Historical Holiday Retreat with Babbity Kate

Join Babbity Kate, your resident American Girl expert and Christmas fanatic, to make some new Christmas memories.

Leave the holiday chaos behind for a soul-soothing weekend of 19th-century traditions in modern-day comfort. This exclusive private retreat has been curated for adults that love books, history, art, crafts, and nostalgia.

Experience a one-of-a-kind event inspired by beloved stories like Little Women, A Christmas Carol, and the American Girl books. Whether you’re a voracious reader, an American Girl fan, or a devoted historical reenactor, every detail of this retreat is focused on bringing warmth, joy, and renewal.

After two nights reconnecting with nature, tradition, and your inner child, you’ll bid farewell with photos from the event, a special gift, and incredible memories.

Your Accommodations

This private retreat takes place at the Cranz Farm House, tucked away next door to Hale Farm and Village. A 2-year renovation was just completed on this charming home.

Each room features modern comforts with historical charm, including a queen or king sized bed, a TV, and storage. Each room also comes with a private full bathroom. For your convenience, laundry facilities and a full kitchen are available in the house.

Activities and Entertainment

Kate has prepared a full agenda of activities and entertainment for the evening. Keep an eye out for more local partners, which will be announced closer to the event.

Guest check-in begins at 7pm on Friday. Guests will get to know each other with parlor games over refreshment in the farm house common area.

Guests are welcome to retire and rise at their own pace. Night owls can enjoy a holiday film in the shared common area or curl up with a book. Early risers can enjoy a serene morning overlooking the National Park. Structured activities will resume at 10am, followed by a delicious lunch.

In the afternoon, a small number of day retreat guests will join the fun for group activities, including hands-on demonstrations of historical traditions, an American Girl-inspired craft, and a photo-taking session.

The centerpiece of the retreat is a private lantern-lit walking tour of Hale Farm and Village, Western Reserve Historical Society’s living history museum. Hale Farm’s Lantern Tours have been an Ohio holiday favorite for over 30 years, and a special tour has been reserved just for this retreat. Journey by lantern light through the 19th century village, decorated for the holidays and filled with costumed reenactors sharing tales of Christmas in the Western Reserve.

After the tour, guests will return to the farmhouse for a “slumber party” of late-night pizza and games before day guests depart. Retreat guests will enjoy another cozy night in the farmhouse.

In the morning, we’ll bid farewell with a hearty breakfast before check-out at 10am.

Your Reservation Includes:

• A private room and bathroom
• All meals and refreshments
• All retreat activities
• A courtesy shuttle to/from the Hale Farm visitor center

Your Reservation Does NOT include:

• A full dinner on Friday Dec 18 (evening snacks will be provided)
• Optional shopping at the Hale Farm gift shop

Event pricing:

• Single occupancy rate: $650 (for one guest with a private room with a queen- or king-sized bed)
• Double occupancy rate: $820 (for two guest sharing one private room with a single queen- or king- sized bed)
• A deposit of $200 is due at time of booking. Remaining balance is due within 14 days.

Event venue

Hale Farm & Village, 2686 Oak Hill Road, Akron, United States

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