Witches of Wicker Park Retreat

Bookish activities based on your favorite romantasies

Mindful movement on a reformer and sound healing

Make new bookish yogi friends that will last a lifetime

Inspired by the enchantment of the Autumn Court in A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR), the bookish friendships and fall vibes of Stars Hollow in Gilmore Girls, and the magic of witchy season, join us for a day inspired by the elements of fire, transformation, and the captivating beauty of the season.

This is a unique day retreat in the heart of Wicker Park, Chicago, where the thrill of fantasy meets the serenity of movement on a pilates reformer and the enchantment of witchcraft—all just before Halloween!

Spooky season is here. 🎃

Why Go to the Witches of Wicker Park Retreat?

A Unique, Immersive Experience

Experience a one-of-a-kind retreat that blends thriller fantasy, witchy activities, and wellness in the heart of Wicker Park, perfect for embracing the Halloween spirit.

A Chance to Make Friends

Meet and connect with like-minded individuals who share your love for books, fantasy, and yoga in a welcoming and engaging environment.

A Day Just for YOU

Treat yourself to a transformative day of self-care with activities designed to relax, recharge, and rejuvenate your body and soul.

The ONLY Chicago Day Retreat With...

An all-inclusive itinerary including activities, food, and gift bag

A color, paper manual to learn basic tarot techniques

A bookstore walk to explore and support neighborhood bookstores

Transferable rates

One-month access to a Yoga + Books membership

Chance to make lifelong friends with similar interests

Our Witchy Itinerary 💫

Candlemaking

Ignite your creativity and connect with the fiery essence of the Autumn Court in ACOTAR as we craft our own magical candles. Choose your scents and accessories, blend them with intention, and let the flickering flame symbolize transformation, passion, and the fire within. This hands-on workshop will guide you in creating a unique candle that embodies the spirit of autumn magic.

Tarot Workshop

Dive into the world of witchcraft with a Tarot workshop. Whether you’re new to Tarot or an experienced reader, you’ll learn how to tap into your inner witch and use the cards to enhance your intuition and manifest your desires. This workshop will help you harness the ancient wisdom of the cards to guide your path, understand your journey, and unlock your magical potential. Cards will be provided for you to use.

Lunch

After a morning of candlemaking and mysticism, we’ll gather for a nourishing lunch. Enjoy food designed to nurture your body and soul and evoke the essence of the Autumn Court’s lush harvests.

Bookstore Walk

Wander through the charming bookstores of Wicker Park, a neighborhood as vibrant and eclectic as the Autumn Court itself. Discover thrilling fantasy novels, hidden gems, and tales of magic that speak to your soul. Perhaps you’ll even find your next favorite romantasy amongst the shelves!

Yoga Reformer and Sound Bath

Embrace the transformative energy of the Autumn Court with a Yoga Reformer class that focuses on the fire element. This class will guide you through a series of meditative and dynamic movements designed to ignite your inner strength, build resilience, and connect deeply with your breath. Feel the heat build in your core as you embody the power and grace of a true Valkyrie warrior.

Conclude the day with a deeply relaxing sound bath. Let the soothing vibrations of crystal bowls wash over you, calming your mind and balancing your energies. Allow the sounds to ground you in the present moment, leaving you feeling centered, rejuvenated, and ready to face the world with a renewed sense of wonder.

Meet Emily, Your Retreat Guide

Hey! I’m Emily. Fellow ACOTAR lover and obsessed with all things fall. I mean… I literally got married on Halloween 🎃

I have found a lot of healing from two things: yoga/pilates and reading. These have helped me live a fulfilling life with a chronic disease to career burnout. Like many, at a certain point in life I lost my love for reading when life got busy. But I found that once I picked it up for fun again, life felt simpler. Magical. And I found empowerment from the Female Main Characters (FMCs) in the books I read. Team Nesta forever.

There’s something to be said about fantasy books, while they feel out of this world they teach us lessons about what’s truly important in life. Friendships, empowerment, and an enemies to lovers romance (just kidding. kind of.)

I’m excited to share my little corner of the world with you, I’ve been a resident of Chicago for over 8 years, and in the Bucktown/Wicker Park area for 3. Welcome to the Witches of Wicker Park retreat. Where we honor our dark sides and bring in the light.

What's Included? 💫

Candle and Private Candlemaking Class

Your own 3-wick candle with the vessel and fragrance of your choice!

Tarot Cards, Workbook and Workshop

Leave with the cards and basic knowledge needed for a daily tarot reading and journaling practice.

Lunch

Healthy food, snacks, and drinks to nourish the body and soul.

Bookstore Walk

Fall walk through Wicker Park and exploration of some of its bookstores!

Yoga Reformer Class and Sound Bath

The ultimate fusion of strength, stretch, and restore.

Yoga + Books Tote Bag with Goodies Inside

Custom bag to hold all of your favorite books and things throughout the day. Inside you’ll find book, yoga, wellness, and Wicker Park goodies donated by some of our amazing partners!

Investment: $297

FAQ

What should I bring?

Workout clothes for the yoga reformer class (you’re welcome to wear them the whole day as well)
Grip/sticky socks (Emily will bring extra as well if you do not have any!)

Where/When does the retreat start and end?

Start – 10:00am Candlemaking at Candle Castle & Co. (1815 N. Milwaukee Ave.)
End – 4:00pm BODYBAR Pilates Wicker Park (1474 N. Milwaukee Ave.)

Where should I park?

Parking on N. Milwaukee is free on Sundays near the start and end locations. I recommend parking somewhere near the start or end, or somewhere in between. The nearby neighborhoods also have free, no-permit street parking.

How much walking will we be doing?

We will be walking approximately 1 mile throughout the day.

I’ve never done pilates reformer, will I be able to do the class?

Yes! I will provide an introduction to the reformer, and ways to modify your practice throughout the class.

How much does the retreat cost?

This day retreat costs $297 for non-members. Earlybird pricing is available if booking by 9/6 with the code EARLYBIRD 10. Members of the Yoga + Books club receive a 10% discount ($30 off!).

Cancellation Policy/Terms and Conditions

All retreat participants must be 18 years of age or older
Liability: Waiver signed at registration
Full payment required at registration
Payment is not refundable but is transferable. If you need to cancel, please email Emily as soon as you can at hello@emilykieferyoga.com. If we are able to find someone to fill your place, you will be refunded.