Why Our Guests Keep Coming Back (And Bringing Their Friends)

There’s a feeling you get when you step onto the land at Big Raven Farm—something in your shoulders softens. Your breath slows. You remember what it feels like to be instead of do.

Our guests have tried to describe it: peaceful, magical, restorative, creative, cozy. But perhaps the most telling description of all?

“Already dreaming of going back.”

Again and again, people return to Big Raven Farm—and they rarely come alone. They bring sisters, best friends, book clubs, healthcare teams, and retreat communities. They return not just for the beauty, or the meals, or the yoga—but because something inside them changed, and they want to feel that spark again.

What keeps them coming back? Let’s hear it straight from the guests themselves.

🏡 It Feels Like Coming Home

“Joleen and Darin are two of the most welcoming, warm people who put you instantly at ease and make it seem like you’ve known them forever.”
“They take such good care of their guests and you can see that throughout every detail of their home. There is a lot of love there—and together, they amplify it.”

Big Raven Farm isn’t just a beautiful property. It’s a living, breathing experience shaped by love, care, and intention. Every corner is curated with art, comfort, and creativity. And when you walk through the door, you’re not checking into a venue—you’re being welcomed into a story.

🍽️ Nourishment in Every Sense

“All the meals were SO beautiful and delicious! You can tell they love what they do.”
“Darin is an excellent chef. This was above and beyond your taste buds’ experience!”

Whether you’re sipping coffee by the fire or enjoying a candlelit dinner with retreat friends, you’ll experience food that comforts, surprises, and delights. Darin pours care into every dish—meals are crafted from scratch and seasoned with joy. It’s not just what’s on the plate—it’s the feeling around the table.

🧘♀️ Yoga That Invites, Not Intimidates

“I had never tried yoga before and wasn’t sure how I would do. Joleen made it so accessible—I left feeling accomplished and inspired to keep going!”
“The yoga was grounding and gentle, the perfect way to begin or end a day of creative play.”

Here, yoga isn’t about performance—it’s about presence. Joleen’s calming style welcomes you to reconnect with your breath and your body, no matter your background or experience. It’s not about “doing it right”—it’s about showing up.

🎨 Creativity That Awakens the Spirit

“I wasn’t sure if a crafting retreat was for me, but I had such a great time—I was sad to leave!”
“I got to give and receive while in this space. Offering my workshops alongside Joleen’s was deeply fulfilling.”

There’s no pressure to be “an artist” here—just a gentle invitation to explore, make a mess, try something new, and surprise yourself. Our retreats offer everything from gel-printing and collage to lavender sachets and Kintsugi. It’s not about what you make. It’s about how you feel when you’re making it.

🌿 Retreats That Linger in the Heart

“It felt relaxing to have no responsibilities for the weekend… but also the stimulation of conversation and fun projects to work on.”
“The whole property feels like an artist-in-residence space. Everything invites you to slow down and connect.”

At Big Raven Farm, time feels different. Days stretch open. Conversations go deep. Naps happen without guilt. Guests often say they didn’t realize how much they needed a pause until they experienced one.

🔁 They Return—With More People Every Time

“This was our second time hosting a retreat—it was just as amazing as the first!”
“We were already planning our next visit before we left.”
“I hope to see Joleen and Darin again soon—this is the perfect getaway for a crafter to relax and enjoy.”

When something touches you deeply, you want to share it. That’s why our guests bring their sisters, friends, and coworkers. That’s why facilitators return again and again with new groups. Because what we create together—this creative, nourishing, magical space—feels too good not to share.

✨ And If You’re a Retreat Host… This Is Your Sign

“If you’re reading this, it’s your SIGN to say YES to hosting your next event at Big Raven Farm!”

“Collaborating with Joleen was an enriching experience… I gained invaluable insights, and our retreat became something truly special.”

We make it easy for you to show up and shine. Whether you’re a yoga teacher, coach, healer, or creative guide, we help bring your retreat vision to life—with structure, support, and loving presence every step of the way.

From journal-making and collage to tea bars and outdoor fire circles, we blend your offerings with our tried-and-true framework to create something extraordinary.

💛 Join Us at Big Raven Farm

Big Raven Farm is more than a venue. It’s a sanctuary for creativity, rest, and reconnection. It’s a place to come back to—again and again—and to bring the people you love.

Ready to experience it for yourself?

👉 Explore Our Upcoming Retreats
✨ Or inquire about hosting your own—because some places aren’t just visited, they’re returned to.

Come once. Come back. Come exactly as you are.
We’ll be here to welcome you home.