Mohonk Mountain House

NEW Paltz, New York

January 31st - February 2nd, 2025

Welcome home, Wizards

Join the Waitlist

Picture this.

You arrive at a boutique hotel nestled in the beautiful Hudson Valley, ready to meet your new book besties for the sleepover of a lifetime.

Perhaps you’d like to spend the day reading quietly alone by the fire curled up with a warm bevy, or maybe you’d prefer to go snow-shoeing in the pristine forest.

No matter what you choose, we know there is magic waiting for you at this enchanted fantasy retreat.

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Photo credit: The Mohonk Mountain House

This retreat is for you if:

  • You want more bookish friends to swap fan theories with

  • You want to make lifelong friendships with people who have similar interests

  • You know your like-minded girl squad exists, but you can’t find anyone near you

  • You want to bring your robust Bookstagram and Booktok communities into the real world

  • You are just as happy to curl up in a cozy nook with an herbal tea as you are to wander into the forest and be absorbed into the moss-covered floor

  • You want to channel your inner huntress and venture into the woods

  • You are 21+

What BOOKS ARE WE DISCUSSING?

For this retreat we will be discussing the Harry Potter series. With this being one of the most beloved and widely read fantasy series of all time, we wanted to offer a place where readers can connect in a safe and inclusive space.

We know that this fandom is full of queer readers and allies, who deserve somewhere to love the books and also express how they feel about the author in a space where they’re safe to do so. No hate will be tolerated at this retreat.

Though we strongly disagree with the authors beliefs, these books are special to so many, and we want to hold space for readers to connect with one another, as well as create an actionable path to uplift the queer community. More on this below.

  • "If you’re asking yourself, should I buy this ticket and meet up with random people I’ve never met? The answer is 100% absolutely!! I have never experienced such an immediate connection. The level of enthusiasm, acceptance, and just overall ✨women supporting women energy✨ at this retreat has blown my mind. Days later I am still riding the high of this trip. From late night talks, wine tasting, and the best charades ever, this is not a trip you want to miss out on. Thank you to Sarah and Alli for putting together such an amazing event!"

    -June Washington Retreat

  • Although I did do this retreat to meet new people and widen my circle, the main reason I did it was to do something new and exciting. I feel like we often get stuck in our routines as we age. It was fun to put myself out there, push myself and give room to grow. If you want to surround yourself with strong, body positive, smart, kind, supportive people who love books, this is the retreat for you.

    -June Washington Retreat

  • "This retreat was everything I hoped it would be! The accommodations were stunning, luxurious, and peaceful. I appreciate the camaraderie we built as a group and the amazing women I met. I will definitely do another retreat with Sarah & Alli again!"

    -June Washington Retreat

  • "The only trip I have ever booked because of Instagram and it was the best decision ever! I didnt expect such lasting connections with all of these amazing humans to be built in two days. Everyone was so open, kind, fun, smart and absolute book nerds in the best way 🫶🫶🫶 #smutconferenceinthewoods created a core memory for this millenial 😂"

    -June Washington Retreat

  • "What really made this retreat stand out was the women who attended and the activities. From TOG trivia and charades to spas and hiking, there was something for everyone to enjoy! Sarah and Alli were super passionate about the book series and had everyone laughing / debating during our book club and trivia sessions. It was so great to be surrounded by women who love the SJM universe just as much as I do! Overall, I would highly recommend Forest & Fawn to anyone looking for a fantasy book retreat. I truly feel I have made friends and connections for years to come! Thank you Sarah and Alli for an unforgettable experience!"

    -June Washington Retreat

  • "This quite honestly was the most amazing experience I have ever had. I get socially drained quickly and I didn’t feel like this drained me much at all. Thank you for creating such a safe space for us to all get to know each other. ❤️"

    -April Washington Retreat

  • "Without trying to sound dramatic this was life changing. Connecting with friends at camps is something we take for granted as kids and is so precious as an adult. Being surrounded by so many wonderful women, bonding over a shared interest, and existing in a beautiful location brought back a piece of magic in my life that I’d been struggling to find. I now have soul sisters that I will have for the rest of my life, you can’t put a price on that. This was my first time ever traveling for something where I knew nobody, it’s intimidating but so worth while. These girls will always be in my life and we’re all already planning our next adventure together. I’ve never had this type connection with a group of people before. I found my tribe."

    -April Washington Retreat

  • "Thank you Alli and Sarah for your devotion to bringing this vision to life! You held space for a whimsical, enchanted, delightful, this-feels-like-home, magical experience for all of us! Returning to fantasy reading in my 40s helped me fall in love with myself all over again, to feel brave, and curious, and look at the world as brilliant and expansive. This retreat was proof of how special it is share that experience with others. I will be back for many, many Forest and Fawn retreats...and if we're ever at Captain Whidbey Inn again, maybe we'll get another glimpse of the mermaid in the cove under the moon."

    -April Washington Retreat

  • "This retreat was the perfect bookish weekend! Everything from the accommodations to the activities to the snacks were so beautifully planned to create a welcoming and inspiring space amongst new friends"

    -April Washington Retreat

  • "I had an incredible time. The retreat was a great balance of scheduled and non-scheduled time. The location was amazing, and the people really made this experience next level. I felt comfortable, welcomed, and just that I could generally be myself, and I cannot say enough amazing things about this community."

    -April Washington Retreat

  • "This was, by far and away, one of the most memorable and fun trips I've ever taken. The accommodations, the itinerary, the gift bags, and the incredible friends made were top notch. I wish the weekend didn't have to end! I'm so glad I decided to join the first Forest and Fawn retreat and have not stopped telling everyone I know about it. This was the most comfortable I've been in a group/social setting in a long time. As a relatively quiet introvert, it was incredibly refreshing to connect with everyone right away and be able to talk books all weekend long. 11/10!"

    -April Washington Retreat

  • "Book the retreat! I was not prepared for how amazing this weekend was. The book chat, the new friends, the location, the events, the food (omg the food!)-- all 10/10. Forest & Fawn have created the warm, cozy book sisterhood we all need. Thank you!"

    -April Washington Retreat

Retreats for a cause

Forest & Fawn is an inclusive space, where we make an effort to ensure that everyone in the queer community feels safe, celebrated, and advocated for.

When you purchase a ticket to this reading retreat, 15% of profits from this retreat will be going to Trans Lifeline. Per their website, “Trans Lifeline is a grassroots hotline and microgrants 501(c)(3) non-profit organization offering direct emotional and financial support to trans people in crisis – for the trans community, by the trans community.” You can learn more about the organization and the resources they provide by clicking the button below.

Photo credit: The Mohonk Mountain House

What’s included?

  • The Mohonk Mountain House offers rooms that blend Victorian luxury with modern amenities. It is the perfect blend of luxurious and cozy. Option to choose between a double or a single room below.

  • All meals are included starting with dinner on Friday night and ending with lunch Sunday afternoon. Coffee and tea will be provided throughout the days to keep you cozy.

    Have an allergy or other kind of food restriction? We’ve got you covered. You’ll have an option at checkout to tell us what your specific needs are!

  • We will have scheduled times to meet to discuss topics from the books, our favorite characters, and anything else your hearts desire!

  • Access to an indoor swimming pool as well as several winter activities. These include outdoor ice-skating, snow-shoeing, cross country skiing, tubing (all weather dependent). Find a full list of winter activities that are included in your stay here.

  • We know that your brain is chock full of random fantasy trivia that you’ve been waiting to bust out at the right occasion. Well…THIS is the right occasion. Bring your fantasy knowledge and maybe even win a prize!

  • Want to try writing a fantasy story of your own? Well, you’re in the perfect place. Join us for a creative writing workshop whether you are a prolific author or a total newbie. This workshop is for everyone who wants to channel their inner storyteller.

  • A privately designated meeting room for the weekend just for our group! You can go to this room at any time during the day to read quietly, chat with your new besties, or have a warm cup of tea

  • Because no retreat is complete without a few things for you to take home that will serve as reminders of your magical time with Forest & Fawn retreats. Whether this weekend brings you new book besties to swap conspiracy theories with or simply a much needed break from a hectic day-to-day, we want you to remember this time forever.

  • You’ll have access to a private group forum before and after your retreat. This is a great chance to connect with other fantasy-lovers (if you choose) and keep in touch once the retreat is over. Say hello to your new book besties!

  • It’s all taken care of! All you have to do is book your travel, then sit back and relax!

Accommodations

  • Double Room

    Early bird: $1,895

    Regular: $1,995

    The Mohonk Mountain House offers rooms that blend Victorian luxury with modern amenities.

    This ticket includes a Queen bed in a shared room with a private bathroom.

    Roommate assignements will be random unless noted at checkout. If you are traveling with a friend, you will both need to purchase a ticket and request each other as a roommate at checkout.

    SOLD OUT!

  • Single Room

    Early bird: $2,695

    Regular: $2,795

    The Mohonk Mountain House offers rooms that blend Victorian luxury with modern amenities.

    This ticket includes a queen or king bed in a private room with a private bathroom.

    This ticket is only available for single occupancy. To split the room with a friend, please book two “DOUBLE ROOM" tickets.

    SOLD OUT

Getting there

ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE: The retreat starts with a Meet and Greet at 2pm on Friday the 31st, with check-in being at 4pm that day. The event will run until 2:00 pm on the 2nd—ending with lunch on Sunday. You are welcome to arrive as early as you like on Friday the 31st and explore the venue until the Meet and Greet!

Train: Train Service is available from New York City via Metro North and Amtrak trains to the Poughkeepsie Train Station.

We recommend that you take a taxi from Poughkeepsie train station to our resort. Taxi fares may vary.

Car: Paltz, NY is about a 2 hour drive from JFK and and 1.5 hour drive from Albany International Airport. Valet parking is included in the cost of your ticket.

FAQs

  • That's a big NO for us.

    At the end of the day, our mission is to connect readers and help them find their community. With this being one of the most beloved and widely read fantasy series of all time, we wanted to offer a place where readers can connect in a safe and inclusive space.

    This fandom is also full of queer readers, who deserve somewhere to love the books and also express how they feel about the author in a space where they’re safe to do so. Though we strongly disagree with the authors beliefs, these books are special to so many, and we want to hold space for readers to connect with one another, as well as create an actionable path to uplift the queer community.

  • Yes! Alcoholic drinks will be available for purchase at the inn bar, but if you prefer herbal tea, that will be available all day at no extra cost!

  • If you book a shared room, you will have an option in checkout to request a roommate! Make sure you both add each other to your order to ensure you end up in the same room.

  • Yes! Well, as long as you take breaks to eat and use the restroom. This retreat is made for YOU. All activities are optional.

  • Yes! Whatever your restrictions are, we’ve got you covered. Or rather, the staff at the Lodge at St. Edwards has you covered.

  • Yes! You can choose to check out with AfterPay at checkout for orders up to $2,000.

  • This retreat is for YOU. That means that nothing is mandatory. If you want to curl up and read in your luxurious bed all day, go for it. If you want to take your lunch on the road and see the natural wonders of the area, by all means. Our activities are solely here as options to enhance your experience.

  • Due to the capacity of our venue, daypasses are not available for this retreat.