In February of 2022, I started a book club! I was feeling pretty drained – I was coming to terms with leaving teaching, although I hadn’t told anyone yet. I turned to this book club for a source of escapism and community. I immediately started dreaming about one day bringing a group of readers together for a reading retreat, where we would read, explore, and most importantly bond together. As the book club grew and my devotion to connecting with readers deepened, this dream began taking up more and more space in my mind. I wanted to experience incredible destinations, delicious foods, unique stays, and most importantly, form lifelong friendships. As time has gone on, I knew it was time to make this dream a reality!
Which is why I’m thrilled to announce…
We’re going to KEY WEST!
I would love for you to come travel to Key West, Florida with me! Now, let me tell you all that’s in store for our reading retreat!
This is your official invitation to come with me to Key West, Florida on July 19-22!
When: July 19-22, 2024
Where: Key West, Florida
Literary Focus: The Last Train to Key West by Chanel Cleeton
What’s included? Home rental in a historic Victorian home, welcome drinks and hors d’oeuvres, museum ticket to Ernest Hemingway’s home, guided cocktail tour to taste Key West’s most iconic fares, Cuban dinner prepared by a private chef, an embroidery craft session, built-in rest and reading time, time for food, beaches, bookshops, and more!
Why: A great way to travel, meet other passionate bookworms, and learn!
Who: YOU! You are welcome to go solo, bring a friend, or female family member. Since we are staying together in a private home, this is a women’s only trip.
How: Put your name on the list to get an email when the trip is live.
Right now, and for only the next 7 days, the trip is $100 off. The price WILL be going up in one week. There is limited availability and I do expect spots to fill up quickly.
I want to share a bit of what’s in store for us in Key West, FL and explain a bit more about the friendships I’ve formed through the connection of reading! Starting a book club and online platform are two very bold, outgoing actions, but I’m not always a bold, outgoing person. As readers, it’s more common to see yourself as an introvert. By being vulnerable and putting myself out there, taking strides to building community, I’ve formed some of the best friendships I’ve ever had.
What to expect:
Travel – Because beaches are my favorite destinations, I wanted to make sure we spent some time in one of the best beach locations in the US. Not only will we be within walking distance of tons of shops, restaurants, and historical landmarks, we’ll also be able to easily access multiple beaches.
Learning – Key West is full of rich history! It was home to famed author, Ernest Hemingway and is has a heavy focus on Cuban-American culture. We’ll tour Hemingway’s home and other significant monuments in town. We will also make time to visit the local bookshops on the island to pick out our own bookish souvenirs.
Food & Drink – Can you say Key Lime Pie?! You’re in for a treat! We’ll experience an authentic Cuban family-style meal from a private chef at our home rental. We’ll explore the foods, treats, and drinks the island has to offer through a walking food tour. Which is basically the best thing in the entire world. We’ll be eating Key Lime Pie in the same restaurant Ernest Hemingway frequented!
Friendships – To me, the greatest impact of this trip is the friendships you make. Think of this a bit like those incredible friends you made at summer camp. Except this one has much better accommodation. We’ll be spending 4 days and 3 nights crafting in our home rental, wandering the streets of Key West, reading on sunny beaches, and making memories together!
Basically, you don’t have to think! You just need to sign up and let this be the trip of the lifetime.
Right here, you can book your spot to join us!
I can promise you this experience won’t stop at exploring Key West or focusing on literary experiences. I want to travel with YOU. I want you to come away from this retreat with a renewed passion, friends, and enthusiasm for life.
What can you expect in Key West?
Friday, July 19th: Arrive at the home rental as early as 4pm. We’ll have welcome drinks and hors d’ourves while we get settled into our home. We’ll kick off the trip by walking the charming streets, eating dinner at a local restaurant or food trucks, and getting to know each other!
Saturday, July 20th: We’ll start the day with breakfast and a book swap at home! We’ll take a tour of Ernest Hemingway’s historic home, followed by lunch, (book) shopping, and beach time. We’ll immerse ourselves in authentic Cuban cuisine with dinner at home from a private chef, where we’ll also take time to have our book discussion on The Last Train to Key West by Chanel Cleeton.
Sunday, July 21st: We’ll spend the morning having breakfast and making a custom embroidery. We’ll head out for lunch, followed by a walking cocktail tour, where we’ll get a great taste for the island. We’ll spend the afternoon exploring and beaching at our leisure. We’ll have dinner at another local restaurant or from one of many food trucks! We’ll end our trip back at home, spending the evening in our private pool!
Monday, July 22nd: Send off breakfast at home! Leave the house by 10am.
Sign up and secure your spot before it’s sold out!
Package Price: $1399!
A non-refundable deposit of $699.50 is due at booking and the next payment is due one month after booking.
What’s included?
- Booking at a gorgeous private Victorian home in Old Key West for three nights!
- Welcome drinks and hors d’oeuvres to kick off the weekend together!
- Breakfast Saturday and Sunday so we can stay in our pjs longer!
- Entrance to Ernest Hemingway’s home turned museum!
- Private Chef Dinner at our rental to experience a traditional Cuban family-style meal!
- Ticket for a private walking cocktail/food tour to five of Key West local’s favorite places!
- Materials to make a personalized embroidery souvenir!
What’s not included?
- Flights are not included
- Dinner Friday night
- Lunch on Saturday
- Personal shopping
- Dinner Sunday night
In addition:
- Bring a book to participate in our book swap on Saturday morning
- Bring a copy of The Last Train to Key West for discussion and *content*
- Pack an item you would like to complete your personal embroidery on – for example: a T-shirt, sweatshirt, book sleeve, hat, etc. More information on personalization will come after booking!
Can I still go if I don’t care as much about the literary aspect?
Yes! We’re seeing some amazing destinations, tasting lots of local food, and staying in a beautiful place. You don’t need to read the book if you don’t want to! The trip is designed for you to enjoy it as you’d like.
What can I expect from the trip?
This trip will be a balance of exploration and relaxation, with plenty of time to read and enjoy each other’s company. I designed the itinerary to showcase literary highlights, while still leaving you enough time for spontaneous outings (which often lead to the most memorable experiences anyway).
Can I bring a friend? Come alone? Come with a family member?
Yes to all of the above! You will have a roommate and, in some cases, share a queen-sized bed. I will do my best to match those that are booking this trip together to make roommates as comfortable as possible! The only stipulation is that all attendees must be female.
Room configurations are as follows: Room 1: 1 Queen Bed, Room 2: 1 Queen Bed, Room 3: 2 Twin Beds, Room 4: 1 Queen Bed + 1 Twin Bed, Room 5: 1 Queen Bed, Room 6: 1 Queen Bed + 1 Twin Bed.
How much time do I have to decide?
When the trip sells out, that’s it. You save $100 off the total cost of the trip for the next week. Then the price is going up. I cannot guarantee or hold spots!
What if my plans change?
Although I will be offering a waitlist, I cannot guarantee your deposit will be returned if I cannot fill your spot. If I can find another traveler who is able to book, your deposit may be returned!
I’m honored and excited to host you on my inaugural reading retreat! It’s going to be the trip of a lifetime!
Book your spot and travel to Key West, Florida with me here!
