So many different factors go into deciding on a new venue. Of course there are pros and cons to each… However, I feel as though we got lucky with the new venue and all it has to offer us!

Without further ado, the 2016 retreats will be held at the…..East Aurora Hampton Inn!

Although many of us had probably never heard of this hotel before now, I’m confident that we will come to love it! East Aurora is a quaint little town southeast of Buffalo. It is about a 1 hour and thirty minute drive from Rochester. This location meets more of the criteria I was looking for in a retreat location than any of the other places I called or visited.

We get the quality that Hilton hotels are known for, without the hustle and bustle of a busy hotel, as we will be in a secluded section of the hotel for scrapbooking! The ballroom is beautiful, and we have our own entrance right across from the ballroom doors. This sets us up for a super easy unload/load from our vehicles! There is a hallway connecting the ballroom to the rest of the hotel, so it is easy access from the guest rooms and main lobby to the ballroom for scrapbooking. A nice patio and fire pit await our use when the weather permits. The fitness room is open 24 hours and the heated indoor pool and hot tub are open every day. Wifi is available throughout the hotel.

The guest rooms are very nice. A refrigerator, microwave, and coffee pot are found in every room!

The hotel has a small convenience store in the lobby, and is also situated right nextdoor to a CVS. Main street in this picturesque little town is literally right around the corner from the hotel, offering many options for dining, shopping, and more, all within walking distance.

Click here to check out the photos and reviews on Trip Advisor!

Photos of the ballroom to come soon... Also, stay tuned for details on the two different retreat options being offered for Spring of 2016!

Thank you to everyone who answered the survey or e-mailed or called with your thoughts. Your feedback has been instrumental in deciding which direction to go with the 2016 retreats. For those who are curious about the outcome of the survey, the results were split right down the middle. It was a tie between returning to Watson Homestead with the lower price point, or finding a new venue with a slight increase in the price. Only a couple votes were in favor of staying at Beaver Hollow, given their new rates.

So what did we decide?

We have a new venue for the 2016 retreats!

If you were hoping for the lower price point of returning to Watson Homestead, please don’t despair… We have an option for you too!

There will be two separate retreats in the Spring and two separate retreats in the Fall!

The feedback from the survey brought to light that within our group, people are looking for very different things from the retreats. Also, our group is growing and we’ve consistently had a waiting list for each retreat over the past couple of years. Offering two retreats each season will not only allow for you to choose which package suits you best, but will also allow for more people to attend the retreats without us losing the personal connections that so often get lost as groups get too large.

Retreat A
The focus of this retreat is to make your weekend as easy and relaxing as possible. Meals and snacks are included in the your retreat package. Coffee, tea, water, and lemonade will be available all weekend. There is also a refrigerator and microwave in each guest room, so you are welcome to bring additional snacks and food as you please.

Retreat B
The focus of this retreat is on keeping the cost down as much as possible. Therefore, you will be on your own for meals and most snacks. A hot breakfast is served each morning, as well as occasional snacks at the front desk. Coffee, tea, water, and lemonade will be available all day. Each guest room has a refrigerator and a microwave. There are also good places to eat in the general area. Many are within walking distance, and some deliver as well.

Both retreats will offer luxurious overnight accommodations, as well as the same fun perks you are used to from previous retreats:

• goodie bags
• make n takes
• bingo prizes
• page contest
• mini store to shop from
• milestone gifts

I want to assure you all that making a move to a new venue is not something that I take lightly. I’ve poured my heart into this process and spent many, many hours researching places, contacting possible new venues, crunching numbers, and traveling to see the venues that seemed promising. While there are pros and cons to each location I visited, I think you will be happy when you see our new digs! 

The location of the 2016 retreats will be revealed this week! Stay tuned!