Anticipating a local getaway

“There is a sort of natural atmosphere of dolce far niente
about the whole place.”
~ 1879 Rand McNally travel booklet: “Summer Resorts of the Northwest”

Summer time is retreat time for me this year. Just after visiting my family in Texas, I’m off on another excursion. This time a short train ride will bring me to Geneva, IL with the Ladies and guests of WIN next week. The second annual Women’s Innovation Network Summer Retreat will be held from July 17 to July 19.

Geneva actually has a Dutch link, with the first cabin settled by Daniel Shaw Haight in 1833. We’ll be staying at the Herrington Inn, which is named after James and Charity Herrington who were instrumental in developing Geneva in the mid-to late 1830s.

Tuesday is arrival day, with a welcome dinner for everyone after we’ve settled in. The retreat is designed in modules, so that you can ride in for a single day, or truly get away for one or two nights.

Wednesday will be packed with fun activities including pilates, a business breakfast, two 45-minute morning workshops, the fabulous Geneva Chocolate tour, dinner, and a movie night with a craft project (which I am putting together).

“Laugh more than you cry.
Work hard and play hard.
Eat well and you can eat more.”
~ Rachael Ray

Thursday, the blend of fun and knowledge sharing continues with pilates, a business breakfast, three 45-minute business workshops, and an afternoon tea.

There will be ample time to take advantage of the Herrington Inn’s Spa amenities, stroll downtown for boutique shopping, or wandering off to the nature trail. I’m excited to explore the Fabyan Nature preserve.

The full workshop schedule and registration information is here, with topics covering:

• Meaningful Marketing
• Greening Your Business
• Finessing Financing
• Technology and Local Outsourcing
• Using Attitude, Belief, and Commitment to Achieve Your Goals

“Surround yourself with people who take their work seriously,
but not themselves, those who work hard and play hard.”
~ Colin Powell 

PS: Could it be that Theodore Roosevelt’s quote took on a life of its own?

“When you play, play hard; when you work, don’t play at all.” 
 ~ Theodore Roosevelt