fantasy reading retreat for women and genderqueer guests
an adventure fit for
dragons
Ancient Lore Village | Knoxville, TN
March 12-14, 2027
Featuring When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker, When Women Were Dragons by Kelly Barnhill, and Miss Percy’s Pocket Guide to the Care and Feeding of British Dragons by Quenby Olson
Guest count: Approximately 30
registration info
Registration will open first with early bird pricing to members of the Found Family Club, before opening to our email list.
Registration times are as follows:
Membership Community: Tuesday, June 23, 2026 at 12pm ET
Email List: Tuesday, June 23, 2026 at 2pm ET
If tickets are not sold out, they will be made available to the public at full price on Wednesday, June 24, 2026.
PICTURE THIS
You arrive at an enchanting little village, one that feels like you’ve stepped into another realm.
You’re surrounded by readers who are just as passionate about escaping into a fairytale world as you are. Who never stopped believing in magic. Who want to hear your book recs and share some of their own. Who you can be yourself around and feel truly seen.
Maybe you’d like to spend the day quietly reading alone surrounded by beautiful nature, or perhaps you’d prefer to try your hand at archery, or foster connection with other women and genderqueer individuals who just get you. No matter what you choose, know there is adventure waiting for you at this enchanting bookish retreat.
WHAT IS THE RETREAT THEME?
enter the worlds of dragons
We asked you to vote on our next retreat theme, and the winner was clear: DRAGONS.
For this magical reading retreat, rather than focusing on a single book or series, we have chosen a few that we can adventure into together.
The retreat will feature multiple book club meetings, making sure we have the space to discuss each of these worlds. As a guest, you can choose to read one, two, or all three. A “choose your own adventure”, if you will!
your retreat reading list
A #1 Bestseller, The Moonfall Series is an epic romantasy that follows the story of Raeve, an assassin for a rebellion group, and Kaan Vaegor, a hero navigating the loss of his greatest love, who discovers her in a high security prison.
the moonfall series by sarah a. parker
Women Who Were Dragons is a standalone, feminist fantasy novel that follows main character Alex Green in a world after the Mass Dragoning of Women in 1955, and explores what happens when women refuse to be kept small and are determined to take up the space they deserve.
women who were dragons by kelly barnhill
miss percy’s pocket guide to the care and feeding of british dragons by quenby olson
This trilogy is an adult cozy fantasy that follows Miss Mildred Percy, a spinster in England who inherits a dragon. A wallflower and introvert, Miss Percy is now thrust into adventure, chaos, and perhaps even a bit of romance.
This event is independently organized and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by any of the authors or publishers.
You want to connect with other women and genderqueer readers who love fantasy and just get you (aka, you’re looking for your found family")
You need people in your life who know the difference between a dragon and a wyvern
You want to make lifelong friendships with people who have similar interests
You know your found family of readers exists, but you can’t find anyone near you
You want a few days to escape from the real world and travel to a place that feels like a different realm
You are 21+
This reading retreat is for you if:
Hear from our past guests
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January 2025 New York Retreat
“I can honestly say attending this book retreat with F&F was one of the best decisions of my life. The immediate community and friendships I built as soon as I arrived made every nervous/anxious thought disappear from my mind. I had the greatest time with my new best friends talking about our shared interests, learning new skills, and overall just enjoying each other’s company. I truly could not recommend these retreats enough, and I cannot wait until the next one!”
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June 2024 Washington Retreat
"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!"
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january 2025 new york retreat
“I had the best time at the retreat and already miss my found family so much! I traveled alone, and felt an immediate kinship with the other attendees based in a shared love of stories that shaped our lives. The F+F crew planned a lovely weekend with a perfect balance of activities, and while everything was optional I wanted to participle in everything I could! Coming back to real life this particular week was difficult, but I can't wait for the next adventure!”
Photo credit: Ancient Lore Village
What’s included?
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Ancient Lore Village offers a wide variety of dwellings, from enchanting cottages to treehouses fit for Elves. You’ll feel as if you’ve just stepped into Middle Earth!
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All meals are included starting with dinner on Friday night and ending with breakfast on Sunday.
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!
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We will have scheduled times to meet to discuss topics from the books, our favorite characters, and anything else your hearts desire!
Each book/series will have it’s own dedicated book club.
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Join us for a little main character practice and try your hand at archery and axe throwing!
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All activities on our itinerary, inspired by the books we all love so much, are included.
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A privately designated meeting room for the weekend just for our group!
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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.
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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!
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It’s all taken care of! All you have to do is book your travel, then sit back and relax!
ancient lore village
Located just near the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, only 15 minutes from the heart of Knoxville, Ancient Lore Village is an enchanting fairytale village that will make you feel like you’ve stepped into another realm. Whether you want to try your hand at archery, read on a terrace fit for Elves, or walk a trail through what feels like an enchanted wood, this location is sure to give you everything you’re looking for.
Accommodations
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private moonlit queen suite
Early Bird: $1,995
Full Price: $2,095
Enjoy a queen suite all to yourself!
This suite includes an enclosed patio with a daybed and fire pit, perfect for stargazing and late night reads.This ticket is only available for single occupancy, though you will have the option to add a “Share my Bed” ticket if you would like to share your bed with a friend. This add-on will be an additional $1,175 until May 21st when the price increases to $1,275.
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Private mountain view king suite with outdoor bathtub
Early Bird: $2,275
Full Price: $2,375
Enjoy a king suite all to yourself!
This suite includes a private patio with an outdoor bathtub, fire pit, and seating area, perfect for the guest who wants space to themselves to relax, unwind, and crack open a book after spending the day making new friends.This ticket is only available for single occupancy, though you will have the option to add a “Share my Bed” ticket if you would like to share your bed with a friend. This add-on will be an additional $1,175 until May 21st when the price increases to $1,275.
Getting there
ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE: Hotel check-in will be at 3pm on Friday the 12th. The event will run until 12:00 pm on the 14th—ending with brunch on Sunday. You are welcome to arrive as early as you like on Friday and explore the venue until the Meet and Greet!
Plane: The closest airport to Knoxville, TN is McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS), located about 12 miles south of downtown. It handles commercial flights from airlines including Allegiant, American, Delta, Frontier, and United.
Want first access to registration? join our membership!
Be part of the Found Family Club!
With features like a monthly book club, local chapters, bookish virtual events, and more, this membership will encourage you to connect with fantasy lovers all over the world.
Want to know more about what this membership has to offer?
Meet the Hosts
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Sarah
"FAWN"
Co-Founder of Forest & Fawn, Bookish Content Creator, and Romantasy/Fantasy Connoisseur.
Can and will be found yapping about a shadow daddy somewhere (don't bother trying to stop her, it's like waking up a sleepwalker).
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Emily
"FJORD"
Emily is our adventure-loving, sea-faring skipper. If you want to taste wine, scale some rocks, or talk about The Wager, (please someone talk to her about The Wager), Emily is your go-to.
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Liz
"FOX"
Community Manager, Writer, and Expert of All Things Witchy and Woo-Woo.
Plus the most nurturing spirit you’ll ever encounter. What are the kids saying these days? “Mother”?
You Deserve a Weekend Like This.
This isn’t just about reading. It’s about remembering who you are when life gets quiet.
FAQs
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If you wish to cancel your retreat you must notify our team via email at hello@forestandfawnretreats.com. Refunds will not be available within 60 days of the event.
Ticket prices include a $250 non-refundable, transferrable deposit. A refund on a ticket (minus $250 deposit) is contingent on whether or not Forest & Fawn can fill the guests slot before 60 days prior to the event, for sold out events only. For non-sold out events there are no refunds on payments made, and you are responsible for the entirety of your payment plan. For sold out events, if your guest slot is filled, a refund will be issued within 14 days. If you paid using Afterpay, you can request a refund from Afterpay within 120 of the purchased. If your refund is being issued outside of the 120 day window, your refund will be sent via Zelle from Forest & Fawn. Exceptions to our cancellation policy cannot be made for any reason. There is no refund for arriving late or leaving a trip early.
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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!
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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.
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Yes! Well, as long as you take breaks to eat and use the restroom. This retreat is made for YOU. All activities are optional.
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Yes! Whatever your restrictions are, we’ve got you covered. Or rather, the staff at the Lodge at St. Edwards has you covered.
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Yes! You can choose to check out with AfterPay at checkout for orders up to $2,000.
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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.
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Due to the capacity of our venue, daypasses are not available for this retreat.