Labor Day Weekend 2025
Friday 8/29 - Monday 9/1
Join us over Labor Day Weekend for our next creative retreat at Hilltown Commons in Rensselaerville, New York!
For three days and nights we’ll be writing, drawing, and exercising all those creative muscles we rarely have the time and space to activate in our everyday lives.
Unlike other residencies, you don’t have to be a writer or an artist to join. You don’t need a portfolio or a writing sample. You don’t even need to have any experience writing or drawing. All you need is to want to spend a few days focused on your creative practice, and an interest in doing that work in a small community of others.
Continue reading for a more detailed overview, and if you have any questions, send us a message at info@littlenights.com
The Space
Hilltown Commons is a dynamic 501(c)(3) nonprofit campus set on 100 acres of rolling hills in Rensselaerville, New York. They are a home for lifelong learners, creative thinkers, and curious hearts—where education, the humanities, and a deep sense of place come together to nourish both mind and spirit.
Through thoughtfully crafted retreats, workshops, and public events, they invite people to step away from the noise, engage with the land, and connect with one another in meaningful, inclusive ways.
Their tuition-based programs emphasize hands-on, real-world learning that crosses disciplines—from the arts and humanities to systems thinking, sustainability, and community leadership. Led by passionate faculty and rooted in local partnerships, each experience is designed not only to educate, but to empower.
We’re grateful to be partnering with them and excited to bring you this retreat on their beautiful, historic grounds.
What’s Included?
Housing
There are two housing options at Hilltown Commons:
a room for one with private en-suite bathroom
a shared room for two (with separate beds for you and another participant) with private en-suite bathroom
If you are applying with a friend or partner with whom you’d like to share a room, please note that in the application. Otherwise we’ll pair you with another participant.
There are also commuter options for those who don’t wish to stay the night. See our pricing options below to learn more about each option.
Meals
We will have our own on-sight chef who will provide food for three meals a day, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffets, all of which have vegan and vegetarian options.
We can accommodate all dietary considerations and food allergies. Please let us know if you have any restrictions in your application.
You are also welcome to bring any of your own snacks if you’d like.
Workshops
Each day there will be a facilitated group activity in the morning and another in the afternoon. These activities include writing and drawing lessons, ways to practice your observation, and strategies to sustain that practice after the retreat is over.
Past exercises include ekphrastic writing, blind-contour drawings, and making both paper and fabric cyanotypes.
Guided Hike
Hilltown Commons sits alongside the Huyck Preserve and Biological Research Station, which spans over 2,000 acres of forest, lakes, and trails.
As part of your retreat, our partners at Wisdom Roots will lead an optional guided hike through the preserve.
Solo Time
In addition to our activities together, there is also intentionally unstructured time for you to read, write, draw, hike, play tennis, volleyball, kayak, or explore however you wish.
Community
The work you’ll get done is only the beginning. After three days of making, sharing, and discussing your creative process, our hope is you’ll have grown your community and made connections that’ll continue to support your practice long after the retreat is over.
In addition to meeting the folks on your retreat, you’ll also become a part of our larger alumni community and invited to join all our alumni events, retreats, and gatherings.
What You’ll Need
TRAVEL
For those traveling from New York City via train on Friday, August 29th, there is a 5:45pm Amtrak at Moynihan Train Hall that arrives in Hudson at 7:45pm. For those taking other trains, please plan to arrive at the Hudson Amtrak station by 7:45pm.
For those driving, please plan to arrive at Hilltown Commons between 7-8:30pm on Friday, August 29th.
On Monday, September 1st, we will drop off those taking the train at the Hudson Amtrak station at 1pm.
TOILETRIES
Each room includes a full set of bedding and towels. Please bring any other toiletries you might need.
If you plan to hike or play tennis, please bring your own shoes and equipment.
Additionally, Hilltown Commons does not have on-site medical services, so if you anticipate requiring medical attention or supplies, please come prepared or make arrangements with local healthcare providers in advance.
Pricing
We are committed to making our retreats as accessible as possible, both creatively and financially. To that end, our all-inclusive tuition for this retreat will be a sliding scale model that allows you to select the rate that best suits your financial situation.
While all options receive the same benefits, we ask that you pay as much as you can afford; this enables us to continue offering the retreat to those who can only afford our lowest rates.
-
2 full days and 3 nights in a private bedroom with en-suite bathroom
8 hours of group workshops with Josh and Hannah
8 meals, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffets
All necessary supplies, including cyanotype materials, notebooks, and writing and drawing implements
Transportation to and from the Hudson Amtrak station
-
2 full days and 3 nights in a shared bedroom with one other participant, each with your own bed
8 hours of group workshops with Josh and Hannah
8 meals, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner buffets
All necessary supplies, including cyanotype materials, notebooks, and writing and drawing implements
Transportation to and from the Hudson Amtrak station
-
8 hours of group workshops with Josh and Hannah
Lunches and dinners for the entire weekend
All necessary supplies, including cyanotype materials, notebooks, and writing and drawing implements
Application
We ask everyone to submit a quick and simple application, not to judge the merit of your work, but to better understand your experience, intentions, and current relationship to your own practice. All of this will inform our ability to build a dynamic and cohesive group, and make the best possible retreat for everyone.
May 15th: Applications open
June 30th: Applications close
July 15th: Selections announced
There are limited spots, but if we are not able to include you this time please apply again!
*If you’re applying as a pair for the shared room, we ask that both parties apply individually and note the other’s name in their form.
Refund Policy
There are no refunds for cancellations, but if something comes up we’ll do our best to roll your fee forward to a future weekend. If you can’t come, please contact us as soon as possible. In the event of a cancellation, Little Nights is not responsible for any related travel expenses.