About this trip
Slow down for a weekend in nature, connecting with womxn in love, power and authenticity. Return home feeling centered, with several new powerful friends in your community.
Our retreat takes place in the Driftless Region of southwestern Wisconsin (a unique geographical area with a glacial history), on a beautiful agricultural-tourism property called Circle M Farm. The land features huge trees, quiet grazing pastures for all the animals, and plenty of space to exhale. Directions will be provided directly to all guests after reservation is complete; the property is about 2.5 hours from Chicago, Iowa City, and Dubuque.
In order to create the largest possible space for freedom of expression, we ask that only individuals who identify as womxn (women, womyn, wom*n, wom!n, wombyn, wimmin, etc! I love how much space this takes up.) attend this retreat. May we gather in peace, safety, and authority.
Meet Your Weekend Facilitators
THANK YOU for visiting our event page! My name is Rae Noble. I am a writer, artist, art therapist, and Mama living in Iowa City. I first encountered this very special place last Summer, and immediately began planning the retreat. I am thrilled for this experience; please reach out if I can help you with any questions.
Melinda Myers (Mindy) is my fantastic friend and neighbor; we've led parallel lives for many years without crossing paths until Iowa. (Ask us for the story!) Mindy is a warm and soulful dance artist and professor at the University of Iowa. In addition to creating brilliant artwork, she is a Mama, a Partner, and expert fermenter (her jalapeño kimchi is ridiculous. and she got me started with kombucha last summer!).
Iris is Mindy's daughter, joining for the retreat as a junior organizer. Iris will be available for snuggles and quiet lessons in mindful presence.
What’s included
- LodgingComfortable rooms inside the home or charming, vintage campers on the property.
- Most mealsTwo breakfasts, one lunch, one dinner and plenty of coffee.
- WorkshopsTalking circles, gentle movement, mindful walks in nature, heart-expanding space for connection and reflection....
- Art-makingAn art-making station with materials will be available for Guests, all weekend long.
What’s not included
- One mealSaturday night dinner will be off-site, self-pay.
- Fiber workshopOwner Kriss Marion will lead a 1-hour fiber workshop, $10-12/person.
Available Packages
This package includes all costs for your cozy weekend lodging, as many of the 7 workshops as you choose to participate in, 4 meals, access to art supplies, and all the coffee and tea your heart desires. Excluded from this package is an additional fiber workshop led by one of the property owners ($10-12/person) and one dinner out on the town.
All sleeping spaces are beautiful, comfy and artsy! The owners are seasoned Airbnb Superhosts who have generously agreed to rent out their full home and property to us for this retreat. The property is intimate enough that the majority of us will be sharing a room (but not a bed, unless requested; see below!). We are more than happy to attempt to accommodate roommate requests if you are traveling with a friend. Please communicate if you have a preference for a room inside the home or a camper in the yard, and we'll do our best. Be aware that all bathrooms are indoors, so the camper option would not be ideal for someone needing midnight bathroom trips.
***Reach out to Rae if you are traveling with another womxn, and would like to share a bed for a lower rate of $375/each. Please note that all retreat and lodging slots are reserved for retreat participants only.
***If paying in a deposit, the remaining balance is due by April 1. After 4/1, we cannot offer refunds if your plans change.
This is a discounted package for those of you who have a tent, and would like to set-up on the beautiful property. The rate includes as many of the 7 workshops as you choose to participate in, 4 meals, access to art supplies, and all the coffee and tea your heart desires. Excluded from this package is an additional fiber workshop led by one of the property owners ($10-12/person) and one dinner out on the town.
***Please note this rate is per person, not per tent. You are more than welcome to camp solo or in a larger tent- there is plenty of space around the property!
***If paying in a deposit, the remaining balance is due by April 1. After 4/1, we cannot offer refunds if your plans change.
If you would like to participate in the retreat but cannot attend the full weekend, this is a lovely option. The day pass includes as many of the 4 mid-day workshops you choose to join, lunch, access to art supplies, and all the coffee and tea your heart desires. Day-pass guests are more than welcome to join us for dinner on the town (self-pay).
***If paying in a deposit, the remaining balance is due by April 1. After 4/1, we cannot offer refunds if your plans change.
Itinerary
You are welcome to arrive on Friday afternoon, anytime after 3pm. Spend the evening settling into your weekend home, exploring the property, enjoying a dinner feast, and searching for brand new farm kittens (obviously). Around 7pm, we will gather for our first talking circle, getting to know one another and declaring sacred intentions for the weekend. Our circle will be followed by a bonfire, weather permitting.
