peer retreats

Peer retreats are designed to offer plenty of free time to rest, recharge, socialize, collaborate, and talk shop. You might write at the desk in your room, read in the library, work on a project in the new Calf Barn studio, or draw together in the dining room or any of the communal work spaces. There will be time for yoga in the hayloft, a dip in a nearby swimming hole, a visit to the antiquarian bookshops in neighboring Hobart, a leisurely hike in Milkwood’s 20+ acres of wildflower meadows and hardwood forest, a walk on the nearby 26-mile Catskill Scenic Trail, a bike ride along local backroads, or a game of ping-pong in the open-air barn. 

There are no formal workshops at peer retreats, but guests can offer informal workshops or tutorials in their area of expertise. The Milkwood staff will help set things up and will provide supplies. 

Each peer retreat accommodates 10 people.

Prices for peer retreats include accommodations and all meals from Thursday afternoon to Sunday afternoon.
Single rooms are $1,350 for peer retreats.
Two bedrooms offer the possibility of double occupancy, at $1,000 per person for peer retreats.

DAILY SCHEDULE for PEER RETREATS

Thursday

2:00-6:00 PM — Arrival and check-in

6:00-7:00 PM — Appetizers and cocktails in the library

7:00 PM — Dinner in the dining room

Friday

7:00-9:00 AM — Breakfast in the dining room

9:00 AM-1:00 PM — Free time / Informal workshops

1:00-2:00 PM — Lunch in the dining room

2:00-6:00 PM — Free time / Informal workshops

6:30-7:00 PM — Drinks in the open-air pole barn

7:00-9:00 PM — Cookout dinner in the garden

9:00 PM — Dessert around the fire pit

Saturday

7:00-9:00 AM — Breakfast in the dining room

9:00 AM-1:00 PM — Free time / Informal workshops 

1:00-2:00 PM — Lunch in the dining room

2:00-6:00 PM — Free time / Informal workshops 

6:00-7:00 PM — Appetizers and cocktails in the bar

7:00-9:00 PM — Dinner in the hayloft

9:00 PM — Show & Tell by guests in the hayloft

These Show & Tell presentations are short, informal, and voluntary. This is your chance to preview new work, sing a song, tell a story, entertain or amaze your fellow retreaters. We have a microphone, music stands, a projector and screen, and a sound system.

Sunday

8:00-10:00 AM — Breakfast

10:00 AM-1:00 PM — Free time / Informal workshops

1:00-2:00 PM — Lunch in the dining room

2:00 PM — Check-out and farewells