September 24 - 27, 2020

Manidokan Retreat Center
1600 Harpers Ferry Rd, Knoxville, MD

This page contains details and logistical information about the gathering, the retreat center and transportation. If this is your first East Coast Women's Gathering, you may wish to read this page before registering. If you are ready to register, click the Register button at the top or bottom of this page.

DATE AND TIME

The gathering is from Thursday, September 24, through Sunday, September 27, 2020.  Registration is from 10 am - 12 noon on Thursday.  You are encouraged to arrive in time to unpack and get settled in your room prior to the start of activities.  The gathering begins at noon with a welcoming lunch followed by the opening circle.

The gathering ends by 2 pm on Sunday, September 27, 2020.


REGISTRATION AND COST

Registration includes 4 days and 3 nights; lodging; 3 meals and snacks each day; art supplies and so much more!

Registration includes lodging options for single, double and shared rooms.  Shared rooms have 3-4 women per room.

For those who register before August 24, 2020, there is an early discount.


CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS

We understand there can be many reasons to cancel and request a refund. We attempt to balance the financial commitments we are required to make months in advance with the needs of registrants.  We also understand that emergencies can happen.

-  You may request a refund up to 10 days prior to the East Coast Women's Gathering, and you will receive a full refund less a $50 cancellation fee.
-  There are no refunds for cancellations within 10 days of the East Coast Women's Gathering.
-  If you need to cancel suddenly for a serious illness or unexpected calamity, please email eastcoastwomensgathering@gmail.com and we will do our best to work things out with you.


LOCATION

Manidokan is a retreat and conference center encompassing 450 acres of grassy meadows and hardwood forests on the banks of the Potomac River and adjoining the C & O Canal Path National Park in the Appalachian foothills of Western Maryland.  It is located on the lands of the Native Algonquian tribes.  The land we are gathering on served as the peace buffer zone among the warring tribes; it was where they came when they wanted to make peace.  In Algonquian, Manidokan means Lodge of the Great Spirit. 

The tranquil setting is home to many birds and wildlife and offers a peaceful respite with walking trails, scenic overlooks, miles to wander along the C & O Canal Towpath, hammock circles and many places to sit and be. 

It is approximately 1-1.5 hours from Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI) and Dulles Airport (IAD).


WEATHER

Expect temps to be in the 70’s during the day and 50’s at night.  It is generally dry during mid-April, although rain is possible.  We recommend that you bring layers.  All lodges and meeting spaces are heated.


MEALS

Freshly prepared meals are served for breakfast, lunch and dinner in a dining hall.  Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free options are available. Please indicate your food preferences and allergies when you register.  Fruit, snacks, and hot and cold beverages are available 24/7.


LODGING

Accommodations are in two modern lodges and another building of single rooms.  Each room includes a bath shared by 2-4 women.  Women who are driving to the retreat are asked to bring their own bedding and towels.  All bedding and towels will be provided for anyone flying or arriving by train to the gathering. When you register you will identify the type of room you would like, and optionally, a woman or women you would like to share a room with.


TRANSPORTATION

If you are flying, we recommend that you use Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI) which is between Baltimore and Washington. Alternatively, Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), west of Washington DC is also near the retreat center. They are both served by all major carriers with many flights daily. Both airports are approximately 1 to 1 1/2 hours from the retreat center. Plan your flights to arrive no later than 10 am on Thursday and depart no sooner than 5 pm on Sunday.  We will provide ride-shares to and from BWI Airport and Dulles Airport. If you need overnight accommodations because of your flight times we have volunteers who will provide. When you register please indicate if you either need or can provide a ride-share and/or overnight accommodations. We will coordinate and be in touch with details within 10 days of the retreat.


PREPARATION DETAILS

Within 2-4 Weeks of the East Coast Women's Gathering, you will receive an email with additional details about the gathering, a suggested packing list, and detailed directions to Manidokan.  We look forward to gathering with you!

East Coast Women's Gathering is a program of Woman's Way Red Lodge, a 501(c)3 non-profit.  All donations made to East Coast Women's Gathering and Woman's Way Red Lodge are tax-deductible.