Summer in the Sierras
A Celebration of Nature in the Scenic Sierra Nevadas
June 25th – 29th & July 9th-13, 2026
Discover the historic charm of Gold Country with an adventure in the heart of the Scenic Sierra Nevadas! Known for its Beautiful Naturescapes, Quaint Mountain Towns and Thriving Art Community we can’t think of a better place to get inspired!
Explore the beauty of Lake Tahoe, stay in a historic hotel steeped in history and experience all this region has to offer with walking tours, market visits and a private charter boat day.
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 Watercolor!
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 all the Sierra Nevadas has to offer with a stay in the historic gold rush town of Grass Valley, dive into the region’s art scene with custom workshops and travel in style with a private luxury yacht tour on the gorgeous turquoise waters of Lake Tahoe are just a few highlights of this unforgettable 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?
Umm..charming small towns, creative workshops, artisan markets and a private charter boat day on LAKE TAHOE ..can we just say yes please!?
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
Discover the small town charm of grass valley
Our adventure takes place in the picturesque foothill town of Grass Valley, known for its gold rush history, quaint shops, and beautiful surrounding naturecapes.
With an adorable downtown featuring a promenade ringed with shops, bakeries & gourmet eateries as well as an epic artisan night market, we can’t wait to take it all in!
Where We’ll Be Staying
Experience a Piece of History
Experience gold rush era history with a stay at the famed Holbrooke Hotel & Purcell House! One of California’s oldest hotels, dating back to the 1850’s this venue has been meticulously restored and has hosted famous writers and even presidents!
Featuring exposed brick walls with gorgeous designer interiors, a prohibition speakeasy, a delicious restaurant,
and the oldest saloon this side of the Mississippi, it’s a destination in itself!
BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THE SLIDESHOW BELOW FOR MORE PICS OF THIS BEAUTIFUL VENUE!
Meet our Featured Artists!
Learn everything from Block Printing to Mixed Media to Watercolor Travel Sketching as this retreat features not one, but three talented local artists!
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.
Dive into a fun mixed media workshop with local icon Eileen Blodgett! Celebrate the beauty of the foothills as you learn mixed-media and collage techniques with a special workshop focusing on Sierra Florals!
Explore watercolor sketching with traveling artist Dori Greenbaum! Working off of inspiration photos we’ll take along our journey, Dori will go over how to transform your favorite travel photos into watercolor sketches for the perfect memento of our adventure!
Workshops include ALL SUPPLIES, including a Block Printing takeaway guide, so you just have to show up and have a great time!!
A Word From Your Host
Hi Everyone ! Cassie here, founder of Wandering Women Retreats, art and travel lover!
I’ve lived in this beautiful region for over 20 years and can’t wait to give ya’ll an insider glance at all the Sierras Nevadas has to offer!
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 but with creative workshops and amazing day trips this retreat is the perfect place to nurture your creative side!
So join me for an adventure in the heart of Gold Country!
Our Itinerary
This retreat has TWO departures! Both itineraries are identical!
Day 1: Thursday, June 25th/July 9th – ARRIVAL, SPEAKEASY COCKTAIL SOIREE, Artisan night market
Arrival in Grass Valley, check in to the gorgeous Holbrooke Hotel, and get refreshed! In the evening, meet us for a fun speakeasy-themed cocktail soiree!
Our gathering takes place in the hidden Speakeasy Lounge beneath the hotel that dates back to Prohibition times! Listen to vintage tunes, sip on handcrafted libations, and snack on scrumptious small bites as we get to know each other!
Afterwards, we’ll head out to the Thursday Night Market. Enjoy a balmy summer night under the stars and string lights as we wander the promenade filled with artisan vendors selling their wares.
DAY 2: Friday, June 26th/ July 10th – BOTANICAL BLOCK PRINTING WORKSHOP, WALKING TOUR AND MAKERS FEATURES, WINE TASTING, PRIVATE TASTING MENU DINNER FEATURING OLIVE OIL PAIRINGS
Our adventure starts with our first creative workshop with 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!
After free time for lunch, enjoy a walking tour of downtown where I’ll share all my favorite shops from homewares to the tastiest chocolates, yes please! After we’ll head over to a local wine tasting room to enjoy some of the variatles the foothills are known for!
In the evening join us for a special tasting dinner hosted by a local olive oil sommelier. Explore the tasting room after hours with a private olive oil tasting paired with lite bites for one-of-a-kind meal!
Day 3: Saturday, June 27th/July 11th – EMPIRE MINE AND GARDENS VISIT, HISTORIC TRUCKEE SHOPPING & LUNCH STOP, PRIVATE LUXURY LAKE TAHOE CHARTER YACHT TOUR WITH COCKTAILS
Our journey begins with a visit to historic Empire Mine State Park known for its gold mines, beautiful gardens and stone mansion. We’ll enjoy time to explore its beautiful gardens and romantic stone mansion along with some instagrammable photo ops!
Our adventure continues with a stop into the mountain town of Truckee where you’ll have free time to explore its funky shops and have a bite to eat at one of its many cafes & rustic eateries.
Next we set off into the famed Tahoe Valley. Enjoy a tree-lined scenic drive through the foothills of the Sierra Nevadas as we weave our way to Tahoe City to meet our charter boat!
Hop onboard our private luxury yacht for a tour of Lake Tahoe! Enjoy an open bar as we sail and take in the sweeping vistas, turquoise waters and the snowcapped mountains Tahoe is famous for!
Enjoy a free evening on your own or with your new creative besties! Our pre-departure guide will have lots of dining recommendations to try in town!
Day 4: SUNDAY, June 28TH/July 12TH – MIXED MEDIA COLLAGE WORKSHOP, WATERCOLOR TRAVEL SKETCHES WORKSHOP, MARGARITA PARTY AND FAREWELL DINNER
Join us as we gather for another creative workshop, this time with local artist Elaine Blodgett. Taking inspiration from the surrounding flora, Elaine will be walking us through creating our very own “Sierra Florals”.
Learn a variety of mixed media and collage techniques, pieces will be constructed on cradled birchwood, and you’ll leave with a ready-to-frame piece!
Enjoy some free time for lunch at one of the many nearby cafes. In the afternoon, it’s watercolor time with local artist Dori Greenbaum!
Dori will be sharing fun techniques for transforming your favorite travel photos into wonderful watercolor sketches that make for the perfect keepsake of our time in the Sierras!
In the evening, join us for a special closing celebration, margarita party, and fiesta at my favorite Mexican restaurant in town!
Day 5: Monday, June 29TH/July 13th – DEPARTURE
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?!)
THIS AMAZING EXPERIENCE INCLUDES:
- 5 days and 4 nights of accommodations at the historic Holbrooke Hotel or adjoining Purcell House
- Daily Breakfast, 3 Dinners ( Opening Speakeasy Soiree, ArtisanTasting Dinner & Mexican Fiesta Dinner )
- All Gratuity including Tips for our Guides, Restaurant Staff and Charter Boat Staff (which trust us, adds up!)
- Opening Private Speakeasy Soiree with signature cocktails and small bites
- Artisan Night Market Visit
- Historic Walking Tour
- Makers Features & Curated Shopping
- Foothills Wine Tasting
- Private Olive Oil Tasting with Dinner
- Visit and Entrance to Empire Mine State Park
- Day Trip to Tahoe Valley
- Private Luxury Charter Yacht Cruise on Lake Tahoe with Cocktails
- Visit to Historic Truckee
- Margarita Party
- Fiesta Farewell Dinner
- Three Creative Workshops!
- “Botanical Block Printing” with local artist Anya
- “ Sierra Florals“ with local artist Eileen Blogett
- “Watercolor Travel Sketches ” with local artist Dori Greenbaum
- ALL Art Supplies!! Including takeaway guide, artisan papers & matting for your block prints so they’re ready to frame!
Sweet Extras
A private Facebook Group so you can get to know your fellow 
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!
TRAVEL THE SIERRAS IN STYLE
Travel in style with a stay at the famed historic Holbrooke Hotel, along with a private luxury yacht tour on Lake Tahoe!
This retreat also includes most meals with daily breakfast and three dinners in town!
This retreat has a mix of Single & Double Rooms inside the Holbrooke and adjoining Purcell House.
Double Occupancy $3425 / Single Supplement $500
(*Airfare/transport not included. Participants are responsible for travel arrangements to our destination)
A $1000 Non-Refundable deposit is required to hold your spot, due by February 15th, 2026
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 Grass Valley
- 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
- Personal Tips and Room Service
- Anything you buy in the markets or on various outings.
Still have questions? We got you! Visit our FAQ page.
Come Wander with Us!
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