Step into a story brought to life. Inspired by The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd, this intimate retreat blends literature, gastronomy, and culture in one of America’s most enchanting cities.
APRIL 30 - MAY 3, 2026 CHARLESTON, SC
What if you could truly savor the moment?
Imagine waking up in a boutique Charleston inn, the morning light spilling through tall windows, and the scent of jasmine drifting in from cobblestone streets. Your day unfolds slowly: a lingering breakfast, a book in hand, a story waiting to be explored just outside your door.
This isn’t just travel—it’s the kind of experience where history feels alive, where literature shapes your journey, and where meals are meant to be savored slowly. It’s the kind of trip that offers not only beauty and culture, but also the rare gift of intentional living—time to breathe, to connect, and to feel wholly present.
It’s time to say yes to something unforgettable.
You’ve imagined travel that restores you, conversations that inspire you, and moments that linger. Yet between busy schedules and the pull of everyday life, creating that kind of experience just for you can feel just out of reach.
But maybe it hasn’t felt possible.
Journeys that feel curated with care and filled with meaningful moments—where beauty, story, and giving back are all part of the experience.
If you’ve been dreaming of…
Time for yourself—space to pause, recharge, and truly savor life.
Conversations and connections that inspire, shared with others who love books, culture, and beauty.
Every story begins with a dream.
"Misty has a gift for creating experiences that feel both luxurious and deeply personal. Every detail was thoughtfully curated, and I left feeling inspired, renewed, and more connected than I had in years."
— Teresa
THE NEXT CHAPTER
Time to pause and breathe. To wander cobblestone streets without rushing. To sit with a story, a meal, or a glass of wine and truly savor the moment.
Not a checklist of sights, but curated experiences—literary discussions, cultural tours, and shared meals—that stay with you long after.
With every detail arranged, you can simply arrive, exhale, and immerse yourself in Charleston’s charm—knowing your presence helps support the city’s First Library, a legacy of learning and connection.
And with each chapter, your story becomes more unforgettable.
So let me introduce:
THE PAGES & PALATES CHARLESTON LITERARY RETREAT
Five days in Charleston where story meets flavor, beauty, and connection. Anchored in The Invention of Wings, this retreat blends literature, curated dining, insider tours, and moments of rest into an experience you’ll carry with you long after you return home.
Your Charleston Experience
Volume No. 01
Literary Journey
Explore The Invention of Wings through a private discussion, a walking tour of the women who inspired it, and an evening at the Charleston Library Society—where your retreat supports the First Library, preserving stories for generations to come.
Volume No. 02
Culinary Delights
From chef-led dinners to Southern flavors paired with wine, each meal is designed to be savored—slowly, beautifully, and with great company.
Volume No. 03
Cultural Immersion
Every detail is chosen with care: carriage rides, historic tours, and hidden gems invite you to experience Charleston’s charm beyond the guidebooks.
Volume No. 04
Rest & Renewal
Between thoughtfully curated excursions, enjoy boutique accommodations, quiet moments to read or reflect, and the luxury of free time just for you.
Epilogue
HERE'S WHAT
AWAITS YOU…
Step away from the everyday and return refreshed and inspired.
Connect deeply with women who share your passions.
Experience Charleston through private, curated access.
Rediscover joy and enjoyment in having someone take care of you.
Come home energized, connected, and renewed.
TURNING THE PAGE
Reserve Your Place
Secure your spot in this intimate retreat and begin your Charleston story.
Every Detail IS Arranged
From boutique stays to curated experiences, everything is thoughtfully planned for you.
The Story Comes Alive
Arrive in Charleston, immerse yourself in literature, culture, and cuisine, and let the chapters unfold.
Here are your next steps...
Your story deserves this next chapter…
So let's get started.
Best value!
Your investment in this experience
Payment Plan
5 days / 4 nights boutique accommodations
Curated dining & wine pairings
Literary gatherings & cultural tours
Support of the First Library
One Payment
5 days / 4 nights boutique accommodations
Curated dining & wine pairings
Literary gatherings & cultural tours
Support of the First Library
Airfare, travel insurance (recommended), and personal expenses not included.
“If you're on the fence, let me just say this is the absolute best decision you can make.”
Misty has a gift for creating experiences that feel effortless yet unforgettable. I walked away inspired and grateful for the care she put into every detail.
— Jen & AARON
“This is the best money I spend.”
I’ve invested in a lot of things over the years, but nothing compares to the return I get from Misty’s guidance and the experiences she creates.
— Toni
“I left with more than memories—I left changed.”
What Misty curates goes beyond an itinerary. It’s the way she brings people together, the thought she pours into the details, and the way you leave feeling like you’ve truly lived something rare.
— morgan
The chapter begins with you.
But if you’re anything like me, you've wished for someone to make it simple—someone to create the space you’ve been craving and guide you toward what truly matters.
That’s exactly why I designed this retreat. It’s all too easy to get swept up in routines and responsibilities, and so rare to step away. Here, every detail is taken care of for you. All you need to do is arrive, breathe, and allow yourself to be fully present.
you're in the right place.
You’ll also receive an EXCLUSIVE BONUS…
Reserve your place by February 15th and enjoy a private 1:1 session with me. This dedicated hour is yours—whether we dream up your next cultured escape, pair books and wines for your season, or reflect on how to carry retreat inspiration into your everyday life.
WHEN THE FINAL PAGE TURNS...
Return home refreshed, inspired, and deeply connected.
Experience Charleston through insider access and curated moments.
Carry new friendships that feel meaningful and lasting.
Enjoy the feeling that comes from saying yes to yourself.
Savor literary discussions, cultural tours, and exquisite meals.
Create memories and insights that will continue to enrich your daily life.
Kind words
“I didn’t think I could step away from everything. I did—and it was the best decision I’ve made.”
"The retreat gave me exactly what I didn’t know I needed: time, inspiration, and true connection. Every detail was handled, and I left feeling renewed in a way I hadn’t felt in years."
— Camille
“I expected a trip. What I got was transformation.”
"From the thoughtful book discussion to the unforgettable meals, this was more than travel. I came home not only with memories, but with friendships and a new perspective on how I want to live.”
— Serena
“I didn’t realize how much beauty I was missing—until I slowed down to savor it.”
"Misty created an experience that felt luxurious, personal, and deeply meaningful. I returned lighter, happier, and more connected to myself than I had been in years."
— Rachel
MEET Your
CURATOR
I haven’t always lived a life of curated escapes and beautiful journeys. For years, I was caught in the cycle of giving to everyone else—teaching, designing, planning—while quietly craving more space for inspiration and connection. Travel, books, and culture were my escape, but I dreamed of weaving them into something more meaningful.
That’s why I created Cultured Escapes—intimate retreats that bring together literature, gastronomy, and culture in destinations that inspire. Today, I blend my background in interior design, movement, and wine education with my love for travel to create experiences that are thoughtful, elevated, and unforgettable.
When you join me in Charleston, you won’t just be traveling—you’ll be stepping into a world of story, flavor, and connection designed to remind you how beautiful life can be when you say yes to yourself.
BEHIND
the COURSE
With gentle encouragement and an art director's eye, I collaborate with my couples to create effortlessly editorial images full of pure love, stunning backdrops, and natural moments (with just enough guidance!).
ENNEAGRAM 8, CREATIVE TO MY CORE, ARTIST, ROMANTIC, JANE AUSTIN STAN
about
sophia
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as seen in
Harpers Bazaar / Vogue
Marie Claire / Weddings Magazine
Created from a passion for meaningful moments
I’ve always sought beauty, connection, and meaning.
Travel, books, and culture have long been my way of savoring life. But I yearned for something more—an experience woven with meaningful moments, where stories come alive, meals unfold slowly, and connections feel both effortless and lasting.
And that’s exactly what Charleston promises to be…
This retreat is the only one of its kind because…
It blends story, flavor, and culture in ways you won’t find anywhere else.
Most trips show you the sights. This retreat draws you into the story—through a book that anchors our journey, a philanthropic connection to Charleston’s First Library, and experiences curated with intention. It’s not just travel; it’s a way of living beautifully.
And because every detail is thoughtfully designed.
From the boutique accommodations to private salons, curated meals, and cultural immersion, each moment is chosen to inspire. You won’t find crowded itineraries or rushed tours—only experiences that balance beauty, connection, and time to truly savor.
And because of the people you’ll meet.
This retreat gathers a small circle of kindred spirits—those who love books, culture, and meaningful conversation. Around the table and on our walks, you’ll discover how quickly strangers become friends, and how rare it is to find a community that inspires you long after the retreat ends.
The Charleston Literary Retreat includes everything you need to truly savor the experiences that really matter
From boutique accommodations to private salons, from literary gatherings to curated meals, every detail is thoughtfully arranged. There’s no planning, no scheduling, no stress—simply arrive ready to step into the story.
Because here’s the truth: the most meaningful transformations don’t come from rushing or checking off lists. They come when you create space for beauty, for connection, for story. And that’s exactly what Charleston is waiting to give you.
If you’re ready to begin the next chapter of your story…
✓ Give yourself the gift of time and presence
✓ Travel with intention, not rush or overwhelm
✓ Experience Charleston through story, flavor, and culture
✓ Connect with kindred spirits who inspire and uplift
✓ Say yes to beauty, meaning, and curated moments
✓ Return home refreshed, renewed, and inspired
HERE IS What you can expect
Every detail is designed for you.
From the moment you reserve your place, you can trust that this retreat has been created with intention, care, and thoughtfulness. It isn’t just about where you’ll go, but how you’ll feel along the way.
This RETREAT is for you if:
You’re craving time to slow down and savor life.
You love books, culture, and meaningful conversation.
You want to experience Charleston in a thoughtful, curated way.
This retreat is not the best fit if…
You prefer fast-paced, checklist-style travel.
You’re most comfortable in large group tours.
You’re not drawn to literature, culture, or shared conversation.
SO WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?
Let’s begin this chapter together.
Charleston is waiting—with its cobblestone streets, literary history, and flavors to savor. This retreat is your invitation to slow down, connect, and immerse yourself in beauty and story. With every detail arranged, all that’s left is to turn the page… and reserve your place.
Best value!
Your investment in this experience
Payment Plan
5 days / 4 nights boutique accommodations
Curated dining & wine pairings
Literary gatherings & cultural tours
Support of the First Library
One Payment
5 days / 4 nights boutique accommodations
Curated dining & wine pairings
Literary gatherings & cultural tours
Support of the First Library
Airfare, travel insurance (recommended), and personal expenses not included. All bookings are non-refundable.
FAQ
(Frequently Asked Q's)
How many guests will be on this retreat?
This retreat is intentionally intimate, limited to just 8 guests. This allows for meaningful connection, boutique experiences, and personal attention throughout.
What’s included in the price?
Your investment covers boutique accommodations, all curated dining and wine pairings, literary salons and cultural tours, and a contribution to Charleston’s First Library. Airfare, travel insurance, and personal expenses are not included.
Do I need to read the book beforehand?
While it will be helpful to read The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd in advance, it’s not required to enjoy the retreat. Your experience will be enriched if you’ve read the story, but you’ll still be able to engage fully in the conversations and cultural explorations.
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Exclusive spots available for this retreat
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Days of literary, cultural, and culinary experiences
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Nights in boutique Charleston accommodations
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Philanthropic contribution to Charleston’s First Library
