PIGEON FORGE, TN • OCT 3RD - OCT 7TH, 2025
The Art of Gathering
A Fall Farm-to-Table Retreat in the Smokies
WATCH VIDEO BELOW
Gather, Cook, and Connect at this Mountain Escape
Savor the Season in the Smokies
Do you long for a slower pace, a chance to gather with like-minded women, and the simple joy of cooking together and sharing meals made with love? Imagine stepping away from your daily routine and immersing yourself in the beauty of the Smoky Mountains in autumn—where crisp air, breathtaking views, and the warmth of community await you. What if you could leave behind the daily grind and step into a world where food, nature, and connection bring you back to yourself?
WHAT TO EXPECT
Retreat Overview
Life moves fast, and too often, the things that nourish us—good food, meaningful connection, and time to slow down—get lost in the daily shuffle. You’ve spent years caring for others, juggling responsibilities, and managing the never-ending to-do list. But now, it’s time to pause, gather, and refocus on what truly matters.
This retreat is your chance to step away from the demands of daily life and immerse yourself in an experience that is both nourishing and fulfilling. Here, in the heart of the Smoky Mountains, you’ll discover the joy of cooking simply and with intention, sharing meals with like-minded women, and embracing a slower, more meaningful pace.
Through hands-on experiences in the kitchen, shared meals, and time spent in nature, you’ll return home feeling replenished, inspired, and connected—not just to the food you prepare, but to yourself and the community around you.
COOK, CONNECT & CREATE LASTING MEMORIES
NOURISH YOUR BODY WITH SIMPLE, WHOLESOME MEALS
SLOW DOWN & SAVOR THE BEAUTY OF THE SEASON
RETURN HOME INSPIRED, REFRESHED & FULLY REPLENISHED
Subject to slight changes
What's Included
-
4 Nights at the Stunning Paradise Mountain Retreat Stay in a luxurious 12-bedroom lodge nestled in the Smoky Mountains, featuring a private indoor pool, theater room, outdoor firepit, hot tub, and breathtaking mountain views.
-
Welcome Champagne Toast & Letting Go Ceremony
Begin your retreat with intention and connection, setting the tone for a truly fulfilling experience.
-
Hands-On Cooking Classes with Chef Jess
Learn to prepare simple, nourishing meals using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients in a fully equipped double kitchen with top-tier appliances.
-
Farm-to-Table Workshop: Elevate Your Everyday Meals
Discover creative and easy ways to boost flavor and nutrition in your cooking with simple, healthy add-ins.
-
Daily Nourishing Meals & Snacks
Enjoy delicious, chef-inspired meals, from hearty breakfasts to farm-fresh dinners shared around a beautifully set table.
-
Exclusive Visit to a Local Farmers’ Market
Immerse yourself in the farm-to-table experience by selecting fresh ingredients and connecting with local growers.
-
Guided Hike in Smoky Mountain National Park
Take in stunning autumn landscapes while enjoying fresh air and movement in nature.
-
Optional Adventure Excursions
Choose between ziplining through the treetops or riding the scenic Ober Mountain cable car with time to explore.
-
Daily Relaxation & Wellness Offerings
Participate in yoga, meditation, and gentle stretching to unwind and reconnect with yourself.
-
Evening Gatherings & Cozy Connection Time
End each day by the firepit, in the hot tub, or in the private home theater for a movie night with like-minded women.
-
Farewell Mimosa Toast
Celebrate the memories made and take home newfound inspiration for your kitchen and your life.
-
On-site massages available for an additional fee
As an alternative, you may also choose to fly into Nashville International Airport (BNA), which is about a 3.5-hour drive from the retreat venue. However, if you choose this option, please note that you will be responsible for arranging your own rental car and transportation to the retreat.
Travel Insurance is highly recommended! Life happens, and plans can change unexpectedly. Protect your investment by securing travel insurance that covers trip cancellations, delays, or any unforeseen circumstances.
Our final morning together will be departure day only, with breakfast as the only scheduled offering. We must check out of the house by 10 a.m., so guests should plan to book flights home on Tuesday, not Monday evening. This ensures you can fully enjoy the retreat without feeling rushed or missing any of the experience.
As we get closer to the retreat, I will provide a spreadsheet with arrival details to help guests connect and arrange ride-sharing for those flying into Knoxville.
ADDITIONAL RETREAT INFO
What else do I need to know?
NOT INCLUDED:
-
Airfare
-
Transportation to and from the retreat location
-
Optional Zipline or Ober Mountain Adventure
-
Travel Insurance (highly recommended!)
The closest airport to the retreat venue is Knoxville’s McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS), located approximately one hour from Pigeon Forge/Sevierville, TN. This airport is served by several major airlines, including American Airlines, Delta, United, Allegiant, and Frontier, making it a convenient choice for travel.
Because the retreat location is a bit far for Uber/Lyft, I work closely with guests to coordinate shared rental car rides whenever possible, helping to reduce costs and make travel easier.
REAL TESTIMONIALS OF CHANGE
Empowering Midlife Women
"The house we're staying at is beautiful, the food has been amazing, and we even have our own personal chef here. We loved the workshops!"
"My experience here has completely exceeded my expectations… From morning to night, it's been so much fun!"
"I came here by myself, and now I feel I have 13 new friends… I was so welcomed, and there was a great plan for everybody."
- Vickie V.
"The retreat was so welcoming and so casual that you wanted to participate in everything… This experience exceeded any expectations."
- Vickie B.
"A great opportunity to talk and interact with other ladies, getting to know people from other places and learning from their challenges."
- Donna S.
Book Your Spot!
Early bird pricing!
Only 4 Spots left
Step 1:
Please complete your registration here.
Step 2:
Return to this page and click the image below to purchase your package.
Additional Info
Your Accommodations
Paradise Mountain Retreat is a spacious 12-bedroom luxury lodge tucked into the stunning Smoky Mountains, offering 6,292 square feet of space designed for both connection and comfort. Private bedrooms provide a restful escape, while the open common areas are perfect for gathering, cooking, and sharing meals.
Enjoy the private indoor pool with waterfall, outdoor hot tub, firepit, and a cozy movie theater. Between activities, unwind with a game of pool or cards in one of the lodge’s relaxed lounge areas.
The fully equipped chef’s kitchen—with double appliances—makes cooking together easy and fun. We’ll share meals around large wood dining tables, beautifully set each evening to create an inviting farm-to-table experience.
With mountain views from nearly every window, this lodge offers the ideal backdrop for a cozy, connection-filled retreat.
Group Activities
This retreat is about more than just cooking—it’s about gathering, exploring, and enjoying the Smoky Mountains together.
We’ll kick things off with a visit to the Gatlinburg Farmers Market, where Chef Jess will share tips for selecting fresh, seasonal ingredients we’ll use in our meals. You’ll also enjoy a group hike in Smoky Mountain National Park, a cozy movie night with popcorn in the private theater, and evenings around the firepit or in the hot tub.
For extra adventure, choose between ziplining or a scenic cable car ride up Ober Mountain. Want to visit Dollywood? We suggest arriving early or staying an extra night to fit it in.
Whether you're hiking, laughing, or learning something new, these shared moments will leave you feeling refreshed and deeply connected.
Workshops
Cooking is at the heart of this retreat—and each day includes a hands-on class led by Chef Jess Ragland. You’ll learn to create simple, healthy meals using fresh, seasonal ingredients and enjoy them together around a beautifully set table.
Some meals will be a group effort, while others will be lovingly prepared by Chef Jess, giving you time to relax and savor. She’ll also lead a special workshop on boosting nutrition with easy, flavorful add-ins.
These experiences are about more than just food—they’re about connection, creativity, and enjoying the process together.
Provided Meals
Meals at this retreat are about nourishment, simplicity, and connection. Each day includes a cooking class with Chef Jess where we’ll prepare a healthy, seasonal dish to enjoy together.
You’ll also be treated to several chef-prepared meals—no cooking or cleanup required. Daily breakfast or brunch, lunch or snacks, and dinner are all included. Most dietary needs can be accommodated.
Coffee, flavored water, and wine will be available throughout the day, with two glasses of wine included with dinner.
Eat well, feel good, and enjoy every bite in great company.
Time to Relax & Explore
Enjoy plenty of free time to rest, recharge, and take in the beauty of the Smokies. Swim in the indoor pool, unwind in the hot tub, or gather around the firepit under the stars.
Rock in one of the deck chairs with coffee or tea in hand, chat with a friend, or simply soak up the mountain views. Prefer quiet time? Curl up with a book or journal and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
If you're up for exploring, Gatlinburg’s charming shops, local distilleries, and scenic spots are just a short drive away—or head out on your own to discover more trails in Smoky Mountain National Park.
This is your time to breathe, reflect, and move at your own pace.
Yoga & Meditation
Gentle yoga and meditation sessions are woven throughout the retreat to help ground and center you in the present moment. Most yoga practices are 30 minutes, with one longer session for a deeper stretch. Guided meditations are short and meaningful—just enough to create stillness and reset.
One day is fully devoted to the farm-to-table experience, so yoga will pause to make space for cooking and connection. Whether you're new to the mat or a regular practitioner, these sessions are designed to meet you where you are.
Want to join us on a future retreat?
STAY IN THE KNOW
Not ready to join us in Tennessee but hope to in the future? No problem! Take a look through our upcoming retreats below and enter your email address to get updates directly to your inbox!
