Attendees of the Circle Retreat in Wisconsin concentrate on finding their inner artist on their vacation from every day life. Photo courtesy of Full Circle Retreat.

When you want to get away from the every day hassles of life and take a vacation, why not take the opportunity to bring out the creative side of yourself? Wisconsin offers many retreats, many that offer arts and crafts. Some retreats allow you to organize your own group, which will turn an educational and artsy retreat into a chance to explore your creativity while catching up with friends. Other retreats will allow you the opportunity to grab a friend and meet other people who share your interests. Either way, a retreat vacation to Wisconsin would be a much-needed break from life’s every day demands. Try one of these 5 retreats and you’ll come home refreshed and ready to take on the world.

A Scrapbooker’s Heaven: This scrap-booking retreat is unlike any other. Firstly, it takes place in Scrapbook Manor in Walworth, which is a 100-year-old historic home that offers accommodations, meals and an on-site retail store. The Scrapbook Shoppe gives guests access to an unlimited supply of scrap-booking materials anytime, day or night. There is also a spa where you can get a massage, or a nearby salon where you and a friend can treat yourselves to a mani, pedi or facial. For more information call 262-275-2854.

Sweet Treat: The Circle of Friends Folk School offers a variety of women’s-only retreats. One of the most popular retreats is all about baking cakes. Attendees learn the secrets of making fantastic cakes that not only taste delicious but look bakery-worthy too. There are also many other retreats that are in the arts and crafts realm as well as a few that concentrate on helping attendees connect with their spiritual side. For more information call 920-253-6323.

Sew Fun: This Homestead Cabin Retreat in Hillpoint is a women’s-only retreat where attendees stay in a log cabin that is stocked with modern amenities. Crafters bring their own sewing machines, and become inspired by the calm of nature and start creating. Sewing machine rentals are available with advance notice. Call 608-986-4154 for more information.

Unleash Your Inner Artist: The Full Circle Retreat in Viroqua offers artistic and spiritual retreats April through October. Whether you want to unleash your inner artist at the “Art for the Truly Terrified” retreat or learn to write lyrics at the songwriting retreat, you’re guaranteed to return home inspired and ready to create. For more information call 608-675-3828 (Apr-Oct) or 952-920-2384 (Nov-Mar).

Wood Art: The Clearing Folk School, located in Door Country near Green Bay, offers a series of workshops and week-long residence classes all focusing on wood art. Learn wood turning, woodcarving, furniture making and more. It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or you’ve been working with wood for years, there’s something for everyone at the Clearing. For more information call 920-854-4088.

So for your next vacation, travel to Wisconsin for one of these exhilarating retreats. You’ll grow as a person while relaxing in a calm atmosphere, reconnecting with old friends and making new ones.