FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
CAN I JUST COME FOR ONE DAY OR COMMUTE TO THE RETREAT?
Sorry, but the way the retreat is designed and envisioned, all participants must be on site for the entirety of the retreat.
WHICH AIRPORT SHOULD I FLY INTO?
All airports servicing the DC/Metro area are easily accessible. The options are Dulles (IAD), Reagan National (DCA) and Baltimore-Washington (BWI), which is the furthest but has the fastest access.
WHAT ARE MY OTHER TRAVEL OPTIONS?
Car rental or driving. Adequate parking on site. For driving directions, the retreat address is 1032 Hoffmaster Road, Knoxville, MD 21758
The retreat center is located a quick 20 minute drive from the Harpers Ferry Train Station. Amtrak’s “Capitol Limited” service between Washington, DC and Chicago, Illinois, stops in Harpers Ferry, W.Va., seven days a week. Fare from Washingnton, D.C. to Harpers Ferry is $28 round-trip. Reservations are required. Call Amtrak toll free at 1-800-872-7245 or visit the AMTRAK Website.
Amtrak “Capitol Limited” Schedule:
THERE IS ONLY ONE TRAIN EACH WAY/DAY
Departs Union Station 4:05 p.m. – Arrives Harpers Ferry 5:16 p.m.
Departs Harpers Ferry 11:31 a.m. – Arrives Union Station 1:05 p.m.
The DC Amtrak Station (Union Station) is a short METRO ride from Reagan National Airport. AMTRAK also has a station at Baltimore-Washington (BWI) airport. You would have to switch trains in DC to continue to Harpers Ferry.
ARE THERE ANY OTHER AMENITIES YOU HAVEN’T TOLD US ABOUT?
Yes! Therapeutic massage is available at the retreat center. Appointments are made and charged separately. (The massage is FANTASTIC.)
HOW DO I FIND OUT ABOUT SHOPS, RESTAURANTS, ETC. IN THE AREA?
Click here for more info on local area attractions in Harpers Ferry, Leesburg, CharlesTown, Shepherdstown, etc.
Walmart and Weis supermarket are 6 miles west away in WV.
Beer & Wine – 3 miles
WHAT DO WE DO IF FRIENDS ARE REGISTERING TOGETHER AND WANT TO SHARE A ROOM?
There is a place on the Paypal payment page where you can send a note to seller. Use that or email us at the time of registration to indicate with whom you wish to share a room. Both of your registrations must be made at the same time within 24 hours.
I’M COMING ALONE. DO I HAVE TO FIND A ROOMMATE FOR THE SHARED ROOMS?
Due to the limited rooms and their configurations, roommates will be assigned by the retreat organizer. You can note your preferences on the registration form.
WILL I RECEIVE A CONFIRMATION IN THE MAIL?
You will receive an email confirmation and, as time gets closer, more email full of info and goodies.
HOW CAN I KEEP IN TOUCH WITH WHAT’S GOING ON?
Registered attendants will be added to the Red Thread Retreat private Facebook group! It’s the best way to ‘chat’ with others who are going, plan for your shared room stuff, get the latest updated info about the event, and just soak up all the creative energy! If you are not on FB, please join. Set your privacy settings as desired.
MAY I BRING A GUEST WHO IS NOT TAKING CLASSES?
No, sorry. There are only enough accomodations for the retreat participants.
WHAT’S THE WEATHER LIKE? WHAT CLOTHES SHOULD I BRING?
Weather in MD can vary this time of year from cold to hot and humid. We will be up in the mountains, which are cool, especially at night. Layers are best. Comfortable shoes are recommended, especially for hiking and river walks.
The classroom building is a very short walk from the house. Bring an umbrella and/or hooded rain jacket so that you and your art will stay dry, in case of rain. For sleeping, consider warm socks, pjs and/or sweats which allow for the option to toss off your covers if you get too warm. The retreat center is insulated and has central heat and air conditioning.
WHAT OTHER THINGS SHOULD I BRING?
Your camera, of course. Small book light (battery operated), ear plugs(!), phone charger, snacks, extension cord, preferred beverages.The retreat center only provides coffee, tea, milk and water.
MAY I SHIP MY ART SUPPLIES AHEAD OF TIME?
Certainly! The whole point of the retreat is getting away from the hassles of the everyday.
Be sure to allow adequate time for your package to arrive.
Address your box clearly to:
Your Name/Red Thread Retreat
c/o Blue Mountain Retreat Center
1032 Hoffmaster Road
Knoxville, MD 21758
Please do not ship your materials more than two weeks before the event.
To ship things home again, you must repack your box so it can be shipped directly from the retreat. We will not have any shipping materials for you, so put them in the box you ship out. Bring your own UPS/FedEx shipping labels or pay and print them (and USPS Priority Mail labels) online before you leave.
WHAT CONTACT INFORMATION SHOULD I LEAVE FOR MY FAMILY?
The main number for the Blue Mountain Center is 301-834-4096
Cell phone reception depends on your service provider but is usually good. Wireless is available on site.
ARE YOU LOOKING FOR INSTRUCTORS FOR THE NEXT RED THREAD RETREAT?
Red Thread instructors are by invitation. If you would like to be considered, let’s talk! Please drop us a note to Lesley to start the conversation.
IS THE RED THREAD RETREAT JUST FOR WOMEN?
Yes! Red Thread retreaters bring and share a unique perspective and energy, form lifelong friendships and bonds, share and work together in ways that male energy would interrupt.
