Creative Journeys: Artist Retreats for All Mediums

For many of us, more time at home allows us to discover new hobbies, or rediscover forgotten talents, perhaps pick up an old instrument, or dust off an unfinished paper. With the start of a new year and the (inevitably) determination that comes with it, there’s never been a better time to rededicate yourself to these artistic ventures – and perhaps let the idea of travel, or even just travel, inspire creativity.

We’ve collected seven U.S. destinations to promote each art form, so when you need to plan your creative getaway, you can find inspiration from a place’s landscape, history, or design.

Literature

• Key West, Florida

What better place to write than a sunny seaside resort? It is also home to the Ernest Hemingway Museum: Key West. Hemingway is considered one of the greatest American novelists, and many of his works were written on the island, and even the first underground swimming pool was built here in the late 20s. You can find similar inspiration in vacation rentals like Dad’s Retreat – Eden (fun fact: Dad was Hemingway’s nickname), just a block from Duval Street.

Painting

• New England

New England’s stunning landscapes, ranging from coastal to wooded, provide a memorable backdrop for any painter. Many iconic works were created here, including non-landscape American works by former Vermont and Berkshire resident Norman Rockwell. Whatever your topic, New England has plenty of vacation rentals with plenty of natural light, as evidenced by the full-wall windows on The Eliot Noyes on Martha’s Vine Island.

Sculpture

• Sedona, Arizona

The geological wonders and adobe design around Sedona make it the perfect place to carve masterpieces. If you book a holiday home like Spectacular View, you’ll be able to enjoy the natural beauty of Mount Gaodai and rocky cliffs from your private porch. Or head to town to spark creativity in one of the many galleries, one of which showcases works by native and red rock artists.

Architecture

• Palm Springs, California

Palm Springs has a strong focus on medieval design, and there is no better place to be architecturally than Palm Springs. Annual events such as Modernism Week open their doors to iconic homes built by John Lautner, Albert Frey, and E. Stewart Williams. Self-guided tour options are also available, so you can explore the sights at your leisure or get creative poolside at vacation rentals like Sunmor to Livmor.

Movie

• Park City

This year’s Sundance Film Festival may be digital, but independent film meccas remain the go-to for perfecting the craft of film. Far from the glitz, glamour and crowds of Hollywood, Utah has been home to a nonprofit festival since 1978 named after Robert Redford’s role in Haw Par and Sundance Kid. Here you can sit in the hut and distract yourself like a free trip to the Creekside Chalet in nearby Alta, and start working on your next great play or documentary.

Theater

• New Orleans

New Orleans has a long history, and its theatrical roots run just as deep. Famed playwright Tennessee Williams lived in the French Quarter for more than 40 years and created A Streetcar Named Desire next to the tracks on St. Charles Avenue. Every spring, the city hosts a literary festival to honor him, and you can still visit Williams’ many residences and writing locations (not far from Rosali Garden House) to write original episodes.

Music

• Great Smoky Mountains

Although the Great Smoky Mountains are located about 200 miles from Nashville, the country music capital, the tranquil beauty of the area will give you all the time and inspiration you need to write hit songs. Can’t you imagine playing guitar on the deck of Heritage Mountain Resort? In addition, the area is home to Dolly Parton, one of the greatest songwriters of all time, who wrote “I Will Always Love You” and “Jolene” on the same day, which is also a good source of motivation.