A Touch of Magic
A Gothic Adventure in the Heart of the Sierras
October 21st – 25th, 2027
Join us for Gothic Adventure in the heart of the Scenic Sierras! In a region known for its Picturesque Mountain Towns , Eclectic Arts & Crafts Community and a thriving Farm to Fork Food Scene we can’t think of a better place for our Creative Coven to get inspired!
Explore charming shops, indulge with chocolate and cheese tastings and experience a touch of practical magic with a haunted walking tour, astrology themed Midnight Margarita party, witchy themed workshops and more!
Along the way, we’ll lead you through creative prompts as we take time to gather inspiration from the beautiful places we visit. This retreat features multiple local artists in a variety of mediums from Block Printing to Mixed Media and even Perfume Making!
This journey is for anyone looking to explore their creative side and all of our activities and workshops are for beginners and seasoned artists alike! No Art experience necessary!
Celebrate your inner witch with a wide variety of custom workshops, savor the local food scene with chef prepared meals and pamper yourself at our very own historic Victorian nestled in the heart of town are just a few highlights from this magical adventure!
If you’ve been looking to take some time for yourself to reconnect and explore your creative side with an awesome group of women, consider this your invitation!
Why should you join us?
If you’re looking for a mix of sisterhood, celebrating cozy fall vibes in an adorable Victorian, tons of fun workshops and a touch of practical magic this is the retreat for you!
With all the hustle and bustle of everyday life (not to mention these uber-stressful times we’re living in),you deserve to take some space for yourself, that’s right!
Not the kids,family or your job, but something just for you! So buckle up buttercup cause we’re offering an adventure to reset and explore your best self.
It’s more than a retreat, it’s an experience, so let’s loosen up, get inspired and above all Have Fun!
Come Wander with us!
A peek into our adventure!
Where our adventure takes place
Welcome to the picturesque town of Nevada City! Nestled in the heart of the Scenic Sierra Nevada foothills and named one of California’s prettiest towns it’s easy to see why it has been featured in publications from Sunset to Country Living Magazine!
Known for its 19th century architecture, gold rush era history and intricate antique storefronts it’s the perfect setting for an autumn adventure!
Where We’ll Be Staying
Welcome to our very own adorable Victorian!
Designed by award winning interior designer Bri Ingram, this charming 1865 Victorian blends classic architecture with a soothing, modern aesthetic, utilizing historic natural woods, period botanical wallpapers, French chandeliers, and luxurious contemporary comforts!
With a location in the heart of downtown and within walking distance to many quaint shops, cafes and cozy coffee spots it’s the perfect home-base to explore from!
See more pics of this adorable venue below!
Let’s Talk Food
This region is known as the Farm to Fork capital and we’re in for a treat with meals that celebrate seasonal produce and the farms that make it happen!
Indulge in homemade pastries , quiches and fresh fruit for daily brunch along with fun meals along the way from a spooky potions cocktails soiree to midnight margaritas party featuring some epic grazing boards, ending in a magical farewell Practical Magic themed private chef three course dinner!
This retreat also features local artisan cheese and a handcrafted truffle chocolate tasting!
Meet our Featured Artists
Learn everything from Block Printing to Mixed Media Portraits and even Perfume Making as this retreat features not one, but FOUR witchy workshops!
Discover the fun world of Block Printing with printmaker & illustrator Anya Tuton! Learn how to hand carve your own printing block and create a series of custom prints on handcrafted papers for a truly unique keepsake.
Explore the art of Perfume Making with local perfumer Carole Addison Goyne of Nomad Botanicals! Learn the ancient craft of perfume making as you create your own custom scent to take home!
Dive into a fun mixed media workshop with your host and artist Cassie Berube! Celebrate the creative chaos of mixed media as you create your very own Mystical Portrait blending vintage imagery, artisan papers and found objects!
This retreat also includes a soothing Wild Apothecary workshop where you’ll concoct your very own custom herbal bath soaks and salts from essential oils, dried herbs and a selection of fine salts and clays.
Workshops include ALL SUPPLIES including a Block Printing takeaway guide and more so you just have to show up and have a great time!
A Word From Your Host
I’ve lived in this beautiful region for over 20 years and can’t wait to give ya’ll an insider glance at one of my favorite small towns!
With over a decade of experience in the travel industry and as a professional artist, it’s been a long time dream to merge the two and offer unforgettable journeys that both nurture your creative side and immerse you in local culture.
I’ve cooked up a seriously dreamy itinerary that has a taste of it all! We’ll not only be staying in a charming town surrounded by beautiful naturescapes, I’ve also packed in the creativity with lots of workshops and artisan meals that really celebrate the local community.
So join me on a magical adventure in the heart of the Sierras!
Our Itinerary
Day 1: THURSDAY OCTOBER 21ST – ARRIVAL, WITCHY MEET & GREET, POTIONS COCKTAIL SOIREE
Arrival in Nevada City, Check in, get refreshed! Our charming Victorian is located right in the historic downtown and is the perfect place to explore from!
In the evening join us for a witchy meet and greet at the famed & delightfully gothic National Exchange Hotel known for its share of haunted history!
Experience gold rush era glamor with a private cocktail soiree at their Grand Lounge with a gorgeous private balcony overlooking the town and surrounding forest.
Sip on spooky signature potion cocktails and indulge in scrumptious lite bites as you get to know your fellow creative companions!
DAY 2: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 22ND – GOTHIC BLOCK PRINTING WORKSHOP, CHOCOLATE & CHEESE TASTING, ARTISAN SHOP FEATURES,WILD APOTHECARY WORKSHOP, HAUNTED WALKING TOUR
After a delightful breakfast of quiche and pastries join us for our first creative workshop, block printing! Dive into the fun world of printmaking with a hands on class by local artist Anya Tuton. Anya will go over all the basics in starting out with block printing from tools to carving techniques as we create our own custom block printing stamps.
Create a series of prints on a variety of handcrafted artisan and archival papers along with matting to travel home with so they’re ready to frame when you get back from your travels! This wonderful workshop also includes a takeaway guide so you can continue the fun at home!
Afterwards it’s time to explore some local shops with a chocolate and cheese tasting! Our first stop will be a local cheese shop, sample the region’s cheeses with time to shop their collection of local cheese, jams and more! We’ll end on a sweet note with a visit to a charming chocolate shop as we indulge in some delicious truffles!
Enjoy time to grab a bite at one of the many cafes or bistros in town with free time after to shop our curated guide of artisan shops!
In the afternoon join us for a soothing apothecary workshop where we’ll handcraft our very own herbal bath soaks and salts. Craft your own custom concoction with a selection of fine salts, clays, essential oils ,dried herbs and florals. Make it one of a kind as you choose from hand-sourced vintage apothecary bottles to house your special creations in.
Our day ends with a twilight haunted walking tour with a local guide as we discover all the sinister secrets from this gold rush era town.
Day 3: SATURDAY, OCTOBER 23RD – MYSTICAL PORTRAITS WORKSHOP,RUSTIC LUNCH, MIDNIGHT MARGARITAS ASTROLOGY SOIREE, TAROT & RUNE READINGS , RELEASE & MANIFEST RITUAL
After another scrumptious breakfast our day starts on a creative note with a magical Mystical Portraits workshop! Explore the fun of mixed media with your host and local artist Cassie Berube. Cassie will go over the process of creating your very own custom portraits combining vintage imagery, artisan papers and ephemera.
We’ll break for a scrumptious rustic bistro lunch and in the afternoon we’ll continue our portraits focusing on embellishments from iridescent gold leaf to paint pens, found objects and more for a truly one of a kind keepsake! Pieces will be constructed on cradled birchwood and you’ll leave with a ready to hang piece.
In the evening it’s Midnight Margarita time with a fun Astrology themed party! Dress up as your favorite sign, sip on witchy cocktails & snack on luscious charcuterie grazing boards as we enjoy private tarot and rune readers!
We’ll end the night with a special releasing and manifestation ceremony. Out with the old and in with the new, releasing what no longer serves you while manifesting the positive changes you want to bring into your life.
Day 4: Sunday October 24TH – BOTANICAL PERFUME MAKING, WITCHY PHOTOSHOOT, PRIVATE CHEF PRACTICAL MAGIC FAREWELL DINNER
After another indulgence of local pastries it’s all things perfume with a special Botanical Perfume Workshop with Carole Addison Goyne of Nomad Botanicals!
Carole will be sharing the ancient history and symbolism of scents along with the process behind crafting perfume.This hands on experience includes sampling over 20 scents and crafting your own signature scent that speaks to you. Everyone will leave with their own personal perfume to take home!
Enjoy free time for a leisurely lunch at one of the many nearby cafes, shop for last minute gifts at the shops and pack away your one of a kind finds.
Join us at the golden hour for a witchy photoshoot with our very own private photographer! We have some surprises planned and with our adorable Victorian as the backdrop these are bound to be some epic pics!
In the evening we’ll gather our creative coven for a very special Practical Magic themed candlelit farewell dinner. Enjoy a private farm to fork chef prepared 3 course dinner for the ultimate magical send off!
Day 5: MONDAY OCTOBER 25TH – Breakfast & Departure
We’ll share one last opening circle and breakfast together. Remember to stay in touch with your new creative besties and we hope you Wander with Us on our next adventure!
PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS OUR PROSPECTIVE ITINERARY. SMALL CHANGES MAY BE MADE DUE TO WEATHER, DESIRES OF THE GROUP, AND UNEXPECTED OPPORTUNITIES
(such as spontaneous adventures, can we say heck ya?!)
Spots are limited!
Our retreats aren’t just about the wonderful things we’ll see and do but about building relationships, that’s why we like to keep our groups small and intimate. This coven is limited to 12 witches with the host the lucky 13th!
THIS AMAZING EXPERIENCE INCLUDES:
- 5 days and 4 nights accommodation at our adorable historic Victorian
- Most meals with Daily Brunch, one lunch and 3 dinners (Welcome Soiree, Midnight Margarita Party and Farewell Dinner)
- Intimate group limited to 12 women
- ALL gratuity including tips for our guides, restaurant and catering staff
- Opening Private Soiree with signature “potion” cocktails and small bites
- Private Haunted History Walking Tour
- Handcrafted Truffles Chocolate Shop Visit & Tasting
- Artisan Cheese Shop Visit & Tasting
- Midnight Margaritas Astrology Party with drinks and charcuterie
- Tarot & Rune Readings
- Release & Manifest Ritual
- Curated Shopping & Artisan Shop Features
- Rustic Bistro Lunch
- Private Chefs Practical Magic themed Farewell Dinner
- Private Photographer and Witchy Photoshoot with Group Shots
- Professional Online Photo Album
- FOUR Creative Workshops!!
“Gothic Block Printing” with local artist Anya Tuton
“Mystical Portraits” with local artist Cassie Berube
“Elixer Perfume” with local perfumer Carole Addison Goyne
“Enchanted Apothecary” custom bath soaks and salts - ALL Art Supplies!! including takeaway guide, artisan papers & matting for your block prints so they’re ready to frame!
Sweet Extras
A curated bag of goodies, aka the most amazing swag bag ever, including art and local finds!
A Dedicated on-site host to make sure you have the most amazing time ever!
Experience the magic of the sierras
Experience the magic with a stay at our very own Historic Victorian and get your craft on with FOUR creative workshops along with delicious catered meals by local chefs and a private photographer to capture the magic!
This retreat has a mix of adorable shared double rooms and single private king suites!
Double Occupancy $3625 Single Supplement for a private King Suite $800
*Airfare & transport not included. Participants are responsible for travel arrangements to our destination, we handle all the creative fun when you get there!)
$1000 Non -Refundable deposit is required to hold your spot. balance due by May 1st 2027
What our retreaters are saying
Say What?! Testimonials from our fellow Wandering Women
Something I will remember for the rest of my life!
“What a spectacular trip! I knew it sounded good on paper, but the real-life version was more than I could have ever imagined. Thank you for all the hard work you put into making this retreat something I will remember for the rest of my life”
Jocelyn K
The trip of a lifetime!
“ Wandering Women put together a fabulous venue, a great mixture of workshops, tours & amazing food. The friendships I made only sweetened the whole experience. If you’re on the fence, don’t be! Treat yourself – we’re all so worth it! “
Jill V.
Unique & Unforgettable!
“This retreat was the perfect blend of adventure, rest, and creativity. The luxe experience with activities that were off the beaten path made it unique and unforgettable.”
Molly D.
WHAT ISN’T COVERED IN THE COST?
- Airfare/ Transportation from your hometown to Nevada City
- Travelers Insurance (required for this retreat)
- Any extra tours, meals or excursions that you choose during your free time if you choose to go.
- Alcohol & Specialty Drinks outside of those provided in the retreat package
- Anything you buy in the markets or on various outings.
Faq’s
What’s your cancellation policy?
Hey, we get it, stuff happens! Unfortunately due to the planning, involved logistics and upfront costs of these events we have a strict no refund policy regardless of circumstance. We want you to feel fully comfortable and confident when booking that you are covered, for this reason and many others, we are requiring retreaters to get trip insurance, trust us the peace of mind alone is worth it!
Still have questions? We got you! Visit our FAQ page.
Come Wander with Us!
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