What makes a great scrapbooking retreat or scrapbooking getaway?

We’ve all thought about getting away and possibly enjoying our favorite pastime without the cares of everyday life to interfere. Many scrapbookers enjoy this new idea of going away for a few days and scrapbooking the whole time. So what should you look for when choosing a good retreat:

1.) Location - this is the most important. If you want it close so you don’t have to pay for travel expenses or if you really want to get away from you home state — make sure you check the locale first.

2.) Lodging & Food - is it provided? Do you want to be able to go out for meals on your own or do you want you meals brought to you. To make the most of your scrapbooking time, try to choose a retreat that does all the cooking, cleaning, etc so you can scrap all you want. As for lodging, check to see if you get your own bed or bedroom or if you will be bringing you own sleeping bag !!

3.) Quantity of People - make sure that you know how many people will be there and if you are ok with it. Some places allow spaces for hundreds of scrappers and others are more intimate - maybe just 10 or 15. Make sure you are comfortable with the amount of people.

4.) Extras - You want to make sure that the scrapbooking retreat also has the extras you might need like use of die-cuts, stamps, computers, printers, idea books, and supplies you can buy on-site (so you don’t have to waste time out looking for a scrapbooking supply store). Also, check to see if they will be providing your snacks/drinks/treats.

The best way is to search the internet for a place in your area or a place that you would like to visit and join with other scrappers. If you are a little scared to do it all on your own, find a friend and join with a group. Below I have included some good websites and companies that do scrapbooking retreats:

All Over the U.S.: www.ckscrapbookevents.com

Arizona: www.thepamperedscrapper.com

California: www.scrapbookcamp.com , www.croppinaway.com , www.scrapgrlz.com

Canada: www.scrappingaway.com

Carolinas: www.scrappingretreats.com

Eastern States: www.dreameventsinc.com

Florida: www.cropfest.com

Georgia: www.campcropalot.com

Gulf Coast: www.gulfcoastscrappers.com

Illinois: www.allamericanscrapbookco.com , www.heartandsoulmemories.com

Indiana: www.crop-a-doodle-do.com

Maryland, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia: www.ranieday.com , www.scrappinawayvacations.com

Michigan: www.scrapandspa.com , www.crazedcroppers.com , croppingdaze.com

Midwest: www.scrapbookingevent.com

New Hampshire, Maine, & Surrounding Areas: www.justbuzzinaround.com

New York: http://www.bcdservices.com/stores/cropalot/

Northeast: www.simplycropping.com

Northwest: www.croptime.com

Ohio: www.queenofthecropgetaways.com , www.scrapntogether.com

Oklahoma, Louisiana, Texas: www.cropallday.com , www.scrapbookdivas.net

Pennsylvania: www.classycropper.com

Tennessee: www.croppersgetaway.com

Texas: www.scrapaways.com , www.agardenretreat.com

Utah: www.scrapaway.com , www.artcityscrapaway.com , www.justbuzzinaround.com/retreatinfo.htm

Vermont: www.cranberryfarminn.com/scrapbook.htm

Virginia: www.scrappinsociety.com , www.letsscrap4fun.com , www.escapeandscrap.com

Washington: www.neighborjanepayne.com , www.scrappingsisters.net

West Virginia: www.getcraftystudios.com

Wisconsin: www.atimetocreate.com , www.thescrapbookmanor.com

Hope you enjoy your time away. Happy Scrappin’!

Robin M. King is a photographer and long-time scrapbooker. She is a contributer to ScrapbookFinds.com, a comparison shopping tool for scrapbooking supplies. Read her blog and Ask Robin questions.