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OPENING DOORS

WRITING INTO THE MOUNTAINS

LUNDY FARM | HUDSON VALLEY, NEW YORK

SEPTEMBER 29-OCTOBER 4, 2025


LED BY

Mark Doty, Gaby Calvocoressi & Emily Hyland

 
 
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On this retreat, in the depth of autumn in the Catskill Mountains, we’ll tap into our surroundings to open doors into our inner life. We’ll work together to begin & develop new poems. Expect challenge, support, & good company. We’ll make use of writing exercises, talks, observation, walks & hikes, & mindful yoga movement to help further open doors toward the poems that are yours to write.

Our retreat group will stay at Lundy Farm, a lovingly restored luxury estate nestled in the heart of the Hudson Valley. The 62-acre property is situated within 30,000 acres of state forest, & is traversed by the Vernooy Kill River.

Guests stay in two distinct houses that feature comfortable common rooms, reading nooks, fireplaces, stone patios, dining rooms, a game room with a video projector, a gym, & a laundry room. A modern greenhouse, 3-acre regenerative organic farm, & chefs kitchen complement the estate. The property is the home of an apple, peach, and pear orchard, a compost site, laying hens, & bees.

The expansive landscape set in a mountainous valley caters to long walks, bike rides, & hiking. The restored horse stables were thoughtfully remodeled into a movement studio with a small gym. A large spring-fed pond—complete with rope swings—& the newly resurfaced tennis courts, basketball hoop & acres of lawn for croquet provide plenty of opportunities for fun & relaxation!

 

WHAT'S INCLUDED:

ACCOMODATIONS:
  • 5 nights (Monday-Saturday) at Lundy Farm

    DAILY MEALS:
  • Breakfast & Lunch: Self-serve “make your own” with pantry provisions provided (eggs, yogurt, granola, & fruit, sandwich & salad fixings, etc.)
  • Tea + coffee, & light snacks available throughout the day (Emily will be baking her famous cookies & brownies again!)
  • Dinner: Family style dinner, buffet-style prepared nightly

    DAILY PROGRAMMING:
  • Poetry sessions led by Mark & Gaby to spark your writing process. (*Please note, Gaby will join our group on Wednesday 10/1)
    Optional early morning movement sessions to start your day
  • Yoga Classes with Emily, designed to awaken awareness & support the writing process (all props available on site)
  • Guided hikes from nearby trailheads into the mountains! (bring hiking shoes & poles please!)
    *Please note all movement & hiking sessions are totally optional! If you want to skip these, walk the grounds, sip some tea by the fire, & write instead, that’s totally welcome!*
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    LODGING + PRICING OPTIONS


    We’re pleased to offer 3 tiers of accommodations in a range of price points. All prices include accommodations, meals, workshops, & retreat activities. Rooms are split between the main house & the carriage house. All rooms have en suite bathrooms.

    OPTION 1: Single Room, $3,375 per person

    OPTION 2: Double Room, $2,795 per person

    OPTION 3: Triple Room, $2,495 per person


    REGISTRATION + DEPOSIT

    CONTACT:

    If you have questions or are ready to book, Email Emily: echyland@gmail.com

    DEPOSIT:

    A $1,000 non-refundable deposit is required at the time of booking.

    BALANCE DUE:

    Remaining balance is due by July 31st, 2025.


    WHAT TO BRING

    • Upstate NY weather will range from chilly and damp to surprisingly warm, so pack fall layers! (if it’s unseasonable warm, throw in a bathing suit)

    • If you’ll be hiking, bring appropriate hiking shoes, outerwear, & optionally poles

    • Comfortable clothing for movement classes

    • Laptop, journal, & pens for writing workshops

    • Pack casual, comfortable clothing to drop into ease; no need to be fancy!

    • An open heart and spirit!

     

    NOT INCLUDED:

  • FLIGHTS: Airfare is not included
  • TRANSPORTATION to & from Lundy Farm is the responsibility of participants
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • GETTING THERE:

  • Fly into Albany, Stewart, or Newark (or any major NYC airport) Lundy Farm is about a 2 hour drive from either Albany or Newark Lundy Farm is about an hour drive from Stewart Regional
  • Car Rentals: Both major airports offer car rental services. Rideshare: Uber and Lyft are available from all airports. It is recommended you either rent a car or share a car rental with retreat peers. Emily can connect folks interested in sharing a rental.
  • Check-in: 4:00pm on Monday, September 29th
  • Retreat Begins: 5:00pm on Monday with Opening Circle & Welcome Dinner
  • Check out: 10:00am on Saturday, October 4th, post-retreat closing circle
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