The Porch Writing Retreat at Blue Springs Creek

Building surrounded by water and trees

Building surrounded by water and trees

The Porch Writing Retreat at Blue Springs Creek

Immerse yourself in your craft in the lush nature surrounding Blue Spring Creek for a 6-day writers' retreat tucked away in Ashland City, TN, just 30 minutes outside of Nashville! Our mission is to provide a peaceful environment that inspires productivity, invites community, and leaves you recharged in all your literary endeavors.

Announcing Spring Dates for Writing Retreats at Blue Springs Creek!

May 1-6, 2026
May 15-20, 2026
June 12-17, 2026

Application Deadline: April 1st

Application: This intimate program is limited to four participants, and is open to fiction and creative non-fiction writers of all levels, but works best for self-motivated writers who are dedicated to their craft. To apply follow @bluespringcreekretreats on Insta and apply at the link in our bio, or email cgrotheim@gmail.com with your bio and a sample of your work (up to 1200 words).

Contact
Year Founded
2014
Context
Rural
Residency Structure
Stand-alone
Embedded in a non-profit inn and retreat center
Residency Program Type
Retreat
Residency Length
1
Languages
English
Average Number of Artists in Residence at a Time
4
Collaborative Residency
N/A
Discipline
Fiction
Interdisciplinary Arts
Journalism
Literary Nonfiction
Literature
New Genres
Nonfiction
Poetry
Storytelling
Writing
Companions
N/A
Family Friendly
Spouses/partners allowed for full stay (non-collaborators)
Stage of Career
Any stage of career
Additional Expectations/Opportunities
N/A
How does your residency program support artists?
Opportunity to travel
Inspiration from natural environment
Opportunities to collaborate with other artists/residents
Opportunities to develop relationships with other artists/residents
Artist Stipend
Travel Stipend/Material Stipends
Residency Fees
700
US Dollar (USD)
Fee Details

Costs: $700 per person includes all of our facilities and the grounds, and running the evening workshops, one-hour one-on-one meet ups with the participants, and our support onsite (Note: participants are responsible for their own meals.) We have one spot available for $600: the fold out sofa in the bridge house. While this space has spectacular views of the river running below, it is admittedly less private than the other areas, although it has plenty of space, full closet, desk, etc. If you’re a laid-back, adventurous traveler who would like to save a little dough, and if this feels like a good fit for you, please indicate on your app. Join us—apply Today!

 

Amenities and Shared Spaces: The bridge house has a full-sized bed and a comfortable, queen-sized sofa bed with stunning views of the river far below on each side in the living room, as well as a kitchenette and bathroom, a four-seater dining table, and a library. The boutique apartment includes two private bedrooms, a full kitchen, a lounge, and a wraparound porch with plenty of outdoor seating. Kitchens are fully stocked with cookware, dishes, condiments, coffee and tea. There are common areas within both the bridge house and the boutique apartment that are intended to be shared by all, such as the fire pit, the lounges, and outdoor areas, but each writer will have a private space— and we’ve made every effort to make each spot special! We have high-speed internet and wi-fi throughout the property, as well as Roku, DVD players, and speakers in both spaces, and a plethora of games, books, and puzzles throughout. The small town of Ashland City has grocery stores, drugstores, coffee shops, and hiking nearby. For outdoor fun, enjoy the hammock, a picnic table, two fire pits, an ample rolling lawn, take a walk deep in the woods, or wade in the crystal clear, spring-fed creek.

Grant/Scholarship/Other Funding Support
Application Fee
0
US Dollar (USD)
Application Type
Open application
What does your program provide during the residency experience?
Pre-orientation
Manual / handbook before arrival
Communication before arrival to discuss accommodations, medical conditions, or other health needs
Orientation upon arrival
Contact information and available accommodations for programs, events, and campus
Full description of accessibility on campus
Links to resources, effective practices, grievance procedures, etc.
Staff/volunteer giving directions
Staff/volunteer providing guidance to help locate facilities or activities
Contact info for accessibility requests for event/programming
Is your campus wheelchair accessible?
ADA Compliant
Caregiver/Aide/PCA
Housing available on campus
Accessibility Contact Name
Marianne Manzler
Accessibility Contact Email
marianne@porchtn.org
Accessibility Contact Phone Number
Type of Housing
Private housing on campus (individual apartment/cabin/house)
Private bedroom in a shared housing facility on campus
Accessible Housing
ADA Compliant
Accessible Communal Spaces
ADA Compliant
Studios/Special Equipment
Private Studios
Shared Studios