Upon arrival, guests will check in to the elegant Williamsburg Inn and settle into their accommodations. The evening begins with a Welcome Cocktail Hour—an opportunity to meet fellow guests in a relaxed and convivial atmosphere. A Queen Elizabeth II–inspired dinner follows in the Inn’s distinguished East Lounge, where the evening concludes with a brief welcome and introduction by esteemed curator and antiques expert, Tom Savage, Director of Educational Travel and Conferences, setting the tone for the weekend ahead.

Following breakfast at the Inn, guests will enjoy a private guided experience of the George Wythe House and Peyton Randolph House led by Colonial Williamsburg’s Preservation Team, with a focused look at period decorative arts, historic wallpaper, and authentic paint traditions.

The morning continues with a walking tour of the Historic Area, with curated stops chosen for their resonance with design and decorative arts—including the Raleigh Tavern, the Apothecary, Charlton’s Coffeehouse, and the Silversmith’s shop. 

Lunch is hosted by WILLIAMSBURG, the foundation’s heritage brand, which celebrates 90 years of iconic design in 2026. The meal will take place at the Williamsburg Inn, where guests will be joined by Cheryl Griggs, Director of Interior and Exterior Design at Colonial Williamsburg, for a conversation about her role blending museum references into the living interiors of the historic campus. Following the meal, Cheryl will lead the group through one or two homes currently undergoing refresh, speaking to the resurgence of 18th-century design themes through paint, fabric, and furnishings.

The afternoon is reserved for leisure. Guests are encouraged to explore the Historic Area independently, browse the shops, or visit the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum. The Governor’s Palace is highly recommended for first-time visitors.

As the day draws to a close, guests are invited to a Cocktail Hour and Reception at the Palmer House, hosted by Tom Savage. The Palmer House on Duke of Gloucester Street is one of Colonial Williamsburg’s most beautifully preserved addresses—a gracious example of 18th century Virginia domestic architecture, where beauty and function were never at odds. For design enthusiasts, it is less a museum piece than a masterclass in proportion, detail, and the art of a home conceived with genuine intention—a reminder that the most enduring interiors have always begun with a clear sense of place and the people who call them home.

The remainder of the evening is open for independent dining and exploration, with dining recommendations available from the Colonial Williamsburg team.

After a final breakfast at the Inn, guests will enjoy a private guided tour of Bassett Hall, the cherished personal residence of John D. Rockefeller Jr. and Abby Aldrich Rockefeller, preserved as it appeared during the era of the restoration. The tour includes a walk of the beautifully landscaped grounds and a visit to the charming teahouse just behind the main residence.

Guests will then depart for Yorktown, continuing their journey through Virginia’s remarkable historic landscape, to celebrate the 250th anniversary of America’s adoption of the Declaration of Independence.

Along the way, guests will visit a historic village along the cliffs to view the Victory Monument, the Hornsby House Inn, and Mobjack Coffee Roasters en route to the Museum of the American Revolution. Guests will enjoy a private guided tour of the Museum of the American Revolution, where stories of citizens and soldiers unfold daily through immersive films, exhibition galleries, and interpretive programs in outdoor re-creations of a Continental Army encampment and Revolution-era farm. The morning in Yorktown will end with refreshments before returning to the Williamsburg Inn to head home or to their next destination.

• 2 nights’ luxury accommodations at the Williamsburg Inn

• Welcome Cocktail Hour and Queen Elizabeth II–Inspired Dinner at the Williamsburg Inn

• Breakfast on Saturday and Sunday

• Hosted Lunch on Saturday at the Williamsburg Inn

• Private guided tour of the George Wythe House and Peyton Randolph House with the Preservation Team

• Walking Tour of Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area

• Conversation with Cheryl Griggs, Director of Interior and Exterior Design

• Private walk-through of homes under restoration with Cheryl Griggs

• Cocktail Hour and Reception at the Palmer House

• Private guided tour of Bassett Hall

• Transportation by private coach for scheduled retreat activities

• Airfare and transportation to and from Williamsburg, Virginia

• Some meals (one dinner and departing day lunch is at your own discretion)

• Personal expenses and optional excursions

• Welcome Cocktail Hour and Queen Elizabeth II–Inspired Dinner at the Williamsburg Inn

• Breakfast on Saturday and Sunday

• Hosted Lunch on Saturday at the Williamsburg Inn

• Private guided tour of the George Wythe House and Peyton Randolph House with the Preservation Team

• Walking Tour of Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area

• Conversation with Cheryl Griggs, Director of Interior and Exterior Design

• Private walk-through of homes under restoration with Cheryl Griggs

• Cocktail Hour and Reception at the Palmer House

• Private guided tour of Bassett Hall

• Transportation by private coach for scheduled retreat activities

• 2 nights’ luxury accommodations at the Williamsburg Inn

• Some meals (one dinner and departing day lunch is at your own discretion)

• Personal expenses and optional excursions

Guests will be accommodated at the distinguished Williamsburg Inn, located at 136 East Francis Street in the heart of Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic District. A landmark of gracious Southern hospitality since 1937, the Inn was built under the patronage of John D. Rockefeller Jr. and has welcomed presidents, dignitaries, and discerning travelers from around the world. With its Regency-style architecture, beautifully appointed rooms, and impeccable service, the Williamsburg Inn offers an ideal base for exploring one of America’s most treasured living history destinations.

Guests may fly into Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport (PHF) for the most direct access or Richmond International Airport (RIC) for more flight options. Guests are responsible for arranging their own airfare. Transportation for all scheduled retreat activities is included.

The Hoffman Media team is available to assist with travel planning. Email events@hoffmanmedia.com for assistance.

Single Occupancy

• $3,500 per Participant

• 1 Participant | 1 Private Hotel Room

Double Occupancy

• $2,500 per Participant

• 2 Participants | 1 Hotel Room

Commuter Pass

• $1,700 per Participant

• No hotel room included

• Must show proof of residence

Guests who register by July 31, 2026, will receive a complimentary copy of The Inviting Southern Home.

• A 50% deposit is due within 48 hours of confirmation, along with signed travel waiver and cancellation policy acknowledgment

• The remaining 50% balance is due August 1, 2026

• Payments accepted: ACH direct deposit, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, JCB, Diners Club, Union Pay, Apple Pay, and Google Pay

• All prices are listed in U.S. dollars

All bookings for this retreat are final and nonrefundable under all circumstances. For this reason, we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance that covers trip cancellation, interruption, illness, and other unexpected events. You agree that you will not initiate a charge-back or payment dispute for amounts properly charged in accordance with this policy.

If you choose not to purchase travel insurance, you understand and agree that you are responsible for all costs or losses related to trip interruptions.

Changes, Cancellations & Unforeseen Events

We are not responsible for expenses related to travel delays, cancellations, illness, injury, or other events beyond our control, including but not limited to weather, government actions, and airline or transportation issues.

In the event that we must cancel this retreat due to circumstances beyond our control, our liability will be limited to a refund of amounts paid to us or a credit toward a future retreat, at our discretion. We are not responsible for additional expenses such as airfare, lodging, or other travel costs. 

Health & Travel Risks

Travel involves inherent risks, including the risk of exposure to communicable illnesses. By booking this retreat, you acknowledge these risks and agree to assume responsibility for your own health and safety during the trip.

If you become ill during the retreat, particularly with a suspected or confirmed contagious condition, the group leaders may require you to modify or end your participation if they reasonably believe your presence poses a health or safety risk to other participants. In such cases, no refund or credit will be provided. 

Program Changes

Due to circumstances beyond our control, certain activities, instructors, services, or amenities may be modified, substituted, or unavailable. Such changes do not constitute grounds for a refund, but we will work tirelessly to make sure you have the best experience possible. 

Acknowledgment

By booking this retreat, you acknowledge that you have read, understand, and agree to this Trip Cancellation & Travel Risk Policy.

What airport should I fly into? We recommend flying into Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport (PHF) for the most direct access or Richmond International Airport (RIC) for more flight options. Guests are responsible for arranging their own airfare. 

Are airport transfers included? No. Airport transfers are not included. If you need assistance, please email events@hoffmanmedia.com.

Can I arrive early or extend my stay? If you would like to inquire about additional nights at the Williamsburg Inn, please email events@hoffmanmedia.com. Requests for early check-in or late check-out will be made on your behalf but cannot be guaranteed. 

Is breakfast included? Yes. Daily breakfast is included on Saturday and Sunday mornings.

Will double-occupancy rooms have two separate beds? Room configurations vary. Please contact events@hoffmanmedia.com to discuss your preferences, and we will do our best to accommodate your request.

Are children able to attend this retreat? All participants must be 18 years of age or older to attend this retreat.

Will there be free time during the retreat? Yes. The itinerary includes a dedicated free period on Saturday afternoon and an open Saturday evening for independent dining and exploration. Guests are encouraged to take advantage of the many experiences Colonial Williamsburg has to offer.

What should I pack? We recommend smart casual attire with comfortable walking shoes suitable for cobblestone streets and outdoor paths. A light jacket or layer is advisable for autumn evenings. Smart casual to business casual attire is appropriate for dinners and the cocktail reception.

Is this retreat suitable for guests with limited mobility? Some activities include walking on uneven historic surfaces, cobblestones, and outdoor grounds. While we do our best to accommodate all guests, participants should be comfortable with moderate walking. Please contact events@hoffmanmedia.com with specific questions or needs.

Is travel insurance required? Travel insurance is not required but is strongly recommended. The retreat is nonrefundable, and travel insurance may help protect against unforeseen changes or interruptions.

Who should I contact if I have questions? Please email events@hoffmanmedia.com with any questions about the retreat.