Sober Shenanigans in the Smokies
Join us October 7-11, 2026 for five days of shenanigans and bonding with badass sober women.
We’ll be staying at an adventure resort nestled on the Nantahala river and intersects with the Appalachian trail.
We'll be hiking to a stunning waterfall, exploring the magic of Fontana Lake on kayak and paddleboard, and embarking on an epic 2-mile zip line tour! There will probably also be the occasional sidequest on the Appalachian trail or meandering along Nantahala River.
When we're not adventuring we'll be grounding with yoga, bonding over fireside share circles, digging deep in workshops, and playing connection games that make us laugh while bringing us closer.
If you're ready to see the Smokies in her autumnal prime and share it with a pack of uplifting, inspiring, and badass women ... you're invited.
This Retreat is for you if:
- You love being active and outdoors and feel most alive in nature.
- You’re craving sisterhood with like-minded sober misfits who laugh hard, feel deeply, and support each other fiercely.
- You want a safe space to be open, honest, vulnerable, and completely yourself.
- You're into personal development, inner growth, and talking about deep sh*t.
- You're ready to contribute to creating a safe, judgement-free zone with respect for everyone's unique sobriety journey.
- You want to create a sober life that feels so exciting and magical that your drinking days can't even COMPETE!
Where We're Staying
We'll be taking over a cozy 8-bedroom hotel-style lodge on an adventure resort on the Nantahala River.
Every room has sitting porches that look out to beautiful forest, and close access to a bathroom (some shared, some private).
Amenities:
- Half-kitchen (with fridge, microwave, and coffee goods)
- Coin-operated washer & dryer
- Wifi
- Onsite dining options
It’s the perfect blend of rustic adventure energy and the cozy comforts that make you feel right at home.
Tentative Itinerary
Day 1 Wednesday
5:00 pm – Check in (tentative)
5:00 pm – Snacks, meet & greet, and icebreakers
6:00 pm – Dinner
7:30 pm – Firepit hangout and share circle
Day 2 Thursday - Hike Day!
8 am – Breakfast
9 am - Yoga under the trees
11 am – Depart for waterfall hike (3 miles round-trip)
12:30 - Picnic lunch at waterfall
2 pm - Return to Lodge
3-5:00 pm - Chill time
5:30pm - Workshop
7 pm – Dinner
8 pm – Firepit share circle
Day 3 Friday - Lake Day
8 am – Breakfast
9am - Workshop
Noon-4pm – Kayaking & paddleboarding, on Lake Fontana
6:30 pm - Dinner
8pm - Firepit share circle
Day 4 Saturday - Hike & Zip Line Adventure
8 am – Breakfast
9:30 am - Depart for optional morning hike on Appalachian Trail (1.5 miles)
Noon - Lunch
1 pm - Zip Line Adventure
5pm - GAME NIGHT!
6:30 pm - Dinner
7:30 pm - Final Share Circle
Day 5 Sunday
8 am – Breakfast
10am - Checkout
*Please note we may modify our itinerary as necessary due to weather, conditions, illness, injury, group dynamics, or other unforeseen incidents.
Meet your Hosts
Laura Van Antwerp
Home: Reno, Nevada
Sober time: 8 years
Bio: Laura is a full-fledged adventure junkie who can’t resist the call of the wild! From hiking, backpacking, and rock climbing to whitewater rafting, snowboarding, mountain biking and canyoneering—if it’s outdoors, she’s probably already done it (and planned the sequel).
As a backpacking and hiking guide with the Tahoe Rim Trail Association, a guest speaker at the University of Nevada, Reno, and the proud recipient of the 2022 Windfeldt Inspire Award, Laura brings a mix of expertise, passion, and laughter to every adventure. She's on a mission to empower women to find connection, joy, and HAVE FUN in sobriety!
Some of Laura’s most epic escapades include conquering Snake Dike on the front face of Half Dome in Yosemite, trekking nine unforgettable days through the Andes mountains in Peru, and whitewater rafting the Kern River with her Sober Pals (proving sobriety and adrenaline are a perfect match).
When she’s not blazing trails, you’ll find Laura tending to her 132 (and counting) houseplants, fostering dogs with her husband (to the eternal side-eye of their cat), or whipping up laugh-out-loud reels on Instagram at @yoursoberpal.
Certifications: Wilderness First Responder | CPR | Leave No Trace Level 2 | Trauma-Informed Care Provider
Maria Borisevich
Home: Asheville, North Carolina
Sober time: 8 years
Bio: Maria is a nature enthusiast the the founder of Healthy Habit Helper, where she helps people build sustainable, joy-filled habits that stick.
When she’s not coaching clients as a health coach, nutritional therapy practitioner, or personal trainer, you'll find her outside chasing fresh air: hiking, kayaking, running, skiing, or backpacking her way through the Blue Ridge.
She also co-founded the Sober & Sober-Curious Meetup in Asheville, creating space for connection, laughter, and real conversations. With eight years of sobriety, Maria leads with authenticity, compassion, and a whole lot of joy.
A travel lover and lifelong learner, she grows through new places, new cultures, and new adventures. At home, she’s mom to Jolene the beagle and her three cat gremlins — Walter, Larry, and Ren — who rule the house with adorable chaos.
Maria brings grounded wellness, mountain magic, and big sober-sisterhood energy to every retreat!
Certifications: CPR/AED/First Aid & Wilderness First Aid Certified | ACE Health Coach & Personal Trainer | Nutritional Therapy Practitioner | NBHWC Credentialed | Certified Listening Circle Facilitator
Photo Album
We're not going to lie - we've had a TOTAL BLAST adventuring and bonding in the Smokies. Check out some of the photos from last year!
Word on the Street
See testimonials from amazing women who said YES to adventure and magic in the Smokies!
Your Retreat Package Includes
5 Days, 4 Nights in a lodge nestled on an adventure resort on the Nantahala River
All meals, snacks and NA bevvies! (4 breakfast, 4 dinner, 3 lunches)
Kayak & paddleboard rentals & tour
Zip Line Adventure
Hike led by WFR & WFA certified guides
Guided Yoga
Guided Workshops & Share Circlesled by Certified Listening Circle Facilitators
Kayak & Paddleboard Rentals
YSPA Adventure hats (SPF 50 & water resistent)
Leather journals
Exclusive Goodie Bags
Access to ALL the amazing photos/videos we take on our trip in a shared photo album
Private group chat where you can connect and coordinate with participants
Not Included:
Transportation to the resort
Travel insurance (recommended)
Let's Do This!
Earlybird Pricing: $100 discount through Jan. 23
Private Rooms
King & Bathroom $3,400 ̶$̶3̶,̶50̶0̶
Shared Rooms & Bathrooms
Bottom Bunk $3,000 ̶$̶3̶,̶10̶0̶ ̶
Top Bunk $2,800 ̶̶ ̶̶̶$̶̶̶2̶,̶9̶0̶̶̶0̶̶̶
Apply to join!
We require applications in order to participate in any retreat. This helps us ensure that all participants are aligned with our mission: creating a safe sober space where you can feel seen, supported, and free to show up as your whole, authentic self.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the physical requirements?
This retreat is considered easy to moderate, depending on your participation level. All activities are optional.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Hiking: We’ll do a 3-mile waterfall hike that includes some mild scrambling (think rocks, roots, uneven terrain). There’s also an optional shorter hike on the Appalachian Trail for anyone wanting more time in the woods.
- Kayaking & Paddleboarding: If you join these activities, you should feel comfortable paddling at a relaxed pace for a couple of hours on calm water.
- Zipline Tour: The zipline course requires you to be able to walk short distances, climb a few steps, balance on platforms, and comfortably wear a harness. No extreme fitness level required, just basic mobility and confidence moving at heights.
How sober do I have to be?
While we welcome women at all stages of their journey with alcohol, it’s important to note that the retreat environment centers around open and vulnerable conversations about sobriety and personal growth.
If you are sober-curious or early in your journey, we ask that you reflect on whether you are ready to engage in a supportive, safe space where sobriety is a shared commitment among participants and openly discussed.
Most importantly, we seek to create a safe and respectful environment where everyone feels supported in their unique path in sobriety.
What do I need to bring?
If your application is accepted, we'll be sure to send you a detailed packing list! You'll also be invited to a private IG chat for this retreat where you can connect and coordinate with the other retreaters (and stay in touch afterwards!)
Otherwise, we recommend bringing big smiles, open hearts, and your best dad jokes.
Do I have to participate in every activity?
Definitely not! If there's a day you prefer to stay back and relax, that's totally cool! Our lodge is nestled on a property with access to the river, dining, trails and more!