June 3-6, 2027

Beyond the Bookshelf

A Readers Retreat - Irvington, VA

Registration Coming This Fall

Three days of reading, friendship, and small-town charm.

Escape to Irvington & Kilmarnock, Virginia for three days of literary bliss at this exclusive book retreat, hosted by The Bookshelf on Church.

Dates: June 3-6, 2027 (Thursday–Sunday)
Where: The Hope and Glory Inn, Irvington, Virginia
Hosted By:The Bookshelf on Church & Verdancy Retreats

Nestled in the heart of Virginia's Northern Neck, this intimate getaway offers the perfect blend of bibliophile indulgence and small-town charm. We'll have the delightful Hope & Glory Inn entirely to ourselves, creating a private sanctuary where we can connect, unwind, and celebrate the written word.

Between planned activities, you'll have plenty of free time to explore the area's natural beauty, stroll through charming streets, curl up with a good book in a cozy corner of the inn, or simply relax and recharge. Whether you're seeking meaningful literary discussions, new friendships with fellow readers, or quiet moments of reflection, this retreat offers space for it all.

This is a small group offering with only 12 rooms available, so don't wait. 

Registration Opens This Fall
Full Agenda to Come

Ticket Options

All  tickets include:

  • 3 nights of accommodation

  • Breakfast each morning

  • Lunch & Dinner on Friday & Saturday

  • Shared group activities 

  • Private group dinner with at least one author

  • Access to a private WhatsApp group to connect with other attendees

Due to the limited nature of each room type, they will be reserved based on the date of registration and are subject to availability.

*Double occupancy pricing covers attendance for two guests at the retreat.

*Pricing is subject to slight changes between now and when registration opens later this year.

Located in the main Inn building and individually designed with one queen-size bed, sitting chairs, and private bathrooms with showers (some include tubs).  Rooms are located on the second or third floor of the inn.

Single Occupancy: $2,050

Double Occupancy: $3,550

Guest Room (6 available)

Free-standing room with private patio, living room, and two bedrooms with queen beds and a shared bathroom.

Double Occupancy: $3,825

*Please note for double occupancy, there is a single bed in each room.

Two Bedroom Cottage (1 available)

A free-standing room with a private patio, separate living and sleeping areas, and either a queen or king bed.  Some cottages are 2-story and have stairs to the bedroom.

Single Occupancy: $2,300

Double Occupancy: $3,800

Cottage (5 available)

  • "I didn't have to think about a single logistic. They took care of every detail, down to the dinner reservations. All I did was read and show up."

     — Retreat Guest, 2026

  • "It was the first time in years I let my brain fully shut off. No planning, no decisions — just a book, a porch, and people who wanted to talk about it."

     — Retreat Guest, 2026

  • "I came back and immediately asked when the next one was. Being present for a full weekend is harder than it sounds — this made it easy."

     — Retreat Guest, 2026

Sign up to be notified when our 2027 retreats open for booking!

Who’s Behind This?

© 2026 Bookshelf on Church × Verdancy Retreats — Irvington, Virginia

The Bookstore: Bookshelf on Church


An independent bookstore that picks the book, hosts the in-store visit, and sends every guest home with something new to read. This retreat exists because they wanted a way to read a book together, not just sell it.

The Planners: Verdancy Retreats


 A retreat planning studio founded and run by two women who, not coincidentally, are also lifelong readers. They handle the inn, the meals, the transportation, and every detail in between, so the only thing you have to plan is which chapter to read next.