The Art of Gathering: A Fall Farm-to-Table Retreat in the Smokies

Step into the art of gathering at our Fall Farm-to-Table Retreat in the heart of the Smoky Mountains. This one-of-a-kind experience is designed for midlife women and beyond who crave meaningful connection, delicious food, and a few days to truly slow down.

Hosted at the gorgeous Paradise Mountain Retreat in Pigeon Forge, TN, you’ll spend five days in a luxury lodge surrounded by stunning mountain views, cozy fireplaces, and inviting outdoor spaces. Our star of the show is retreat chef Jess Ragland, who will lead daily cooking classes focused on simple, healthy meals you’ll actually want to make at home. You’ll also enjoy her special workshop on "Secret Ingredients: Boosting Flavor & Nutrition with Simple Add-Ins.”

Expect a beautiful blend of intentional activities and free time—including a relaxing yoga practice, a farmer’s market outing, a Smoky Mountain hike, and evenings around the firepit or in the hot tub. Whether you're cooking with new friends, sharing stories over a meal, or simply soaking up the peace of the mountains, you’ll leave feeling nourished from the inside out.

This retreat isn’t about doing more—it’s about choosing what matters most: good food, good people, and genuine connection.

Info: Settle in with champagne and snacks, unwind with gentle yoga, connect during our welcome circle, and ease into retreat life with a cozy letting go ceremony and relaxed evening by the fire.

Info: Start with breakfast and a fun trip to the Gatlinburg Farmer’s Market. After lunch and some downtime, dive into a nutrition workshop and our first cooking class—then enjoy what we’ve made together. End the day with a cozy movie night in the home theater.

Info: Enjoy a beautiful hike in the Smoky Mountains, followed by lunch and another hands-on cooking class. The evening winds down with meditation, gentle yoga, and time to soak, relax, or laugh over a game.

Info: Begin with a peaceful morning of yoga and meditation, followed by brunch and our final cooking class. The afternoon is yours: explore ziplining, Ober Mountain, or Dollywood before we gather for one last dinner and closing reflection.

Info: We’ll savor one last breakfast together, raise a mimosa toast to new friendships, and head home feeling refreshed, inspired, and nourished.

Host or Publisher Kara Zebrowski