Sarawall

My husband and I are in the process of buying a lodge in east Tn. I want to cater to quilters, but all my friends have different opinions about things I should or shouldn't offer or do or have on hand. I was just wondering if any of you have attended retreats? What things did you like or not like about your facilities? Thanks for your input.

Murphy

I really enjoy kitchen facilities stocked with appropriate cook ware. GREAT lighting is a must. Tables at the appropriate height for cutting (for quilters - smile). Comfortable chairs for sitting a machines for long periods of time. A room to hold a gathering when one wants to get away from sewing and have a "Meet and greet time". These are a few of my favorite things (smile).

CarrieC

Oh I agree with Murphy. I'd add that plenty of other places to go besides the areas for quilting - like a porch with comfy chairs. I also love a sleeping area with places to curl up and read when I need some down/alone time.

Food of course is imperative!!! GOOD FOOD!

I hope when you open you'll let us know!

LuckyGemini

I was just at a retreat that had all the above. The best thing was that all of our meals were also included in the price.
No cooking, no cleaning, nothing but sewing from morning till whenever you want to go to bed.

Peckish

Please try to avoid bunk beds. Almost every retreat center in my area has them, and they are very unpopular. No one likes to climb up there!
The best retreat I ever went to had rooms with a bath in each room, like a motel. This was right before Christmas, and the center was empty and very eager to rent, so we each ended up with our own room, instead of having to share. That was REALLY nice!

judykay

I have attended several retreats and my favorite are cozy, quaint settings. I have been to four star hotels, nice but not cozy and camps which I enjoyed the most. The strange part is the group that put these on only get a good response if they are held at a hotel and the camps offer so much more for the money just not top notch first class. I guess a lot of quilters do not want to go outside to go to their rooms and would rather just take an elevator to their floor.

I am going to a quilt retreat at a camp next weekend and we are staying in cabins and I am really looking forward to it.

Sarawall

The lodge we are buying has a gourmet kitchen and I want to offer the choice of food or no food. That was one area where I've gotten mixed answers. It seems some people prefer to bring their own to save money and others want it included.
Another question I have is do you prefer someone to teach a lesson or do you prefer to work on your own projects?

Peckish

I personally prefer to work on my own projects, but often times a couple of people from our group will volunteer to teach a block or technique, and we are free to join if we like. Food is a toughie - I've been to several retreats where it's provided, and I like that because I don't have to cook or clean up, or stop sewing until it's time to eat.