth-Centered Retreat for Writers
Sept 18th-21st, 2026
Friday 5pm arrival - Monday 12pm departure
Rolling Ridge Retreat Center | North Andover, MA
Come join me during my favorite season of the year! As the liminal threshold between late summer and early autumn, the Autumnal Equinox is a season of balance, and Stone & Sky is designed with that spirit in mind.
Part writing retreat, part creative salon, part earth-centered spiritual retreat, this gathering offers space for both conversation and contemplation, structure and freedom, solitude and community.
Together, we will write, walk, read, rest, and ponder. We will gather around campfires beneath the stars. We will share meals, poems, questions, stories, and dreams.
We will also make space for the larger conversations that often live beneath our creative work: How do we build meaningful lives? How do we stay connected to our values in difficult times? What are we making, and why does it matter? How do we sustain our creativity alongside family, work, aging, uncertainty, and the realities of being human?
Imagine being able to discuss these tangled threads of our lives with a small group of equally complex, creative, wonderful people.
My hope is that you will leave with new writing, meaningful conversations, lasting friendships, and a renewed sense of possibility.
Most of all, I hope you leave feeling more connected: to yourself, to the land beneath your feet, and to the creative life that is asking to emerge.
There is a quality of work that can be written only when we really give ourselves over to it. Retreats are amazing for opening new creative doors and for going deeper than you can go on your own.
If you’re craving…
lazy afternoons and rambling conversations that happen organically when creative people get together,
sitting around a table, breaking bread, and laughing,
telling our stories around a fire,
adventure, new views, beautiful colors and great energy to feed the creative fire,
but also, a lot of down time and quiet to rest, write, and rejuvenate
If you’re feeling creatively depleted, restless, or in need of new friends and creative folk who care about writing the way you do, consider giving yourself this gift.
This is a smaller retreat with space for just 12 participants so if you’re called to it, don’t wait to sign up! (My previous retreats have sold out within a few days of launching)
About Me, Your Host!
The Setting
Rolling Ridge is a beautiful retreat center on a secluded peninsula, surrounded by walking trails and overlooking Lake Cochichewick. The historic Carriage House will be our home, offering cozy accommodations, nourishing meals, and quiet spaces to write and rest.
What can I expect?
Morning Sessions (not too early) – Writing prompts and a gentle structure to open creative flow and get you warmed up for the day
Unstructured Writing Time – Spacious afternoons to sink into deep work or explore the land
Evening Salons – Poetry readings, storytelling, and shared conversation
Good Food – Thoughtfully prepared meals served in the main house (dietary restrictions will be accommodated within reason)
Rest & Reflection – Optional movement, walks, and contemplative practices
Retreat Schedule
(subject to shifts based on the needs of the group)
Friday: 5pm Arrival, Welcome Dinner, Opening Circle
Saturday & Sunday: Guided writing sessions, open writing time, evening salons, firepit
Monday: Closing reflections, departure after lunch
Accommodations & Pricing
Only 12 spots available. The first floor has six bedrooms with two twin beds each and four full-sized private hall bathrooms. The second floor has three bedrooms with two twin beds each, and two full-sized private hall bathrooms. Each room has individually controlled heat and AC.
Rates are per person and include lodging, all meals, and full retreat programming.
Solo Room (You get the whole room but there are still 2 twin beds):$1900 per person - 6 available
Double Occupancy (You’d like to share a room): $1500 per person - 6 spots available (please let me know if you have someone you’d like to room with)
a $750 non-refundable deposit is required to hold your spot (deposits may be transferred to another person approved by Alix if you discover you cannot make it and find someone to take your place). Final non-refundable payments are due by Aug 1st. I pay for the space, food, and programming out-of-pocket and in order to keep my retreats affordable, I cannot afford to cover cancellation costs. Travel insurance is recommended in case of emergencies.
What’s NOT Included?
Travel to or from the retreat - please do consider this as the house is located about an hour from Boston Logan Airport (you may want to find people to carpool with!)
Alcohol - the retreat center is dry and I am sober, so consider if that is a good fit for you.
Our Shared Values
My retreat spaces are rooted in creativity, curiosity, respect, and care for one another.
This retreat is LGBTQIA+ affirming, anti-racist, pro-choice, environmentally conscious, and committed to creating a welcoming and supportive experience for people from a wide range of backgrounds and identities.
Participants will be asked to engage with one another respectfully, honor confidentiality, maintain healthy personal boundaries, and contribute to a culture of generosity and mutual care.
Because Stone & Sky is an intentionally intimate space, I am using a brief application process to ensure a safe and loving community. The application is not to evaluate your writing experience, publication history, or artistic accomplishments. Rather, it helps me ensure that the retreat is a good fit for everyone involved and allows me to thoughtfully curate a supportive, engaged group experience.
The application should take about 5–10 minutes to complete. Once I review your responses, I'll send you additional information and, if space is available, an invitation to register.
I look forward to learning a little about you!
Questions? Concerns? Excitements? Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at info@alixklingenerg.com